From making your own radio to creating your new robot best friend, do it yourself electronics are just plain fun. Sensors, capacitors, diodes, motors,L.E.Ds, and many other components can all be tied together using either a breadboard or a piece of wood and some screws, all to create something awesome with your own two hands. DIY electronics not only can be rewarding and fun but can also get your mind thinking in a “engineering mode”. When you gain a deeper understanding of how electronics are put together, you can begin to imagine putting something together that maybe someone else hasn’t.
There are a few different ways that you can begin building electronics but if you are just starting out you may want to pick up a hobby or project kit. You can purchase labs with snap circuits or you can jump right into it and grab a breadboard and look up some schematics. Electronic kits are available from many different vendors online and a simple google search will most likely get you where you need to be. Radio Shack of course still offers many kits online as well as in store.
Robot kits are one of my favorite ways to build. From solar powered grasshoppers to robotic mini-tanks, your options seem endless. Many robot kits will even allow you to use programming language to set up how your robot functions.
DIY electronics are also a great way to challenge the minds of your children. I remember my father bringing home one of these kits when I was just a kid and I spent many summers working on all of the projects in the book. When I finally reached the last page of the particular project I was working on and flipped the switch, it was awesome to see it all come together. It was such a great feeling to know that I put it together myself and it works!
If you get really good you may even be able to repair some of your stuff. Remote stop working? Television on the fritz? Maybe even repair that old iPod you have laying around. Heck, knowing what you’re doing can save you money in repairs. Just remember that opening up and attempting to repair home electronics usually voids the warranty, so only do this if you are really sure of what you are doing or if you don’t care about what you’re trying to fix. As always be sure to practice safety when working with electronics and use common sense. Always make sure that the power source is disconnected before beginning any work.
Tools play an important role in working with electronics and you should look into buying an electronics tool kit that usually includes things like the following.
- 5 pc file set
- PLCC extractor
- 3 pc soldering aid set
- 6″ tweezer
- Brush
- 6 pc precision screwdrivers
- Screwdriver handle w/drivers bits
- IC extractor
- Mini-flashlight
- Utility knife
- Anti-static strap
- Soldering iron
- 7-in-1 tool
- Mini-hammer set
- 3 pc soft screwdrivers
- 7 pc folding hex key set
- 3 prong holder tool
- 5″ cutters
- 6″ adjustable wrench
- 5″ long-nosed pliers
- 8″lineman’s pliers
- 4.5″ flat-nosed pliers
- 4.5″ bent-nosed pliers
- De soldering pump
- Solder core
- Heat sink
If you are interested in picking up this hobby or if you already enjoy this hobby but you are looking for resources, you can find some great tutorials,projects,vidoes, and an online store for electronics here.
