Component storage organization - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: bitman
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2018, 11:01:37 pm
content: I'm having a bit of a time figuring out if which forum is the right for this question. This seems to be a good catch-all, so hopefully there's the right audience here.Problem: I need to find a more efficient way to store components - just using the component ID is not allowing me to easy pick the right IC or similar anymore.Once upon a time when I got the first few things, it was easy. I had a few linear regulators, a few 7400 chips and some breadboard - resistors were in a cabinet by themselves, and a small box for the caps was enough to get simple things going. But now I find myself with quite an array of different components, from MOSFET, BJTs to microcontrollers, different wattage of resistors, types of capacitors etc. and my old system just doesn't work anymore. If I know the component ID I can easily find it - that's how I've labeled everything but that's not very efficient for all other cases where I just need to find a close thing.I am wondering what others do. I see two different paths - I number all bins and keep a simple database where I can look up components, datasheets etc. and be given the bin# where I can find it - bins here are the small drawers you get in the cheap rubber storage cabinets where you have 20-80 little drawers in them. That would make the label on those boxes small and finding the right number because easy. But I'll need to have the DB/computer with me at all times to find the right drawer. Another path is finding a better way to organize where I put components and what I put on the labels. I've noticed that today's label-makers can put on QR codes, and I thought that would allow me to not only write it's ID, basic type and characteristics, but quickly scan with a phone to see the datasheet for details. It will be a bit of challenge - the space on the small drawers isn't exactly large, and it still doesn't help me with figuring out what's the best way to organize transistors, ICs, resistors and much much more so it's easy to find in a logical way.I've only seen Dave talk about how to organize resistors (that was a big help btw) I wonder if there are videos/examples of how to organize a larger set of components? Do you end up have a small cabinet per component type? That seems excessive - lots of component types out there, and I won't have everything that exists ever - and within each category only a small subset of components.So what I'm looking for is ideas on what readers here are doing.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2018, 01:55:04 am
content: I make the labels larger and write basic data down besides just the part number. Vceo, Ic, Pd, hfe, and Ft for transistors, Vo, Ib, GBP, and slew rate for operational amplifiers, etc. Resistors are CF for carbon film, MF for metal film, WW for wirewound, etc.

author: bitman
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 02, 2018, 03:02:58 am
content: Thanks David - I do write that too but the labels get very large - at least when I include the model/id on the component with the other information. I find some of them getting wider than the small drawer just from the number alone. But you make a good point that while you can see some information from the ID that often isn't clear until you know the datasheet. I'll try to come up with something based on your input.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2018, 03:14:00 am
content: This topic comes up so often it probably deserves a sticky.For most parts I leave them in the bags they come in, log them into my parts spreadsheet, and put the bags in a plastic storage box. I use Sterilite boxes with clamp on lids. It's a good idea to rewrite the part number and specs on the label with a Sharpie because the original sometimes fades.I do have a bunch of loose parts from when I first got started in electronics and didn't know better. Those are stored in a couple of old Akro-Mills drawer cabinets.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2018, 04:49:44 am
content: I use a lot of the wide drawer Acro Mills cabinets which gives a little more space but what I finally ended up doing was composing the labels in AutoCAD and using spray adhesive because the adhesive on typical store bought labels dries up after a couple years.

author: beanflying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2018, 05:37:45 am
content: Not so very long agohttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/parts-organization/

author: bitman
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 02, 2018, 07:47:45 am
content: Quote from: beanflying on December 02, 2018, 05:37:45 amI have plenty of storage items - the only thing I don't have is a lot of one type of storage units - it's a slight mess of different brands and options. But that wasn't my question. With hundreds of drawers, I'm looking for how to create a system that makes finding/locating components easy/easier. How do you group things, mark things in a way where you don't have to write an essay per component, and at the same time have more to go on than a random looking number/letters.

author: beanflying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2018, 08:02:55 am
content: You will never keep a database correct the go wrong in dedicated warehouse situations so forget about it before you even start. As per the other thread there is discussion about layout and style of packaging.Everyone's situation is different in what they carry or 'need' to carry so you need to come up with what works for you.BUT an idea and similar to what I do is box up the same or similar style initially then group those boxes or packets in an area of the shop (or fit them to a larger container). So ALL my fasteners and hardware sits no where near my SMD and bulk components which are also not near my switches/connectors and which are separated from anything to do with mains bits and so on ...... So my brain initially only has to think about an area then a search of that area etc.With IC's the same process applies, Op Amps together, Logic together, Micros and so on ..... Sometimes this isn't perfect but it is better than a tub full of IC'sAs a small user of SMD components I chose to buy a range of sample books which I have then restocked as needed.As to data on components google is your friend. Unless it is a really oddball component or one I use a bit I have stopped trying to keep datasheets on a PC which sits on my workbench next to the soldering iron. So in this age the need to keep data with components should be nearly zero.