{"id":4497,"date":"2016-01-15T07:19:41","date_gmt":"2016-01-15T12:19:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/?p=4497"},"modified":"2017-09-15T05:15:02","modified_gmt":"2017-09-15T10:15:02","slug":"diy-hobby-projects-parts-components-tools-must-haves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/index.php\/2016\/01\/15\/diy-hobby-projects-parts-components-tools-must-haves\/","title":{"rendered":"DIY & Hobby Projects: Parts, Components & Tools Must Have’s"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most people\u00a0who visit to this site are either DIY’ers, Makers, Hackers, or Robotics \/ RC enthusiast. \u00a0\"gear_tools\"For the most part, we all do the same thing – we build or mod stuff for our projects or hobbies. \u00a0Over the years, experience and repetition has given we wisdom as to what works, what doesn’t, and key components that I want to have on hand. \u00a0I wanted to share a list of parts\/components\u00a0I have found useful for helping me get my projects off the ground quickly. \u00a0I’ll add to this list over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/strong><\/td>\nDesc<\/strong><\/td>\nPic<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NodeMCU Mini (ESP8266)<\/a>\u00a0 3 piece kit. \u00a01 piece here<\/a>.<\/td>\nThis is my current go-to Arduino compatible MCU. \u00a0 It has enough IO pins to suit most projects and allows me to build on my IoT portfolio.<\/td>\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nextion TFT LCD’s<\/a><\/td>\nI recently stumbled across these and have started using them in my projects<\/a>. \u00a0 After fumbling for years with other TFTs like the RA8875, the Nextion <\/a>is like the iPhone if TFTs. \u00a0It comes with it’s own HMI editor which makes developing user interfaces a snap. \u00a0It also communicates over USART, so all you need is 4 pins (5V, GND, RX, TX). \u00a0It’s also fast and has lots of memory. \u00a0There are also the advanced models that come with more memory, their own RTC and GPIO pins. \u00a0 They may seem pricey at first glance, but take a deeper dive into how robust the Editor is and you will be convinced that the value is there. \u00a0 They also offer models from 2.4″ to 7.0″ and all have touch screens.<\/td>\n\"capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NodeMCU<\/a><\/p>\n

ESP-8266 WiFI<\/a><\/td>\n

I just discovered this great little unit for my IoT projects. \u00a0It’s a NodeMCU 80Mhz unit. \u00a0Lots of RAM and fast. \u00a0Uses an ESP-8266 for WiFi connectivity, works with Arduino, lots of IO pins, SPI, I2C etc etc. \u00a0Where have you been! \u00a0Just picked up 2 of them and, for $8CAD, it’s going to become the core of my future IoT projects!<\/td>\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Micro Controller:\u00a0AtTiny85-based\u00a0<\/a><\/td>\n\u00a0Useful for small projects that require a limited set of digital\/PWM or analog pins. \u00a0i.e small robots, sumo, or IoT projects.\u00a0 Lots of support via Arduino.cc \u00a0Here is a Digispark <\/a>knock-off but works just as well.<\/td>\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Micro Controller:\u00a0Arduino Nano<\/a><\/td>\n\u00a0Great for small to medium projects requiring micro-controllers. Lots of digital\/PWM and analog pins. Lots of support via Arduino.cc. \u00a0Other similar<\/a>\u00a0items. Uno<\/a>. If you are new to Arduino, get a starter kit<\/a>.<\/td>\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
USB to RS232<\/td>\nUSB to RS232 TTL\u00a0adapters<\/a> are a must have for anyone needing to upload firmware to micro controllers. \u00a0Just make sure you check the reviews as some knock-offs don’t work due to fake FTDI chips being used.<\/td>\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Raspberry Pi<\/td>\nLooking for a more powerful computing platform to control your robots, 3D printer, IoT project? \u00a0Raspberry Pi<\/a> is where it’s at right now… \u00a0I recently untethered my LulzBot Mini from the need for a PC by putting OctoPrint on a Raspberry Pi 2. \u00a0Now I can remotely control and monitor my prints from anywhere on any of my devices. \u00a0There are a tonne of add-ons as well. \u00a0Search<\/a>.<\/td>\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Power Supplies<\/td>\nThere are lots of options here. I typically have a number of buck converters to supply 3v3 – 5V to my various Arduino projects. There are fixed or variable voltage flavours. \u00a0I typically go for the variable ones as they are more flexible: \u00a0This one<\/a>\u00a0(5 for $6 CAD) is tiny and great for most smaller projects. \u00a0There is also this one<\/a>, or do a search<\/a>.<\/td>\n\u00a0\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Power Filter<\/td>\nA LC power filter<\/a> is a must for RC hobbies. Particularly useful for FPV applications. \u00a0Other<\/a> options.<\/td>\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Wire<\/td>\nI like to use small gauge silicon wire for many of my projects. It’s easy to work with, good quality, does not melt when soldering. \u00a0You can also get many different sizes. \u00a0Silocone Wire<\/a>. \u00a0There are other options as well\u00a0here<\/a>, or just searching<\/a>.<\/td>\n\u00a0\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Boards<\/td>\nA staple part of any project, boards come in all shapes and sizes. \u00a0You can also get boards with connected pads to allow for + \/ – rails etc. \u00a0Just read the details carefully before purchasing. \u00a0Some options here<\/a>, or search<\/a>\u00a0for others.<\/td>\n\u00a0\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Motors<\/td>\n\u00a0There are all sorts of options for motors. \u00a0Gear motors<\/a> are useful for sumo or other small robots. \u00a0The are small, metal gears and have lots of torque. \u00a0They come in all sorts of ratios. \u00a0 Search<\/a><\/td>\n\u00a0\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
LEDs<\/td>\n\u00a0 I like these tiny WS2812 LEDs<\/a> as they can be stringed together and are addressable. For a few bucks, you get tiny RGB addressable LEDs that you can put anywhere on your quad or plane. \u00a0They work well with CleanFlight\/BaseFlight as well as others.<\/td>\n\u00a0\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Tools<\/td>\nThe base set of tools that I always have around me include a jack-knife\/multitool, small multi-bit screwdriver<\/a>, allen keys, wire cutter<\/a>, wire stripper<\/a>, small nose pliers<\/a>, and a micrometer<\/a>\u00a0– this one<\/a>\u00a0works well. \u00a0Don’t forget the wire stripper<\/a>.<\/td>\n\u00a0\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Multimeter<\/td>\nA multimeter<\/a> is another must for any electronics project. \u00a0They allow you to measure\/test voltage, resistance, current, and sometimes caps, transistors and diodes. \u00a0Here’s<\/a> a nice one.<\/td>\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hand Drill<\/td>\nHand drills<\/a> are useful when you have to make small holes in board, 3D printed parts etc. \u00a0Here’s<\/a> a nice option.<\/td>\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oscilloscope<\/td>\nOscilloscope’s are not absolutely necessary, but useful for trying to troubleshoot issues such as PWM measurement, frequencies etc. \u00a0Here’s a nice small one<\/a> by DSO. \u00a0Other options<\/a>.<\/td>\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batteries<\/td>\nDepending on your project needs, there are batteries of all shapes and sizes. LiPo’s are \u00a0great options for small robotic projects. They are light, small and pack an excellent power to weight ratio. \u00a0That’s why they are used across the RC spectrum. \u00a0Be careful as you can’t drain them below their base voltage, and you need a proper charger. \u00a0These batteries can be dangerous if you don’t know how to use and charge them. \u00a0Here’s<\/a> a good option for a mini sumo robot. (Search<\/a>). \u00a0Don’t forget you will need a proper charger<\/a> as well. \u00a0Depending on the size you can buy a small board<\/a>-based charger, or a proper<\/a> one that can do many sizes. \u00a0If you own lipo’s you should be storing<\/a>\u00a0them in either a metal box or lipo safe bag. \u00a0Google LiPo fire<\/em> if you don’t know why.<\/td>\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standoffs \/ Spacers<\/td>\nStandoffs<\/a> and spacers<\/a>\u00a0are a staple for most RC applications, and useful for DIY projects. \u00a0Often you want to space perf boards or shields away from others or the base of the enclosure.<\/td>\n\u00a0\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Screws<\/td>\nI find that I typically use combinations of M3 and M4 screws<\/a> for most of my projects. \u00a0 You can get stainless or other types.<\/td>\n\u00a0\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Project Box<\/td>\n\u00a0Pretty self-explanatory, project boxes<\/a> are necessary to package components together and keep them protected.<\/td>\n\u00a0\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bluetooth<\/td>\nBluetooth modules<\/a> are an easy way to connect your projects to other devices. \u00a0For example, you want to make a remote controlled robot you control from your phone. \u00a0Or you want to create a weather device that you can remotely monitor. The HC-05<\/a> and HC-06<\/a> are popular modules.<\/td>\n
\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ESP-8266<\/td>\n\u00a0These cheap and useful WiFi modules began hitting the market in mass in 2015. \u00a0They are easy ways to get your project connected to the Internet. \u00a0Useful for remote monitoring (i.e. water levels, temperature, etc). \u00a0You can get just the WiFi module to add to your Arduino, or better yet, get an all-in-one module that has both an Arduino-compatible micro controller and the ESP-8266 WiFi chip. \u00a0ESP-8266 Modules<\/a>. \u00a0There’s also the Adafruit Huzzah<\/a>. \u00a0There’s also a Node MCU<\/a> flavour as well.<\/td>\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
LCD\/OLED<\/td>\nUseful for displaying information from IoT or sensors, LCD’s and OLEDs<\/a>\u00a0are good low cost options. \u00a0They come in many sizes as well. \u00a0This Nokia 5110 LCD<\/a> is very popular with lots of library support. \u00a0There are all sorts<\/a> of arduino \/ Pi compatible LCD’s out there.<\/td>\n\u00a0\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Heat Shrink<\/td>\nA staple part of most projects, heat shrink<\/a> tubing is a must to protect connections between soldered wires or save from shorting. \u00a0Other options<\/a>.<\/td>\n\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0RC: Transmitter<\/td>\nTaranis X9D Plus<\/a>. \u00a0 One of the best TX’s out there for the $$. \u00a0They often have discount\/coupon codes out there that can net you an addn’l 6-8% off.<\/td>\n\u00a0\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0RC: Servo<\/td>\n\u00a0Emax ES9251<\/a> 2.5g Plastic Micro Digital Servo For RC Model. \u00a0 These things are super small. \u00a0Great for tiny RC projects, or robots.<\/td>\n\u00a0\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0RC: Quad Frame<\/td>\n\u00a0FeeYoung ZX-250<\/a> 250MM Carbon Fiber Folding Frame Kit. \u00a0(Glass Fiber<\/a> version). \u00a0There are lots of other quad<\/a> parts \u00a0as well.<\/td>\n\u00a0\"Capture\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Most people\u00a0who visit to this site are either DIY’ers, Makers, Hackers, or Robotics \/ RC enthusiast. \u00a0For the most part, we all do the same thing – we build or mod stuff for our projects or hobbies. \u00a0Over the years, experience and repetition has given we wisdom as to what works, what doesn’t, and key components that I want to have on hand. \u00a0I wanted to share a list of parts\/components\u00a0I have found useful for … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4536,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[65,6,57,119,19],"tags":[64,68,154,71,94,155,153],"class_list":["post-4497","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arduino-electronics","category-dyihacks","category-electronics","category-iot","category-remote-controlled","tag-arduino","tag-attiny85","tag-components","tag-oled","tag-quad","tag-rpi","tag-tools","has_thumb"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/gear_tools1.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pK41j-1ax","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4497","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4497"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4497\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4536"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4497"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4497"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}