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Hello Guys,
I come to ask your ideas (or how do you guys do) on the best way to separate and store assorted transistors.
With the years, I came to scrap and possess quite a number of transistors of all kinds (maybe a few hundreds).
I know that this amount is still few in comparison to what probably some of you guys have, but they're enough to annoy me quite much whenever I need to browse them, looking for a possible candidate for a new project or to use as a replacement of something that may have blown.
The thing is, I can't afford the space to have separate drawers for each possible model, so I would like to separate them in some sort of matrix, that is easier to browse later on.
Then, when I get to a given bin, I may need to look for the best part number only in that bin.
But I can't seem to find a good way to sort them...
I thought about four drawers, each with maybe a dozen or sixteen bins (4 x 3 or 4 x 4).
The four drawers would be Small and Medium PNP (or P-channel) - Small and Medium NPN (or N-channel), Large PNP - Large NPN.
Up 'til here, I think it's just common sense to have these 4 major separations and I can`t think of a better way to go about it.
Now, within each drawer, I can't seem to make up my mind about the best way to sort them...
By Vce (Vds) across one axis and by Ic (Ids) across the other?
Which 2 major selection parameters are the most useful?
I welcome your suggestion / wisdom...
Rgrds,
Fabio
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Small plastic bags with a ziploc, widely available on fleabay. Many can then be put in a single component drawer. Choose bag size so it fits into drawer without folding. Put a paper label inside the bag, if that helps locating devices in the future.
Care with static-sensitive devices, of course.
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On 03/12/18 19:59, Fabio Trevisan wrote: Hello Guys,
I come to ask your ideas (or how do you guys do) on the best way to separate and store assorted transistors.
With the years, I came to scrap and possess quite a number of transistors of all kinds (maybe a few hundreds).
I know that this amount is still few in comparison to what probably some of you guys have, but they're enough to annoy me quite much whenever I need to browse them, looking for a possible candidate for a new project or to use as a replacement of something that may have blown.
The thing is, I can't afford the space to have separate drawers for each possible model, so I would like to separate them in some sort of matrix, that is easier to browse later on.
Then, when I get to a given bin, I may need to look for the best part number only in that bin.
But I can't seem to find a good way to sort them...
I thought about four drawers, each with maybe a dozen or sixteen bins (4 x 3 or 4 x 4).
The four drawers would be Small and Medium PNP (or P-channel) - Small and Medium NPN (or N-channel), Large PNP - Large NPN.
Up 'til here, I think it's just common sense to have these 4 major separations and I can`t think of a better way to go about it.
Now, within each drawer, I can't seem to make up my mind about the best way to sort them...
By Vce (Vds) across one axis and by Ic (Ids) across the other?
Which 2 major selection parameters are the most useful?
I welcome your suggestion / wisdom...
Rgrds,
Fabio
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I use 'Coin envelopes' available at most office supply stores. Write the
part number on the envelope and store in numerical order in a cardboard box
partitioned to fit the envelope width.
You can fit a LOT of parts in a small space.
HTH Tad
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If you have more than a couple of each, get small pill bottles with
snap on caps, write the device number on top and keep them in order.
Make small trays slightly higher than the bottle and you can stack
them in a drawer. You could probably stuff a couple hundred in a
drawer.
Not my idea, I saw a collection of smd parts organized that way
(using smaller vials) and it was pretty impressive.
Paul
--
Paul Amaranth, GCIH | Manchester MI, USA
Aurora Group, Inc. | Security, Systems & Software
paul@... | Unix & Windows
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On Mon, 3 Dec 2018 17:04:15 -0500, you wrote: If you have more than a couple of each, get small pill bottles with
snap on caps, write the device number on top and keep them in order.
Make small trays slightly higher than the bottle and you can stack
them in a drawer. You could probably stuff a couple hundred in a
drawer.
Not my idea, I saw a collection of smd parts organized that way
(using smaller vials) and it was pretty impressive. I use bead organization containers for SMD parts. Locally, Michaels or Hobby lobby may have them. You get about 20 screw top plastic vials in a plastic case for not too much (look for sales). These are about 1 inch in diameter. I put a 3/4 inch colored dot label to discriminate between 1% and 5% resistors, for instance. Some containers are available in a 1 3/4 (or so) diameter. Those can be used for tape mounted SMD parts. Be aware that these containers are not necessarily anti-static. Things that need static protection may be left in the tape which can be cut or curled to fit the container. Other containers for beads, especially with locking tops, are good for screws and nuts. Harvey
Paul
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any trouble with electrostatics using those bag? Tom
--
Jack
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Hi Fabio, My view, by type and then note-book cross reference Vce Ic or whatever other characteristic..
--
Jack
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I use #1 coin envelopes folded in half. A small stack held together with a rubber band fit into a compartment in the Plano trays that I store them in. The trays and their compartments are numbered, and recorded in my transistors spreadsheet so I know what I have and where to find a part.
Dale H. Cook, Radio Contract Engineer, Roanoke/Lynchburg, VA
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On 12/3/2018 2:59 PM, Fabio Trevisan wrote: Hello Guys,
I come to ask your ideas (or how do you guys do) on the best way to separate and store assorted transistors.
With the years, I came to scrap and possess quite a number of transistors of all kinds (maybe a few hundreds).
I know that this amount is still few in comparison to what probably some of you guys have, but they're enough to annoy me quite much whenever I need to browse them, looking for a possible candidate for a new project or to use as a replacement of something that may have blown.
The thing is, I can't afford the space to have separate drawers for each possible model, so I would like to separate them in some sort of matrix, that is easier to browse later on.
Then, when I get to a given bin, I may need to look for the best part number only in that bin.
But I can't seem to find a good way to sort them...
I thought about four drawers, each with maybe a dozen or sixteen bins (4 x 3 or 4 x 4).
The four drawers would be Small and Medium PNP (or P-channel) - Small and Medium NPN (or N-channel), Large PNP - Large NPN.
Up 'til here, I think it's just common sense to have these 4 major separations and I can`t think of a better way to go about it.
Now, within each drawer, I can't seem to make up my mind about the best way to sort them...
By Vce (Vds) across one axis and by Ic (Ids) across the other?
Which 2 major selection parameters are the most useful?
I welcome your suggestion / wisdom...
Rgrds,
Fabio I've had great luck using snap lid pill boxes like those SMTWTFS type found in the pharmacy department of just about any big box store. I just put a type label over the day stamp -- Bert.
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My favorite way to store diodes, transistors, ICs, is to use a 4x6" pink zip-lock anti-static bag for each type. they fit perfectly in standard 4" cardboard stock bins, so you can fit many types per bin, and easily add or remove parts in sequence. this allows inventory to expand easily while keeping parts in sequence. mark the part number clearly with a permanent sharpie on the top portion of the bag, and you can quickly zip through them to find the part you want.
this is how I store all my tek and hp parts (including small pots, lamps, etc.), and thousands of 1N/2N numbers. where needed, I use a smaller gray anti-static bag inside the pink bag for very sensitive mosfets parts, or use anti-static foam to seat the parts inside the bag..
this has worked for me for 30+ years, and you can get the pink anti-static bags off ebay cheaply. I buy the cardboard stock bins for a local shipping box company. never had a damaged part in all these years.
I DO NOT recommend plastic acro bins or drawer cabinets. they are fine for hardware, just not for semiconductors. they are also a nightmare to expand as parts are added.
all the best,
walter
--
Walter Shawlee 2
Sphere Research Corp. 3394 Sunnyside Rd.
West Kelowna, BC, V1Z 2V4 CANADA
Phone: +1 (250-769-1834 -:-
We're all in one boat, no matter how it looks to you. (WS2)
All you need is love. (John Lennon)
But, that doesn't mean other things don't come in handy. (WS2)
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Not yet, but that is absence of evidence, not evidence of absence.
Even though it is humid here, rarely less than 50%RH, for FETs I would try to find bags similar to the ones used for storage in Farnell/Digikey/etc. That would be easier if you don't need ziplock bags, but can just use antistatic open-top bags.
When I do that, I fold over the top and staple it down; that has been sufficient to stop the components spilling out.
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On 03/12/18 23:01, Jack wrote: any trouble with electrostatics using those bag? Tom
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Actually I pretty much use one bin for every type. Mostly 6-12 bin plastic trays. Have hundreds of transistors, diodes, LEDs, dip ICs, radial caps, all classified by type and functions.
Resistors come 200pc per type, so go in a plastic shoe box in ziplock bag with bar codes.
SMD parts not on reel go in envelopes in shoe box with barcode labels.
I keep an MS access DB of all semiconductors and caps I buy. I don¡¯t keep quantity updated, but if I need a part, I can quickly tell if there is a likelihood it¡¯s in the shop.
Kjo
Sent from kjo iPhone
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Say, isn't the 2N3906 a PNP transistor?? And 2N3904 is the NPN complement?? Or does my memory from 30 some odd years ago fail me?
Thanks.
Jim F.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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-------- Original message --------From: "Vladimir _ via Groups.Io" <vladimirshs@...> Date: 12/3/18 8:14 PM (GMT-08:00) To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [TekScopes] OT - Method of choice to sort and store assorted transistors (apart from having one bin for every part number) I thought about four drawers, each with maybe a dozen or sixteen bins (4 x 3 or 4 x 4).
The four drawers would be Small and Medium PNP (or P-channel) - Small and Medium NPN (or N-channel), Large PNP - Large NPN. I use the same system, except instead of drawers I use plastic compartment boxes lined with aluminum foil. I also happen to have several hundreds of "boring" small NPNs (basically 2N3906s and similar), so that's a separate fifth group. I keep track of individual transistors on my computer. For each group, I have a folder with datasheets for each part number, with available quantity and important specs (Vceo, Ic, fT, etc) in the filename. There is also a backup copy of the entire thing on a flash drive. This system makes it very easy to tell what's in stock and identify substitutes. Once I decide on a specific part, all I need to do is to look through that compartment, and I already know what the part looks like because of the datasheet. It takes some care to set up and maintain, but the space savings and ease of use are incredible.
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Jim-your memory is fine. most likely meant both "boring" types in similar package styles.....
¸é±ð²Ô¨¦±ð
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On 2018-12-03 10:18 p.m., Jim Ford wrote: Say, isn't the 2N3906 a PNP transistor?? And 2N3904 is the NPN complement?? Or does my memory from 30 some odd years ago fail me?
Thanks.
Jim F.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: "Vladimir _ via Groups.Io" <vladimirshs@...> Date: 12/3/18 8:14 PM (GMT-08:00) To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [TekScopes] OT - Method of choice to sort and store assorted transistors (apart from having one bin for every part number)
I thought about four drawers, each with maybe a dozen or sixteen bins (4 x 3 or 4 x 4).
The four drawers would be Small and Medium PNP (or P-channel) - Small and Medium NPN (or N-channel), Large PNP - Large NPN. I use the same system, except instead of drawers I use plastic compartment boxes lined with aluminum foil. I also happen to have several hundreds of "boring" small NPNs (basically 2N3906s and similar), so that's a separate fifth group.
I keep track of individual transistors on my computer. For each group, I have a folder with datasheets for each part number, with available quantity and important specs (Vceo, Ic, fT, etc) in the filename. There is also a backup copy of the entire thing on a flash drive.
This system makes it very easy to tell what's in stock and identify substitutes. Once I decide on a specific part, all I need to do is to look through that compartment, and I already know what the part looks like because of the datasheet. It takes some care to set up and maintain, but the space savings and ease of use are incredible.
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Thanks, Renee'. The old memory is not what it used to be. Not totally
gone yet, though, evidently.
Jim
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------ Original Message ------ From: "¸é±ð²Ô¨¦±ð" <k6fsb.1@...> To: [email protected]Sent: 12/3/2018 10:24:31 PM Subject: Re: [TekScopes] OT - Method of choice to sort and store assorted transistors (apart from having one bin for every part number) Jim-your memory is fine. most likely meant both "boring" types in
similar package styles.....
¸é±ð²Ô¨¦±ð
On 2018-12-03 10:18 p.m., Jim Ford wrote:
Say, isn't the 2N3906 a PNP transistor? And 2N3904 is the NPN
complement? Or does my memory from 30 some odd years ago fail me?
Thanks.
Jim F.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: "Vladimir _ via Groups.Io"
<vladimirshs@...> Date: 12/3/18 8:14 PM (GMT-08:00)
To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [TekScopes] OT - Method of choice
to sort and store assorted transistors (apart from having one bin for
every part number)
I thought about four drawers, each with maybe a dozen or sixteen bins
(4 x 3 or 4 x 4).
The four drawers would be Small and Medium PNP (or P-channel) - Small
and Medium NPN (or N-channel), Large PNP - Large NPN. I use the same system, except instead of drawers I use plastic
compartment boxes lined with aluminum foil. I also happen to have
several hundreds of "boring" small NPNs (basically 2N3906s and
similar), so that's a separate fifth group.
I keep track of individual transistors on my computer. For each group,
I have a folder with datasheets for each part number, with available
quantity and important specs (Vceo, Ic, fT, etc) in the filename.
There is also a backup copy of the entire thing on a flash drive.
This system makes it very easy to tell what's in stock and identify
substitutes. Once I decide on a specific part, all I need to do is to
look through that compartment, and I already know what the part looks
like because of the datasheet. It takes some care to set up and
maintain, but the space savings and ease of use are incredible.
--- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
|
I use small coin envelopes for bipolar transistors. Then, if they cross to the ECG/NTE system, the envelope goes into a drawer in the 20+ 50 drawer cabinets in the shop. I started doing this in 1970, and it has worked well.
Anything that doesn't fit that system ends up sorted in part number order in tray bins.
Michael A. Terrell
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-----Original Message----- From: ¸é±ð²Ô¨¦±ð <k6fsb.1@...>
Sent: Dec 4, 2018 1:24 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] OT - Method of choice to sort and store assorted transistors (apart from having one bin for every part number)
Jim-your memory is fine. most likely meant both "boring" types in
similar package styles.....
¸é±ð²Ô¨¦±ð
On 2018-12-03 10:18 p.m., Jim Ford wrote:
Say, isn't the 2N3906 a PNP transistor?? And 2N3904 is the NPN complement?? Or does my memory from 30 some odd years ago fail me?
Thanks.
Jim F.
|
I use small bags in bins.
Inside the bag, a paper label tells the type.
If too numerous: no bag, single part number in the whole bin. (Or 2 part
numbers with very different packages)
Most important: I use partsbox.io to keep track of the bins contents
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On Dec 4, 2018 9:02 AM, "Michael A. Terrell" <mike.terrell@...> wrote: I use small coin envelopes for bipolar transistors. Then, if they cross to the ECG/NTE system, the envelope goes into a drawer in the 20+ 50 drawer cabinets in the shop. I started doing this in 1970, and it has worked well. Anything that doesn't fit that system ends up sorted in part number order in tray bins. Michael A. Terrell -----Original Message----- From: ¸é±ð²Ô¨¦±ð <k6fsb.1@...>
Sent: Dec 4, 2018 1:24 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] OT - Method of choice to sort and store assorted transistors (apart from having one bin for every part number)
Jim-your memory is fine. most likely meant both "boring" types in
similar package styles.....
¸é±ð²Ô¨¦±ð
On 2018-12-03 10:18 p.m., Jim Ford wrote:
Say, isn't the 2N3906 a PNP transistor? And 2N3904 is the NPN
complement? Or does my memory from 30 some odd years ago fail me? Thanks.
Jim F.
|
My original database was custom software on a Commodore 64. Due to limited memory, I had to have multiple databases, one for each class of components.
Large quantities are in anti-static bags, in small corrugated paper boxes that fit nicely into lager boxes on the shelves. Tape and reel are sorted and stored in open topped boxes with dividers to find each reel or reels of components. I have over 500 reels of SMD components, and the latest addition is a reel of 1000 78L05 in a SOT-89 package.
Michael A. Terrell
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-----Original Message----- From: Jose Luu <jose.luu@...>
Sent: Dec 4, 2018 3:15 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] OT - Method of choice to sort and store assorted transistors (apart from having one bin for every part number)
I use small bags in bins.
Inside the bag, a paper label tells the type.
If too numerous: no bag, single part number in the whole bin. (Or 2 part
numbers with very different packages)
Most important: I use partsbox.io to keep track of the bins contents
On Dec 4, 2018 9:02 AM, "Michael A. Terrell" <mike.terrell@...>
wrote:
I use small coin envelopes for bipolar transistors. Then, if they cross to
the ECG/NTE system, the envelope goes into a drawer in the 20+ 50 drawer
cabinets in the shop. I started doing this in 1970, and it has worked well.
Anything that doesn't fit that system ends up sorted in part number order
in tray bins.
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Hello all,
Thank you everybody for all your valuable input.
I can't possibly summarize everything in an answer, or quote or give appropriate credit to each method, but - in general...
I started with this idea to categorize the transistors in a way that their physical placement would somehow reflect their key characteristics... all that in order to save space and minimize the number of separate "compartments"...
But in the light of all your answers - the idea of the plastic bags or coin envelopes catch my attention the most - I got convinced that it's not all that difficult to really have the transistors separate by individual part numbers.
The bags (or coin envelopes) don't take much space, are cheap, and allow to keep the parts organized, without the need of having that many number of compartments (the envelopes become the compartments).
The discussion about being anti-static or not, well, I`m in Sao Paulo (Brazil) and humidity is usually not lower than 50% so, static is rarely an issue here.
Still, I`ll look for anti-static bags and, if they're affordable, it will be my preferred choice.
Thank you again and Rgrds,
Fabio
P.S. It seems the more OT the subject is, the more it grabs the group's attention and triggers more collaboration than anything else...
It got me thinking... Does that say something about human nature? Or about our nature (as a social group)? No answers required!
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eBay has several vendors selling small modular SMT / SMD Surface Mount Parts containers.
You can get them quite cheaply if you look for the bulk sales.
Just do an eBay (or better still Picclick - much better search engine for eBay) search for SMT or SMT Component Boxes.
They are a nice modular system of clip together boxes, originally designed for SMD / SMT component storage, which have transparent hinged lids that flip up 90 degrees & firmly latch closed.
Some boxes have a small metal spring to open the lid while others use a less durable system of a plastic spring.
These modular boxes are designed to clip together on all four sides & are made in a variety of sizes based on a multiple of the smallest size with a common 21mm height.
The smallest box is 25mm across the front with the latch & 31.5mm on the side (No. 1).? These boxes are ESD safe (antistatic) for storing static sensitive components.
The boxes are manufactured in a variety of colours by several different companies but some sizes are commonly available in only one or two colours on eBay.
Some similar looking clip together boxes do not fit these.? The incompatible boxes often have a module with many smaller boxes in a single unit.
Dimension L, Length, is the front side with the latch.
*No.1? 25 x 31.5 x 21.5 mm? L x W x H *
Black / Blue / Brown / Green / Pink / White / Yellow
ID: 21 x 18 x 18 mm??? This is the smallest module size.
*No.2? 75 x 31.5 x 21.5 mm? L x W x H? Green*
Normally only green but also rarely in blue & pink.
3 modules long (front) x 1 module back.
*No.3? 75 x 63 x 21.5 mm? L x W x H??? Pink *
Normally only pink but also rarely in blue & green.
3 modules long (front) x 2 modules back.
*No.4? 125 x 63 x 21.5 mm? L x W x H??? Yellow *
Normally yellow but also rarely in blue, green, & pink.
5 modules long (front) x 2 modules back.
The great thing about these is that you can clip them together in a nice sized stack for ease of handling.
You can colour code for contents but the "alternate" colours may be more expensive.
I haven't got around to it yet but I have a cheap tool box with drawers in the front that I am going to gut & use slides of plywood in aluminium channel to make the boxes into layer drawers.
Because they are so low & small, a lot of compartments can fit into a small area.
You do find a certain number of faulty boxes.
Sometimes the hinge sort of falls apart when the box opens - you may be able to tension the spring to stop that or keep those boxes in a row other than the back one.
Often they do not fall apart if there is another row behind them.
Sometimes a box will not open fully.? Exercising it will often get it to come right.
If you do end up with too many faulty ones from an eBay seller then they normally have to either send you more or do a discount.
There are some other similar containers that are not interchangeable, often in blocks of containers, so you need to check the dimensions.
Regards,
Brian.
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On 04-Dec.-18 08:56, Harvey White wrote: On Mon, 3 Dec 2018 17:04:15 -0500, you wrote:
If you have more than a couple of each, get small pill bottles with
snap on caps, write the device number on top and keep them in order.
Make small trays slightly higher than the bottle and you can stack
them in a drawer. You could probably stuff a couple hundred in a
drawer.
Not my idea, I saw a collection of smd parts organized that way
(using smaller vials) and it was pretty impressive. I use bead organization containers for SMD parts. Locally, Michaels
or Hobby lobby may have them. You get about 20 screw top plastic
vials in a plastic case for not too much (look for sales). These are
about 1 inch in diameter.
I put a 3/4 inch colored dot label to discriminate between 1% and 5%
resistors, for instance.
Some containers are available in a 1 3/4 (or so) diameter. Those can
be used for tape mounted SMD parts.
Be aware that these containers are not necessarily anti-static.
Things that need static protection may be left in the tape which can
be cut or curled to fit the container.
Other containers for beads, especially with locking tops, are good for
screws and nuts.
Harvey
Paul
|
Fabio Trevisan
Dale H. Cook
Michael A. Terrell
Jose Luu