Start your electronics hobby for just $60

[@devitradio]

I would add: don't focus on your weakness (money), focus on your strength (free time). You can learn more with $75 of parts and equipment than some people learn with $2000 of equipment. I speak from experience on this one :) I have all the toys, but almost zero time to actually experiment, play, and learn. If I had just a $20 multimeter and a $20 "misc electronic hobby getting started" kit I could learn tons if I was just in a different stage of my life right now. Just remember the stuff doesn't do you any good if you don't use it. And learning itself is pretty much free.

[@TYGAMatt]

I started with a DSO150 and a cheapo multimeter 4 or 5 years ago. It was brilliant and more than enough to get me going. These days I have much better equipment because my requirements have advanced but I still crack out the DSO150 now and again for old time's sake. I modified mine to run on a couple of 18650's in parallel and a boost converter, just to make it a bit more portable. One word of warning to all Eric's out there.... Measuring equipment is highly addictive. My Mrs saw no reason why my "need" for a 4 channel scope was way more important then her need for new shoes :-)

[@ironnam8107]

Don't forget you can use an old phone charger or AC adapter as a power supply. I've been using an old radio shack AC power adapter that can output 4.5-9 volts

[@crazyahhkmed]

You could just build one too.

[@DevelopWithDan]

Thanks again Paul! Maybe his first project could be taking an old atx power supply adding a 10 ohm resistor and building a rudimentary bench power supply Instead of forcing all the 12v together, you can separate them by rail and use 1 or 2 for 12v, maybe add a buck converter to 1 rail and boost converter to the other. That gives you constant 12v, 5v, 3.3v, 24v (with the -12v line) and 2 variable "channels" for the cost of the resistor and connectors.

[@jay_cadiramen]

This is great, thanks! I'm an absolute noob but am super enthusiastic and keen to teach myself electronics, but am finding it a steep learning curve. A lot of the books I've come across for "beginners" have little to no explanation about what each project is doing or how to understand the concepts.

[@Skylineview713]

Good job helping Eric decide on the entry level beginner toys. I started with a $40 hakko soldering iron from Frys. I already had a Klein tools multimeter then bought the Dso138, upgraded to an inexpensive soldering station from Amazon and inexpensive power supply and one of those component tester kits that has the limited built in signal generator and pwm. The DSO certainly isn't the best but it's helped me in a few situations.

[@rafalmag]

I also recommend DSO Shell150 and Aneng meter. For signal generator - you can build one yourself - there are opensource schematics for Arduino.

[@neomage2021]

BUild your own power supply. Great simple project that will let you learn something and have a functioning piece of equipment for your lab

[@robc8468]

The mini scope on your review that you opened up is Now $22.99 on Bangood 50% off for those interested.

[@cw4608]

Hi, I know this is not pertinent to this video, but I am a beginner and I've hit a snag. I soldered together a little LED clock kit, fired it up and it worked fine. Then I decided all that flux looked bad so it took a small brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol and cleaned it up. It's clean now, but it doesn't work. The peizo buzzer is the only thing functioning. Thought maybe it wasn't dry enough so I blew it off really well with my air compressor - same thing. Two questions 1 - can you do a video on the proper way to safely clean up flux from a circuit board? 2 - Is there a way to fix this or is it toast? Thanks so much. Love the videos I have viewed so far.

[@keiouji1629]

I had problems with powering the DSO shell scope from a battery. Seems many others have also had the same problem. Just lots of noise and not picking up the signal. I use a switch mode supply, but still has noise. prob best to have a large battery that can power it, or a power supply. Small 9v does not seem to cut it.

[@TheZooman22]

Those were some great ideas for people on a limited budget. I outfitted my Lab for school with stuff I picked up on eBay used. Those old Tema, Wavetek, or Kenwood function generators are very nice for anyone with more time than money. I even built one for about $10 , using a XR2206 IC in a kit.

[@stevetobias4890]

Paul, you are honest when you say you try to respond to as many comments as possible. I have received so many hearts from you, even when not expecting a response. Starting out in electronics is fun and learning is easy with people like you giving your time and experience freely with easy to understand explanations. I started very cheap and slowly built up. I now have a Sigilent SDS 1102DL+ Oscilloscope and my favourite multimeter is a UNI-T UT61E (of the 4 or 5 I have. I started with a homemade power supply made from a kit and another from a computer power supply. I have even converted my house lighting to a variety of LED's powered from a 250w solar panel and 250 Ah AGM batteries. I love the journey in the world of electronics and Arduino/ESP projects. Building up your components does not have to happen overnight, nor does it have to cost a fortune. The best advice I could offer is that you learn so much from mistakes (just remember to do it safely). Thank you Paul, you rock mate.

[@learnelectronics]

Thank you Steve. I appreciate your support and kind words!

[@stevetobias4890]

@@learnelectronics just being honest mate

[@binaryglitch64]

"A certain content creator who's harping on the cheap Chinese multimeters"... I think we all know who that is...

[@gl0sek]

Hey, Paul great video as always. You are a great teacher and I learned a lot watching some of yours and other youtubers stuff. Some time ago you featured a signal generator made from CD4060 and CD4040. After that video I decided to make one of my own. I've added rotary switches for the output and a voltage regulator. My solder job looks horrendous and I still need to find good case for it but it was a great learning experiance for me. I would recommend this small project for anyone starting their adventure in electronics. I would like to thank you and just say KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

[@learnelectronics]

Thanks that means a lot to me

[@Leif_YT]

For a power supply i like the Ruideng DPS5005 (they've also some other models). Combined with an old Laptop power brick it's a nice and cheap power source with every function a beginner would need. I think it's about 25$.

[@johnhorvath6797]

Thank you so much. I work on quartz watches. What would i need to test the quartz crystal ? Thank you

[@robertlongoria765]

Thanks for helping Eric, and really any and everyone else.

[@orcasea59]

I just subscribed. We need more honest content creators like you instead of people who get box loads of stuff to review from vendors and start playing the game. Thanks for your honesty.

[@learnelectronics]

Thank you.

[@gartmorn]

I still throw things together. I made a small pocket power supply box for low current projects using an old mobile phone battery a boost converter and a li-po charger. It supplies from 4 - 27 volts all be it at only about 10 watts! For led projects etc it's ideal and cost pennies to make using Chinese modules and spares from old projects etc. You can build up from small beginnings so never be put off.

[@noelandrew3600]

Is there any reason you don't use Clamp meters for Amp test? would be great to see a video comparing different clamp meters. i recently purchased the Unit T clamp meter only to find it is useless, meaning i had to replace it, so i brought a mastech which, like their Digital Multimeters, are awesome. would have been great to have saved my time and money.

[@mickybee3247]

I use a 12VDC battery sometimes, however I've connected an inline (old fashioned), 1Amp fuse/holder on the +ve and taped over that terminal. Otherwise (when fully charged), you can inadvertently draw a lot of Amps from it! Great video though, many thanks.

[@tonyguerich9854]

This oldie but goodie just popped up. I do appreciate how you almost always respond to comments. Loved when you put the dso screen back in crooked. This is real. Reminds me of live TV from my youth.

[@learnelectronics]

It's as real as it gets. Me talking to you. No scripts, no production team. Just me.

[@AshenTales]

I follow all the channels listed and I love your get right to it style. I appreciate it and watch till the end if I can help it. keep the great vids coming!

[@VideoJoop]

Yes I agree as a starter you don't need a brand like Fluke. Chinese brands might be good, but look at videos like brand tear downs to see how they are made regarding safety and thus specs. It's much cheaper to solder your own test leads and any other thing or device with good parts and wire. Practice makes perfect. And thus by making mistakes and testing and measuring you learn. But also follow some You Tube video's about physics. Get to learn and know the basics of physics and thus electronics and understand why. Get your equipment in stages, your knowledge will grow and so your need for other measuring devices. It's a fascinating hobby and at a point you can make what you think or design.

[@maarkaus48]

love how your channel is growing. I found you at the beginning and have checked in from time to time. Good work!

[@mmaxeator]

I have AN8009 and DSO 150 Shell which were like 16€ each. I flashed the DSO with OpenDSO-150 firmware and planning to mod it with battery. And before, I survived with KT30B for approx. 8€ and PICkit 2 acted as logic analyzer.

[@MalagasOnFire]

I wish i got a set like this in the 90's . The case looks like the gameboy. You need a 9V battery / power brick and a dc barrel jack which can be easly found on the scrap. For starters on the budget on low energy , low voltages it is suitable. A used CRT scope on auction is also good option.

[@ericworm2010]

Craigslist, facebook marketplace, ebay, etc has great used equipment deals. Don't be afraid to wheel and deal a little. Example: Some equipment priced $200 might be had for $100 or less if it has been listed a month.

[@c.crespo8196]

Im new to electronics and the only components available to me are from scavenging from junk, my only tools are some screwdrive, clippers and hilariously a hammer. What would be a list of things that should get to continue in electronics? My budget it 100 dollar maybe less

[@Flapjackbatter]

Good advice for beginners. For sure. The main ( good ) reason why some scoff at cheap multimeters, I think, is the lack of safety-features. Wich is a legit thing. Use cheap multimeters, but be aware of the lack of saftey and protection features. I have several cheap meters, and they are in general good and reliable. I have one that I use only for current measurement. That way I don't have to switch over the probes all the time. And maybee forget that I used it for current measurement and put a short circuit in my project when I go to measure voltage. Read up on, and understand how to work safely with electronics.

[@robrobbins]

I got started in electronics using an Arduino. I only have a multi-meter. I still need to learn how to solder and how to use an oscilloscope. But I'm just a casual enthusiast so I don't know if I want to go whole hog.

[@kaoshavoc]

Thanks for looking out for us little guys. I watch those youtubers as well, and love them, but one in particular, as much as I love his blog as he is knowledgeable and entertaining, he seems to be very brand oriented, which given his line of business and the fact that his income and reputation depends on his accuracy is no doubt gonna have to be, but I watch him more for information than what to buy because really, everyone would love to set up shop the way he would have you, but most of us can't. Sure, 1000 bucks to set up a shop is cheap, but 1000 bucks to start up a hobby is just plain mad. Anyways, Always look forward to your vids.

[@learnelectronics]

Thanks I appreciate it.

[@andrewcooper3845]

I have built 2 DSO shells. both blew the voltage regulator chips within an hour of completing them. not really sure what I did wrong, but I did it twice :(

[@whollymindless]

Cheap doesn't mean bad - it just means that it's not well suited to be used for a living or that it isn't really good in a few ways. Know the limitations of your tool and cheap is just fine.

[@georgechambers3197]

Who knew it could be this inexpensive? Thanks for helping people to learnelectronics! 😜

[@kenberendt6578]

Yeah this is an awesome channel for a newbie! Many thanks!

[@electronmarkboggess63]

I'm a firm believer that you can get equipment that works well for the hobbyists/DYI for a cheap price. I mean that DSO-138 is like $20 and does great for most Ardunio projects. Even for my Automotive diagnostics I use the Hantek 1008C ($100) and I've done more with that Hantek 1008C oscilloscope then some people have done with OEM specific diagnostics equipment. I even use the DSO138 on automotive applications and it works fine. People get pulled into this idea that you need a $3500 scope and a $600 meter I say if you go cheap and understand the limitation of these cheaper products you can work within those limits and still yield good results. Great video !!

[@learnelectronics]

Thank you

[@SeeKay55]

Paul, could you please show how you wire up your phone based signal generator to the oscilloscope?

[@seangannon193]

good on you Paul, this guy isnt the only one trying to learn, i find Darren Walker also answer my questions as well as bigclive

[@ronshaw80]

I bet it would be easy to find a used analog scope for close to that price. A real scope is very helpful.

[@roccorid]

Maybe get the diy version of the scope, and get a cheap-o solder with the remainder? (Use the solder to build the scope)

[@ianbertenshaw4350]

Any meter or scope is better than no meter or scope ! Funny thing is i own a few meters , nothing extravagant mind you but they fall into a price range of $ 150 au or less and 90% of the time i use a $20 cheapie to do what i want - why ? Because it is sitting on the bench ready to go and if it gets damaged or dies I don’t care . I only own a vellerman hand held scope which works ok for what i need but back when i bought that there were few choices , either a $700 plus full size unit or that at around $150 - man i wish those $50 units were around then coz that is what i would own ! I bought a semiconductor tester back then also at around the $150 mark and bought one of those cheap $15 units from china a few months back and it does exactly the same job but also test resistors and inductors and capacitors !

[@cheewurz]

I recently saw a Video on a little 100Mhz Hand Held Scope from Banggood that impressed the reviewer. Last month I bought a 100Mhz HP Oscilloscope with Leads & Service Manual for $50.

[@ronen124]

9:22 I got that handy miniature DSO- it is really sweet, payed around 22$ for a fully assembled one

[@joejane9977]

Careful with youtube royalty free music if youtube stop contract with them you will get struck. Has happened before.

[@Boris_Din_Dietrich__Hazim]

Thanks! You're my life saver. Now I don't have to worry about setting up my electronics hobby (eventhough I'm still a noob in this)

[@billk5631]

How did you hook up the signal generator to the scope or is it sound that does it. Thanks

[@learnelectronics]

Sound

[@billk5631]

@@learnelectronics Thank you

[@MikeNewham]

Have the DSO 130 oscilloscope at home ready for soldering. Got it due to Paul’s recommendation fro earlier vid. Thanks Paul.

[@barfy362]

My AN8008 just came in today from banggood based on your suggestion. It was only $16 shipped so I was psyched. Do you have a banggood affilliate link? If not why not? I'll probably be buying much more from them because the shipping was surprisingly fast and cheap.

[@learnelectronics]

No, no Banggood link sorry. I do have an Amazon store in the description.

[@taranagnew436]

how would you hook up the phone (signal generator) to the oscilloscope?

[@ipodtouch470]

I believe you use the headphone jack

[@andrewskeith4114]

Having a multimeter with a built in square wave generator sure is neat, and for only $20!

[@hesh8100]

Which is better aneng8009 or uni-t61e+ ? I

[@hadireg]

awesome video! you've got great teaching skills! Thank you sir!

[@firstlast8252]

That is the oscilloscope I actually bought. some times it's hard to use but do far for me its better than nothing

[@lexboegen]

How is the signal generator on the phone utilized? Do you use the earphone connector on the phone to output the signal into your circuit?

[@learnelectronics]

Yes, earphone connector.

[@crazyahhkmed]

For the PSU, you can just design and build your own. It's good practice too.

[@danedewaard8215]

Hi, Thanks for all the great videos!!!! I'm just wondering if you know why my "cheap" multi-meters read ~ 29 vac from a 13.8 vdc regulated supply, while my expensive meters read very little ac voltage. The cheap meters are the Harbor freight meters and similar. I've seen other KZbin videos with people scratching there heads as to why they are getting ~29 vac "ripple" from their car charging circuits!

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Thanks Paul. Sounds like the young man needs to get to mowing some lawns and stuff. That's what I did when I was a kid.

[@georgestewart5879]

Great vid paul, on a budget too and every little saving helps. I always keep my eyes open for things that people thought out, great for parts and to take apart.

[@howardalban7601]

Hi Paul, just found your posts and am enjoying them. In regards to your gentlemen's need for an oscilloscope, I have downloaded and used a free one called "Soundcard Scope". It uses your computer's soundcard and obviously its only good for low frequency stuff, but it might help him get up and running. It also includes a function generator.

[@johnbullpit9481]

Great. Never would have thought about a mobile being used as a signal generator. I'm thinking you can use the headphones socket for an electrical connection. Perhaps with a dummy load. A really big thank you for that. From England 🇬🇧

[@Xillwill24]

Love your videos! Hope to see more videos for beginners. Also what type of school/degree/certifications etc... would be the best to pursue these days to work with electronics like you do? I just can't learn enough from KZbin videos.

[@learnelectronics]

Thanks. I try and cater to beginners. A masters in electrical or electronic engineering will take you as far as you want to go.

[@icenesiswayons9962]

Was the reason your DSO was clipping the wave forms because the DSO possibly couldn't measure exactly that high? I liked the different wave forms produced by the app! Did that DSO come with a operating manual. Thanks happy holidays!

[@learnelectronics]

Yeah, that's a cheap dso. And it came with no manual

[@razapata666]

hi which cheap and good multimeter ca u recommand for main voltage?

[@jj74qformerlyjailbreak3]

Hey thanks Buddy. Learning lots on a Saturday.

[@ve7yan]

I got into TIG welding on a 200 amp AC/DC machine for $160. Got into Ham Radio on a $21 Baofeng UV-82. Got into firearm on H&R pardner 12ga pump. Fixed my 2003 VW Jetta TDI ABS problem after two ABS sensors shipped for $5.65! Going to get a DJI drone... Now, $27 for a AN8009. The list on and on and on. I just don't understand why we shit mouth China all the time?

[@learnelectronics]

Agreed

[@Uncle_Buzz]

Love the power supply! That is as budget as it gets brother.

[@gordselectronicshobby3853]

Paul, do you know where to get fuses for the ANENG 8008 multimeter? Not being able to find fuses is holding me back from purchasing one. I always have extra fuses on hand just for all my meters in case. Thank you for any reply.

[@ac4nl]

The fuses are 3.6 x 10 mm look on ebay etc.. Cermaic ones. Some have axial leads, you can just clip off if you get those type.

[@gordselectronicshobby3853]

Thank you.

[@gordselectronicshobby3853]

I found another place that has these fuses www.littelfuse.com/products/fuses/cartridge-fuses/3-6x10mm-fuses.aspx

[@michaelpadovani9566]

Paul, you did a great service here to Eric. Most of us have been young and broke at some point...many are still old and broke...while others have $ but are still cheap! Point is, no matter your budget, you shouldn't have to spend a lot of $ getting started. See what is available for free (love the battery example you gave). I still don't have an oscilloscope but don't have the space for a normal size one. Anybody have any experience with the DSO211??

[@learnelectronics]

email me Michael [e-mail]

[@tigrafrog]

+1000. To person ho asked: Add to your routine run trough charity shops/thrifts/salvation army charity shops.. Go thrifting! I scores multiple power supplies for $1-2 each, proper ones, UL listed. Also you will find cables, connectors, boxes.. Pick up any network cable (twisted pairs). Solid cores for breadboard jumpers, stranded for power/signal in project itself. Grab any "free" printer/scanner/other device that peoples just trow away. You will not score much in components, but 90% that you will get proper power supply and connector for it. You will get yourself good set of boards/devices to play/learn/destroy without any remorse in no time. This "toy" oscilloscope it perfectly fine until you're hit 200KHz limit. I have same one "shell", from a kit. Power supply I scored from old IHome speaker, $2 in local thrift. Next step in test gear for you can be getting USB signal analyzer -- clone will be just fine, $10 or less. But it will be needed only when you go deep in microcontrollers.

[@learnelectronics]

Thanks for sharing. That's great information.

[@andrewritterman4685]

AC lab equipment major $$$$$$$$$$, so I like this video. Now only if I can getting a passing grade in AC circuits, It's hard stuff.

[@robc8468]

Electronics is actually one of the cheaper hobbies out there if your viewer has a credit card with rewards points to buy gasoline and food he can redeem the points for cash and pay for his electronics hobby basically for free.

[@djberg3483]

Hey Paul, what were you using to output the signal from the phone? 3.5mm Jack, looked like it but was kinda brushed past. I'll down load an app and see what it says to do as well(probably the best situation lol). Great stuff as always.

[@learnelectronics]

Yep, just a headphone cable.

[@justingough16]

Thanks man much appreciated. Who can learn without help like youres.

[@bhoot1702]

I was looking for this. Thank you

[@mikeoliver3254]

Oh I know how to do electronics on the cheap. Thanks Paul for helping him out. Excellent choice on the multimeter.

[@learnelectronics]

Thank you

[@ellambydefault9715]

Among your other videos, I love this one most

[@friedmule5403]

you can also try to get used, ask around maybe someone have a free scope if you are willing to drive for it. :-)

[@oldwrench4213]

Excellent presentation to show that you can get into electronics for a little bit of money. Well done!

[@nmjerry]

Beginners should make their own multimeter, if not their own wheatstone bridge.

[@roccorid]

How about capacitance sensitive switch for a future vid? Latching and non. Thanks a million for your dedication.

[@melplishka5978]

Your the best man. Ty for your time

[@melplishka5978]

Can you do a few A ,AB audio amp vids ?.

[@Johadart]

Paul as usual great video, oh and I’m guessing by now Eric has had a great start to electronics thanks to your inspiring information 🤙🏼🇦🇺

[@Johadart]

Just a quick question, how did you hook your phone up to the DSO 150? Cheers mate 🤙🏼🇦🇺

[@molozakos4084]

you are uniq my frend keep walking best wishes from Greece to all of you there

[@dukeeod1650]

How did you hook it up to your phone? Great videos by the way I am learning a lot using my Pokit meter.

[@grave0x]

you use a headphone cable broken open

[@lashlarue59]

@@grave0x I don't think any smartphones have headphone jacks anymore so how would you connect it then?

[@melplishka5978]

Hey bud where can I get that 40 bud oscilloscope lol. I desperately need one lol. And that price is definitely right.

[@aurthorthing7403]

Bside has some really cool clamp meters that look like the UT212e exciting times for making crap

[@learnelectronics]

I'll check them out

[@melplishka5978]

I’ve made my own power supply from an atx lol. Works great tho.

[@borisdorofeev5602]

Signal generator on the phone? I didn't know that. Thanks so much.

[@learnelectronics]

Glad to be of help

[@handendaer]

Cheer mate, great work

[@MitzpatrickFitzsimmons]

Paul you're a good guy.

[@hrussell82]

Thanks mate ! Great video

[@GreyDeathVaccine]

Sir, You have big heart :-)

[@neoholland]

dude you should do a new video of this one!! but new equipment with new features

[@radar536]

Man, nice what you did here.

[@markgreco1962]

Keep up the great work

[@conspiracies1014]

You never showed how to attach the phone to the oscilloscope. ?

[@learnelectronics]

3.5mm cord

[@efesstuff4936]

Kangoroo dave 😂

[@augustindarkangel]

Paying for an expensive multimeter is most of the time useless really. Look around on the videos content creators post all they use is the basic functionality. Every multimeter is going to have errors it's not meant to be extremely precise and the brand on it does not bring any value. At least that's what I think. I'm fine with the Chinese ones. Btw what was going on with that electronic load in the yesterday's video man? Was it a one time thing?

[@nickhetzer2744]

it does pay off if you work with critikal things like lipos an big life batteries like i do or high power things like 400v three phase systems but for normal elektronics up to 30v something like a aneng is good enough I have a fluke 177 and a old fluke 77 2 aneng 8008 and a extech ex 330 the aneng meters are my go to on my bench /arduino play ground but i dont go near anything powerfull with it it has no protection inside besides those tiny fuses

[@neomage2021]

For the most part I agree. Cheap multimeters are fine if you aren't working on anything high energy. For high energy applications, get a good certified and tested multimeter. For most hobbyists spending $25 on a multimeter is fine. Get 2 of them though. My hand held multimeters for the most part are cheap. For very precise stuff I have a bench top 5.5 digit multimeter. It comes in handy for very specific things for me, but 90% of hobbyist don't need that kind of precision. Before getting a cheap digital scope I recommend getting an analog scope off ebay or going to local auctions. Universities get rid of them all the time and you can pick one up on ebay for under $100 or at an in person auction for $5

[@heksogen4788]

Most people don't understand difference between multimeter for ELECTRICIAN and for ELECTRONICS ENGINEER. Even 30USD multimeter will be fine for working with 230VAC and low current. If you plan to go higher currents let say >5A, or higher voltages like 400VAC and higher, then the expensive multimeter will give you safety.