I need help putting together some learning materials - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ged
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 31, 2011, 07:52:27 pm
content: I'm just getting started in getting reaquainted with electronics. I'm self-studying with the NEETS modules and gleaning experiments from wherever I can (allaboutcircuits.com, etc.). I'm going to start my initial spending with about $200 US. I'm thinking of going with a multimeter (BK Precision 2709B), a breadboard and 350 pc. jumper wire kit (Elenco 9480WK), and an assorted parts kit (Elenco CK-1000).Here is a link to some of Elenco's stuff with the above listed included:http://www.tequipment.net/ElencoBreadboards.htmlThere are a lot of things that I'd like to add to my equipment list down the road, but how does this sound for a start? Remember, this is only to get started in LEARNING.

author: Ged
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 01, 2011, 06:48:51 pm
content: Wow, Dave was right, this is a great place for learning. In just under 24 hours, I've already learned that I need to find another place to ask my questions. Thanks, guys!I know that you guys get noob questions and noob mistakes in going about things, but that's going to be true of just about any forum regardless of its subject matter. I myself have seen the type of question that I asked above in many different kinds of forums. I've searched the threads here, and I know that the things that I listed are important to have, I just don't know if they should be the first things out of the gate.I know there are probably a number of ways to skin the same cat and that everyone has their own approach/slant. My own approach is to buy things for the present need, but with an eye towards the future. Unfortunately, being a noob, I can't be sure that I'm not missing something else that I might need up front. If there is, I'll either need to buy less expensive examples of the items listed above to make room for other things, change some of them out for things of higher immediate priority, or just save more (which I plan on doing anyway).For those of you who bothered to look at my post in the first place, thank you for your time.

author: Flavour Flave
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2011, 07:16:28 pm
content: Hi GedThat Elenco CK-1000 component kit looks good, but I don't know how much costs. But don't be too hasty when buying, check ebay and the web, you might find better deals.I'm not that expert on multimeters but the one you picked seems quite good. But post "what is best multimeter I can get for $100" in the Product review section of the forum and I guarantee you will get some good advice. There are some serious multimeter experts on this site!Oh and check this link outhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=3257.0The threads all about building up a (non-expensive comphrehensive) electronics labRichardAlsohttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=2116.0

author: Ged
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 01, 2011, 08:33:49 pm
content: Thanks, Richard! Those were AWESOME links! I had seen the video blog on the electronics lab, but I hadn't come across those threads. Looks like they'll give me a lot to pour through. Actually, they've just given me an idea. What I was originally looking for was the smartest way to spend that first $200. Maybe what I should do is find out what materials (tools, components, etc.) some of these courses use to teach/experiment with.I hadn't really thought to look around for a better price somewhere else. I'll take a look around. What I was thinking of was supporting tequipment, because they supply Dave with some of the things he tests for us in the video blogs, and he had asked us to consider throwing them some of our business as a way of expressing thanks.This site actually already helped me settle on the BK for a first multimeter. I think it'll take me a pretty good way down the road. My goal is to eventually get a Fluke at some point and use the BK as a secondary/backup meter.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2011, 09:39:55 pm
content: Hi Ged, the love for electronics is indeed hard to kill.I understand you want to get things right and learn fast, but don't be too bothered about what you buy, what is important is to get started and stay at it! All roads lead to Rome.Everyone learns differently and you are in control. My first components were from TV sets found on the street. About tools, buy those that will allow you to do the job without frustration. Once you have gained some experience and know what to look for, invest in that. $200 will take you a long way.I would also suggest you look at others' setups (including this post) with a critical eye; only you know what you need/want/can afford. There is no universal remedy.Alex

author: Ged
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 01, 2011, 10:27:47 pm
content: Thank you, Alex. I AM excited, and what you say gives me confidence to trust my instincts. All roads, successes as well as failures, lead to Rome. I like that. It is a very comforting thought!

author: A-sic Enginerd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2011, 08:52:10 pm
content: Ditto on what Alex said.Best way to look at it maybe is, after some poking around figure out what you'd like to start playing with first. THAT is for sure the best buy for your buck.There is ONE thing that will be common amongst everyone doing this: the space to do it.Even though it may not actually cost you anything, it can sometimes be the most difficult to acquire.

author: Ged
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 08, 2011, 11:43:56 pm
content: It seems like the more studying I do, the more I find that I need to do. I'm set on the multimeter, but I've changed my mind about the breadboard and parts kit. I'm probably going to get a Global Specialties PB-104 for the board and pass on the component kit. I think that I'll probably build up my component stock as I go.I've been thinking about workspace a lot. For experimenting with the breadboard and such, I've got clean space now. For real workspace, I think I'd like to build a small portable building (no smaller than 6'x8' and no larger than 8'x10').