Build It Yourself Electronics

Choose a project you can use and learn something while building it.
How is that for a great combination?

Like a lot of engineers, electronics was my hobby long before it became my profession.   From the 1950's through the 1980's, you could purchase electronic kits along with components, books and surplus electronics from retail outlets in any major city.   For someone wanting to learn-by-doing it was and is, the best way next to attending a formal class with a laboratory.   Actually, it may be better to build an electronic kit - you build what you want, and are motivated to do so by your own interest in the project.   Sadly, the two largest manufactures of kit electronic products, EICO and Heathkit, are long gone from the kit manufacturing market.   Once common electronic kits in blister packs at retail electronic parts stores have all but disappeared (along with most of the electronic parts stores).   The good news is you can now find a wide variety of electronic kits, parts, surplus and prototyping components on the internet.

Kits and Surplus Components

Most of the electronic kit companies I have bought from also sell new and used electronics surplus. Here are some great resources for electronic kits, surplus components and gadgets.

All Electronics Corporation

Surplus components, subassemblies and electronic kits

BangGood Electronics

Low priced electronic Kits, subassemblies, components and gadgets - often NO instructions and medium delivery times (3-4 weeks)

B.G. Micro

Surplus components and electronic kits

Circuit Specialists

New and surplus parts, tools and electronic kits

Electronic Goldmine

New parts, electronic kits and surplus

Futurlec

Low cost new components and unique kits - long delivery times (5-6 weeks)

MPJA Electronics

Surplus electronic components, electronic hardware and subassemblies

Ramsey Electronics

Unique electronic kits - great customer service

Surplus Shed

Surplus electronic and optical parts