[sdiy] Where is the DIY spirit? was: Filters

[Magnus Danielson]

From: "Paul Schreiber" <synth1 at airmail.net>
Subject: Re: [sdiy] Where is the DIY spirit? was: Filters
Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2001 18:44:20 -0600

Hi Folks,

> I will offer another view :)
> 
> There are 2 levels of DIY'ers, and the difficulty in offering advice
> is that no one knows for sure what the expertise level is of the newbie.

I'd actually say there are three levels:

1) Newbees, just new or done a few projects
2) Normal DIYer build kits and off schematics, make their own PCBs often etc.
3) The gurus. These are the people that come up with marvelous
   circuits of their own and make very insigthfull mods to lift
   designs further to the skies. When they talk to each other the
   normal DIYer listens interested but does not pick everything up and
   the newbee just goes: "Gosh, are those guys over my head or what?".

> Many new DIY'ers have a VERY limited budget (ie student). It is tempting for them to get
> schematics off the web that are 20-25yrs old and 'start building'.
> 
> MYTH #1: DIY electronics is a CHEAP hobby.
> 
> What happens is somebody looks at a schematic and says to themselves: "Hey! I can build this for
> only $10!" In most cases, you underestimate (both time and money) by a factor of 5. The 'raw'
> electronic is only 20% of the cost. The panels/pots/jacks/power supply/case/CV source greatly
> overshadows. Ask JH if he is 'saving money' building Synthi clones. He is if he values his free
> time at $3/hr :)

Indeed. Therefore I can be so upset when people doesn't spend just a
few dollars extra on good components when it really doesn't do much to
the total cost when the hole thing is in place.

> PROBLEM #1: 75% of the old schematics are useless
> 
> Parts don't exist. You substitute and get strange results.

Indeed. The hunt for "holy" or "golden" components is a craze. But if I fix
something, I like to stick in the right stuff.

> The kit advantage AS A STARTING PLACE is that (assuming the kit designer knows what they are
> doing) the kit WILL WORK. It has parts or parts lists that are easy to get (like EFM). Yes, in a
> 'purist' sense it reduces to a 'soldering exrecise' but if you CAN'T SOLDER, how in the world can
> you build on perf board? And then you get tech support.

I tend to agree. When you are a true newbee, taking your first shaking
steps, you could use some guidance and support to get a smooth start.

Once one has got started, it is easier to take over more and more of
the responsibility for yourself.

Cheers,
Magnus