DIY Pedalbuilders gear belt

1. Digital Multimeter

There are a lot of options. First of all it should be able to measure Voltage (V), Current (A) and Resistance (Ω). Then I would suggest to get something that also measures Capacitance (F) and Diode so you can detect conductance.

Here is a good and cheap one:

Portable Digital Multimeter Backlight AC/DC Ammeter Voltmeter Ohm Tester Meter XL830L Handheld LCD Multimetro Voltage Current

2. Component tester

These things will make your life a lot easier! These will tell you the pinconfiguration and type of the transistor you put in it along with a lot of extra info like Hfe.

Transistor Tester TFT TC-1 Diode Triode Capacitance Meter LCR ESR Meter NPN PNP MOSFET IR Multifunction Tester Multimeter

3. LED tester

I hear people scream "WHYYYYY???"

Well, when you want to know quickly what type of LED you just grabbed from the pile and what current works best, this is a killer. Trust me, you will need one more than you think.

You can try thin one:

2~150mA Mini Handy LED Test Box Tester For Light-emitting Diode Lamp Bulb Battery Tester Handy Device LED Tester

4. Breadboard

If you want to experiment with circuits this is a need to have.

I suggest you go big right from the start. You never know how big your next project will be. Right?

You can even go bigger, but this one will do just nice.

WAVGAT 1PCS SYB-1660 Solderless Breadboard Protoboard 4 Bus Test Circuit Board Tie-point 1660 ZY-204

Also get some point to point wires :) Ok, jumpers.

5. Soldering station

And just to proof this list is just in a random order, we now come to the most vital part of your gear... the soldering station.

I have this one and love it. It is cheap and works great but most of all, it solders and desolders! It comes with different (de)solderingtips and other handy tools. Do not forget to buy some extra filters!! they are not expensive so the shipping costs will exceed the price when you buy them later on.

ZD-8917-ESD Soldering & Desoldering Station ESD with 2 displays

Yes there are much better stations by Weller etc. but they are really much more expensive and this one hasn't given me any trouble in 2 years (usage: 4 hours/week)

6. Magnifier Lamp

While you are at it, buy a Magnifier Lamp so you will not miss anything and can double check you soldering (very important!!!).

I love this one:

KML-9003LED-5D 14W Magnifier lamp 5-D with dimmer

7. Caliper

Why do you need it? Well simple, you will need to measure your stripboards to make them fit your Hammons 1590B or need to measure the shaft diameter ot your pots etc etc. Trust me again.. you need one! I would stronly sugest you get a digital one that can switch between inch and mm.

I found this one which would do just fine. But note, the cheaper ones will not be as acurate as the expensive ones. But that is no problem for the tasks at hand!

Measuring Tool Stainless Steel Digital Caliper 6 "150mm Messschieber paquimetro measuring instrument Vernier Calipers

8. Solder Smoke Absorber

As you already know, I care about you and your health. To assure your hobby will not be the death of you by inhaling toxic solder fumes, I would advise you to buy a Smoke Absorder.

Solder Smoke Absorber 220V Remover Fume Extractor Air Fan Of Soldering Fume Extractor For Electric Soldering Iron Works