How do you organize your components? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MONODA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2012, 08:19:40 pm
content: So Im studying electrical engineering and living in a dorm room has made it kind of difficult to keep all my electronics components organized. Currently, I have components organized by type (capacitors, resistors, transistors etc each in a separate bag) and within each of those bags I have smaller bags for each value (1k, 1u, 10p etc). They're small bags so its not too bad trying to keep track of everything but it DOES get annoying especially knowing that every time I plan on building some circuit I have to dig throug ha bucnh of labeled bags.So what do you guys do to keeo track of your stuff? Im trying to find a better solution than my current method.EDIT:Just found this:http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/showthread.php?t=12341... looks pretty neat! any other ideas?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2012, 09:19:48 pm
content: you can get 'business card' organizers that you can put in ring binders. perfect to slide strips of parts in.if you switch to SMD then sure-electronics and others (dealextreme) have little boxes with spring loaded lids. its like 20 boxes for 3 dollar. a couple of years ago i bought a few thousand of those so i have neat collections of all resisotrs and capacitors in 0402 0603 0805 1206 . i also got a hold of the antistatic ones to store all the other stuff i have laying around.http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&sugexp=edvst&cp=15&gs_id=18&xhr=t&q=business+card+organizer&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1857&bih=981&wrapid=tljp1336079306325028&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=13737197708713428269&sa=X&ei=7PWiT77jM8aWiAL2hemMDQ&sqi=2&ved=0CJgBEPMCMAE#http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PWZU4E/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1/187-8984714-1076942?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=0VH721BYA3HQADGFRBPB&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=B0016OZ310http://www.sureelectronics.net/goods.php?id=600the boxes come in different sizes.

author: MONODA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2012, 09:22:28 pm
content: Wow I really like the business card idea. Looks awesome! I think I might go ahead and get one! Thanks!

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2012, 09:31:16 pm
content: Take a look at the baseball card organiser (second link, i updated my post a bit it was not clear there were 2 links there ... ) . 25 sheets with 9 pockets each for 5$ .... you can hold 225 different resistor values. put them in a ring binder done. two ring binders can hold all your E48 series resistors and caps.

author: MONODA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2012, 09:50:00 pm
content: Yeah I saw it, I still prefer the business card organizer solution though, it seems more compact.One thing I dont like is that I feel that the components wont be very secure inside those open pockets...

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2012, 05:02:42 pm
content: It's mostly useful for surface mount parts that are still on the reel tape and you can just slide in a cut strip of parts.I've also got a ton of those little boxes with flip open lids. They are fantastic for storing small parts. If you are doing a project, you can stick them all together in a row in the same order you'll be placing themA brick of containers per project or something.

author: Ajahn Lambda
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2012, 09:27:36 pm
content: I personally love this topic for a few reasons:1. I like to see whether others have come up with easier, cheaper, more-effective systems and methods of organizing their components.2. I cannot stand to not know where things are that I've already purchased, and it infuriates me to have to purchase more of the same item just because it's 'lost' in a bag or box somewhere.3. Everyone has a different way of doing this, and there's no 'right' way, really.I use a combination of storage devices at the moment, but it's evolving.The surface-mount stuff goes into Rolodex-brand business card sheets, which are then put into a binder with labels, and separators for different component sizes and/or types.I employ plastic drawer cabinets for larger, unique, and/or through-hole components. There are so many varieties of these on the market that one is bound to fit your needs, and they're inexpensive. The best part is that they're light and transportable; just don't forget to keep it upright, and do something to keep the drawers from sliding open. I'd suggest buying an American (or Canadian) brand, such as Akro-Mils or Stack-On, otherwise it may well fall apart on its own. Worse, if you need replacement drawers, the makers of a lot of the chinese junk found at Harbor Freight won't be around in five or ten years.This last storage container is a bit of a fluke, but since I go through prescriptions like an 80s punk rocker, I use old prescription bottles. They're great quality, the lids are tight enough to keep even the smallest components inside, and best of all they're 'free'. What better way to re-purpose something that's going to be thrown out? I think I have around a couple-hundred bottles total.One thing you're going to have to do, to stop spending time looking for those components, is catalog/inventory them. You will thank yourself when life gets stupid-crazy, and you're just trying to get a damn project assembled without going crazy. I keep everything in an Excel spreadsheet, stored in my Dropbox, so I know what I've got back in my lab, wherever I go. IIRC, there is another thread where we talked about keeping track of our components with different softwares, and there are some truly great solutions out there, almost all more-sophisticated than my silly spreadsheets.

author: xquercus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2012, 10:19:52 pm
content: As far as organizing components I prefer to break things up into two categories. Components which I commonly need get stored in one of 3 plastic parts bins I got at the local hardware store. Components in long term storage get bagged in a new clear plastic zip top bag and placed in one of several plastic boxes on the shelf. Plastic parts bins work quite well however they tend to fall over easily. I have some small C clamps which hold them to my small work bench so they don't topple over and spread parts everywhere.Regarding the link you posted about storing resistors, that would be too much work for me. I prefer to sort them by decade. It only requires 8 drawers and finding a particular value is reasonably quick. My second choice would be to sort them by the value of the first to color bands. That is, you would have 4.7 ohm, 47, ohm, 470 ohm, etc all in the same container. This is a really nice system however I sort capacitors by decade and just want resistors to be sorted in the same manner. As far as active devices I have two plastic container with multiple compartments which are designed for storing fishing tackle, beads, or other craft supplies. Components are removed from their original packaging and either placed in one of the compartments or placed inside a small plastic bag and then in the compartment. The name of the component is written on a small piece of white paper which is slipped into the compartment as well. If the part is from Mouser, I tuck in the label that came on the anti-static bag as well. To some extent this has gotten out of hand but this is mostly reflective of the reality that I keep too many odd ball transistors and ICs that I will never use.Jeff

author: TriodeTiger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2012, 11:11:47 pm
content: I requested a parts drawer as a birthday gift, something like $20-40 at any home hardware store, so thought I'd let you visualise this option:Lacked lables, duct tape adds friction and works, two birds with one stoneNot much in it now (makes poor demonstration), arduino in tinfoil at bottom, close resistor values combined. May purchase separate drawer for one value per drawer to be extra lazyand buy real labels to write on without at markerYou see no wasteful incandescent bulb, move alongNot as large as it looks in picture, can use tinfoil to store static sensitive parts (or cut conductive foam), maybe not a good choice if it may be bumped where all the drawers will fly out unless you get a good one.

author: electronwaster
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2012, 12:17:31 am
content: I use a 12 compartment fishing tackle type box, and sort by E12 or E24 category (all 2.2ohm, 22ohm, 220ohm, together, etc.). For the E24, All the 10 and 11 go together, all the 12 and 13 together, 15 and 16, etc. Here is a pic:I really like this system, it's a very compact way of storing the stuff, and while there isn't a seperate compartment for every value, it's a matter of seconds for me to pull out a 0R22 resistor, for example. When the lid is shut, there is no chance of them falling out, and because I've chosen boxes without removable dividers, the individual compartments are really well sealed from each other, no chance of resistors working their way into the next compartment. I can shake these boxes and nothing transfers.I do wonder whether it would be better to sort by decade though, the one compelling reason I can think of is that if you're looking for a 22K resistor, and there are none left, you'd almost certainly prefer 20K or 24K, rather then 2.2K or 220K. That's the way I see it anyway.I have 9 of these "large" trays, 5 "small" and 2 "extra large" ones. Apart from the extra large noes, all my components can fit on one shelf. They are made by fischer in Australia and are available at my local Kmart for about $8 each.electronwaster

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2012, 02:01:43 am
content: I have one of those things a couple of posts above, with small plastic compartments. But I don't really like it, find it a bit too restrictive.As you can see in the picture, it makes it hard to re-use the labels I get from digikey or farnell and it would be annoying to put labels in front.I'm packing parts into small baggies with seal but it kinda sucks when you have 20-30 larger capacitors - the baggie gets caught in the plastic that separates two rows of compartments.So lately, I'm seriously considering using these large safety match boxes (the ones in picture are holding 240 sticks) and put the original label on top of the box and make my own label on the sides. Then, I can simply reuse cardboard boxes from Amazon orders and put these match boxes on their sides in the larger box and then I can easily locate what I need. They're sturdy enough (being two layers of thin cardboard), keeps the parts relatively dry inside and it makes everything look OK (same size for everything, easy to read labels etc)Price is also not really bad, they cost about 3 for 1$ while the small boxes with 40-50 matches are 30 boxes for 1$.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2012, 11:16:13 am
content: And i also use one of those boxes electronwasher uses to store his resistors to store my rotary tool bits

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2012, 02:32:45 pm
content: If you want to store stuff and have easy and quick access to it there isn't really an alternative to those little drawer cabinets or boxes like those:http://www.conrad.de/ce/de/product/816574/SORTIMENTSKASTEN-10-FACH/SHOP_AREA_29673&promotionareaSearchDetail=005In my opinion sorting through bags of stuff is annoying and messy.I use the Conrad boxes I linked to above quite a bit, they started selling them over 15 years ago, they are cheap and easily stackable. I use electricians tape and a permanent marker as labels, can't be beat price-wise.I've also got a wall of little drawers for other parts and recently bought a heap of cheap larger plastic drawer cabinets to store bigger things and tools.

author: siliconmix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2012, 03:11:32 pm
content: some good ideas there.what about lt spice

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2012, 12:13:09 am
content: I just bought this one, happy with it.http://www.conrad.be/ce/nl/product/813112/Werkplaatsmagazijn-met-60-vakken

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2012, 01:36:36 am
content: Those are the ones made by 'MARS' in tchechia ? i got a bunch of those too ( i am from Belgium originally ). got them from Molecule years ago ... like 25 years ago ... i use those for big parts. not suitable for SMD as the parts slide underneath the dividers ...

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2012, 09:34:31 am
content: Indeed, There is a "Mars" sign on top.You're right about the dividers, but for me it's ok.You're also right about leaving Belgium.But I'm not sure if it's better somewhere else...

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2012, 02:29:35 pm
content: It's easier (and a lot cheaper) in silicon valley to get stuff like components and used testequipment than in belgium

author: Kibi
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 07, 2012, 05:40:56 pm
content: Not are the drawers are occupied, but they will be in time I guess. I have another cabinet of drawers ready to be deployed into action when these are full.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2012, 06:14:39 pm
content: What do you keep in the microfilm drawers?

author: Kibi
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 07, 2012, 07:00:04 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on May 07, 2012, 06:14:39 pmI keep test leads in one, bits of hookup wire and heat shrink in another, batteries, and soldering stuff (spare irons, tips, solder, solder wick) in another drawer. They're quite handy drawers that I found in the bin around the back of the building at work. People, given the slightest opportunity, will throw anything away in this country.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2012, 10:08:20 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on May 07, 2012, 02:29:35 pmOk, nice. I saw your lab in another post. Please fill up a 1m3 pallet box, I'll give you my address :-)

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2012, 10:58:05 pm
content: Makes me somehow think of this :-)

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2012, 12:39:03 am
content: Quote from: Galenbo on May 09, 2012, 10:58:05 pmhehe, they are screwed to the wall.Well. all except that one top right which is on a lean, but it is mostly empty.

author: Dawn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2012, 08:32:13 pm
content: I suppose like everyone else, I tried to keep components in the draw bins years ago. For some things they are great. You could never seem to have or buy enough of the dividers for non-leaded components and parts. Even trying the decade scheme for some parts like resistors doesn't work well above 1/4W resistors and smaller, non-'lytic caps. Since I did mostly service, parts could be large, up to several watts for resistors, TO-3's and the like. Segemented, plastic boxes have much the same challenge. I've never known any shop that used them unless you had a specific station to repair a particular or family of items such as pagers. Depending on the quality, some of the draw bins wound up rusting or the metal frame warped enough to make removing the draws a pain.For the most part, the shelf sized bins either plastic or most often wax covered cardboard that were folded into shape have been the predominant storage method most everywhere I've worked. These come in several widths from single width to multiple widths that allow small unfoldable sub bins to be arranged within them.http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/storage/bins-totes-containers/shelf/corrugated-shelf-bin-2x12x4-1-2The snap zipper plastic bags in heavier storage milliage in container width hold the parts available in several sizes.http://www.c-lineproducts.com/qz375-write-on-small-parts-bags-3-x-5-47235-cli47235-cli-47235.htmlThey're large enough to hold a piece of conductive foam and about 40 DIPs. Down here, the brand "Adapto" was the most popular although I think they were sold to someone else. As we moved more and more towards SMT, the parts often had to be purchased from the OEM in model specific kits in those segemented, plastic boxes on paper tape. That's about the time I gave up after 35+ years when the companies we worked with didn't want board level repair and insisted on board exchange repairs only.My own shop at home has pretty much followed that method using the adapto bins for most of the parts in poly zip bags with the plastic drawer bins holding hardware,connectors, larger caps. My current wall configuration is track shelving, but I've replaced the melamine boards and holder arms with compatible closet type vinyl covered wire shelves that are lighter and don't warp with humidity. Some of the folks that I know have done the same with those plastic, colored bins that will mount on pegboard or on specialized racks.Never thought about the notebook and pocketed inserts. That seems like a very good idea

author: Crashorgasm
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 10, 2012, 11:51:17 pm
content: At our workshop the resistors came in a folder, I believe it's something like a baseball card holders. will get photos next time I am in workshop.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2012, 05:59:00 am
content: Quote from: Psi on May 08, 2012, 10:48:31 amGlad to see I'm not the only one that keep a stash of sample project boxes for reference.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2012, 06:10:14 am
content: Quote from: george graves on May 11, 2012, 05:59:00 amProject boxes used to be something i always wanted and never had.Then one day i was at a junk electronic market day run by HAM radio people.There were boxes full of project cases of all shapes and sizes for $1 each.So i grabbed a large box of them

author: AtomicDog
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 13, 2012, 11:36:08 pm
content: I use little 2x2 plastic bags for components. Larger ones for bigger items. I group these together in larger bags based on type, etc. This allows me to keep a lot of items in a small space. I order the bags 1k at a time in four sizes. 4mil thick with the write-on block. I have thousands of components and parts stored this way in gov. surplus filing cabinets. Heavy items like transformers, motors and large relays are stored in cardboard boxes suspiciously similar to the free USPS flat rate boxes.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2012, 10:28:29 am
content: I store transformers in boxes that looks far too similar like those sexy boxes from element14 ( Well, they are!) and digikey boxes which are about the same size only less depth.

author: bradleytron
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2012, 06:23:54 am
content: Hi FolksCan anyone suggest a good free (or perhaps nearly free) program to inventory components, e.g., several thousand?

author: bullet308
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2012, 06:45:45 am
content: Open Office Calc or Base?http://www.openoffice.org/

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2012, 07:23:58 am
content: Quote from: bradleytron on May 18, 2012, 06:23:54 amOpenOffice or Google Docs( or Drive it's now called on mobile )