Fun electronics DIY projects - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: drksy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2025, 06:44:33 am
content: Hey folks,Over the years, I've always been fascinated by electronics, ever since I was a child. Even though my career path turned out to be more on the software side of things, I still enjoy tinkering with stuff. Even looking the deeply complicated web of wires and circuits is oddly satisfying to me!I've taken the deep dive into building my own lab psu with T3081s and switch more pre-regulator, my own dc load, bought a pretty cheap janky function generator from aliexpress, I've got the owon VDS1022i oscilloscope, fluke multimeters, and a big container's worth of parts, bits, connectors, circuits. I've delved into DSP circuits at some point, making my own active filter for car audio (turning out a pretty huge success!).Nowadays, I look at the pile of electronics I own and think, what's the use? All this electronic knowledge and education, parts, silly test gear, what, to build even MORE test gearI've thought about making audio amplifiers, but my ears are too far gone with tinnitus. Even if I make the most pristine, ultra-mega low distortion, crazy dynamic range amp, what's the point if my ears hurt?So I'm just wondering:what can I do with all the electronics parts and bits I own? What are some fun DIY projects or hobbies in electronics worth pursuing that isn't a total and complete waste of time? Is it a lost cause? It is taking quite a bit of my storage space ngl.

author: BILLPOD
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2025, 08:11:09 pm
content: Good Morning DrksyTopic, Most forum members will tell you, accumulating test gear and electrical parts are an integral part of the hobby. I've got more DMMs than you can shake a stick at and 3 oscilloscopes and LCR meters and on and on, along with parts drawers full oftransistors,resistors, and just about any part you can think of. And if I decided to build a project, I can guarantee you I would have to order more 'stuff'. All of this 'stuff' continues to accumulate until you run out of space, and at that time you find a way to make space for the next 'gotta have' item. I'm guessing you have other interest that compete for your time and space. You may have to make a choice

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2025, 12:41:37 pm
content: What is fun depends entirely on your preferences and areas of interest.Once I've collected projects ideas, got many answers:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/say-a-weekend-project-idea-something-nice-to-build/Or browse (paper) magazines/books for inspirations. They can keep one busy forever:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/found-a-goldmine-looking-for-more-treasures-(hp-journal-and-alike)/Take something from there and build it.

author: PGPG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2025, 03:09:24 pm
content: Quote from: drksy on February 08, 2025, 06:44:33 amI was collecting parts in 70s and 80s. Those time here in Poland you were not able to buy what you want but you had to buy when you had the chance.So for example when I had a chance to buy 7447 I bought 20 of them to have when I will be needing it. Few years later I was making 8 digit frequency counter but making a display instead of standard 8 latch + 8 decoders I used 4 shift registers + 1 decoder (in TTL less ICs = less supply current) so I needed only one 7447.About 5 years ago I threw away several hundred TTL series circuits (among them 19 7447s).