Electronics beginner

Lord Vader

I have recently started getting into electronics and was looking at getting some tools.
I was looking at some of the kits that seem to have all the tools needed, but
I also saw some kits by Knight Electronics and some have a power supply, function generator and all that stuff
but didn't know if that was over kill or if I would need that stuff.

Any help getting started would be nice

P.S. I know this has nothing to do with Basic stamps but I do own two BS2's

Bean

What tools do you have now ?
What type of stuff do you want to make ?

A meter and soldering iron are about as basic as you can get.

For a newbie I recommend getting a cheapy meter from harbor freight tools ($10).

For an iron, I like the weller WLC100 for about $50.

As for a supply, for $80 you can get this one from jameco http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=301971

Bean

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Cheap 4-digit LED display with driver IC·www.hc4led.com

Low power SD Data Logger www.sddatalogger.com

"Remember, you are unique, just like everyone else." Unknown.
·

Matt White

I would recommend·purchasing components·from: http://www.futurlec.com/ValuePacks.shtml
They have a number of very nice value packs that will get you well stocked up for a reasonable price.

I'd also recommend the 'What's a Microcontroller' kit which Parallax sells if you haven't already purchased it.
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=28152

Parallax also sells a number of other educational kits which come with all the components, software, and instructions·you'll need to complete projects.

Cheers,
Matt

Lord Vader

Thanks guys. So do I need a function generator or not?
I really just dont know what I would need it for, but if
I do then I would like to get one right now because I can get
it for cheaper at the moment.

Thanks,
Joshua

Superworms

in my mine, if you don`t have a BOE board, then you should get one if you want to use the WAM

Bean

It depends what projects to want to do, but I doubt if you will need one right away.
I get by with the simple clock generator on the PDB (Professional Development Board).

Bean.

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Cheap 4-digit LED display with driver IC·www.hc4led.com

Low power SD Data Logger www.sddatalogger.com

"Remember, you are unique, just like everyone else." Unknown.
·

Ryan Clarke

I also use the simple pluse generator on the PDB. Spend more on a good iron rather than a function generator. Look into a USB O-Scope as well.

Ryan

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Ryan Clarke
Parallax Tech Support

RClarke@Parallax.com