[sdiy] Need advice some diy advice as a beginner

[Matthias.Herrmann at jeppesen.com]

synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl wrote on 07/08/2009 02:03:38 PM:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> I  recently started out with stuff from analogue systems UK... I got so 
> fascinated by those modular synths I ventured into the world of diy 
synths.
> 
> Then I stumbled on lists of parts & searching of those parts... man, are 

> they one hell of a time consumer... :p
> So I would like to have some advice from the guru's here :-D
> 
> - Do you have a couple of websites you can advise me to order special 
> stuff for Europe like : thermistors or special types of ic's for 
instance ?

http://www.banzaieffects.com/ (Germany, but ships worldwide)
http://www.rs-online.com/index.html
http://www.bridechamber.com (USA, but scott is a very kind guy, so give 
him a call)

and watch out for groupbuys in forums, i.e. 
http://electro-music.com/forum/index.php?f=112 or 
http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=17


> 
> Most of the general stuff I seem find on  : mouser.com and conrad
> Are those good sites or are there less expensive ones...
> Any other good sites you can advise me to order parts in small 
quantities ?

forget about conrad. here in germany i use http://www.reichelt.de/, they 
have a minimum order quantity for foreign countries of 150.-EUR though...


> 
> - I've also started creating a stock list in an openoffice spread sheet 
> so I can do a quick lookup of what parts I already have.
> How do you guys keep an inventory list of electronic parts ?
> 
> - I need some Mylar capacitors, is there an alternate name for them, 
> can't seem to find mylar cap's in stores.

mylar is polyester.


> 
> - I'm a bit lost concerning potmeters...
> You always need em with diy synths of course, but there are soooo much 
> of 'em... What are the types/brands you guys advice me to buy (Europe).

i use 16mm alpha potentiometers, with knurled shaft. i buy them from 
www.futurlec.com. the price justifies effort.

just my 2 pence

cheers,
matthias herrmann
___
www.fonitronik.de