Electronics Build Log

Why is an Electronics Build Log important

Keeping an electronics build log can be helpful in many ways. Firstly, keeping track of the large number of components needed for my projects made the practical aspects far easier. Secondly, it was also going to come in useful should I want to document or repeat any of my previously completed projects. Finally, it is always good practice to keep spares handy in case something breaks or malfunctions during assembly*. Moreover, keeping spares means you can undertake maintenance on the completed projects over time and use should they need it.

Additionally, whilst keeping this electronics build log I am able to see any crossover of equipment from project to project, which helps a great deal in the early planning (and buying) stages for a new project. Whilst I have also been able to identify the most reliable brands for components, resulting in higher quality and reliability in future projects.

* When fitting electrical components, many things can go wrong. They may incur damage in transit, damage might happen during assembly (extra caution needs to be taken as they are often very fiddly). As a result of, working on such a small scale of components extra care should be taken.

Also, the projects take such a lot of time and energy, that I find it quite cathartic to see all of the elements involved written down in an electronics build log. In addition, when seeing this list, it also makes me realise the sheer scale of work that has had to be put in to each of my projects. That makes me very proud.

Feeding electronic build logs back into the Printing Community

Finally, A key factor of the 3d printing community is the sharing of experiences and knowledge. Therefore, I knew I was going to want to tell and and share with other people my knowledge and tips about these prints. In addition, those within the community may often provide help with printer settings as well as, printing tips, with things like orientation within Cura. And then, the optimum print speed. However, the print speed varies between machines. Further, printers with larger print beds are less reliable when printing at high speeds. Therefore, this may require some trial and error for your specific printer.