Where is my part???

@larry_n7luf Hi Larry, For small SMD parts i like to use these https://imgur.com/a/8X6B5ql The cost around £9 UK for the 50 box configuration. I have one for resistors, Capacitors, Inducrors/LED’s and a various one. I use a lable template to print neat/tidy  signage as to each boxs contents. They will also come apart if you need to juggle things about.

You also need a register. So you know what you have and where.

https://partsbox.com/

free for private use.

@brian-wood Hi Brian, yes I just got something like that.
The SMD I now have are is a strip and not loose.
It is good seeing what others are doing.

@wilhelm Thank you, and this has been I am looking for, as I was looking for an offline, but maybe should be thinking about an online database.

Used it for the last 6-7 years.

When you enter in a new part you usually only have to fill in or scan the partnumber and it pulls the part data from octopart.com for you.

After that you fill the amount and storage place.

And you can backup all your data to local json-file and store it.

Since I like to collect more things than just parts, I have a system … that I hand-crafted to suit my needs.

Let’s say I take a box, I make photos of everything inside (up to 3 photos per item / part) and then I rename photos accordingly (with part_name_1.jpg, part_name_2.jpg) etc. Comments can be added by creating a part_name_comments.txt file, and count by creating a part_name_count.txt file. I put everything in a folder called let’s say Box22. Then the box gets Box 22 label.

I wrote a small application that iterates over the Box___ folders, figures out each part name, the photos, comments if existing etc. At the end, it creates an .html file with tabular data: each box is a table, each row in the table is the part name, comments, count and the clickable thumbnails for the items inside. I can just mouse over the thumb nails and I see the photo magnified without even clicking.

Search all inventory is easy: Ctrl-F. I try to keep the part names / items names short and put more data in the comments. If I order 1-2 parts for a project I want to do at one moment, I put the project name in the comments. The drawback is that it requires energy to keep chaos (entropy) under control. I am forcing myself to put parts / items back into the original box, otherwise, I have to remember to move files around in different folders and regenerate inventory.

I tried various inventory apps, but they were overly complex and it didn’t seem easy to extract my data in a reusable way. Like this, the filesystem is the database, very easy to backup.

I use Partsbox.com for inventorying my parts, they have a free hobbyist level. It is pretty good inventory system with location, plus shows the specs of the part, data sheets , case style , etc.

Currently (needs attention) my system is using an Excel style sheet (Google Sheets) for tube inventory. I would guess only half of my tubes or less are actually documented right now, it takes a while to go through each one and group them. 1,400 in the sheet right now. The rest I just have organizer bins with similar parts together. As others have said, I just go through that area and see if what I need is present. If not, order what is needed and it gets added. Tubes are easier to track that way as changing inventory count is simple as you don’t use them like caps and resistors.

The nice part about being on google, it updates in the cloud so no matter where I am, there is always a current version of the inventory. Phone, computer, whatever.

@radtekman I just did my SMD yesterday in an excel template the seem to worked for what I need, but then I have all of the through hole parts that I most likely will not do.

The only problem is going to maintain the database as I use up the parts.

I did find many of the parts are no longer made and will the substitute work.

@larry_n7luf Exactly, it works great for small volume parts (tubes in my case). All depends on how you stay on top of the counts and what gets used. I also have most of my resistors on peg board hooks grouped into ranges and wattage. Different parts call for different systems. Eventually I will actually organize and setup my lab (currently just thrown about in the basement and does not look nice).

@radtekman Most that I have logged has been diodes and IC.
I just wish I could get the wife to help, and I could get back building. 😊

Currently printing this unit to temp store parts on my work table. https://makerworld.com/en/models/185805?from=bambustudio#profileId-213034.

It uses the gridfinity system from Zach Freedman (lots of designs on Thangs).

@gbfreeman123 Interesting, and thank you as I like doing 3D printing.
My only problem is now space to put things I print. 🙄

@larry_n7luf 

Here is another inventory management solution for you to consider.

removed link

@sherlockohms I am sorry your link was not there.

I am not sure why as it may been against the rules or not add the rightway.