[sdiy] Uber-DIY

[Paul Schreiber]

> Why do some people feel the need to be so critical of
> others? This elitist attitude really bugs me, whether it's
> over precision, quality, or methodology. I will spend my
> money however I like, and if I think a DAC is too expensive
> at $20, I will look for a cheaper solution.

I am thinking there needs to be a separate "Uber-DIY" category for folks. Here are some rules,
feel free to add others.

a) All wire used must be retrieved from dumpsters or the side of the road.
b) All ICs must have date code beginning with the number '8'. Bonus points if they begin with
'7'.
c) No single part can exceed $5 in cost.
d) The only allowed test equipment is a tube-base scope (without probe) and a DVM bought at a
flea market for $10.
e) Soldering irons cannot be temperature regulated, must plug directly into the wall (no
"workstation" types) and be at least 5yrs old. Extra bonus for pet teeth marks on cord (+1),
partial burn/melt on 1 conductor (+2) or melting to expose wires, then wrapped in black
electrical tape (+3).
f) All resistors must be tossed into 1 old box. Bonus points if ALL parts are tossed into the
same box. Penalty of -1 per drawer used. +2 bonus if no box used at all (all parts in piles on
the workbench).
g) Workspace points as follows:

+2 if the primary surface is cardboard
+1 if the primary surface was never intended to be a workbench
-1 if the chair is the correct height
-2 if the primary surface exceeds 1sq meter
-3 if it REALLY IS a workbench

I'm not being elitist. I'm being realistic. My 1975 DigiKey catalog was 6 stapled pages, the one
I just got has 1040 pages! Min. wage in the US in 1975 (when I started) was $1.85 hour. 2 hours
of work was 1 LM308AN. If I worked at Taco Bell now at min wage, I can buy a TL072ACP (the core
op amp in MOTM) working 4 MINUTES.

Folks: you've NEVER had it so GOOD. THINK! Take advantage of the situation.

I understand (having worked at Tandy 9 years) there is SOME personal satisfaction in designing a
4-pole filter for 67 cents. If that is you goal, more power to you. But if you goal is a nice,
USEFUL analog synth, save you money, know what parts ARE important, and target accordingly.

Remember, every beer is 10 4558 op amps :)

Paul S.