Robotics Laboratory

[Ryzen4Life]

Could I build a small lab forbuilding and tinkering with robots, if so my budget is 250$ and I already have a Computer

[Sauron]

27 minutes ago, Ryzen4Life said:

250$

That's about the price for a Lego Mindstorms set

[Ryzen4Life]

Lol

 

3d printer 160

Pla 20

Solder 15

Wire 5

Raspberry pi 0w 27

Motor 6 pack 10

Servo 6 pack 15

(Arduino I have) 

247 USD

[Hackentosher]

What do you mean "lab"? Like all the equipment for working on electronics?Or are you referring to just components? As you work on more projects, you'll need more specific parts, but I would invest in good tools. Projects are temporary, good tools last a lifetime. 

 

If I were you, I'd invest in a good set of side cutters, pliers, tweezers (I'd get metal and ceramic tweezers, you'll understand if you get into SMD soldering) , screw driver set, soldering station, MG Chemical 60/40 solder, solder wick, a bench power supply, and most importantly, a half decent mtultimeter. For meters, I really can't recommend the UNI-T UT210 series, they're really great. I bring mine with me every day. 

[Ryzen4Life]

Thats a lot of stuff

 

How much does it cost? 

[Hackentosher]

 Just remembered this video, hope you find it helpful.

Spoiler

 

 

4 hours ago, Ryzen4Life said:

Thats a lot of stuff

 

How much does it cost? 

• hakko side cutters $5
• UNI-T UT210E $40
• Tweezers, idk, I wouldn't spend more than $10
• Screw drivers, the Ifixit ones are fanfuckingtastic. We use them at work, invest in good screw drivers, do not cheap out out screw drivers, $30 for the Mako driver kit
• I'd see if you can find an old name brand unit, a lot of the ones on amazon are kinda sketch. I'd spend like $50 on that
• Soldering station, invest in this. It is absolutely worth it, do not get the ones that just plug into the wall. You can spend the money for a Hakko FX88D and it will out live you, but you can spend a little less here. I have a Fakko iron branded from Sparkfun for about $50. Between $50-100 is the right range, but if I were to do it over again, I would absolutely buy the Hakko For $100.
  • Also get an assortment of tips, those can be had for $10 on Amazon.
• Fine MG Chemical 60/40 solder (do not get lead free, you'll hate your life). A large ish spool will last you a long time for $20.
• MG Chemical solder wick, I refuse to use any other brand after seeing the light. This stuff has wonderful flux and it is very easy to use. $10

My running total for all of this is $225, but obviously you could spend more and you could spend less. However, this is a very good starting point for general electronics work and I chose a lot of these tools with "buy nice or buy twice" in the back of my mind. It's amazing the difference quality tools makes in your work and quality of life as you work. Don't play yourself, invest in nice tools.

 

Speaking of investing in nice tools, I would strongly recommend doubling or even tripling your budget for your 3D printer. I have seen the cheap ones, and they can work well, but it is worth it to invest in a nicer one as your time becomes ever more valuable. I would strongly recommend looking at the Creality Ender 3 as it just can't be beat for the price. I understand it's about as much as I just suggested you spend on the rest of your tools, but I believe it's worth it.

 

If you can't afford all of this right now, that's okay. I think it may be very valuable to find a local maker/hackerspace as they will probably have a lot of the tools (and often more than what) I just described here readily available. Most makerspaces I've seen are very affordable or donation driven, which would let you get some projects off the ground while you build up your selection of tools. It will also expose you to people that have more experience and can save you a lot of the headaches and learning curve that you would have to go through otherwise. 

[Ryzen4Life]

Could you perhaps find a list thats a bit cheaper? I don't have a job and wont recieve more money till My birthday in a few months

[Hackentosher]

20 hours ago, Ryzen4Life said:

Could you perhaps find a list thats a bit cheaper? I don't have a job and wont recieve more money till My birthday in a few months

Some of these tools you probably already have around the house, like you could probably get away with the screw drivers you already have in the garage, same with tweezers, and maybe even wire cutters. If you notice, the list I came up with is $22 less than the list you came up with, granted with no actual hardware. Unfortunately, working with electronics can be expensive for the tools, but the parts can be had for literally pennies if you know where to look. 

 

Also make sure to quote me next time so I see the reply.