This guide was donated by @alexren and was originally used for highway.hackclub.com
Sourcing parts
Welcome to part sourcing! Here's a ton of tips for you to optimize your part selection & costs!
If you're ever unsure of your BOM, send it in #hardware! People can definitely help you pick better parts and make better decisions.
Overview
When picking parts, PLEASE be resourceful! Make the most out of every dollar and don't take the entire budget just because you can
Do's
- Lots of research into what parts to use!
- Ask in #hardware for advice on picking parts
Don'ts
- Buy a $100 Oscilloscope
- Buy extra parts for "later projects"
- Buy a $40 module on amazon instead of waiting 2 weeks to get it for $5 instead
At the end, everything should be in a BOM with links to specific parts.
Specific parts
General
Generally speaking, try to reference parts off of other projects since you'll eliminate more unknowns with the hardware
Modules (TP4056, LED matrices, etc)
Almost always the cheapest option is to get it from AliExpress; the only downside is that shipping may take awhile - usually a 2-3 week buffer is safe.
If you're in a pinch, Amazon actually has OK prices all things considered. I would avoid it though, unless you're going to miss Undercity if you don't use them
SBCs (Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, etc)
Raspberry Pi You can get Orange Pis from aliexpress.
Depending on your application though, you can also repurpose old laptops/desktops for your specific application if it's not space-sensitive
Microcontrollers (arduino, RP2040, etc)
AliExpress is still usually your go-to for this!
Arduinos are fairly outdated by todays standards
PCBs
- If you're in India, use SEEED Studio's Fusion Service. They take HCB cards and are by far the cheapest option
- If you're from another country, use JLCPCB, they offer PCBs for under $6 shipped as long as its under 100x100mm
- US customers should be aware that both PCBWAY and JLCPCB are now subject to significant tariffs (35-45%+ depending on product type) due to recent tariff policy changes. Compare pricing before ordering.
- PCBWay tariff information: link
- EING is not allowed unless you have golden fingers (on-PCB USB-C contacts etc. and this is also subject to a case by case approval, please also mention it to your reviewer).
- Edge plating isn't allowed if it is only for the looks.
- You should just choose the cheapest options that gives you a working pcb
Batteries (Li-Po, CR2032, AA, etc)
Country Specific Notes
Egypt:
Parts
- Egypt has a store called RAM Electronics, which holds a certificate from Cytron, and it offers products at a significantly lower price. (link)
- Additionally, there is Flux Electronics, which offers a wide range of 3D printer Parts and a vast selection of electronics. (link)
3D printing service
- There is Printfy3d, it accepts HCB cards, and it is a good choice. (link)
India:
- Check outhttps://hackclub.enterprise.slack.com/docs/T0266FRGM/F090K0MJTSB! Its very well put together :D
- Most vendors do not take international cards [cards issued outside India], which unfortunately, HCB falls into the category of. Contact your local vendors to try to get that changed!
- Here are some vendors that are documented to work with HCB cards currently, segregated into categories
- Electronic parts (RPIs, modules, power supplies and the like)
- 3D printed parts (3D printing as a Service, JLC3DP-alike)
- 3Ding
Türkiye (Turkey)
- You will most likely be charged customs tax for products over ~30EUR. Keep that in mind.
The Netherlands (Nederland)
- Note that very soon the dutch government will be taxing every package that comes in to the NL from out of the EU. This tax will be €5.
- Source as much as possible from kiwielectronics, the price-product ratio very good. It is also more trustable then BOL.com
confirmed more vendors? wanna add specific notes for your country? contribute here!! You'd be helping a ton of people!
Tips for specific vendors
AliExpress
Aliexpress is one of the highest skill ceiling stores out there - there's a ton of optimisation you can do. Here's some tips:
- The welcome deal only works once when you make your account, so don't budget off of that - you will be hit by significantly higher prices afterwards.
- Pay attention to the estimate shipment date. This will vary by region, but generally speaking it's actually fairly reliable
- Also pay attention to the shipping cost! Usually items that don't have free shipping but a lower initial price actually end up being more expensive when you tally the costs
- There's specific vendors that are useful:
- AITXEM ROBOT: Any microcontroller you can think of
- Trianglelab: 3D printer parts!
Other resources
COMING SOON!