diff --git a/docs/projects/03make.md b/docs/projects/03make.md index e78fc286118dbc3529f4d0da319aced775c10a01..dade5e55b21f59fc53f2d8889ad248a76043177c 100644 --- a/docs/projects/03make.md +++ b/docs/projects/03make.md @@ -276,7 +276,8 @@ Follow the general advice in the 'Sewing Circuits' section to complete the Hedy # Files and materials * [Grids](https://class.textile-academy.org/2019/jessica.stanley/docs/projects/StitchSynth_grid_files.zip): a zip file containing templates for fabric grids in .ai, .dxf and .pdf format (includes a bonus grid that I planned to use to make a sequencer, but didn't have time, plus templates for fabric strips used in the Anni and Ada modules) -* [Schematics]: a zip file of schematics in .ai format (in case you want to make your own and change them around) and .pdf (in case you just want to use them for reference) +* [Schematics](https://class.textile-academy.org/2019/jessica.stanley/docs/images/finalproject/stitch-synth-schematics.pdf): a pdf file of all the circuit schematics, so you can see them a bit clearer than they appear on this page +* [component symbols](https://class.textile-academy.org/2019/jessica.stanley/docs/images/finalproject/stitch-synth-component-symbols.ai): an Illustrator file containing the custom symbols I made to represent the components, in case you'd like to use them * [Maryam]: a zip file containing .ai file for the Maryam module pattern, the Rhino + Grasshopper files used to make the pattern, and embroidery machine files that will work on a Janome machine. @@ -284,7 +285,23 @@ Follow the general advice in the 'Sewing Circuits' section to complete the Hedy # Tips for buying electronic components Unless you are buying a pre-packaged kit, buying electronic components can be a bit of a pain. It means scrolling through electronics websites, peering at item listings which often don't have photos and are a bit unclear. In the past I have: -* Ordered entirely the wrong kind of IC for a Stitch Synth module because it had one additional letter in its name -* Ordered 50 of a component instead of 5, because it wasn't clear that putting 'one' component in my shopping basket meant 'one set of 10' +* Ordered entirely the wrong kind of IC for a Stitch Synth module because it had one additional letter in its name - always double check the details! +* Ordered 50 of a component instead of 5, because it wasn't clear that putting 'one' component in my shopping basket meant 'one set of 10' - watch out for this! + +* Don't buy surface mount (SMD) components by mistake- these are smaller components that don't have the 'legs' we need to sew the components into the circuit. If there's no picture with the product listing, look for the words 'through hole' or 'DIP' in the description. + +One useful thing I've learned is to check the datasheet of the component. This is a file created by the manufacturer that includes lots of information about the product, and electronics websites usually include a link to the datasheet in a product's listing. + +## Where to buy? +There are many different options for purchasing electronics, and in general you should + +### E-textiles: + +* [Adafruit](www.adafruit.com) are probably the biggest supplier for e-textiles materials, like conductive thread. But unless you're in the US, you're going to pay a lot for shipping (and probably have to pay import taxes) if you order from them. Instead, check their list of distributors (there are many) and order from a company closer to you. + +* I personally order conductive materials from [Kitronik](www.kitronik.co.uk), [Pimoroni](www.pimoroni.co.uk) and sometimes [Cool Components](www.coolcomponents.co.uk), all of which stock a decent range of e-textiles materials. They're all located in the UK, which is handy enough for me as I'm based in Ireland / the Netherlands. + +### General electronics +All of the websites I've listed above are aimed at 'makers', hobbyists, and that sort of crowd, so they sell a lot of kits and a more limited range of individual components. They generally don't sell the IC chips you'll need to make Stitch Synth, for example. For that, you need to go for bigger electronics companies such as RS Components, Farnell, or Mouser, or Conrad. None of those companies have particularly easy to navigate search functions, and I'm not particularly endorsing any one of them, but they'll have what you need. + -One thing that helps is to look at the datasheet of the thing you're trying to buy.