Circuit Skills: Electronics Enclosures

Every useful electronics project deserves a good enclosure. Providing a proper case for your circuit can protect it from accidental spills & falls - plus give it a cool look you can proudly show off to those unfamiliar with soldering and such.
Find more at the Maker Shed: makershed.com
Make: Electronics, 3rd Edition: www.makershed.com/products/ma...
Follow along with Collin as he turns a barebones function generator kit into a sturdy and versatile tone-box fit for noise-jamming & testing purposes. Get more info and a parts bundle: makezine.com/video/circuit-ski...

[@cleekersneaker]

Just came here to say that I find huge value in this 12 year old KZbin video.

[@codebeat4192]

Tip: You can also use cases of old/obsolete electronic equipment, like routers, set-top boxes, stereo's, video recorders, etc. You can also reuse the plastic pushbuttons, knobs, dials, displays, windows etc. And ofcourse you can salvage some internal parts. So when you want to throw something away, think about what and how it can be reused in a project (taking something apart is educational too!). I have a basket full of plastic parts, cases etc and it is very useful, some parts you can't even buy or make it that nice (shiny buttons and such). Think about it, it will save you money and the planet of e-waste. Win-win.

[@WirageVoyage]

I just noticed that this is video is now 10 years old! From the quality I thought it's pretty recent. Way ahead of its time!

[@lodevijk]

This guy represents oldschool wierd awesomeness. Even a basic tutorial is entertaining.

[@jbird4478]

Somehow I got here after 14 years. Despite being far from what I was looking for, I loved it.

[@EmperorAst]

I like the wall behind the desk. It really adds to these videos. Seriously.

[@curitosikls8653]

Collin I respect every single video you have taught, I love electronics, and I really really appreciate these.

[@curitosikls8653]

By the way , I love the music 🎶.

[@scrapeape]

I recommend people check out Front Panel Designer for laying out their controls. You can input the measurements of any size box, adjust placement to your heart's content, then export a .pdf that you can print and tape onto your box for drilling or a dxf or svg for using on a CNC mill, etc. Once you get the hang of it, it's probably quicker and more fool-proof than Colin's method here, especially if you're making more than one unit.

[@alexandreleite7585]

There is an on-line tool for Front Panels (panels.mwf-services.com) and enclosures (box.mwf-services.com) too.

[@bobo888bobo]

thank you. I have looking for a 2d CAD website to make a template for the placement of my switches, lcd display and other items mounted on the front of my project box. I am tired of things coming out crooked or too close together when doing it freehand.

[@TheFunkman]

regarding the music remarks, we all have different taste in music. No matter what music you use here, someone will not like it. I would only suggest to lower the music volume slightly to allow your voice to dominate the track. After all, that is why we are tuning in!

[@AztecWarrior69]

I don't like your comment. The music should be louder and that's the reason for tuning in.

[@utkf16]

Never get bored nor never fail to learn something when I watch your videos, Great work

[@sparkfun]

Very nice Collin. -RoHS

[@TeacherNickoy]

Thanks man. You made me clear my mind on our project case. Very brief and refine. Good job.

[@lucasmontec]

Colling is always awesome with cool circuits and incredible background music!

[@lucasmontec]

I saw this video a thousand times, seriously! This cases are freaking awesome!

[@StephenGoonawardena]

You are really doing a great job to help beginners.

[@006alecos]

without these people like him you wont even have a phone....

[@JSInstructor]

Thanks for the contribution to a cooler world! Thank you! Great video.

[@brothers4ever2]

Mother of god Collin. The cleanliness of those wire Tinning's is borderline orgasmic.

[@user2C47]

*tinnings A ' is not used when adding s to make a word plural.

[@lesnie807]

I liked it too. I think we're a bit weird :)

[@ElliottJohnsonXX]

obsessive*

[@willmw]

it was a grammar joke... apostrophes are used to make a term possessive or to omit a letter or letters.

[@robertcartier5088]

Thank you, William! It's late and that one had flown right over my head! LOL

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

Great channel. I'm becoming more and more interested in homemade synthesizers and electronics. I wish I'd known about this channel before. Thanks.

[@94vujke]

dude never stop doing this job.... you're awesome !!! keep up the good job!

[@gruobn7482]

This is the first video of yours that I've watched. It was an accident that I got to while reading about Evel Knievel and then the stimulator pain killing grill igniter he endorsed in the 90s and for some reason your piezoelectric quarts article when I clicked on the video nothing happens so I clicked a bunch more times and this video came up. I'm a huge diy guitar pedal fan so I kept watching. I hit subscribe when you started talking to your helping hands alligator clip hands guy.

[@CircuitBendingFool]

i always enjoy these. great job Colin.

[@randy95060]

Terrific visuals! This was great! Excellent step by step instructions as well.

[@Sylvieebean]

This vid makes me appreciate this kind of work so much more.

[@rb5046_]

Another cool video from Colin! Please keep them coming!

[@xAxrules]

Colin, you're videos are amazing.

[@dibraniuk]

Thank you Colin. Always good tips from make.

[@KiR_3d]

Very useful tips and advices! Thank you!

[@TheFunkman]

Very nice video and instructions. I have one suggestion. The washer on the switch belongs inside and is used as a locking washer. The tab goes into a small shallow hole and keeps the switch from turning. I never use them though. I use a standard lock washer and jam nut. The result is a much nicer looking switch. Keep the great videos coming!

[@guyfromsac1]

Very nicely done, thanks for these.

[@arestlesswind]

Collin, I discovered your videos today. I watched all of them.

[@Hisart1]

Another good one Collin! Please show what else you actually do with this piece. Thanks again for the intellectual humor!

[@Richographic]

I love these videos! Make more!

[@spilperson]

Man, love the video, great style.

[@lucasmontec]

Man i just watched this video the fourth time in a row! It is awesome!

[@FrankSandqvist]

Collin's more 'down to earth' than all of the other Makezine guys :) I like his videos :D

[@DrEMplushrest]

I like how the layout process is partly practical but partly artistic. Always a fun stage. I tried to strike this balance on my optical compressor build, it's all ergonomic and logical, but slightly quirky too! Plain grid layout is a bit dull.

[@Jez4prez]

I really enjoy your videos Collin, awesome stuff. I wish I knew someone like you in real life to learn electronics from! Also you have a cool taste in music haha. I actually want to get into designing my own music electronics too! :-) one day I'll be good enough haha.

[@hydrolisk1792]

He is cool to watch, I love his videos.

[@JerryLee..]

Nice. You make it look easy!

[@ozzytonygeezerbill]

omg i really want one of those now those sounds are awesome

[@lineber2]

Most electronics videos on KZbin are kind of poorly done and sometimes dull. Some of the KZbin videos about electronics just show something happening, but fail to explain what is going on. "Circuit Skills" and Collins are awesome. These videos are produced, directed and presented in totally professional manner. More importantly, they are presented in a way that somebody who doesn't know too much about electronics can understand what is going on. Keep up the great job.

[@wizardofkozz]

You made it look easy. I might even have to try some stuff like this. Btw, Collin, you're totally giving me a Clint Howard vibe.

[@wardog3d]

Nice video... makes me feel mellow

[@sebastianthe4th]

Great video man, nicely put together, and rather funny lol

[@Birkey830]

Well Done and Detailed Video

[@1971SuperLead]

I learned a few things! Thanks!

[@deltafire]

Some good looking labels would finish off that project nicely.

[@lucasmontec]

More Collin vids per week PLEASE!

[@Space_Bub]

Hey Colin! I am going to be making this project into a eurorack module, Wondering if you ever had any luck with gate input or output? :)

[@BelfonteFurnace]

Ahh, these videos are getting me through soldering 100+ wires on a project im working on at the moment, im getting there!

[@DLPlanes]

Very detailed explaining, nice video! . ~DLPlanes

[@bobfreeman814]

those are some beast sideburns dude

[@daviddanielgraham]

If you are using a material other than thin plastic, make sure and calculate the proper drill rpm, and as you move toward harder materials, its a great idea to center punch/center drill your holes.

[@aaroneousb]

I'd like to see a video on how you made your pair of 'helping hands'

[@paulmanhart4481]

Really good video. What was that little 3 pin panel mount on the outside of your box? I’m looking for something like that for my 3 wire rpm sensor. It would be nice to have a right angle plug to mate with it. Thanks, Paul

[@SamIves85]

I love videos like these, makes me wanna hurry myself up and do circuit bending... I wonder if Collin makes the music for his videos...

[@garyandrews746]

An added note about AC power when installing your AC input Aliexpress china has an excellent AC input female socket that comes as i have found with a very handy feature. An inbuilt fuse rated at 250v 50 hz 10 amps AC. Remember when installing this AC module that you must insulate the AC connections in interior of socket to avoid short circuits. Finally Even though you have the AC female socket switch in the "off" position AC power still transfers into the socket. You must fully unplug the AC cord for full safety when working with AC power. When working in the interior of the enclosure with any AC power plugged in unplug the power cord from mains supply then reconnect when testing repeat process by all means.

[@mragw]

totaly awesome !!!

[@nialljamesbuckley]

this video is fantastic!

[@stacij1]

Super funny, informative and just damn cool video....I like the "angry bird" sounding F.gen...Cheers.

[@falconlara]

Very very cool stuff.

[@TeraVoltLabs]

Collins you are the man, and you got some sweet muttonchops! Great video, and i hope to see more videos of this quality in the future

[@rohanboswell5408]

I found you on your vid that talked about risistor,the one with the key board ,auto mechanic and scuba diving was thing,I have a little knowledge of electronics but not as much as you ,do you know how to copy or clone info from ecu srs module ?? Or immobilizers??

[@la6mra]

Very nice video; thank you :)

[@sachiperez]

I love your vids!

[@sooth15]

Nice job. It's obvious you're a perfectionist. :)

[@PerryCodes]

Finally. Someone else who's obsessive about keeping their soldering iron tip tinned!

[@KenmoreChalfant]

Newbie question: What purpose does that serve?

[@PerryCodes]

Basically, it protects it from oxidation and corrosion. Here is a great resource on soldering iron and tip care: www.inlandcraft.com/uguides/tipcare.htm One of the things I'm guilty of is frequently wiping my tip off on a wet sponge. Use of brass wool would probably extend the life of the tip...

[@user2C47]

Once the tip becomes black, it won't work and must be put to a grinder/sander.

[@ljose007]

Great tutorial

[@TheKishinhunter]

your neighbors must love you.

[@Axenis]

xD "well..that's cooler than i thought it would be" best line I've heard all day.

[@LanceRetired]

I built this and would like to clear up any confusion that others may encounter. The 4 red posts I connected to I, M, P & Q. Since the kit only came with one audio input jack, I used a switch to toggle the audio output from M to P. I added a 5th (black) binding post for ground (not included in the kit) and 4 red leds to indicate what position the 4-pos switch was in (also not included in the kit). The 4 leds were added to use a second selection from the four-pos switch (there are three sets)

[@TheNewYorkPete]

Yo Colin, cool video bro!

[@tsitsibe]

fantastic, thanks mate

[@joemancino9049]

What is that metal box with a slanted front panel at 0:31? I would like to build one for myself but I cannot find any other videos by Collin Cunningham about this product.

[@3ds12Game]

You are awesome. you and kipkay are my fafourites! (especialy you)

[@sm0kiaxel]

Love your videos c:

[@AngryK9]

Shame you really don't do these types of things these days. Always loved these vids.

[@Kippypog]

If anyone is interested in this stuff, I highly suggest going for an Electrical Engineering major. It's an awesome major and the possibilities are endless. Granted it's not an easy road, it's well worth it in the end if you put in the effort. EE ftw!

[@vernerkian]

awesome, makes me wanna make something like right now :))), thank you

[@MrShake77]

Collin is a BADASS!

[@technoetc]

Nice vid! I def. think more attention needs to be paid to finishing/casing projects!

[@Enoch-Gnosis]

This dude is awesome! Get all my stuff from Jameco!

[@robodeath]

I loooove your videos. I have learned so much from them. How about one on H Bridges?

[@carslover3509]

very nice job

[@JPAchilles]

those are input connectors for extra options. very handy if, say, you wanted to do more with the device shown in the video

[@personone6881]

Hey man great instructional! Nicely paced and great shots to demonstrate during assembly. I learnt a lot just by watching you work, so thanks! :) Quick question I have about when it was time to mount the PCB into the enclosure, if U don't mind? - I thought you said that was a generic enclosure... How did the PCBs mounting positions line up perfectly with the box's screw holes? - I must have missed Something? Rewinded... Nope... I can't tell if Ur going into the plate, if the plate has riser or not, or if you added your own little threaded plastic risers (washer) How exactly did you mount it into the enclosure? Did you simply screw directly into the inside facing plate? Or, did you use little plastic threaded risers? - If so, glue them in place? Please, ask me if for more description if I haven't been clear, apologies if not. Cheers

[@JoshuaWShanks]

What I want to know is why Jameco supplies a 3.5mm mono jack that isn't long enough to make it through the hole you put in the enclosure. I can't get the retaining nut on the outside to grab because it's not long enough...

[@jomorkenstrseth3526]

Every time you pop off the stopper thing from a pot, an angel.. something

[@SuperMarijus]

omg this thing ownz! i didnt know its so easy to make stuff like that

[@ramrod126]

I know this is an old video but can you tell me what kind of soldering iron you are using? I have a weller WPS18MP and it is just not good enough for me.

[@ciprianwinerElectronicManiac]

Justin Updyke He uses a Metcal MX-500 series soldering station. You can get fairly good stations for 30-100$ for hobby work it will be good enough. Cheers :)

[@artblack01]

You have two outputs, one for sine/triangle wave and the other for square waves, couldn't you just have one output using a toggle switch to go from sine/triangle to square wave?

[@rkaidia]

I like the last exeaple case at the beginning. very retro

[@gh0stmast3r]

i bought a couple of those kobalt precision screw sets, they are the best tools to date that i've ever gotten, besides my wire fed welder but y'know...

[@choppergirl]

Does anyone know where to order a catalog from Acme? I use to see thier kits and products a lot on tv when I was a kid, they were so cool, and I'll like to build me some traps.

[@TheGuyMath]

@jahanzebk91 its a function generator.generates all kinds of signal waves for testing.

[@syntotic]

Can you provide schematics for DS cartridge reader/writer/adapter interface/alternate screen/make the damn shoulder buttons work again ?

[@pmiller8656]

Can you make more videos explaining the basics to electronic parts/equations like you have done previously. Also can you make more videos explaining circuit skills, and maybe ideas on workbench design. I know you probably have done a lot of these before, but keep up the good work!

[@MrCelloman21]

this is pretty cool

[@grindel80]

how you are doing the labeling? has anyone a good manual about this?