The InteractionLab currently does not have the necessary equipment to use lower-level electronics (temperature sensors, microcontrollers). This is a guide if you do need to use them. Where to find good resources but also where you can work and lend/buy the components necessary.

An easy way to get started with electronics is googling the idea that you have. Or divide it into smaller parts and integrate those later. But if you want some general inspiration or help some YouTube channels might help. Some are more in-depth than others. Some more general channels that focus on using digital stuff like microcontrollers and digital sensors are: Adreas Spiess DroneBot workshop Bitluni

Since most sensors are available in digital variants, most things can be done with those. These are easy to use and most of the time there are existing libraries for the arduinoIDE. In most cases, these digital sensors are made by adafruit or Sparkfun, which both make detailed tutorials for all their products. And when sensors are bought from somewhere else like aliexpress, the sensors are also used by Adafruit or Sparkfun. Thus by googling the sensor you plan on using you can find an easy to follow tutorial with provided libraries.

If you want to make circuits with more basic components like resistors, capacitors and inductors, finding the right place is a bit harder since there are so many things that can be made from them. But some YouTube channels also focus on that namely: EEVblog ElectroBOOM Marco Reps GreatScott!

They explain concepts or build projects from basic components, these can be of great help even if it is not the exact project you are looking for.

If you want some fun channels related to electronics for inspiration there are lots but these also explain what they do:

Michael reeves Allen pan-sufficiently advanced William Osman

There are a few places where you can get resources for your electronics projects. The easier place is Stores. Stores is located in the Starbucks at the O&O Square and is usually open during the break from 12:45 to 13:30 on weekdays. They sell a lot of small components and if you want to check what they have you can go to https://www.stores.utwente.nl/. They are comparable in price to aliexpress but you can physically pick and get components which mean if they have it you have it immediately available.

If you want to borrow components on campus you can go to the smartXP located in the Zilverling. At the counter in the back, you can ask to borrow stuff with your student card. To see what is available to borrow you can go to https://smartxpwiki.ewi.utwente.nl/doku.php. You can also go here if you have something that needs to be laser cut or 3d printed.

Besides places on campus, there are also lots of places online where you can get Components. They can vary in delivery time, price and collection size.

Aliexpress

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Cheap Big assortment Has products that can only be gotten from Aliexpress	Quality can be hit or miss Warranty is difficult Shipping can take a while

Tinytronics

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Cheap Fast shipping Shipping is cheap	They do not have everything

Kiwi electronics

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Fast delivery (next day) Cheap delivery (€3,95) Lots of big brands (raspberry, Arduino) Has complete kits	Does not have a large collection of smaller components

Bens electronics  

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Fast delivery (next day) Cheap delivery (€3,95)	Does not have a large collection of smaller components

Vanallesenmeer  

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Fast delivery (next day) Cheap delivery (€3,95) Cheapish When in a big hurry you could pick it up in Hengelo at their shop	Does not have a large collection Is not an actual shop, only a webshop

Digikey  

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Free delivery from €50,- Large diverse collection Ship within three days to dutch customs	Shipping is expensive (€18,-) Has come from the USA which mean customs can add time to delivery time

Conrad  

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Free delivery from €50,- Large diverse collection Fast shipping	The site can be hard to navigate The collection of electronic components is not very large

Farnell

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Large diverse collection Fast delivery Free shipping above €50,-	You need to be registered as a company (you can mail [email protected]) Can be expensive

RSComponents

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Large collection Fast delivery Free shipping above €50,-	Can be expensive

Mouser

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Free shipping above €50,- Fast delivery Large collection	Can be expensive

The designlab is located in the gallery and is a large workspace. Within the Designlab you have the eWorkshop, here you have all the equipment you need to make your circuits and 3D print housings for your project. Some of the equipment they have is:

• 3D printers (resin and FDM)
• Lab bench power supply
• Oscilloscope
• Multimeters
• Signal generators
• Soldering irons
• Sewing machine
• Laser cutter

They also have components you can use freely if you don’t use too much. If you do you can ask at the desk. To be able to work in the designlab you have to have had a safety tour which you can ask about at the desk there or mail to [email protected].

In the hall where the smartXP is located, there is also the ZL A-126 (flexoffice). This is a room where you can work on projects. They have tools you can use there like a soldering iron, lab bench power supply, saws and grippers. If you need any help you can ask Alfred who is located in between the smartXP and flexoffice.