Hobbyist Tools: The Essential Electronic Equipment

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Welcome to the world of hobbyist tools and electronics!

Stuck at home and looking for ways to make the most of your time? There are plenty of things that can help you put your mind and body to good use.

One of them is becoming an electronic hobbyist. If you like snooping items apart and seeing how they work, it could be your next pursuit.

This hobby route requires a bit of learning in the beginning, as all hobbies do. But once the electronics bug bites you, it can be very rewarding.

Working with electronics is also a great way to spend free time, and the fruits of labour are very sweet indeed. But there is more to electronics hobbyist tools than screwdrivers and pliers.

If you are just getting into the field and searching for what you need to get started, you have come to the right place!

Why Does Electronics Still Thrive as a Hobby?

Tools and test equipment have changed drastically since the hobbyist’s beginnings. But the fascination and passion for electronics remain.

The beginning of electronics is dated in the early 1900s. Audio was a big focus in the 50s and 60s, but hobbyists turned to micros, computers & PC kits in the 70s and 80s.

That interest in microelectronics, a subfield of electronics, continues to this day. And electronics, in general, have evolved in many ways.

Hobbyists and DIYers are terms for people who work on electronics as a hobby. But that includes not only electronics but also a wide range of crafts, such as:

• Woodworking
• Metalworking (such as welding and soldering)
• 3D printing with 3D printers & filaments
• Rocketry and robots
• Quilting and sewing

Electronics is fun because it is a learn-by-doing hobby. As technology further evolves, so does the learning in this field with hobbyist tools. Thus, making it a diverse hobby and ambition.

A hand tool like a crimping tool is one of the specialised tools you can find at the local hardware store. It is a great tool to have in your toolbox, ideal for wire and cable use.

But to ensure your flexibility in household repairs increases, get these hobbyist tools! We also included a few essential electronic kits that can give you a hand.

Hobbyist Tools and Electronics

 

1. Soldering iron

When talking about the foundation, a soldering iron comes in very handy. Soldering makes quick and neat connections between electronic components, or even plumbing and jewellery.

The tool is used to melt solder, a low-melting alloy, onto the joint. It joins different types of metals together.

That way, it can be applied to a circuit board to make multiple connections. But having a chemical cleaning agent like flux can help do the job effectively.

Have a look at our rechargeable soldering iron set below – a worthwhile investment!

Rechargeable Soldering Iron Set 30W

Product code: JTS1545

This Rechargeable Soldering Iron Set is everything you need for your soldering projects! An internal lithium-ion battery provides the power.

It can last for up to 50 minutes of soldering from a full charge. A fast 5-minute charge can provide 90 seconds of use if the battery is not charged when you use it.

An integrated LED also provides light to what you are soldering, and it is ESD safe. Other safety features include short circuit protection, overcharge and over-discharge.

Plug it into an available USB power source to charge it.

2. Raspberry Pi 4 Starter Kit

A Raspberry Pi kit is not something you would normally have in your DIY toolbox. But if you are a tech enthusiast, it makes a great investment.

It is a tool that allows you to upgrade or even build your own computer or laptop. The perfect example of this is the Raspberry Pi 400 Keyboard. This model is ideal not only for children learning to code but also for anyone who needs a computer.

The Pi 4 is thin enough to fit in your pocket and light enough to carry anywhere. And if you want a single-board computer, we offer the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2GB kit, ideal for beginners.

The bundle includes 2GB RAM, a black case, HDMI and Ethernet Cables. Plus, a microSD card is preloaded with NOOBS for Raspberry Pi and a compatible power supply.

3. Nichrome Wire

Also known as nickel-chrome, Nichrome is an alloy wire. It is best known for its heat resistance and its resistance to both corrosion and oxidation.

Nichrome wire is a mixture of 80% nickel and 20% chrome, creating a tough, hard to bend the wire. From industrial manufacturing to hobby work, it is incredibly useful for various applications.

This includes commercial products, foam cutting, crafts and tools. Available in 100-gram rolls and various SWG (gauge), get your nichrome wire from us!

Nichrome Wire 100g Roll

Product code: CB33xx

Ideal use for a range of applications, including:

• Foam cutting
• Interior ribbing for clay models
• Heating elements in RepRap 3D Printers

The wire requires a phosphoric acid flux to be soldered. This is due to the solders tendency to melt when heated.

You can weld it with ease to the required components as another option for joining.

4. Multimeters

Multimeters come in handy when testing and troubleshooting electrical connections and circuit issues. They are designed to measure basic circuit properties, such as voltage and resistance.

There will be times when your circuits may stop working due to faulty wires. With the use of a multimeter, you can check the connections and save a lot of time.

Indeed, it is an essential hobbyist tool to have around! There are two types of multimeters available on the market. Check them out below:

Multifunction Analogue Multimeter with Audible Continuity

Product code: JQM1020

This multifunction analogue multimeter has audible continuity. Ideal for measuring AC/DC voltage, resistance, diode check, continuity, and transistor leak current.

Economy True RMS Auto Range Digital Multimeter

Product code: JQM1321

The perfect multimeter ideal for technicians, trade, or DIY. Ruggedly designed for heavy-duty use with the accuracy of true RMS measurement.

Features data hold to assist with onsite analysis. Four input jacks (three positive and one negative) for conducting tests in conjunction with the rotary dial.

The built-in alarm and LED indicator clearly alert the user to issues, faults, and test results.

5. Compartment Parts Box

Compartment boxes are great for storing electronic components. This includes DIY bits and crafting materials.

DIY enthusiasts and professionals widely use this tool storage box. One can keep the little knick-knacks, such as nails and screws, in place and organised.

For an organised and tidy workbench, invest in one. The more compartments, the better! Have a look at our 19 compartment storage case below.

19 Compartment Storage Case

Product code: CA4019

Made of ABS plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). It comes with solid clasps and removable compartment trays so you can take parts with you to a job.

The transparent plastic top cover allows the contents to be viewed even when closed. Built to withstand the rigours of a construction site, factory, or workshop.

You might also like our 30 Drawer Parts Cabinet, 5 and 10 Compartment Box, so be sure to check them out!

6. Picaxe

Picaxe acts as the brain of your electronic project. A microcontroller tool that is primarily designed as an educational system for schools.

This PIC chip has become the education standard around Australia. And many hobbyists have also used the system across the world due to its ease of use.

We offer a wide range of Picaxe products. They can be programmed to read temperature and humidity sensors, as well as:

• Control motors
• Convert analogue to digital (ADC)
• Read infra-red remote controls
• Control servos
• Read matrix keypads amongst many other applications

The programming language is easy to learn, and the flowchart software is even easier to use. This technology is also affordable, making it popular with beginners and more experienced users.

From add-on modules, cables, software & accessories to project kits and starter packs, we have them all!

7. Arduino

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. Known for its simplicity and accessibility, it has been used in thousands of different projects and applications.

Moreover,  it runs on Mac, Windows and Linux. This software is easy-to-use for beginners yet flexible enough for advanced users.

If you are looking for a great variety of Arduino items, shop our Arduino range here.

8. Battery testers

Unfortunately, many batteries do not come with in-built meters to notify when they are out of power. This is where battery testers come into play.

Convenient to use, battery testers provide quick results, making them a must-have tool. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or professional, a battery tester always comes in handy.

There are different types of battery testers. Each type is suited to varying battery types and sizes.

Suppose you are checking your vehicle battery, use a unit made for automotive testing, such as:

12VDC Lead Acid Battery Tester including SLA, AGM, GEL

Product code: JQP2261 – No longer available

This battery tester works on all automotive 12V lead-acid batteries. Suitable for testing various battery types, including:

• Ordinary lead-acid battery
• AGM flat plate battery
• AGM spiral battery
• GEL battery

It can quickly and accurately measure the alternator’s charging and starter’s cranking conditions. It can also identify batteries with bad cells.

Additionally, this battery tester features an LCD to show the results. It has a menu tab and clips to connect the battery tester to the vehicle’s battery.

The Bottom Line

Nothing is more satisfying than knowledge of electronic repairs. This is especially true when it comes to household items.

And using a piece of equipment that you have built with your own hands is thrilling and satisfying. You can also save money through this DIY route.

Whether it is the thrill of building or repairing gadgets or saving a bit of money, building electronics is a great hobby. We hope our list of hobbyist tools will help you complete your starter tool kit if you are getting started!