Project Hints and Tips

Buying Parts

Creatron - Retail and online, 2 locations, 349 College Street and in Scarborough

Sayal - Retail and online, 7 Locations, 3791 Victoria Park Ave., 7701 Woodbine Ave., 1350 Matheson Blvd. East

Make sure you get the correct part

Surface mount devices – very small next to impossible to hand solder.

Through hole devices – easy to solder.

Surface mount device adapters

When you can't get a through hole device.

Allows you to use a bread board.

Buying Parts: Experience has shown.

The first one you blow up because you didn't read the data sheet. Or connected it wrong the first time.
The second one gets blown up the night before your demo because you are tired and in a panic.
This leaves you one to get through your demo.

Buy as soon as you have defined your need. Parts may be out of stock with several weeks/months lead time to delivery.

Donated items

From time to time we get parts donated to the department. Check with Jim Koch to see if what you need is available.

Facilities Available to Students

Machine Shop

Tools available include table saw, drill press, hand drill, metal shear, bending break.

Circuit Boards

Software for creating circuit boards is available under Applications/Engineering/Eagle 6.5.

Before you start, see Jim Koch, there are some tips he will pass on regarding designing boards that will be cut on the machine.

There is a small charge for supplies if you have a board done by the department.

3D Printing

The department has purchased a Makerbot 3D printer.

3D printing will be free but limited to a 7 hour printing time and 1 print per week.

Ryerson Library

Isaac Olowolafe Jr. Digital Media Experience Lab

Help and Advice

The Engineering Support staff is here to help if you need help with test equipment.