I'm an electronic music artist who's used other people's hardware for ages... I love Analog and retro hardware stuff... having looked into both circuit bent hardware and being familiar with kits, I was just curious what sorts of things are needed to outfit a true electrical engineering workshop...
I already know I'll need an oscilloscope and a Temperature controlled Soldering Iron Station... a voltmeter? something for grounding myself (against static)?
I know I can make do sometimes with less, but I'm thinking about learning to make my own equipment and was curious what sorts of hurtles I'm setting myself up for...
I'm also looking for a good place to learn about it... I know the local technical college has a course, but I generally am more of a 'buy the textbook and teach myself' sort of guy...
I know there are a bunch of books out there for do it yourself audio projects. Check the internets. For these a protoboard and a soldering iron should suffice. Just wire the parts like the diagrams show. The books may assist some, but your best bet to really be creative (and take full advantage of your workshop) is to learn electronics from base principles. I'm sure this can be done on your own. And I agree with your approach: I taught myself how to program computers, and I've often thought of doing exactly what you are doing - though not so much on an audio focus.
Altogether this equipment can be very expensive. Costs can run into the thousands of dollars in total even if you buy older, used models. Learn what you need by first understanding the electronics your dealing with. This way you can avoid getting something you don't need or a model that won't work for you.
Likely, being able to design your own equipment from scratch will be beyond any kind of effort you're willing to put forth, unless you are truly interested in electronics engineering. In which case a real (yet expensive) education is invaluable.
I'm an EE student myself.
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