Getting Started With Electronics
Version 1 date 01.2024
Introduction
The InteractionLab currently does not have the necessary equipment to use lower-level electronics (temperature sensors, microcontrollers). This is a guide if you do need to use them. Where to find good resources but also where you can work and lend/buy the components necessary.
Resources to get started with
An easy way to get started with electronics is googling the idea that you have. Or divide it into smaller parts and integrate those later. But if you want some general inspiration or help some YouTube channels might help. Some are more in-depth than others. Some more general channels that focus on using digital stuff like microcontrollers and digital sensors are: Adreas Spiess, DroneBot workshop, Bitluni
Since most sensors are available in digital variants, most things can be done with those. These are easy to use and most of the time there are existing libraries for the arduinoIDE. In most cases, these digital sensors are made by adafruit or Sparkfun, which both make detailed tutorials for all their products. And when sensors are bought from somewhere else like aliexpress, the sensors are also used by Adafruit or Sparkfun. Thus by googling the sensor you plan on using you can find an easy to follow tutorial with provided libraries.
If you want to make circuits with more basic components like resistors, capacitors and inductors, finding the right place is a bit harder since there are so many things that can be made from them. But some YouTube channels also focus on that namely: EEVblog, ElectroBOOM, Marco Reps, GreatScott!
They explain concepts or build projects from basic components, these can be of great help even if it is not the exact project you are looking for. If you want some fun channels related to electronics for inspiration there are lots but these also explain what they do: Michael reeves, Allen pan-sufficiently advanced, William Osman
Where to get components
Campus
Stores
There are a few places where you can get resources for your electronics projects. The easier place is Stores. Stores is located in the Starbucks at the O&O Square and is usually open during the break from 12:45 to 13:30 on weekdays. They sell a lot of small components and if you want to check what they have you can go to https://www.stores.utwente.nl/. They are comparable in price to aliexpress but you can physically pick and get components which mean if they have it you have it immediately available.
SmartXP
If you want to borrow components on campus you can go to the smartXP located in the Zilverling. At the counter in the back, you can ask to borrow stuff with your student card. To see what is available to borrow you can go to https://smartxpwiki.ewi.utwente.nl/doku.php. You can also go here if you have something that needs to be laser cut or 3d printed.
Online
Besides places on campus, there are also lots of places online where you can get Components. They can vary in delivery time, price and collection size.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap | Varying quality |
| Big selection | Warranty difficulty |
| Has products only available from AliExpress | Slow shipping |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap | Limited selection |
| Fast shipping | |
| Cheap shipping |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Next day delivery | Limited selection of small components |
| Cheap delivery | |
| Big name brands | |
| Complete kits |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Next day delivery | Limited selection of small components |
| Cheap delivery |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Next day delivery | Limited selection |
| Cheap delivery | Is not an actual shop, only a webshop |
| Somewhat cheap | |
| Possible to pickup in Hengelo store |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free delivery from €50,- | Expensive delivery otherwise |
| Large selection | Based in USA, meaning customs can add to delivery time and cost |
| Ships within three days |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free delivery from €50,- | Site is difficult to navigate |
| Large selection | Small selection of electronic components |
| Fast delivery |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free delivery from €50,- | Need to be registered as a company (email Daniel Davison) |
| Large selection | Somewhat expensive |
| Fast delivery |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free delivery from €50,- | Somewhat expensive |
| Large selection | |
| Fast delivery |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free delivery from €50,- | Somewhat expensive |
| Large selection | |
| Fast delivery |
Where to work
Designlab
The designlab is located in the gallery and is a large workspace. Within the Designlab you have the eWorkshop, here you have all the equipment you need to make your circuits and 3D print housings for your project. Some of the equipment they have is:
- 3D printers (resin and FDM)
- Lab bench power supply
- Oscilloscope
- Multimeters
- Signal generators
- Soldering irons
- Sewing machine
- Laser cutter
They also have components you can use freely if you don’t use too many. If you do you can ask at the desk. To be able to work in the designlab you have to have had a safety tour which you can ask about at their reception desk or send an email designlab@utwente.nl.
Flexoffice
In the hall where the smartXP is located, there is also the ZL A-126 (flexoffice). This is a room where you can work on projects. They have tools you can use there like a soldering iron, lab bench power supply, saws and grippers. If you need any help you can ask Alfred who is located in between the smartXP and flexoffice.