[Kad]

Was hoping to get a recommendation on what sorts of tools are needed, what sort of wires are nice to have lying around and the sort of work space that is required. I appreciate any specific recommendations and things that are obvious to you seasoned DIYers, may not be so to me, so keep that in mind and bear with me. Modded PC cases for friends before but it's a completely different thing.
Basically I'm ready to dive into audio DIY but need guidance.
Cheers and I'm thanking you DIY gurus in advance.
-Alan

 

[tomb]

As good a source on starting DIY electronics as any:

Getting Started in Audio DIY

 

[_atari_]

Tangent has a very nice site with a quite good introduction to DIY audio and the needed tools. It helped me a lot!

 

[_atari_]

in sync with tomb - what a honour

 

[error401]

What's your budget?

At a bare minimum you will want a soldering iron, pliers, wire strippers, flush-cut snips and a cheap digital multimeter (and supplies).

Unfortunately, since you're in Australia, I can't make any really specific recommendations. Most of the 'cheap but good' deals are very vendor-specific since they're no-name brand tools. Maybe some fellow aussies can advise.

A couple points anyway...you don't want a soldering 'gun', these are awful for the small wires and boards we use around here, they're only good for large joints. Look for a 15-30W pencil style iron. Avoid any that use a set screw to hold the tip in, these are usually very poor quality. A decent iron should use a nut to either directly hold on the tip or that holds a sheath over the heater and thus the tip as well.

For a DMM, don't spend too much money at this point. For 90% of what you're going to be doing, the $10 meter is going to do you fine.

You might take a look at tangent's equipment video or the tool kits that ladyada recommends. Her projects aren't audio-related, but her tool suggestions are solid.

 

[fordgtlover]

Best advice I can suggest is to avoid Dick Smith Electronics, and seek out your local Jaycar store. Jaycar has everything you need to get started.

 

[ruZZ.il]

I think you can get by without wire strippers, in bare minimum sense:

<teeth help. Otherwise, I think most everything has been covered by the tips here. The wire that you need can be found in those little electronic or repair stores. To begin with, just get a hand full of different ones, mostly thin ones. If you have some cat5 network cable, the wires inside there are pretty good. I think that trying to tackle a CMoy is a perfect first project too, it'll give you a good feeling for the tools you need. Tangents site has great info in regards to that and much much more..

Oh, and get thin solder, not the thick stuff!

 

[Kad]

See now that's what I love about this community, after twenty-something minutes I have six useful replies. I really appreciate that guys.
*Applauds*
Quote:

Originally Posted by error401 /img/forum/go_quote.gif What's your budget?

Don't think there'll be any issues there. But it will impact what my first project is.

Which brings me to the next agenda what's a good quality first project?
My aim is to get to a level of skill where I can feel confident about building a β22 or similar. I think baby steps will be necessary although I'm a bull by the horns sort at heart.

If anyone has any ideas for a project I'd be delighted to know.

 

[fordgtlover]

The usual path starts with the Tangent CMoy. You will learn quite a bit from that if you are new to electronics. Then onto something like Tangent's Pimeta

If you are new. Make sure you check out the Tutorial videos at Tangent's site.

As an into into audio and electronics - tangent is the man. His site is incredibly useful.

 

[bearmann]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordgtlover /img/forum/go_quote.gif As an into into audio and electronics - tangent is the man. His site is incredibly useful.

x2 ... his video tutorials are awesome!

best regards,
bearmann

 

[Kad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordgtlover As an into into audio and electronics - tangent is the man. His site is incredibly useful.

Who would have guessed going off on a tangent is useful.
Terrible pun I know, but I just couldn't resist.

 

[Nebby]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearmann /img/forum/go_quote.gif x2 ... his video tutorials are awesome! best regards, bearmann

Tangent's soldering tutorials certainly helped me with my soldering technique when I was first starting out

 

[fordgtlover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kad /img/forum/go_quote.gif Who would have guessed going off on a tangent is useful. Terrible pun I know, but I just couldn't resist.

Yep - that's pretty bad. I'd never thought of it before - and I'm normally god with bad puns, or is that bad with good puns.

 

[FallenAngel]

Yep Tangent's stuff is pretty amazing, it took a computer software guy with no experience with electronics at all (couldn't read schematics, couldn't solder, didn't know what a resistor or capacitor even did) and turned him into a DIY maniac that built everything he owns within 6 months

On the basic, this is what I started with and would recommend:

1. Weller SP23 - $20 (Very nice and cheap soldering iron) with Kester 44 63/37 solder.
2. Cheapest DMM you can find - I started with a MasterCraft - $15
3. 24AWG Silver Plated Copper wire - I buy mine form navships on eBay at $8 / 50ft when I need it, if you need more than a few rolls, get 1000ft from a supplier, it's cheaper. You'd be surprised how fast this stuff goes. A few headphone cables, a few interconnects and you're done with a few hundred feet. Might as well not run out.
   
4. Since you modded a PC cases (as I have before as well), you should have some power tools around like a power drill with assorted bits and probably a Dremel or other rotary tool, they come in handy for case work.

Good luck. It's a fun hobby, oh and by the way, welcome to the club and say goodbuy to your wallet.

 

[Kad]

Getting the tools is easy enough I think setting up a good workspace for it...That's something a bit harder for me right now. Just moved a week ago.

And the cheap DMM should be on the way AUS$9 for it. Thank you ebay
Can't decided between the needle soldering iron and the chisel. I've only used needles in the past. Any big advantages one way or the other?