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.
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.
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.
Most electronics videos on RUclips are kind of poorly done and sometimes dull. Some of the RUclips 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.
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!
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)
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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...
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!
I did notice one thing, not mentioned. Wire connections to pots or jacks were secured with heat shrink tube after soldering (see 8:44). Since wires tend to break loose, esp battery connections, this is an important point.
Thats the problem in America. Everyone that is interested in science is called a nerd or looser by their classmates. But these guys are it, that bring the country forward, not sportsmen. So respect these people.
when mounting pot-knobs, I'll take a plasticsrinking straw and cut it so the knob rests on it,making sure the påot is turned down. I cut along the piece of straw so there is a gap for the screw. Now the knob rests on top of the straw and it looks and feels better
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.
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!
@AlaskanGenius Yeah, if you're concerned that i would destroy a piece of equipment the one i bought was non-operational. Half of the buttons on the front panel are gone as well(which i plan to replace).
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...
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.
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?
Pretty cool. So does it matter what type of material is used for the enclosure like with gain circuits that are susceptible to interference. Would it be best to use a metal enclosure in that case?
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
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...
aha "remember to take breaks when working alone for long periods of time" after pretending to be the clamps - funny man Collin xD - awesome video as always!
That's actually a damn cool device and gives me a great idea for building a type of theremin which would be easy to play and very precise with the notes. If you construct a piano-keyboard layout with the electronics inside (picture a long rectangular box), and wrap a sturdy string around the pitch/frequency pot, then have that connected to a slider which you can move about the keyboard, you'll essentially have a super easy to play theremin. N'est pas?
Yeah, I've heard about the Tannerin as I'm a huge Beach Boys fan, but there's very scant information about the device, so I had to essentially think of this method of creating one for myself. I'd love to have a device which could create that sound, but I've tried real theremins and they're a pain in the ass. So an idea like this would have to do.
Hey everyone, the best success that i've ever had was with the Gregs Electro Blog (i found it on google) without a doubt the most helpful info that I've followed.
Why are you joining the 2 pins from the pot? I think that will change the value of it. because a current can now also run from 1 to 3 making it 2 resistors parallel.
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??
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
a useful thing to note that isnt obvious in your video is that when you drill you want to place the wood against the back side of the plastic piece you are drilling thru, rather than the entire closed box. other than that it looks good.
@Muenchies nice one... i am also looking every day for electronics videos... i wish i could do my Joke or control column.... i know how to but cant because school and can't obtain almost anything here in Venezuela
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Just came here to say that I find huge value in this 12 year old RUclips video.
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.
This guy represents oldschool wierd awesomeness. Even a basic tutorial is entertaining.
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!
Collin I respect every single video you have taught, I love electronics, and I really really appreciate these.
By the way , I love the music 🎶.
I like the wall behind the desk. It really adds to these videos. Seriously.
Somehow I got here after 14 years. Despite being far from what I was looking for, I loved it.
Never get bored nor never fail to learn something when I watch your videos, Great work
Very nice Collin. -RoHS
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.
There is an on-line tool for Front Panels (panels.mwf-services.com) and enclosures (box.mwf-services.com) too.
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.
Most electronics videos on RUclips are kind of poorly done and sometimes dull. Some of the RUclips 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.
Mother of god Collin. The cleanliness of those wire Tinning's is borderline orgasmic.
*tinnings A ' is not used when adding s to make a word plural.
I liked it too. I think we're a bit weird :)
obsessive*
it was a grammar joke... apostrophes are used to make a term possessive or to omit a letter or letters.
Thank you, William!
It's late and that one had flown right over my head! LOL
I saw this video a thousand times, seriously!
This cases are freaking awesome!
without these people like him you wont even have a phone....
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!
I don't like your comment. The music should be louder and that's the reason for tuning in.
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)
Another good one Collin! Please show what else you actually do with this piece. Thanks again for the intellectual humor!
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.
Collin, I discovered your videos today. I watched all of them.
Colling is always awesome with cool circuits and incredible background music!
More Collin vids per week PLEASE!
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.
i really dont care about stuff like this but for some reason i kept watching!!!
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.
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!
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.
Collin's more 'down to earth' than all of the other Makezine guys :) I like his videos :D
Finally. Someone else who's obsessive about keeping their soldering iron tip tinned!
Newbie question: What purpose does that serve?
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...
Once the tip becomes black, it won't work and must be put to a grinder/sander.
Ahh, these videos are getting me through soldering 100+ wires on a project im working on at the moment, im getting there!
those are input connectors for extra options. very handy if, say, you wanted to do more with the device shown in the video
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!
You are really doing a great job to help beginners.
This vid makes me appreciate this kind of work so much more.
I'd like to see a video on how you made your pair of 'helping hands'
I did notice one thing, not mentioned. Wire connections to pots or jacks were secured with heat shrink tube after soldering (see 8:44). Since wires tend to break loose, esp battery connections, this is an important point.
dude never stop doing this job.... you're awesome !!! keep up the good job!
Some good looking labels would finish off that project nicely.
Thats the problem in America. Everyone that is interested in science is called a nerd or looser by their classmates. But these guys are it, that bring the country forward, not sportsmen. So respect these people.
your neighbors must love you.
those are some beast sideburns dude
You could add labeling of the functions by using dry transfer lettering and use spray lacquer to seal the lettering..
Shame you really don't do these types of things these days. Always loved these vids.
Thanks for the contribution to a cooler world! Thank you! Great video.
when mounting pot-knobs, I'll take a plasticsrinking straw and cut it so the knob rests on it,making sure the påot is turned down. I cut along the piece of straw so there is a gap for the screw. Now the knob rests on top of the straw and it looks and feels better
i always enjoy these. great job Colin.
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.
Terrific visuals! This was great!
Excellent step by step instructions as well.
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...
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.
@jahanzebk91 its a function generator.generates all kinds of signal waves for testing.
Every time you pop off the stopper thing from a pot, an angel.. something
Another cool video from Colin! Please keep them coming!
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!
Colin, you're videos are amazing.
Great channel. I'm becoming more and more interested in homemade synthesizers and electronics. I wish I'd known about this channel before. Thanks.
Thanks man. You made me clear my mind on our project case. Very brief and refine. Good job.
@AlaskanGenius Yeah, if you're concerned that i would destroy a piece of equipment the one i bought was non-operational. Half of the buttons on the front panel are gone as well(which i plan to replace).
You can sorta use heat shrink tubing with the side of a soldering iron.
This dude is awesome!
Get all my stuff from Jameco!
@popeye0shing You got it quite right. Solder Gun is the one shape like gun (duh :) ). The one Collin used is called a Soldering Iron :)
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...
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.
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?
Man i just watched this video the fourth time in a row! It is awesome!
Thank you Colin. Always good tips from make.
Nice. You make it look easy!
Pretty cool. So does it matter what type of material is used for the enclosure like with gain circuits that are susceptible to interference. Would it be best to use a metal enclosure in that case?
I like the last exeaple case at the beginning. very retro
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
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...
Collin is a BADASS!
I wish this guy was my science teacher
On this box, it's power in/outs.
They are called banana connector, look it up on wikipedia =)
xD "well..that's cooler than i thought it would be" best line I've heard all day.
... no matter what Collin is assembling: finally, everything will sound as an Atari Punk Console.
even a power supply kit! :D
they are output jacks for the waveform
aha "remember to take breaks when working alone for long periods of time" after pretending to be the clamps - funny man Collin xD - awesome video as always!
@NiekProductions Collin is paid to make kits (i.e.: Circuit Skills: Surface Mount Devices) and advertise there products. His ads are his vids.
That's actually a damn cool device and gives me a great idea for building a type of theremin which would be easy to play and very precise with the notes. If you construct a piano-keyboard layout with the electronics inside (picture a long rectangular box), and wrap a sturdy string around the pitch/frequency pot, then have that connected to a slider which you can move about the keyboard, you'll essentially have a super easy to play theremin. N'est pas?
Actually, this is pretty much the idea of a device called the Tannerin, or electro-theremin.
Yeah, I've heard about the Tannerin as I'm a huge Beach Boys fan, but there's very scant information about the device, so I had to essentially think of this method of creating one for myself. I'd love to have a device which could create that sound, but I've tried real theremins and they're a pain in the ass. So an idea like this would have to do.
Hey everyone, the best success that i've ever had was with the Gregs Electro Blog (i found it on google) without a doubt the most helpful info that I've followed.
Kind of a stripped down Ondes idea ehh. Cool!!!
shrink wrap comes in all sorts of varieties. i use shrink wrap all the time.
Very nicely done, thanks for these.
Why are you joining the 2 pins from the pot? I think that will change the value of it. because a current can now also run from 1 to 3 making it 2 resistors parallel.
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??
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? :)
Very useful tips and advices! Thank you!
How about some labels for all the switches, pots, jacks, etc.? I have found that those are almost as important as the box itself.
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
@TheSupertecnology
they're banana sockets for banana plugs
can you please upload any video on basic connectors ...? pls focus on applications where connectors are used..or share any link if you have
a useful thing to note that isnt obvious in your video is that when you drill you want to place the wood against the back side of the plastic piece you are drilling thru, rather than the entire closed box. other than that it looks good.
Nice vid! I def. think more attention needs to be paid to finishing/casing projects!
Great video man, nicely put together, and rather funny lol
@Muenchies nice one... i am also looking every day for electronics videos... i wish i could do my Joke or control column.... i know how to but cant because school and can't obtain almost anything here in Venezuela
He is cool to watch, I love his videos.
I loooove your videos. I have learned so much from them. How about one on H Bridges?
Nice video... makes me feel mellow
I don't get what are those little red jacks for. Great video!!
@psychofish25 that isn't purely analog, didn't you notice the micro chip in the middle of the board?
thanks, the stabilizer on the pots got me puzzled
goddamnit i love this guy's sideburns.