If you are interested in electronics and mechanics, you know for a fact that creating your own projects is much easier than it may seem to the layman. All you need to do is to find a good electronic component supplier who can help you lay your hands on the best of equipment without you having to worry about quality issues ever. However, before we tell you how to find a good electronics component supplier and how to purchase electronics components (parts) online, let us tell you the things you will need to build a basic electronic workbench.
A breadboard is an essential tool to prototype and build temporary circuits. These are boards that contain holes to insert wires and components.
Also known as alligator clips they are great for connecting components together to test a circuit without soldering.
These are equipments that are essential for stripping stranded and solid copper wire.
The advantage of these screwdrivers is that that unlike normal screwdrivers, these come with precision tips. When you are working with electronics that have tiny screws you can work with precision screwdrivers
These are wires that come in two varieties, 22-28 AWG. Jumper wires are adaptable and can have male or female ends, depending on your needs.
The basic function of a switch is to interrupt electric current by turning a circuit on or off. There are many kinds of switches available such as rocker, pushbutton, momentary and others.
The function of a resistor is to resist the flow of current. Most resistors have coloured stripes on the outside. These tell you of the value of resistance.
A light dependent resistor is a variable resistor that is controlled by light rather than being controlled by a knob. These are often to be found in exterior lights that turn on or off automatically.
A capacitator is like a rechargeable battery that can be charged and discharged. The value is measured in F (Farad) nano Farad (nF) or pico Farad (pF)
The primary role of diode is to route electricity from taking an unwanted path within the circuit.
When electric current flows in one direction in a standard diode it can function as a light emitting diode. An LED thus emits light when electricity flows through it.
Tiny switches that turn a current on or off when triggered by an electric signal are called transistors. These transistors can be used to amplify electronic signals.
An electrically operated switch which can open or close due to the application of power is called a relay. There is an electromagnet within a relay that controls the mechanical switch
A circuit that has been reduced in size to fit any tiny chip is called an integrated circuit. An integrated circuit contains a variety of electronic components but on a much smaller scale. Each pin to be found on the integrated circuit has an unique function. Integrated circuits come in different variations such as microcontrollers, voltage regulators and 555 timers.
Now that you know all about the basics of electronic components, you know that are improvements on these basics happening at a breakneck pace. This is due to the advancement in technology. Thus if you are involved in electronics and mechanics you need to find an authentic electronics component supplier who will not trick you into buying fakes. To find an authentic and reliable electronics components supplier, consider the following steps:
The first step to find a reliable electronic parts supplier is to extend your search online using the right keywords. There are plenty of B2B and B2C sourcing platforms where you can easily check the credentials of suppliers. Most of these platforms have stringent screening procedures, so you can be sure that the vendors listed on such platforms are authentic.
Once you have shortlisted the few vendors that you think meet your requirements, it is a good idea to visit the websites of each to know in detail about their products and services. Some of these suppliers not only sell electronics parts online, but also have other resources that you can put to best use. For instance, some suppliers have tutorials and other helpful videos that come in handy when you are working with electrical components to build or repair a gadget.
Harness the power of social mediaIn this day and age, no matter how big or small a company is, they have a social media footprint. Take the time to visit these social media platforms and check out their activity. It is likely that you will come across many a customer review on these platforms, or the response of the suppliers towards queries. If you find a supplier that has engaging content online and is responsive in social media circles, it is surely a positive sign.
However, before you make a final choice, it is a good idea to visit the trade shows that the supplier or suppliers of your choice is visiting. This gives you the chance to visit these suppliers display the best of their wares. It is also a good forum to compare similar products and services. If you find that the supplier that you have in mind is indeed living up to your expectations, you can even engage with directly at the trade shows.
Although a virtual persona is important as we mentioned earlier, you get a chance on establishing a one on one relationship with a supplier. This eliminates the need of middlemen and often makes a good recall that can sustain your professional relationship for long years ahead.
Once you have found the ideal electronics component supplier, it is half the battle won and you will probably never have to worry about sourcing the right kind of component from an authentic supplier ever again. This will lessen your worries to a great extent and will improve the standard of your work over time.
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