Live data from Hacker News

Ask HN: How do you organize your electronic components?

news.ycombinator.com

1–10 of 35 posts

Ask HN: How do you organize your electronic components?

#1
Capacitors, resistors, micro-controllers, oh my!... god it's a mess. I keep finding spare parts between my toes and under pillows. "Open-Air Desk-top" storage is no longer an option.

What types of storage do you use? Are you subscribed to an organizational philosophy? Do you sort your resistors by resistance?

Please and thank you ~

Re: Ask HN: How do you organize your electronic components?

#2
I 3D print stackable drawer-based organizers for these components, mounted on the wall. I'm using this system: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3125601

I've tried many different strategies over the years, but this one fits me better than any other because it's the most flexible and extendable. I have half of a wall in my lab covered with them now.

I color-code the drawers to indicate general type (capacitor, resistor, inductor, IC, etc.), and sort them in the drawers according to value (for passive components) and part # (for active ones).

For large parts, I use commercial parts drawers in a similar fashion.

Re: Ask HN: How do you organize your electronic components?

#3
Separate container system for every specialization. These should stack and bundle in sets of ~3 whenever possible.

This system does require more cubic space than alternatives. Often groups that fit together in tool bags, crates, or better concealed boxes.

I have dremmeled out repurposed power tool boxes (nice clasps.) this go well for kits (sic., soldering kit, circuit building kit)

Re: Ask HN: How do you organize your electronic components?

#4
Years ago I found myself in your situation, I put most of it in a big box and sold in on craigslist and started over because organizing it all just demoralized me. Bought a bunch of resistor and capacitor kits from mouser or digikey that came with in their own storage, small parts cabinets of drawers. The drawers are all larger than needed and come with dividers so I was able to consolidate a few and have some cabinets for the parts I kept and ICs. The electronics distributors all sell these cabinets as well.

Re: Ask HN: How do you organize your electronic components?

#5
Are you subscribed to an organizational philosophy?

My default organizational philosophy for all things is YAGNI. Search is often more efficient than developing, enforcing and maintaining a taxonomy because documentation.

If that doesn't work, I organize a little at a time as I go along and usually a little differently every time. The things I use more often become more organized -- the things I merely hoard not so much.

Caveat, my organization is personal not shared. Shared organization is a different animal...it must be negotiated.

Re: Ask HN: How do you organize your electronic components?

#6
post #4

Years ago I found myself in your situation, I put most of it in a big box and sold in on craigslist and started over because organizing it all just demoralized me. Bought a bunch of resistor and capacitor kits from mouser or digikey that came with in their own storage, small parts cabinets of drawers. The drawers are all larger than needed and come with dividers so I was able to consolidate a few and have some cabine…

Declaring bankruptcy is often the best way forward.

Re: Ask HN: How do you organize your electronic components?

#10

Zack Freedman's Gridfinity system has all you need and more! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra_9zU-mnl8 https://gridfinity.xyz/ https://all3dp.com/2/gridfinity-simply-explained/

There are resistor and capacitor-tailored versions of these. Searching on Printables, etc. will yield a lot of results.
Post reply on HN