Been watching EEVblog #168 How to set up an Electronics Lab
Been into electronics since a kid (used to build kits from Tandy's in the 1970's), now I want to take up the hobby in a serious way.
Now due to ill health, I've had to retire at 54 (don't want any sympathy), haven't got loads of spare money, but want to set up a reasonable lab, so that I can start learning properly and have most things I could need.
Not to worried about components, can get them cheap as and when needed (got a load of caps, resistors etc, plus a load of Ardunio bits to be getting on with). But I want to get the big things now, due to finances, I don't want to have to plead with my lovely wife to buy big (for my finances) items in months to come, I'd rather get most of it over with now.
I have some things already, have a Hantek DS05102P Oscilloscope, have a couple of meters.
I've been going through the youtube blog and Dave recommends getting hold of an analogue Oscilloscope. Looking at ebay, they don't seem very cheap, I presume this isn't really needed?
I do need a power supply, Dave suggests getting a kit, but I can't find any on the UK. When looking at pre-built ones, I do see a lot of similar looking (presumed made by same company and rebadged) power supplies on ebay/amazon. Was thinking about something like this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E7OGHJM/?coliid=II5WG08YUD1N2&colid=L5N3DCOD52K1&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it But reviews on things like power supplies and soldering stations all seem very mixed, or numerous so called different sites all recomending exactly the same top 10 (suspect they are fake review sites). Thoughts on a power supply for a beginner, is the one I selected suitable?
My soldering iron is okish (Antex Xs25w) but not a soldering station, video says I must have a soldering station. That's a minefield as there's a load of rebadged cheap stuff out there. Any advice on a cheapish good one?
Then he recommends getting a hot air rework station, again loads around, haven't a clue whether they are good or cheap crap. Any suggestions for a cheapish good one please?
Most other things in the vid I already own. I know it's a bit of a how long is a piece of string question, I don't expect to be working on mains voltage stuff that much, only if repairing something that breaks.
Many thanks
Hob