Starting over - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sparks
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 07:22:13 pm
content: Well, this is interesting. In the past 2 years I've gone from my room being a bed in an electronics lab to my now make shift lab existing in a storage unit. After a bad choice in a life partner I've lost nearly everything, but my resolve still holds true. A few good friends have spent the past year helping me get back on my feet.Now the fun part, it's time i take back my life! The only time I've been truly happy lately has been when I locked myself in the lab and solving problems. Now it's time to build the lab back up from the ashes. While I do miss the former equipment, this does mean stocking the new lab with the knowledge I've gained from the old one.So, who wants to add input as to where this lab should be heading?

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 08:59:18 pm
content: needs a pool table /j

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 10:11:05 pm
content: Too bad I don't know enough about EE to suggest what you need... butCongrats for getting back on your feet!I am happy for you as apparently your life took a turn for the better.

author: b_force
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 10:44:13 pm
content: Making the right choices sometimes hurts, but WILL make you happier in the long run.Trust me, been there.Even starting from scratch again can be very refreshing.Leave the old you behind, and work on the new/true you!That being said. Just build everything up bit by bit.Second hand things, borrow things, maybe you can rent something or there is a maker space (or similar) close by.You probably also need to make and/or modify some (cheap) stuff yourself.This just means you need to be creative, which is maybe even worth a lot more (than expensive gear).I have been traveling a lot, and my only 'lab bench' wasn't much more than my laptop, my brains and my creativity.I learned something were Einstein already was huge fan of; thought experiments.You will be amazed how much you can already do without even touching a single knob, probe or button.You also will be amazed how much you also can do with very basic gear, as long as you know the limitations of it and trust your engineering instincts.

author: ptricks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 12:07:20 pm
content: I have found doing smaller projects that I can complete quickly to be very rewarding.Try to locate some HAM radio guys or gatherings and you can make some friends that likely will have equipment for cheap or free.

author: Sparks
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 04:37:52 pm
content: Pool table? A snooker table would be awesome.As far as thought experiments, it's been a hobby of mine since childhood. Always needing to make do with a minimalist set of equipment in all my hobbies.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 04:48:14 pm
content: +1 for doing something using minimalist set of equipment. I've been spoiled by new toys recently but most of my gear from around 1985-2012 was lifted from skips and bought from car boot sales.