Leftyretro Money ------

No matter how many parts you have there will always be some that you find yourself lacking for that next project. I've been collecting parts for over 20 years and if I need one I will usually buy two or three.

Start with resistors, cap, transistors, pick up surplus items along the way; before you know in you will be shopping for another 50 drawer parts cabinet.

Some places have a minimum order and that is a perfect excuse to stock up!

After a while you will find yourself tossing all of those salvaged/harvested parts in favor of new, unused ones. I've spent too much time trying to find/use parts out of old electronic equipment just to find out the component I was using was bad.

Mike2545

You can usually tell by the shortened leads and the solder. No need for paperwork.

Originally Posted by mike2545

No matter how many parts you have there will always be some that you find yourself lacking for that next project.

This is very true. There's a real limit as to how much you can "stock up" on stuff. Annoys the hell out of me when I have to answer to some idiot boss who expects me to be able to order everything I'm going to need in the future using some mythical clairvoyant ability or something.

(when did we decide the Peter Principle was standard operating proceedure, anyway? didn't they used to put the smart guys in charge of the dumb guys back in the old days? what happened?)

Best thing to have is internet access and some good parts catalogs.

Recently, for many projects, pic chips and a programmer are essential.

Mike.
Someone had to mention them.

Yes, most of my recent projects revolve around a micro-controller. It didn't always used to be that way. Like Its said "digital circuits are made from analogue parts"

Where you are and what type of design you're building makes a difference. What are you interested in?

That goes without saying...but you did; so what are you interested in?

Originally Posted by AtomSoft

This may not be critical but its a good idea to have a digital camera. It has many , many uses.

I am a professional photographer so I have that more than covered. Wait..... Do you think 25k worth of cameras and lenses plus additional lighting equipment will cover it? LMAO

It's a start :-)