If you had to build a new junk box, what would you buy to pu

[Wes]

Anyone that has played with electronics for a while ends up with a junk box of various
components. If for some reason you had to start a new one, what are the basics you would
like to have in there?

Wes

 

[David L. Jones]

"Wes" <clutch@lycos.com> wrote in message
news:mJNol.276142$NN4.197081@en-nntp-08.dc1.easynews.com...

Anyone that has played with electronics for a while ends up with a junk
box of various
components. If for some reason you had to start a new one, what are the
basics you would
like to have in there?

Wes

These days you've got to have SMD parts as well.

So I'd include full kits of say 0805 and 0603 parts, these are easy and
fairly cheap to buy.
SMD inductor kits are handy too.
SO package semi's like logic and opamps.
A range of PIC's (or whatever micro of choice) for programmable jobs.
The usual voltage regs, trani's and some precision references are essential.

I often find other precision parts handy too, so a bunch of some 0.1%
resistors comes in handy.

Where do you stop?, the list is endless...

Dave.

 

[Chris]

On Feb 24, 1:37 am, Wes <clu...@lycos.com> wrote:

Anyone that has played with electronics for a while ends up with a junk box of various
components.  If for some reason you had to start a new one, what are the basics you would
like to have in there?

Wes

Hi, Wes. It's a junk box. Just start taking apart junk and
scrounging the good stuff. You can always start throwing things out
the less valuable stuff when space limitations require. Good
technique also suggests just buying extras for whatever project you're
working on, in case something smokes. After the project is completed,
keep the spares.

Junk boxes grow naturally well enough. No need to encourage them.

Cheers
Chris

 

[Rich Webb]

On Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:37:23 -0500, Wes <clutch@lycos.com> wrote:

Anyone that has played with electronics for a while ends up with a junk box of various
components. If for some reason you had to start a new one, what are the basics you would
like to have in there?

Jameco has some handy kits for various part families. For example, hop
over to http://www.jameco.com, search on "kits" and look under ICs &
Semiconductors | Assortments | Component Kits. Capacitor & resistor
kits, too. Buying this way ensures there will be some parts that you'll
get that you will *never* use but they are handy.

There have been discussions (mostly over in s.e.design) about what
everyone's favorite "jellybean" part is; I recall a recent discussion on
jellybean opamps but IIRC there have been similar threads on other
parts. Might be useful to hit the Google usenet archive and read those
threads.

A handful of generic TO-92 NPN and PNP BJTs; small signal and rectifier
diodes; some bypass caps and medium electrolytics; a handful of LEDs.

--
Rich Webb Norfolk, VA

 

[Ecnerwal]

In article <mJNol.276142$NN4.197081@en-nntp-08.dc1.easynews.com>,
Wes <clutch@lycos.com> wrote:

Anyone that has played with electronics for a while ends up with a junk box
of various
components. If for some reason you had to start a new one, what are the
basics you would
like to have in there?

Wes

For playing with, I prefer clunky old big parts. SMT is somewhat
irritating to try and build a one-off with, though I have done creative
things with SMT caps on clunky-part leads when needed. Things I've added
to orders in the past year or so "just to have some on hand" "that were
cheap". But of course this is influenced by what you are thinking of
playing with/at out of your junkbox.

Red/Yellow/White LEDs (Many, not as many, few - due to price)

(moderately high intensity, as T1-3/4 goes, without getting into
expensive parts and the new realm of high intensity in LEDs)

2N3904/2N3906

1N916

555

LM833 (inexpensive dual op amp with moderately good noise figure)

0.1 uF SMD Ceramic caps.

Got some other bits in for specific things, and not in quantity
Hall effect sensor, crystals, Schottky diodes
----
Things I have on hand and would want if I didn't:

Assortment of resistors

Crap box of capacitors (not quite an actual assortment)

LM317/337

HEXFETS (IRF 540) (there are also some nice SMD hexfets that show up on
dead hard drive's circuit boards with some regularity, if you can track
down the part numbers - ie IRF7101, and other brand equivalents)

Random collection of (formerly new) op amps, many now obsolete. Remember
to grab datasheets and save them while your parts are new, so you can
look them up when you get around to using them...

Voltage reference (but most of the ones I have are obsolete - so get
something current, rather than worry about what obsolete crap I'm
stocking)

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by

 

[Wes]

Chris <cfoley1064@yahoo.com> wrote:

On Feb 24, 1:37 am, Wes <clu...@lycos.com> wrote:

Hi, Wes. It's a junk box. Just start taking apart junk and
scrounging the good stuff. You can always start throwing things out
the less valuable stuff when space limitations require. Good
technique also suggests just buying extras for whatever project you're
working on, in case something smokes. After the project is completed,
keep the spares.

I agree on the extra's.

Junk boxes grow naturally well enough. No need to encourage them.

I know all about junk but the last time I really played with DIY electronics was when I
wire wrapped a 32K memory expansion card for my TI 99/4a many years ago. Somewhere along
the way my electronics junk box got lost in boxes of other junk.

Cheers
Chris

Cheers

Wes

 

[Wes]

Rich Webb <bbew.ar@mapson.nozirev.ten> wrote:

On Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:37:23 -0500, Wes <clutch@lycos.com> wrote:

Anyone that has played with electronics for a while ends up with a junk box of various
components. If for some reason you had to start a new one, what are the basics you would
like to have in there?

Jameco has some handy kits for various part families. For example, hop
over to http://www.jameco.com, search on "kits" and look under ICs &
Semiconductors | Assortments | Component Kits. Capacitor & resistor
kits, too. Buying this way ensures there will be some parts that you'll
get that you will *never* use but they are handy.

Excellent idea!. Last time I bought from Jameco was back in the 70's. For things at work,
I'm used to buying from Newark which is geared to a different market.

There have been discussions (mostly over in s.e.design) about what
everyone's favorite "jellybean" part is; I recall a recent discussion on
jellybean opamps but IIRC there have been similar threads on other
parts. Might be useful to hit the Google usenet archive and read those
threads.

Thank you.
Wes

 

[Wes]

Ecnerwal <LawrenceSMITH@SOuthernVERmont.NyET.invalid> wrote:

In article <mJNol.276142$NN4.197081@en-nntp-08.dc1.easynews.com>,
Wes <clutch@lycos.com> wrote:

Anyone that has played with electronics for a while ends up with a junk box
of various
components. If for some reason you had to start a new one, what are the
basics you would
like to have in there?

Wes

For playing with, I prefer clunky old big parts. SMT is somewhat
irritating to try and build a one-off with, though I have done creative
things with SMT caps on clunky-part leads when needed. Things I've added
to orders in the past year or so "just to have some on hand" "that were
cheap". But of course this is influenced by what you are thinking of
playing with/at out of your junkbox.

Well, right now I want to prototype on the typical spring socket breadboard.

Red/Yellow/White LEDs (Many, not as many, few - due to price)

That I managed to find in the garage. Well, no white ones.

(moderately high intensity, as T1-3/4 goes, without getting into
expensive parts and the new realm of high intensity in LEDs)

2N3904/2N3906

1N916

555

Went with the 556 since those were cheap today

Grabbed the others also.

LM833 (inexpensive dual op amp with moderately good noise figure)

Got it.

0.1 uF SMD Ceramic caps.

SMD? I bought a hundred of the 0.1uF disc since my foggy brain seemed to remember those
are pretty useful. Same for a pile of 1K resistors. I was rather irritated, that I
managed to miss buying some D flip flops on my order last week when I was buying some
small steppers and components to make a stepper driver so I could play with EMC2. Linux
based CNC program.

Got some other bits in for specific things, and not in quantity
Hall effect sensor, crystals, Schottky diodes

I picked up a grab bag of crystals, Hall effect, are you talking about field strength or
something that senses something like a gear tooth?

I saw analog voltage, analog current, digital current and digital voltage. I'm confused.

Did the grab bag of crystals

----
Things I have on hand and would want if I didn't:

Assortment of resistors

I'll look for mine or order next time.

Crap box of capacitors (not quite an actual assortment)

I think I wait for a catalog. Some of this sucks ordering from the web.

LM317/337

Good. Ordered regulators

HEXFETS (IRF 540) (there are also some nice SMD hexfets that show up on
dead hard drive's circuit boards with some regularity, if you can track
down the part numbers - ie IRF7101, and other brand equivalents)

I've never played with FET's. 28A drain? Must be a reason the cnc's at work have fets in
the servo drives. (I just change out drives, don't fix them). Bought some. I am
clueless with FET's.

Random collection of (formerly new) op amps, many now obsolete. Remember
to grab datasheets and save them while your parts are new, so you can
look them up when you get around to using them...

I ordered the LM833. I'll get back to others.

Voltage reference (but most of the ones I have are obsolete - so get
something current, rather than worry about what obsolete crap I'm
stocking)

I couldn't find that at Jameco. Another order in the future. I'm assuming you mean a
reference IC vs zener diode.

You were very helpful. I thank you.

The shocking (no pun) thing is I remember when buying components was real money for
hobbyists. I'm just a grey collar worker but I spent two hours buying from Jameco and
spent only lunch money. (for a week if I order out )

Wes

 

[ZACK`]

"Wes" <clutch@lycos.com> wrote in message
news:mJNol.276142$NN4.197081@en-nntp-08.dc1.easynews.com...

Anyone that has played with electronics for a while ends up with a junk
box of various
components. If for some reason you had to start a new one, what are the
basics you would
like to have in there?

Wes

i would have 2 sections of junkboxes.

1 - with vintage parts like power transformers, output
transformers, valves and sockets, caps diodes resistors etc.
for building amplifires.

2 - all computer parts, mobos, cards, cpus, h/drives, ram.
nothing below pent/3.

 

[Don Klipstein]

In article <QN%ol.235272$se4.15031@en-nntp-03.dc1.easynews.com>, Wes wrote:

Ecnerwal <LawrenceSMITH@SOuthernVERmont.NyET.invalid> wrote:

In article <mJNol.276142$NN4.197081@en-nntp-08.dc1.easynews.com>,
Wes <clutch@lycos.com> wrote:

Anyone that has played with electronics for a while ends up with a
junk box of various components. If for some reason you had to start a
new one, what are the basics you would like to have in there?

Wes

Sounds to me like what is a good parts assortment for just building or
throwing something together... What might be the most useful 100 or so
parts to keep on hand for playing around...

My favorite "workhorse" "audio grade" op-amp is TLO84 - occaisionally
turned out more stable than the more-highly-touted TLO74 in my experience.
My other "favorite workhorse" op-amp is LM324 - not "audio grade" but
common mode input range includes negative supply rail.

My favorite workhorse comparator is LM339A(quad), though it is "open
collector". As for a fairly useful micropower one with push-pull output:
TS3702 (dual) - available in 8-DIP with leads spaced .1 inch apart.

Some basic logic ICs - I run into need for 4017, 4049 and 40106 (Schmidt
trigger inverter) more than others, though I have a little urge to not be
without 4001, 4011, 4013, and 4027.

1N4148 and 1N4007 diodes, and some bridge rectifiers rated at least 400
volts and maybe 4-6 amps or so. Maybe Schottky rectifier diodes, either
1N5818 or 1N5821. Some higher voltage rectifier diodes good for higher
frequencies, such as HER105 or the like.

Transistors - 2N3904 and 2N3906. One that can probably handle a
majority of jobs too big for 2N3904 is TIP3055.

MOSFETs - A fairly basic one that I think is good as a workhorse among
ones with leads and option to heatsink though still on small side of
"power MOSFETs" is International Rectifier IRLU014NPBF. Though I would
prefer IRLML2803 as a "small power MOSFET", though that is a SMT part of
small SOT-23 size. I have made a lot of use to the
beefier-but-otherwise-similar SOT-23-size ZXMN3A01F.

As for a bigger basic power MOSFET that is smaller - maybe IRF510.
For a higher voltage one more useful than all others in my experience -
IRF730.

Don't forget about a resistor assortment of some sort or another. Last
time I checked, I still considered a bargain the larger of the two sizes
of "assortment grab bag" (my words) of 1/4 watt resistors at Radio Shack.
That may have low availability at Radio Shacks that have less than the 4
columns of drawers of small parts and components - some have only 2
columns of drawers and reduced selection. If you are going to get a
through-hole resistor assortment from anyone other than Radio Shack, I
would go for 1/8 watt ones for smaller size.

As for some LEDs - there are some impressively efficient ones that work
well from impressively low currents, and not costing an arm and a leg.
Such as KIngbright WP7104LSRD, a red 3 mm / "T1" one whose beam angle is a
bit on the narrow side for an "indicator lamp" LED, but impressively cheap
for red LEDs both good and characterized at 2 milliamps.
A green one nice and bright at half a milliamp and quite reasonably
wide-angle and not too expensive among InGaN green LEDs is OVLLG8C7 by
"TT Electronics/Optek Technology" - available from Digi-Key.

Capacitors are also necessary. Main one I use is .1 microfarad suitable
for power supply bypass / "high frequency filtering". I would also like
to keep handy 100 pF, also 470 pF, .001, .0022 and .01 uF with tolerance
+/- 10% at worst and if ceramic having temperature characteristic X7R or
better (such as NP0 or COG). Also some aluminum electrolytics - 10
microfarads, also 470 and 2200 microfarads at foreseeable likely voltages
(35 volts maybe, maybe 25 or 16 volts if you have high expectation of
working mainly with lower voltages). Higher capacitance would be needed
more for rectifier filter capacitors.

Voltage regulator ICs - if you like to build lots of different things
you may find need for 7805 and 7812, possibly also 7915 or 7912.

A few DC output wallwarts, and/or some "9V battery connectors" and some
of the batteries that those snap onto.

I suspect that if one is about to build so much as a working flying
saucer, then that can be done with over 90% of the electronics other than
equipment to be bought at a computer store being mentioned above.

- Don Klipstein (don@misty.com)

 

[whit3rd]

On Feb 24, 8:05 pm, "ZACK`" <`youwillfindm...@home.com.au> wrote:

[regarding junk boxes, collections of reusable parts]

i would have 2 sections of junkboxes.

1 - with vintage parts...
2 - all computer parts, mobos, cards, cpus, h/drives, ram.
nothing below pent/3.

Actually, it'll be 17 sections, with four annexes, before
you know it. And 'nothing below pent/3' presumably means
you would scan the junk regularly enough to winnow out
the pentium II parts, and in four years the pent/3 parts...
which you won't. Trust me.

My last all-tube color TV might go to discard soon. Maybe.

 

[Wes]

"ZACK`" <`youwillfindmee`@home.com.au> wrote:

"Wes" <clutch@lycos.com> wrote in message
news:mJNol.276142$NN4.197081@en-nntp-08.dc1.easynews.com...
Anyone that has played with electronics for a while ends up with a junk
box of various
components. If for some reason you had to start a new one, what are the
basics you would
like to have in there?

Wes

i would have 2 sections of junkboxes.

1 - with vintage parts like power transformers, output
transformers, valves and sockets, caps diodes resistors etc.
for building amplifires.

2 - all computer parts, mobos, cards, cpus, h/drives, ram.
nothing below pent/3.

I have a bunch of obsolete computer boards stored. My day job is working in a factory
where all sorts of critical things like balancers and other validation equipment is using
ancient computer technology.

Some junk is priceless if you need it.

Wes

 

[Wes]

don@manx.misty.com (Don Klipstein) wrote:

Sounds to me like what is a good parts assortment for just building or
throwing something together... What might be the most useful 100 or so
parts to keep on hand for playing around...

That is the question. I didn't mean newest technology using surface mounting.

As far as logic chips, 74 series TTL was when I last played with trons as a hobby. Now I
see people talking about 4000 series. What is the major differences?

The day job is repairing automation equipment. That could be a screw gun or a Fanuc based
cnc. Most of this isn't circuit level and is often mechanical but it irritates me to buy
a board when maybe if I learned electronics a bit more than I know now, I could do
component level repair. The electronics tends to be power control switching and simple
inputs and outputs.

We have an induction heater that the supplier tells me is toast the next time we blow the
power mosfets. This is in the 60KW class. I'm thinking semiconductors still are being
made, that is bravo sierra. Times are hard, I want to be the guy they (job) wants to keep
around

Past electronics experience is I was a MOS 6657 weapons systems specialist. I fixed AWG10
radars in F4-J/S air craft. An interest in computers hasn't hurt me. I've done the
crystal radio, radio shack kits years ago.

I'm still looking for my copy of 'The Art of Electronics'. I have too many books.

Expect many questions.

Btw, thanks for the suggestions. Added to my order, at least those Jameco has.

Wes

 

[Ecnerwal]

In article <RBFpl.132435$pp1.130020@en-nntp-06.dc1.easynews.com>,
Wes <clutch@lycos.com> wrote:

I'm still looking for my copy of 'The Art of Electronics'.

Win shows up here from time to time.

Added to my order, at least those Jameco has.

Keep an open mind on suppliers - no single supplier has it all. You
already know Jameco. The "big three" (IME) are the top of this list.
There are plenty more...

Parts (new):

www.newark.com
www.mouser.com
www.digikey.com
www.alliedelec.com
www.dontronics-shop.com (all the way to Australia)
www.futureelectronics.com

Surplus (somewhat or mostly)
www.allelectronics.com
www.surplussales.com
www.mpja.com

And here's a nice little project site, if you are yearning for a
project, and it floats your boat. Don't get too hung up on the
particular transistor, or the color of the LED, for that matter. 2N3904
should work fine - it's also a small-signal/general purpose NPN
transitor.

http://www.emanator.demon.co.uk/bigclive/joule.htm

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by

 

[Rich Webb]

On Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:07:31 -0500, Ecnerwal
<LawrenceSMITH@SOuthernVERmont.NyET.invalid> wrote:

In article <RBFpl.132435$pp1.130020@en-nntp-06.dc1.easynews.com>,
Wes <clutch@lycos.com> wrote:
I'm still looking for my copy of 'The Art of Electronics'.

Win shows up here from time to time.

Added to my order, at least those Jameco has.

Keep an open mind on suppliers - no single supplier has it all. You
already know Jameco. The "big three" (IME) are the top of this list.
There are plenty more...

Parts (new):

www.newark.com
www.mouser.com
www.digikey.com
www.alliedelec.com
www.dontronics-shop.com (all the way to Australia)
www.futureelectronics.com

Surplus (somewhat or mostly)
www.allelectronics.com
www.surplussales.com
www.mpja.com

Good list. For home/hobby, prototyping, or just scratching that
curiosity bump, I'd add:

http://www.web-tronics.com/ (aka Circuit Specialists)
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/categories.php (definitely an
enthusiast's site)
http://www.futurlec.com/index.shtml ("Futurlec" != "Future Electronics")

--
Rich Webb Norfolk, VA

 

[Wes]

don@manx.misty.com (Don Klipstein) wrote:

I suspect that if one is about to build so much as a working flying
saucer, then that can be done with over 90% of the electronics other than
equipment to be bought at a computer store being mentioned above.

I bought your suggestions other than the caps. Trying to use digikeys web interface
sucked for those. I'll wait for the catalog to show up.

Thanks,

Wes

 

[Wes]

Rich Webb <bbew.ar@mapson.nozirev.ten> wrote:

On Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:07:31 -0500, Ecnerwal
LawrenceSMITH@SOuthernVERmont.NyET.invalid> wrote:

In article <RBFpl.132435$pp1.130020@en-nntp-06.dc1.easynews.com>,
Wes <clutch@lycos.com> wrote:
I'm still looking for my copy of 'The Art of Electronics'.

Win shows up here from time to time.

Added to my order, at least those Jameco has.

Keep an open mind on suppliers - no single supplier has it all. You
already know Jameco. The "big three" (IME) are the top of this list.
There are plenty more...

Jameco was slow, as in two weekends went by.

Parts (new):

As I have ordered things sampling places,
www.newark.com, www.digikey.com have been nice to deal with. Same week delivery.

Surplus (somewhat or mostly)
www.allelectronics.com
www.surplussales.com
www.mpja.com

Have not tried them yet.

Good list. For home/hobby, prototyping, or just scratching that
curiosity bump, I'd add:

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/categories.php (definitely an
enthusiast's site)

That one looks interesting. Going to buy some picaxe's based on recent suggestion to play
with. I have to work this weekend. I'll have funds to buy a few more bits. I sure wish
I had started getting interested in getting back into electronics at the start of a long
northern winter. I turn into a hobby machinist in good weather.

Thanks,

Wes
--

When in trouble or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.