[sdiy] Beginners project questions

[Tentochi]

Mikael--

I have to agree.  MOTM is a GREAT place to get started!  Paul Schreiber of MOTM
has some of the best documentation/instructions out there.  It is amazing how
many people get it right the first time when things are well documented.

While I have many Blacet modules, the documentation isn't very good for
beginners IMHO.  On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 3 at most.  MOTM gets a
strong 5.

The problem with using Oakley for your first module is that you have to do
almost everything on your own (much worse if you just have schematics, no
documentation and no printed circuit board (PCB)).  If you are not experienced
with electronics, speccing your own parts the first time can be a daunting
experience to say the least.  Then you have to worry about fabricating the
front panels and such.  MOTM includes front panels, all mounting hardware and
even SOLDER!

There are lots of avenues to get started, and everyone will have their own
opinion on this topic.  Minimizing the bumps and curves in that path is a
tremendous boost to your confidence, knowledge of electronics/building and
quality of the modules you produce.  MOTM is one of the most painless routes
out there.  It also has one of the most active user lists to boot.

> Lots of list members have
> great experiences with MOTM (http://www.synthtech.com/).  Although the prices
> of full kits might seem high at first, I find that once you buy parts in
> one-off quantities, etch or buy your board, and struggle w/ things like
> mounting and front panels, the kits begin to seem like a real bargain.

Oakley and Blacet both make some pretty cool modules.  MOTM, Oakley and Blacet
also play well together since they have almost identical power requirements and
power connectors.

No matter what path you decide to follow, have fun!

Cheers!
Todd



	
		
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