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Electronics hobbying relies heavily upon tools and parts. You probably won’t be able to complete any projects without them. Choosing which component to purchase is not a simple process. Although, the majority of kits provide the necessary components and list the tools you will need to complete the project. On the other hand, if your goal is to design custom projects or modify published projects, you are going to have to have your own set of components.

Learn About Designing Custom Printed Circuit Boards

Below you will find a short list of some typical components that you should own. To buy all of them at the same time would make for a very expensive trip. We recommend buying a few each time you purchase tools or components for other projects.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of everything you’ll need for every project. This is a short list of the most typical components that are used in many projects you may try.

Design Software for PCBs
Yes, you certainly could draw up your project schematics by hand, but why would you want to? By doing a little research on the Internet, you should be able to find a low cost or free printed circuit board design software program.

Find Out About Using Pcb Design Software

Organization and Storage
The importance of organized storage can’t be overstated. Keep each component in a labeled storage container, and keep them separate from each other. A couple simple solutions are to have zipper top plastic bags with labeling or to have labeled cabinet drawers.

Resistors
A large range of 4-band, 0.25W carbon film resistors will be the least expensive choice.

LEDs
It would be wise to purchase at least 10 red, 10 yellow, and 10 green 5 millimeter standard LEDs

Batteries
Any electronics component you build will need some power. Stock up on a few for 9V PP3 batteries and a few battery clips.

Wire
You should buy some extra red, black, and one other color wire. About 10m of standard wire should do it. A common size would be 7/0.02 millimeter.

Switches
There are quite a few circuit designs that don’t need a switch. But if you use them, we suggest that you buy three push to make and three mini SPDT toggle switches.

Boards
You have many choices for boards: stripboard, breadboard, or custom printed circuit boards. the board that best fits your project will be decided by your overall skill and also the sophistication of the project at hand. Simple circuits with up to two ICs are best for breadboard. Hobbyists usually use stripboards for prototypes or intermediate designs. For any complex project or final prototypes, custom PCBs are the ideal choice whether you have them fabricated or etch them yourself. You’ll have to use your judgment to determine which and how many you’ll need.