[sdiy] Hamfest

[Byron G. Jacquot]

At 06:24 PM 08/31/2001 -0700, you wrote:
>I'm going to a large hamfest tomorrow and I intend to stock up on goods --
I need to get transistors, pots, 
>and other assorted goodies.
>
>What's a good shopping list that will wind me up with a well-stocked
general purpose setup for building 
>audio projects?

If you don't have an oscilloscope, pick one up.  You'll be able to get a lot
of use out of a 2 channel, 20 MHz scope for audio work.  Try for one with an
X/Y mode, which is handy for some audio problems, as well.

Look for hand tools you don't yet have.  There are always different sizes of
trimmers, pliers, screwdrivers, etc that you'll need.  Aligator clips are
very useful for lots of applications, too.

Components can be somewhat hit & miss, and really depend on you knowing your
needs.  If you have any particular desires, look over what's available, and
know what you're willing to pay.  With things like switches and pots, the
physical design of the thing is often as important as the value of the
component.  Condition of things is important, too.  Buying $.25 pots that
have been stored in someones garage and are full of grit is no bargain.
Finding vintage knobs with spun aluminum inserts for $.25 can be worth the
price of admission!

I find that I could always use a wider array of miscellaneous threaded
hardware, like nuts & bolts, hex standoffs, angled brackets, etc, which you
might be able to find.

And beware the white elephants!  You might go with a good idea of what you
need to finish your current pet project, and wind up adopting 2 more
projects because you can't say no to a good deal.  (don't ask me where I
learned that one ;>)

Happy Hunting!

Byron Jacquot