May 22, 2022 - Reading time: 26 minutes

I sincerely request you to spend 5-10 minutes and read through this article fully. Thank you.

You probably saw a YouTube video on building robots or maybe even a friend of yours has a lab. You want one to practice and make projects. How do you get going with it??

Well, if you search for videos on YouTube for setting up your own lab, you will for sure come across the EEVBlog video. (www.eevblog.com) There David goes over 2 types in 2 different videos. The actual version that goes for over 1K USD (80K INR) and another video where the overall cost goes to a price of around 400USD (32K INR). Scary right? But not really.

No person who does electronics as a part-time hobby will want to spend as much money usually. For that amount in India at least a low-end PC will be available.

You will also come across videos of that of Big Clive (BigCliveDotCom) where he shows how you can buy a simple soldering kit, a cheap soldering station and begin.)

But not all people will want to solder. Some may just want to build with breadboards while other will only want to solder. So, what is the actual ideal setup?

Well, there is no ideal setup. It all comes down to liking, hobby, and requirement.

Liking

When you start off with hobby projects, you will like a particular stream of electricity. It can be electronics, electrical, analog electronics, digital electronics and so on. You may prefer using 555 timers over Arduinos and vice versa.

Hobby

Is your liking going to become a hobby or is it just a game? A hobby will be something you practice and like doing over extended periods of time. And in some cases, your hobby will become your profession.

Requirement

Why do you need your Lab? Hobby or profession? Student or practice? Digital or Analog? Electronics or Electrincal?

Well, all three of these have a huge impact on setting up your lab. My lab started out as a small torch light project which later went into 555s and then into MCUs. These show that mine is an electronics lab.

But yours may be different. And in some cases, hobby labs don’t need huge amounts of investment based on the type you decide to practice.

In most cases, all types of electronics labs need similar equipment, so it is rather difficult to choose.

Overall Requirements:

As a basic requirement, any lab for a student, hobbyist or a professional demand the nescessity for certain items.

• A well-ventilated space
• A well-lit space
• A flat surface such as a table
• LED Lamp that can be clamped to the desk (Not must but recommended for effective use of the lab)

Also, some basic tools:

• A simple screwdriver set (cheapest ones will suffice for those doing it as a hobby)
• A soldering iron (Not compulsory, but recommended for project type flexibility)
• Some cloth gloves (to take things apart safely (not must))
• A multimeter (must)

A wonderful example for a well-lit space would be a desk that is present right next to a window with a decent LED Table Lamp. If you don’t have a table and are willing to shill out some more money, you can set up good workspaces like Chuck Hellebuyck and Alex from super make something (Alex has a very similar setup to that of Chuck Hellebuyck). Their labs would be:

Of course, there are labs which are even better. But function is key. Does your lab fulfil the conditions of helping you complete projects? If yes, automatically, your lab is good.

If you are a student or a person who would like to practice electronics as a hobby again after many years:

Rough Budget: 10$ to 40$ (600 INR to 4000 INR)

Just get your hands on a basic electronics kit from any purveyor and just start out. Make sure that kit comes with n number of LEDs and a breadboard. Do not settle for the snap-circuits. Get a kit that comes with a breadboard, some transistors, many LEDs, maybe even a few buzzers and motors. As a student your requirement for an oscilloscope is minimal. The same also applies for function generators. Yes, oscilloscopes make life easier by helping you view waveforms easily, but there is simply no requirement at that stage.

Also, as a student, if in college, you will have access to college tools. So, you can always make your hobby project on a breadboard and take it to your lab and test it there.

It is also known that students are known for living on the tightest of budgets. So unnecessary expenses must be avoided. Just purchase a simple kit, prototype projects and make your imagination take over you.

Some basic things I would recommend you get would be:

• Breadboard kit (Must include basic transistors{ BC54, BC557, 2N2222A, 2N3904, 2N3906), resistors {1K, 10K, 100K, 22K, 47K, 1E, 10E, 100E, 47E, 22E, 220E, 470E, 670E} , capacitors {1uf, 10uf, 100uf, 22uf, 47uf, 1pf, 100pf, 102pf, 104pf, 22pf} , solderless breadboard, jumper wires { Male to male, Male to Female, Female to Female}, Breadboard power-supply board/9V battery clips, LEDs (3MM or 5MM ones) , 555 and 556 Timers, a small piezo buzzer, Potentiometer (1K, 10K, 10E} , Breadboard Switches (Push type))
• Jumper Wires
• 9V Batteries
• A simple Soldering Iron
• THT Through hole pad boards (PCB Board/Vero Boards)
• multimeter

These are more than enough for you to get back into your hobby and learn also. Even though some creators mention that cheaping out on multi-meters is not safe, I’d strongly disagree for such simple projects. All that you would use it for would be measuring DC voltages under 9V which is extremely safe to touch.

When it comes to storage of your projects and components, you can use the box your kit came with. You don’t have to shill out on project boxes and enclosures and sorters. That can be done one you have realized that practical electronics is your hobby.

As a student and hobbyist, you can always go in-depth once you realize which part of electricity and electronics you like.

Also understand that resistors, capacitors etc. will be recurring expenses since you will need to replace them at some point. So, if you are in a budgeting system, keep some money away for purchasing more.

When it comes to purchasing all of the parts mentioned above, as a student, you can rely on just Amazon since most parts mentioned above are available. But you will get better choices and prices from dedicated suppliers such as DigiKey.

Also do not spend money on a 3D Printer. It needs a bit of investment which is not necessary as a student. You can rely on Communities and college printers for simple level prototyping. Also, schools in India that have Atal Tinkering Labs have them which can also be used by you if you are a student of the institution.

As a full-on hobbyist:

Rough Budget: 200-800 USD (5000INR to `30K INR)

As a full-on hobbyist, you don’t have to worry about anything. But yes, the above-mentioned factors do apply.

But I would recommend that you add a few things too:

• All component types (THT) {LEDs, Capacitors, Resistors, Transistors, MOSFETs, Inductors etc.)
• Basic MCUs (Arduinos, RPI Picos’, ATTiny 85 and so on)
• A good temperature control soldering station/iron (TS80, TS100, Solderon/Hakko 938 etc.)
• Good soldering accessories such as helping hands, lead, liquid flux and more)
• Wires of all types and common gauges (24 gauge, stranded and un-stranded, Jumper wires of all types)
• A simple Power supply (variable is not necessary since based on your hobby of choice, its necessity is justified)
• Various breadboards
• Multiple sizes of Vero boards
• Basic tools such as pliers, wire cutters, wire insulator removers etc.
• motors etc. of all kinds
• Some basic sensors and chips such as timers and so on
• 555s, 556s, LM386, LM358, UA741s etc. (OP-Amps and amplifier (sound) {Its necessity is justified based on choice)
• Oscilloscope and function generator (Not compulsory)
• A good branded multi-meter form Mastech or Uni-T
• A very high-quality component sorter (Similar to the ones made by Alkon in India).
• 3D Printer (very useful for quick prototyping and enclosure designing. Not must) {Any Prusa or Ender is recommended}

More components will get added or removed based on the hobby you decide to pursue. Analog electronics won’t need MCUs so you will not have a need to purchase them and vice versa.

Also, a simple oscilloscope and function generator is more than enough. The kit type or the USB type will suffice. You don’t need a full-fledged LCD high end oscilloscope like the ones made by Keysight since its necessity may not be fulfilled. But if you feel that you need high-end ones, you may invest in one since it will always pay back for itself.

Also get a good quality work bench since a good desk and chair will pay back too with increased efficiency.

An honorable mention is also that your hobby can and may and will become your primary source of money if determined. But dedication is always necessary for this.

My own lab does not have an oscilloscope and function generator since most of the projects I make can be analyzed and debugged with the help of a multimeter. But it will always be useful.

When it comes to purchasing these parts, you can buy them from dedicated suppliers like DigiKey and more. These dedicated suppliers make it easy since buying parts in bulk will be cheap and easy.

A professional grade lab:

Budget: 1000-3000USD (20K to 100K INR)

For setting up such a lab, I would just suggest that you refer to EEVBlog’s video on the subject since it has all details necessary. But remember that the budget will be high.

Also recommended would be a 3D Printer since it will truly help with quick turn prototyping. A Prusa printer is best if you have the budget.

Even though the video maybe 11 years old, it is still highly relevant since electronics is a field where things don’t change fast with exceptions like technologies which include 5G and more.

Parts can either be purchased from eBay if you are ok with it or stick to reputed suppliers like DigiKey (worldwide), Farnell (UK)

But do understand that for a professional lab, even other necessities based on which field of electronics you follow, will become a must. But I cannot mention all of them since it will be a never-ending flowchart of variables.

If you are a parent who is reading this, since you decided to help your child, please understand two things.

1. If your child showed this article to you, please analyze your child’s potential and budgets and help them with the subject. Since as I mentioned above, a hobby can and will become a profession if determined.
2. Please understand that this is a very costly hobby and will need some funding. So, feel free to plan your financials as such.

But I sincerely request you to never deny your child this beautiful technological hobby. It will help their IQ Increase while making them more skilled which will make them different from their peers and counterparts.

The budgets I mention above are with respect to 2022 and are subject to change based on inflation, costs, shortages, manufacturing options and more.

Some more points will be added as time passes too.

If you found this post to be useful, please feel free to share it and if you have any queries, do comment below. Also, feel free to share a picture of your lab on twitter and tag #mylabesc and I will try my best to respond to all comments and tweets.

Honorable Mentions:

1. TheGeekPub Lab https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KfWMJV7fQ0&ab_channel=TheGeekPub (Hobby grade lab)
2. Alex Gyver’s Lab https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPAPyDstK9Q&ab_channel=AlexGyver (Hobby grade)
3. EEVBlog lab https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_PbjbRaO2E&t=1s&ab_channel=EEVblog (Professional grade)
4. Dalibor Farny Lab https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCIbN_-8few&t=308s&ab_channel=DaliborFarn%C3%BD (Professional grade lab)
5. GreatScott! ‘s lab https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-djg27lJyQ&ab_channel=GreatScott%21 (Professional grade lab)

Thank You for reading this!

PS:

The reason why I wrote this page is because I had difficulty when I began due to overwhelming cost projections and confusions as shown by various creators and makers. But I sincerely hope that others do not get restrained because of this.

Atul

May 14, 2022 - Reading time: 14 minutes

Please read this article fully!!

This article is an extension to the recent KARO Episode where I showed how I made the YT Subscriber counter.

With some extra details such as files and dimensions and full parts list, even other can replicate it. PS, this will also be available as a kit for purchase. Be the first to pre-order it so that you don’t miss out!!)

As of now, it has abilities to hold a rechargeable battery, but I did not install it due to size constraints.

The base covering piece is in my case a piece of Ply. But the kit will come with some pure wood that will cover its base.

The kit variant will also come with Wi-Fi Manager inbuilt, so you don’t have to code! Best for those who like no-code solutions. And best part, everything for under 20USD!!!! The people to pre-order it first will get their kits/assembled devices based on choosing by a specified time. Also, this costs 10 times lesser than other counters in the market and also comes with life-time support since, once released, the code will be made open-source right here!

Well, if you feel like making it on your own, you may. The code and files will be available below. But I would appreciate it if you could take a look at the kit too, since that will also support my lab.

Want to purchase this as a kit or assembled piece?? Click the link below to be redirected to pre-order!!

https://esccrasci.in/product/youtube-subscriber-counter-kit-and-assembled-pre-order/

Parts:

• LCD 16*2
• I2C Backpack for LCD
• Wires
• Heat Shrink
• ESP8266/NodeMCU boards
• TP4056 with USB C
• Wood
• 3D Printed Parts

Real Time assembly video:

The code that will be given below need all credentials to be manually written unlike that of the kit. The Kit will need a onetime no-code setup. The code for that and any other changes will be made available once the kits start shipping out

Hand-Coded Code:

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//Special Thanks to Brian Lough for creating the wonderful YoutubeAPI library which ended up being the base of this code
//Code modified to work as a subscriber counting device by ESCcrasci from esccrasci.in
//Replace the SSID, PWD, API KEY and CHANNEL ID below for smooth running.
//Works with a 16*2 LCD with I2C
//Will soon be made available as a kit with a onetime no-code system. Feel free to follow me on twitter to be notified when that happens! @ESCcrasci

#include <ESP8266WiFi.h>
#include <WiFiClientSecure.h>
#include <YoutubeApi.h>
#include <ArduinoJson.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>
#include <Wire.h>
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2);

//------- Replace the following! ------
char ssid[] = "xxxx";       // your network SSID (name)
char password[] = "xxxxxxx";  // your network key
#define API_KEY "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ"  // your google apps API Token
#define CHANNEL_ID "AAAAAAA" // makes up the url of channel
//------- ---------------------- ------

WiFiClientSecure client;
YoutubeApi api(API_KEY, client);

unsigned long timeBetweenRequests = 1000;
unsigned long nextRunTime;

// #define subscriberCount String

long subs = 0;

void setup() {

  Serial.begin(115200);
   Wire.begin(5, 4);

  // Set WiFi to station mode and disconnect from an AP if it was Previously
  // connected
  WiFi.mode(WIFI_STA);
  WiFi.disconnect();
  delay(100);

  // Attempt to connect to Wifi network:
  Serial.print("Connecting Wifi: ");
  Serial.println(ssid);
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    Serial.print(".");
    delay(500);
  }
  Serial.println("");
  Serial.println("WiFi connected");
  Serial.println("IP address: ");
  IPAddress ip = WiFi.localIP();
  Serial.println(ip);

  // Required if you are using ESP8266 V2.5 or above
  client.setInsecure();

  // If you want to enable some extra debugging
  api._debug = true;
    lcd.init();
  lcd.display();
  lcd.backlight();
  lcd.print("ESCcrasci");
}

void loop() {

  //lcd.clear();
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  if (millis() > nextRunTime)  {
    if(api.getChannelStatistics(CHANNEL_ID))
    {
      //lcd.println("---------Stats---------");
      lcd.println("Subscriber Count:");
      lcd.setCursor(0,1);
      lcd.println(api.channelStats.subscriberCount);
      Serial.println(api.channelStats.subscriberCount);
      Serial.println("------------------------");

    }
    nextRunTime = millis() + timeBetweenRequests;
  }
}

3D Printable Files and dimensions for wood:

FILES: (Are to be downloaded from Printables as linked below)

Download from here:

https://www.printables.com/model/205165-youtube-subscriber-counter-with-162-lcd-and-esp-fi

Base wood piece must be of 8.4*4*0.5 cm (L*B*H)

Also, the wood can be left as such as I did or be stained. The assembled version will come with a beautifully finished base piece and stand. The kit will come with an unfinished piece of wood that you can finish yourself!

This project will again be updated once the kit version and assembled version start to ship with no code setup features. So, stay tuned!!

Thank You for reading so far!

Atul

(Lab-man ESCcrasci)

March 19, 2022 - Reading time: 10 minutes

BUY NOW!

(You will be redirected to store.esccrasci.in to complete the purchase. Ships worldwide!)

NOW WITH DISCOUNTED SHIPPING AND BASE PRICE!!!!!!!

What is it?

This kit is a Dual LED Flasher on a PCB That helps you learn soldering easily. There is no necessity to solder onto perforated boards and spend hours on checking connections. Hence, it helps every beginner learn soldering more easily than ever.

What makes it special?

• This kit comes with best class documentation and assembly videos.
• This kit is one of the beginners kit designed for those who wish to start hands-on electronics as a passion or hobby or for academics
• A well known concept made easy through custom designed PCB by an avid science and electronics enthusiast
• This kit has been formulated and packed in India rather than other countries. So, it means that a Small scale manufacturer from India is supported.
• Since this kit has been formulated in this lab, sale of each kit supports the lab.

What does the kit come with?

This kit comes with all parts needed to assemble the kit. All that is necessary to assemble the kit from your side would be:

Items included:

• Parts
• PCB
• Updated E-Manual
• Assembly video

For Whom is this kit?

This kit is aimed at beginners in soldering and electronics. But any hobbyist/professional can assemble it at ease for the fun of it all. A maximum of 30 minutes is only necessary to complete the assembly of this kit.

Creators Recommendation:

I highly recommend that you get the 2 PCBs in one set since you will be able to get complete practice by assembling both of them. 2 PCBs and All components needed to make it work will be included separately in the same shipment to reduce cost and to reduce confusion when assembling too.

Files

June 2, 2021 - Reading time: 4 minutes

So, why did I even have to do this?

I had an old USB cable that was not in a great shape. And one end was a USB C jack. I knew that such a jack would be tremendously useful when it comes to my hobbyist projects. Hence, I made one.

[aiovg_video id=347]

This is how you can make one too.

Materials:

• USB C-Male jack [This or this (note that you have to self-solder. I do not recommend)
• 24 Guage wire- This
• Soldering station+flux+lead – Read more here.
• Helping Hand (not compulsory though!)

So, let's start.

Solder the wire based on what color arrangement you want them to be in. I chose red for +ve, black for -ve, green for data +ve and yellow for data -ve.

You may choose the same or put all reds if you want. It's your cable. Not mine!

Once you solder them you are done.

(Disclaimer: This was a project originally intended to be for BMC supporters only. Since, it was irresistible, they allowed me to make it public and share it here also.)

The irony is that I do not recommend that you do this unless needed! Anyways, I hope that you enjoyed reading this post, feel free to support me by buying me a coffee.

Thank You!

May 26, 2021 - Reading time: 9 minutes

So,

When I first started streaming, I made a dual LED flasher circuit. Unfortunately, I forgot to save the recording of the stream. I decided to make it again and convert my LED statue sculpture into something very interesting.

(The full video recording of the stream is attached below)

The circuit is very simple and only uses a few parts. It can be made for under 4 dollars very easily.

Parts Needed:

• BC547-NPN 2
• LED (RED or GREEN or YELLOW) 2 [But in my case, I used 15. 14 as a tower in series and 1 externally]
• Resistors- 1Kx2 , 10Kx2
• Capacitors- 22uF x2
• 9V Power Supply x1
• Wire

Optional parts:

(Soldering Version)

• Proto-Board
• Soldering Equipment
• Rocker Switch

(Breadboard Version)

• Breadboard x1
• Jumper Wires

I used a highly modified version of a circuit that I found online. In my first stream, I made the circuit on the breadboard. But I made it permanent by soldering the circuit on a protoboard for a project.

The circuit is a dual LED flasher powered by two transistors.

This is the circuit. You can get the HQ scheme from the product card below.

Get It Here:

Since I combined the above circuit into a pre-existing LED Tower, I soldered it into a Vero board and made it permanent.

Now, you might say, Where is the second LED?

Well, I made a LED 2D Pyramid with 14 LEDs in Parallel.

I made it look like a triangle. But in 2d. It is a soldering task. I agree. But when lit. It looks very good.

The circuit for the same is

I used a long copper wire to connect all of the ground. The LED on the perf-board will make the box its enclosed in glow. But the structure will blink indipendently.

I lowered the voltage and took a photo of the structure in action.

For enclosing the circuit, I used a blank CCTV Circuit enclosure box. You may get one from the link below. (Please note. The link I am providing here is an affiliate link. I earn a small percent for every qualifying sale. That helps me run the channel also. When I get enough sum from my BMC, I will shift from affiliate links to official ones. Thank You!)

https://amzn.to/2RRXlwX

I also used a rocker switch in series with the battery cable to make it function.

And I powered the whole circuit with a 9 volt battery.

And closed the whole enclosure with the screws provided. And the whole project was complete. You may make a similar project also. If you do, tweet with the hashtag #ImadeitESC

Thank You for making and supporting and of course reading till here. Comments are appreciated.

Project made for & by

Atul R

ESCcrasci

May 25, 2021 - Reading time: 4 minutes