So the guys at the electronics stores are loving me lately. I’m pretty good at destroying things. While electronics is a reasonably affordable hobby, I’ve managed to turn it into something a little more extreme. So without further adieu, here’s my “listo destructo”:

• ATMega168 IC — I was using a headless Arduino as a Serial connection. Removing the ATMega IC each time I had to reprogram the XBee chip. Missing one vital component, an IC extractor. The extractor is cheap, at least cheaper than a replacement IC. If you bend the pins once removing the IC by hand, don’t do it again… and again… and again. In the end I bought a new ATMega168, IC extractor, and USB-TTL module so I wouldn’t have to extract it again. (But at this moment the Arduino is sitting on my desk headless)
• HM55B Digital Compass — Red wire, Black wire. Its not that difficult is it? I thought it would save time to just use my existing precut Green wire to wire up the Digital Compass. Wasn’t getting the response I wanted. Turns out I had the positive and negative reversed. Whiff of the burning silicone smell. Definitely not getting the results I want anymore.
• Battery Holder & Two AA’s — Smelled that awful burning smell again last night. Ripped out the power going to the XBee’s, Arduino, USB-TTL. Now I see wisps of smoke coming through the air but nothing’s plugged in. Start throwing papers off my desk to find the culprit. Where there’s smoke there’s two AA’s shorting out. Unplug the AA’s with my IC extractor and promise myself to wire up a two pin plug and clean the desk. (It’s still messy)
• Countless plumbing prototypes — I’ve resoldered the Solenoid structure about ten times now. Still don’t have a final result I’m pleased with. Still have another design up my sleeve but I haven’t spawned the courage to start building it.
• DVD Player — This one’s a good one, I’ve identified hundreds of components scavenged from a DVD Player that didn’t work anymore. IR Emitter and receiver, momentary switches, capacitors, RGB Jacks, connectors, motors, and a frickin’ laser beam. To think this DVD player cost $30. Easily aved me that cost of buying all these little parts at Radio Shack.
• Inkjet printer — Again, tons of little components. Varistors, servos, gears, USB jack, power supply, zener diodes, etc. I’m thinking someone should make a website documenting all the components we can dig out of discarded things. Made a mental note to get rid of the plastic casing before my basement fills up with junk.
• Nintendo Powerglove — I think I just heard hearts shatter. This one was destroyed about two years ago, but it counts in this list because I’m using the parts for one of my project. Recovered Ultrasound emittors and receivers, flex sensors, etc.

One of the guys at work said I probably shouldn’t put a price list on this. I have to agree, it would hurt too much. Oh and this is by no means a complete list, I intend to update as I keep making stupid mistakes.