So since December when I got into this hobby, I started purchasing PCBs. At first it was just like maybe 3 or 4 more than I was actually building but now it's gotten out of control. I probably have 35 different pcbs that I need to build that I haven't even started. I didn't want to miss out on anything that sounded interesting especially when fabbed pcbs go in and out of stock all the time, so I would jump on anything and everything that sounded appealing.
On top of that, periodically, I would go through the BOMs that I had at the time and order all the parts (plus extras) for those builds. Well, now...four months later, I am like.....crap, I am in over my head. I don't know and/or remember what components I have, don't have a clue which pcb will be the next one to work on, and I got about 4-5 builds that need to be boxed, yada yada yada
Just to be clear, all my stuff is organized in bins but I don't have any inventory spreadsheets yet filled out. So this isn't a case where I am dealing with a mess, more like....my heads a mess...LOL.
Obviously, there are probably many of you that deal with this so I was just looking for some sound advice on what's the best way to "get it together" and stay focused. I feel like it was way easier to focus in the beginning when it was just a few pedals on the mind than it is now.
Part of me feels like..."okay, do not buy another board until you build everything that you have" but I am not sure if that realistic.
Some people will probably just say that this is the nature of the beast with this addiction but I have to believe that people have went through something similar to this and balance things out.
Thoughts?
That pretty much sums up my situation except its been going on for 3 or 4 years ;)
Piles of parts, pcbs, boxes, etc.
I don't worry about it too much. If I get an itch to build I will start populating a pcb and hopefully everything is here. If not I order it (along with anything else I think I "might" need). Excessive and wasteful? You bet.
It depends on what's bothering you about it.
If it's the disorganization of everything: what I'd do is get a handful of ziploc bags and start sorting so that each bag has a PCB and all the parts to make it. (For the resistors, either put tape labels on the legs or leave the resistors in their bins - but don't put them in there loose unless you're really, really confident in your ability to read the color codes OR you're willing to measure them one by one when you pull them out.) This is a good way of getting an idea of your inventory, too - take notes of the parts you don't have or can't find, and make one big order once everything's sorted.
If it's the empty PCBs that bother you: start stuffing and soldering like a machine. Don't even think about boxing them up yet, or even testing - just solder everything you can. A stuffed, soldered PCB feels like it's barely one step away from a functional pedal (even though a lot of times the boxing and wiring is more work than the PCB itself) so it'll be a load off your mind.
If it's the lack of functional pedals (the fruit of your labor): there are two different tactics. The first is to just rank them in the order that you're most excited about hearing them, and start from there. This will get you the most payoff the most quickly, but some toward the bottom of the priority list may never get built. The second tactic is called "snowballing", where you rank them from smallest and simplest to biggest and most complex. The smaller ones (fuzz faces, boosts, etc.) will go much more quickly, so you'll feel like you're making a lot more progress as the number of unbuilt circuits drops. You're saving the hardest for last, but you've built up momentum by that point, so you'll have the resolve to build them. (You'll also have more experience, which means you'll be less likely to mess up the hard ones!)
I think I had a period where I got tonnes of PCBs that were sitting in a little card organizer waiting to be used, but most of them were 2nds of PCBs I bought, like I bought 2 copies of builds I was doing. I eventually cleaned them out and sold off many of them. The real kicker is how many PCBs I've gotten that I've populated but never boxed up to be used. That list is HUGE.
Anyway, my point is, that's very normal. I'm a bit more of an organizer than you, so I have had a better time staying on top of all my stuff, but I don't think you're out of the ordinary compared to the rest of us.
Here's some good focus questions to help you get started on organizing.
1. What builds do I want to finish in the next 3 months? = organize yourself to get these builds done asap. Order parts, set out time to finish enclosures, assemble and test and finish those puppies by July.
2. What builds do I want to accomplish before the end of the year? = organize yourself to get these builds done later on this year. Make a list of things to order, spend some time designing graphics and such, set a goal to finish X pedals per month and consider how many hours a week you'll need to spend
3. What PCBs do I own that I want to build eventually, but am okay not getting to this year? = creating a system to organize your PCB collection into 'will be used soon, will be used eventually, keeping until I'm sure I won't build it'
4. What PCBs do I own that are extras/never will build projects? = get them up for sale to generate some cash to buy the parts to finish the projects you have on the slate.
5. What am I missing from my part organization system? = an answer to a product or a procedure that will help you get yourself more organized and ready to keep at this hobby for the long term.
In many cases, it's very helpful to create a budget for yourself. Maybe it's $20 a month, or perhaps it's $50 - depends on the person. This budget can help you set a timeline for yourself, or in other words, using up your allotted funds gives you a bit more control over the 'I want it so I'll get it' feeling, and helps you focus on the projects in your lap right now. In many cases, you may have found yourself with X number of PCB purchases, but you should have spent the money buying those 5 PCBs on buying 3 enclosures to help you finish the projects you have on the slate.
One key here might simply to get out a sheet of paper, and use a pencil so you can adjust it, and give yourself time to create a chart of the projects you want to accomplish or have available for you to accomplish. A whiteboard or spreadsheet could easily be used.
I use a spreadsheet with multiple tables on it. In one table I list the projects I have that I want to do, and then I have another table for projects coming up, and a last table for projects on the go. I have columns that will help me control the process of the builds. So, there's one for "parts" in which I can say things like, "needs part ordering," or "only missing enclosure" or things like that. There's another category for the enclosure that might read "needs graphic design" or "finished, needs drilling" or "ready". I'll have another column for the PCB which might read, "ordered," or "populated" or perhaps "tested and ready."
Once a project is fully completed, I delete it from the list. When a project is deleted from the list because it's finished, I then move a project from the 'coming up' table, and I consider what project from the 'I want to do this' table into the 'coming up' table. That way, I keep control over every project that I have on the go, and I also keep tabs on the status of each of the projects available.
Another key is that I rank them too, so a project I really want to do (rated a 5) might jump up the list quickly, but there are projects that are rated a 1 or 2 that might stay on the 'I want to do' table before jumping into the 'coming up' table. Sometimes they eventually get deleted because I find that I don't want to do them anymore, and I either sell of the PCB if I bought it or it just goes to the wayside.
Anyway, enough rambling about my process. Hope what I do helps you or others on keeping the hobby from getting out of control.
Jacob
Lately I've gotten to the point where I 'just feel like soldering' so I'll sit down with some empty boards and populate them leaving out whatever parts I'm missing. Then I go back and check missing parts for making an ordering list.
It sounds like you're really in this for the long haul, so it's important to get organized. I use the 'coin envelopes in a box' system, but I keep the most common parts in a storage box. Great system that's cheap to put together and I can usually stuff even big boards in about an hour since everything is right at hand.
Also, color coding makes things easier. Yellow = resistors, red=caps, diodes=blue
(http://cl.ly/image/1n2S2P2R3X25/IMG_20140327_152344.jpg)
You could make kits for yourself. Throw all the parts needed for the build in a bag. Write the name on it and throw it in the corner. Then it's ready to go whenever. If you're missing parts make a list for next time you order.
It was like that for me, too, and still is, mostly.
When I lost track of which pots and ICs I had ordered specifically for some projects and found I had too many of this value but none of that which I needed, I started making a spreadsheet of everything, resistors, caps, diodes, transistors, pots, ICs, jacks, switches etc. etc. and force myself to update it after a pedal is finished. With caps and resistors it's probably not 100% accurate because there's no real danger of running out of them, but at least with transistors, pots and ICs.
And slowly I find that I order fewer PCBs and not just everything that someone on here is selling. Interesting fuzzes, modulation, yes, but yet another low gain drive or boost, no.
And really, I swear to myself every time I can't get a pedal to work, which sadly happens too often, that I WILL quit the whole hobby right after the current to-do pile is done with. And the to-debug pile is growing.
Currently waiting for three PCB delieveries ......
It was that way for me too, now when I build, I just start soldering and when I don't have a part, I make a list and start soldering on something else. When I come across a good deal on the forums, such as hardware or pcbs, I buy it. That helps with lots of extra parts too.
I am in the same boat :) I have about 40+ pcbs I bought over the last year but kept putting off ordering parts until I could save enough to buy in bulk to save on some shipping. Now that I have all my parts I was staring at all these projects trying to decide where to start.
First step was to organize all my parts in my bins and parts boxes so I could locate them easily. Then I printed off the BOM page for each PCB and started pulling the parts and marking off the BOMs so I would know if I was missing anything. For resistors I came up with the idead to use blue tape sticking one end of the resitor to the tape with the resistors in order (R1 - R15 for example) then fold it over and label the ends for start and end (hope that makes since). I place each PCB, parts and a paper label of the project in a plastic baggie. Now when I am in the mood to build I just look thru the kits and grab a few and start soldering.. then test.. then put them in to the need to box pile.
Now I just need to streamline by boxing procedure. With this setup I can knock out 3 pr 4 pcbs in a sitting.
SO hopefully in a week or two I will start posting finished projects :)
AllenM
I'm a tad anal dare I say about how I went about it. I've built just shy of 60 pedals as a home hacker. How stupid. But then that is what a hobby is after all. You don't do it because you have to or you NEED every single thing you build kind of thing. I love the crap out of this DIY thing. I was doing DIY prior to 2011, just not electronics or music related DIY.
Anyhoo.... the way I finally landed on going about things was I'd take a gander at a handful of PCB's. Decide which ones I wanted to build next. I typically did between 3-8 (don't do 8 at one time. You will lose your mind). I would then buy box of those huge plastic bags that zip. I put some good tunes on, crack open my first beer and go through each BOM and toss in all the parts I have for that build. I write down the stuff I'm missing. Dont' just toss in caps, diodes, resistors etc.. but I put in the 3PDT, jacks, pots, LED, bezels etc... everything. Zip it up and set it aside. Grab the next BOM, wash rinse repeat.
Now you got say half a dozen bags all bagged up along with a list of things you didin't have.
I always figure now is a good time to do an inventory check of things I'm low on so I can get the most bang for my buck on shipping. Order your crap and build. Whether I do the PCB or enclosure first flip flops. I've done both and or at the same time kind of thing.
What I don't do however is start something and not finish it. I believe that is how folks get in trouble. The down side is that if I have a build that doesn't work I simply can't go on to the next one until I get it working (95% of the time). If I can't figure it out I ask for help. I guess it is the OCD nature of me that I can't start another one. I guess it has both positive and negatives to it.
I've done the old build one PCB, do one enclosure (drill, sand, paint, decal and epoxy) but what I found is I can save a little time doing say 3-4 enclosures at one time so drill, sand etc... 4 at one time. To each his own It's whatever you enjoy more. Also, I'm not sure anyone really enjoys offboard wiring as an aside
Now, what to do about new projects you see and you think dang if I don't buy that board now it won't be around. I can't help you there really. It is one of those things you just have to check yourself I guess (or your wife, if married, checks you for you :o)
A place like Bean's I will usually let it ride and get it when I'm ready but if not it might be around later in his store and or Haberdasher will etch it for me if it disappears ;D The ones I'm never sure about are the cool cats who come up with stuff who are doing one off circuits if you will and a group buy. If you snooze you lose. But even then if you post you are looking to buy xyz someone likely has a board around. I remember asking about a Magnus Modulus board a few years after the craze wore off. I could have bought a dozen of those things. I thought I'd be lucky to find one though.
Anyway, don't stress it. Just do your thing, develop your style of how you like to do things based on your DNA and go for it.
I started making pedals in the mid 90's. Gave up for a number of years. Sold everything except my pedals and some populated boards. Fell off the wagon about two years ago!
I control the urge now by planning what I want to build. I write a list and go by the order. I build things that I don't already have or unusual effects that I want to try. I don't hoard components any more. I keep a small stash and order what I need. I put all the components for that build together in a zip bag and label it.
I usually have a 'binge" build and make several pedals in one go! I got six pedals to do in the coming week. Just need to find the time.
One good thing about this addiction: it won't kill you!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Quote from: twin1965 on March 27, 2014, 01:17:32 PM
One good thing about this addiction: it won't kill you!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Unless you get into amps like I have :P
Deal with it? :o
Embrace the addiction! ;D
It'd cost you a shit load more if it was cigarettes and you'll live a lot longer than if it was heroin.
My logic is flawless :P
Quote from: juansolo on March 27, 2014, 02:12:44 PM
Deal with it? :o
Embrace the addiction! ;D
It'd cost you a shit less more if it was cigarettes and you'll live a lot longer than if it was heroin.
My logic is flawless :P
+1
Some people play golf or hockey, others collect guitars or anything else.......we build pedals, what a great hobby ! Enjoy! :-)
Quote from: TNblueshawk on March 27, 2014, 01:21:24 PM
Unless you get into amps like I have :P
True. Not got to building amps - yet!
Hockey playing occasional pedal building geek here, neither activity cheap.
Give in to the urge, spend and build, resistance is futile... any 12 steps programs out there for pedal builders?
Quote from: peAk on March 27, 2014, 11:42:56 AM
So this isn't a case where I am dealing with a mess, more like....my heads a mess...LOL.
Ahhh, I know this all to well Peak. Heres some advice my mum gave to me when I was landscaping our backyard and the task just seemed insurmountable...
Start with one small job, don't look at everything else, just focus on that one small job. When that's done, move onto the next one.Its the ONLY way I can tackle a job / set of jobs infront of me when the mountain seems impossible to climb. One step at a time. Don't even LOOK at the top of the mountain. Just focus on what it is that's directly infront of you.
Edit: oh yeah, I would also do what others have mentioned. Build the board up as far as you can. Highlight on the BOM what your missing. Do 10 of them (or however many your comfortable with). Order the missing bits. Move onto the next ten.
All the best
Paul
Hey peAk, I'm not that far behind you. Been building since July and modding for 2 years. I have probably only a dozen unpopulated boards, but probably 6-10 populated an tested just waiting for enclosures. The amount of on hand parts in my inventory has tripled in the past 6 months. I recently made a google spread sheet for my inventory. If you want I can share it with you...might at least be a good starting point. Just pm me your email.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I was never into it too hard but I did have some phases of heavy building. What deterred me was being physically uncomfortable at my work table building for hours; hunched over, not being outside. I need to be outside.
That and I've been on a pedal downsizing only having a few pedals on my board. I realized I should build less/search for "that tone," and just play more guitar.
I also bought a 3 channel head so that stopped my OD/Distortion question - I built so many!!
I do have parts on the way to built a 2 in 1 Demeter Tremulator and EQD Hummingbird.
guys, tons of good (and funny) advice here.
Some of the things I already do, some things are things I wish I did, others are things I never thought of.
I like the idea of making kits in Ziplock baggies. I have a few tackle style containers that I labeled 1, 2, 3, etc. on the compartments. I would put resistors, capacitors, etc. by number. So compartment 1 would contain: R1, C1, D1, etc. While I liked this method, I didn't like just having "one kit" ready. The only way to have multiple kits would have been to have like a million of these containers and it would just be overkill. The Ziplock method sounds better IF there was a way to keep resistors, capacitors, diodes named. I am not about to start reading color bands or testing every resistor when it comes to start building the kits. So maybe the idea of putting a piece of tape as a label (R1, R2..) would be efficient enough like someone mentioned.
I like the idea of just soldering 4 or 5 boards and just highlighting any missing components. Because like Jason posted, "sometimes I just feel like soldering". It definitely is a mental release for me.
Like Jimmy's sig, all the fun happens before you get in the box. I know this isn't true for every member but it's definitely true for me. I like building up the circuit, I love designing the graphic, don't mind the painting or the waterslide, I friggin hate fitting things in the enclosure. Obviously because it's my weakness. Time will hopefully make that part not as annoying.
Paul, it's funny that you mentioned about the advice that you mom gave you. Landscaping is my other full time hobby. Sometimes even with that hobby, I would find myself buying more plants than I could even find time to plant. I think I have an addictive personality and when I get into something, I go a little crazy and overboard.
Creating monthly and yearly goals like Jacob mentioned is something I think I really need to do. I think this could be the number one problem. Pretty much everything Jacob mentioned I wish I was doing but I am just not. I need to get focused. I need to have a plan.
I'm going to build out the stompbox boards I have, and try and shift focus to more synth stuff. Walls of modular synth look sexy, whereas bags of guitar pedals look a bit naff.
Quote from: alanp on March 27, 2014, 07:43:13 PM
I'm going to build out the stompbox boards I have, and try and shift focus to more synth stuff. Walls of modular synth look sexy, whereas bags of guitar pedals look a bit naff.
While I agree that modular synths are sexy as he'll, damn they are pricey
Wow. Excellent post and a bunch of fantastic ideas. I'm definitely going to use some of these ideas as soon as I can get my first pedal to work. :) Steve.
Quote from: TGP39 on March 27, 2014, 09:34:18 PM
Wow. Excellent post and a bunch of fantastic ideas. I'm definitely going to use some of these ideas as soon as I can get my first pedal to work. :) Steve.
Welcome Steve!
Pedal addiction. You don't deal with it. IT DEALS WITH YOU!
Quote from: juansolo on March 27, 2014, 02:12:44 PM
Deal with it? :o
Embrace the addiction! ;D
It'd cost you a shit load more if it was cigarettes and you'll live a lot longer than if it was heroin.
My logic is flawless :P
+1
You make some really good arguments. Although, we might have to only use lead-free solder and solder in a professionally ventilated area to live long. My electronics teacher was like "Don't use the Pb-containing solder, if you want kids without three arms." my answer: "Three arms would be the most awesome thing for soldering!" ;D
But seriously, it really piles up very quickly. I'm at the point were I often have most of the resistors needed for a build. Mostly missing diodes and especially capacitors. But, I guess they will pile up as well. At 1.5€ for 100 pieces or 0.1€ for 1 piece if ordered seperately I guess the choice is rather clear...
I keep my resistors, diodes and capacitors in a kinda file card system, similar to just stuff it in envelopes. The rest of the parts is in a big box where I have to search forever to find stuff.
Quote from: muehring on March 27, 2014, 12:42:41 PM
You could make kits for yourself. Throw all the parts needed for the build in a bag. Write the name on it and throw it in the corner. Then it's ready to go whenever. If you're missing parts make a list for next time you order.
this is exactly what I do
Quote from: m-Kresol on March 28, 2014, 12:09:35 AM
Quote from: juansolo on March 27, 2014, 02:12:44 PM
Deal with it? :o
Embrace the addiction! ;D
It'd cost you a shit load more if it was cigarettes and you'll live a lot longer than if it was heroin.
My logic is flawless :P
+1
You make some really good arguments. Although, we might have to only use lead-free solder and solder in a professionally ventilated area to live long. My electronics teacher was like "Don't use the Pb-containing solder, if you want kids without three arms." my answer: "Three arms would be the most awesome thing for soldering!" ;D
But seriously, it really piles up very quickly. I'm at the point were I often have most of the resistors needed for a build. Mostly missing diodes and especially capacitors. But, I guess they will pile up as well. At 1.5€ for 100 pieces or 0.1€ for 1 piece if ordered seperately I guess the choice is rather clear...
I keep my resistors, diodes and capacitors in a kinda file card system, similar to just stuff it in envelopes. The rest of the parts is in a big box where I have to search forever to find stuff.
Caps, transistors and ICs are all in compartmentalised part boxes. Resistors are in marked bags of their values and in a big box. Everything has a box...
When pots and switches come in they get bagged up together and marked up as the actual build. This is so we don't re-use them for something else and end up missing parts when we get around to it.
Otherwise, we usually have around 10 builds on the go at any one time. Sometimes more (certainly when multis are involved), sometimes less. Without some sort of organisation it'd be a 'mare. Still, stuff will be strewn around the room so there is still chaos... But it's organised chaos.
Quote from: m-Kresol on March 28, 2014, 12:09:35 AMAlthough, we might have to only use lead-free solder and solder in a professionally ventilated area to live long. My electronics teacher was like "Don't use the Pb-containing solder, if you want kids without three arms." my answer: "Three arms would be the most awesome thing for soldering!" ;D
PSA time to allay some of these fears: Lead doesn't vaporize or burn at soldering temperatures, it melts, which is how it ends up on circuit boards. The flux and rosin are much more dangerous and often contain known carcinogens that, in high concentrations, are very dangerous. There may be trace lead particles in the solder fumes, and of course those build up over time, but again they aren't the primary danger. Just don't eat the solder, and was your hands after working, and lead poisoning for a hobbyist will not be a danger. You still want ventilation, of course.
Here's one source:
http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/ih/pdf/safeSolderingFinal.pdf
"Because of the relatively low temperatures in electronic soldering, fumes from these metal constituents themselves are not normally a concern. When solder contains a core of 1-3% flux, appropriate controls should be used."
I'm pretty sure this is similar to the wording in the NASA soldering guidelines, but I'm too lazy to dig through those at the moment.
Again, I'm not saying that ventilation isn't necessary!
Quote from: peAk on March 27, 2014, 05:12:57 PM
So maybe the idea of putting a piece of tape as a label (R1, R2..) would be efficient enough like someone mentioned
peAk, I failed to mentioned this part of the baggie process. What I decided to do, and I got this from someone a long time ago as I recall, was buy a box of the old coin envelopes http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/478259/Office-Depot-Brand-Coin-Envelopes-2/
You might say great, more money to spend and this is true but it is the method I chose to use. What I would do is use one of these for all the same values of caps, res, diodes etc... I also put IC's in there and whatever. So if I have say ten 10k's I would put all ten in the one envelope and circle 10 on it etc... down the list. That way they are not scattered about in the bag. I don't bother to lable R1 or C1 etc... I just use the BOM to identify and then grab the value.
The other reason I put a number such at ten 10k's is if I end up short or one too many I know something is up and I screwed up. I've caught myself on this say using a 4.7k instead of a 47k before and am able to desolder right there as opposed to hours of troubleshooting later...been there and done that too.
Then when it comes time to build I would say pull out all my resistors envelopes and lay them out in order above me on the table. Grab my board and go. Repeat.
It is just something that works for my brain. How long that box of envelopes lasts really depends on the number of parts per build. I've never done this but you could reuse it at least once by flipping it over and writing on them. Make sure you scratch out the old writing on it though!
Anyway, that's how I roll ;D
Double post
DP
Quote
peAk, I failed to mentioned this part of the baggie process. What I decided to do, and I got this from someone a long time ago as I recall, was buy a box of the old coin envelopes http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/478259/Office-Depot-Brand-Coin-Envelopes-2/
You might say great, more money to spend and this is true but it is the method I chose to use. What I would do is use one of these for all the same values of caps, res, diodes etc... I also put IC's in there and whatever. So if I have say ten 10k's I would put all ten in the one envelope and circle 10 on it etc... down the list. That way they are not scattered about in the bag. I don't bother to lable R1 or C1 etc... I just use the BOM to identify and then grab the value.
The other reason I put a number such at ten 10k's is if I end up short or one too many I know something is up and I screwed up. I've caught myself on this say using a 4.7k instead of a 47k before and am able to desolder right there as opposed to hours of troubleshooting later...been there and done that too.
Then when it comes time to build I would say pull out all my resistors envelopes and lay them out in order above me on the table. Grab my board and go. Repeat.
It is just something that works for my brain. How long that box of envelopes lasts really depends on the number of parts per build. I've never done this but you could reuse it at least once by flipping it over and writing on them. Make sure you scratch out the old writing on it though!
Anyway, that's how I roll ;D
think I am going to try this. Sounds a little more efficient than labeling each resistor, cap, etc. and it is probably a little safer. It looks to me you could write the value rather small then just cross it out after you finish. Should be able to get used quite a few times, yes?
I am getting things today to REVOLUTIONIZE storage...I think. I haven't seen it done anyways. I'll post a couple of pictures when I get it started.
[/quote]
think I am going to try this. Sounds a little more efficient than labeling each resistor, cap, etc. and it is probably a little safer. It looks to me you could write the value rather small then just cross it out after you finish. Should be able to get used quite a few times, yes?
[/quote]
PeAk do you want a copy of my invetory sheets? They already have a ton of values and parts. Its all organized and neat. All you'll have to do is count (the most tedious part) and input data. just PM me.
PM Sent
Quote from: peAk on March 28, 2014, 06:48:07 AM
Quote
peAk, I failed to mentioned this part of the baggie process. What I decided to do, and I got this from someone a long time ago as I recall, was buy a box of the old coin envelopes http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/478259/Office-Depot-Brand-Coin-Envelopes-2/
You might say great, more money to spend and this is true but it is the method I chose to use. What I would do is use one of these for all the same values of caps, res, diodes etc... I also put IC's in there and whatever. So if I have say ten 10k's I would put all ten in the one envelope and circle 10 on it etc... down the list. That way they are not scattered about in the bag. I don't bother to lable R1 or C1 etc... I just use the BOM to identify and then grab the value.
The other reason I put a number such at ten 10k's is if I end up short or one too many I know something is up and I screwed up. I've caught myself on this say using a 4.7k instead of a 47k before and am able to desolder right there as opposed to hours of troubleshooting later...been there and done that too.
Then when it comes time to build I would say pull out all my resistors envelopes and lay them out in order above me on the table. Grab my board and go. Repeat.
It is just something that works for my brain. How long that box of envelopes lasts really depends on the number of parts per build. I've never done this but you could reuse it at least once by flipping it over and writing on them. Make sure you scratch out the old writing on it though!
Anyway, that's how I roll ;D
think I am going to try this. Sounds a little more efficient than labeling each resistor, cap, etc. and it is probably a little safer. It looks to me you could write the value rather small then just cross it out after you finish. Should be able to get used quite a few times, yes?
Sure, no doubt. I should have done it to save a few bucks myself but I guess I was just too lazy and sloppy with my large writing.
Quote from: midwayfair on March 28, 2014, 06:19:50 AM
Quote from: m-Kresol on March 28, 2014, 12:09:35 AMAlthough, we might have to only use lead-free solder and solder in a professionally ventilated area to live long. My electronics teacher was like "Don't use the Pb-containing solder, if you want kids without three arms." my answer: "Three arms would be the most awesome thing for soldering!" ;D
PSA time to allay some of these fears: Lead doesn't vaporize or burn at soldering temperatures, it melts, which is how it ends up on circuit boards. The flux and rosin are much more dangerous and often contain known carcinogens that, in high concentrations, are very dangerous. There may be trace lead particles in the solder fumes, and of course those build up over time, but again they aren't the primary danger. Just don't eat the solder, and was your hands after working, and lead poisoning for a hobbyist will not be a danger. You still want ventilation, of course.
Here's one source:
http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/ih/pdf/safeSolderingFinal.pdf
"Because of the relatively low temperatures in electronic soldering, fumes from these metal constituents themselves are not normally a concern. When solder contains a core of 1-3% flux, appropriate controls should be used."
I'm pretty sure this is similar to the wording in the NASA soldering guidelines, but I'm too lazy to dig through those at the moment.
Again, I'm not saying that ventilation isn't necessary!
You're right John. I actually do not concern myself to much with the hazards coming with flux nor with lead. I have so many chemicals and solvents in my lab which have either a skull, an exclamation mark or the sign for "health hazard" on them (not to begin with all the new substances we produce, which are all untested in that matter), I do not care about the "toxic" stuff at home.
But remember (I love the way my solder smells) ;):
(http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/109/2/c/know_your_chemical_hazards___aperture_science_by_corporalspycrab-d4woeu7.png)
damn, I never have ventilation.
I knew that lead in solder wasn't a concern because of what John said, I did not know that Rosin and Flux were.
Time to bust the fans out.
Quote from: m-Kresol on March 28, 2014, 10:29:29 AM
(http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/109/2/c/know_your_chemical_hazards___aperture_science_by_corporalspycrab-d4woeu7.png)
This is amazing.
Quote from: midwayfair on March 28, 2014, 11:41:19 AM
Quote from: m-Kresol on March 28, 2014, 10:29:29 AM
(http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/109/2/c/know_your_chemical_hazards___aperture_science_by_corporalspycrab-d4woeu7.png)
This is amazing.
I agree. Anything that has to do with Portal and Portal 2 is pure genius!
Ok guys I started the best storage idea! I think it's mine, I haven't seen any one else do it. But here it is(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/29/muda9epu.jpg)(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/29/my6ysy7y.jpg)
The first picture shows resistors and other small parts. They are in a trading card sleeve. The second shows you can do possible kit w/board organizing. You could also get the full page sleeves and put the build doc in the binder with the parts!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nice man, the only thing is......
....that you can only probably have a couple of builds with this method, no? Not sure how many actual sleeves are in there.
It does look super clean though! I remember a while back a member here posting that he uses CD booklets. This is similar but will smaller sleeves.
I like it.
Quote from: peAk on March 28, 2014, 06:06:32 PM
Nice man, the only thing is......
....that you can only probably have a couple of builds with this method, no? Not sure how many actual sleeves are in there.
It does look super clean though! I remember a while back a member here posting that he uses CD booklets. This is similar but will smaller sleeves.
I like it.
You can get what ever sized binder you want 1/2 inch to 3 inch. The pages come in 10 packs and there are 9 pockets to a sleeve and you can put as many sleeves as the binder will accommodate. I got the supplies at staples but you can pretty much get it anywhere.
I have boxes...also a wife. When boxes pile rises wife starts to nag. When nagging level reaches over the white noise I clean up some of the boxes - involves trashing old unfinished projects, finishing some and even trying to sell some pedals /I really hate this part/. Then the cycle starts again.
I envy most of you guys 'cos it looks like you are neat, order loving folks who keep their things well organized. I am so messy it's a shame. it takes so long to find a part I need that usually I just order new...also I hate debugging so usually if something goes wrong I start over...so more boxes... yeah...
For organizing parts, cut down cardboard magazine holders and labelled 3x5" ziploc bags (can see inventory without opening up the bag) for small bodied resistors, diodes, plastic & ceramic caps, led's etc... Plastic wall of drawers and divided, lidded hobby trays for the bigger bits.
One magazine holder will hold thousands of resistors.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/davent/50-9.jpg) (http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/davent/IMG_3336-1.jpg)
dave
Quote from: flanagan0718 on March 28, 2014, 05:24:32 PM
Ok guys I started the best storage idea! I think it's mine, I haven't seen any one else do it. But here it is(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/29/muda9epu.jpg)(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/29/my6ysy7y.jpg)
The first picture shows resistors and other small parts. They are in a trading card sleeve. The second shows you can do possible kit w/board organizing. You could also get the full page sleeves and put the build doc in the binder with the parts!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I use a combination of card binder, plastic bin and ziplock bag method.
I store resistors and diodes in the card binder because they are thin when laying down on tape. Caps, are too big and I find that they tend to fall out when the binder gets knocked on the floor (it will happen).
When I am getting projects ready to build I go through the binder and locate all of the resistors needed for a build. I tear (or cut) the resistors off with a small section of tape that they are connected to. I then write the value on that piece of tape. I do the same for diodes, but they typically have their code printed on the diode itself.
I store caps in three different bins. I store them in the little bags from the suppliers (I have a stack of extra empty bags in case I order from a supplier with giant bags (mouser). I keep them in order, greatest in the back, smallest in the front. The bins are 1.Electro, 2.Film and 3.others(greenies, tant, mlcc, ceramic etc). I hate converting the codes on film caps, so I write the value how it is printed on the BOM on the cardboard tape the film caps come taped on so they are easy to find later.
I have bins with all the other goodies I might need. Leds, pots, ics, knobs, sockets, jacks, switches, transistors, etc.
I throw all the parts in a marked ziplock with the board and BOM. I highlight the parts I don't have on the BOM and write them on my "parts needed list". When I get in the soldering mood I can whip out a bag, start placing parts and soldering. This is nice because I am rarely in the mood to search for parts when I am in the mood to solder.
Once the board is completed I throw it in the bag with all the other parts and order a box that I think will fit the build(aesthetically as well as size.) Usually, I have a box ready because I order extras. When the box arrives and I am in the mood to drill, the board and parts are all ready to go.
I probably have 15+ builds in bags either awaiting a few parts or completely ready once I have time to drill.
That all being said. I am getting married in June, buying a house, and remodeling it, so I have no time to build pedals. Seasons in life come and go, I'm afraid. I hope the "driving to her house time" can become the "building pedals time" once we are married and move in together.
Quote from: pk1802 on March 29, 2014, 01:22:47 PM
I hope the "driving to her house time" can become the "building pedals time" once we are married and move in together.
It's entirely possible that "driving to her house time" instead of "building pedals time" may become "diaper changing time"... Ask me how I know... ::)