Maybe I am really sweaty or something, but the little diodes keep losing the indicator mark. It is small enough already (which makes it awkward to read them anyway), and I always make sure that they are put in a container, with a label on the section.
I was maybe thinking of using something like a Tipp-ex correction fluid to mark them, but I presume that would rub off as well! Any tips would be appreciated. I know how to test them with a DMM, but I don't want to have to do that each time I use them. They are annoying in that they keep getting wiped clean of indicators just through use.
Right, the nail polish would probably hold better than correction fluid? Also, that may be a good option regarding automobile touch up pen. That would be more permanent considering that Tipp-ex is mainly for use on paper, and would not get much interference from "touching".
You will find them on any online marketplace for a reasonable price with a search for "paint marker". I happen to have that "Sipa" brand, but it is the type of product where a physically identical item is sold under a variety of different Chinese brand names. I'm guessing any brand that has that same packaging format will be functionally equivalent, so I would just buy the one with the lowest price.
I primarily use them for marking plastic connector and header housings. I compared the durability against "Wite-Out" brand correction fluid and nail polish. It was more durable than the correction fluid, but a bit less than the nail polish. However, the durability was quite adequate for my needs and paint pens are significantly more convenient than nail polish. I find the marking is durable as long as it isn't subjected to scraping, and even then enough traces of paint will remain to serve as a visual marker. I would guess that the diode package material will be equivalent or better at holding the paint (any sort of paint does not adhere well to the plastic material of the housings).
Knowing how expensive most diodes are not I just get a different brand where the band will not rub off. You can also hang them on a magnet bar, only one side will stick. This is how I have seen them orienting them at the manufacturing facility. Of course you could simply use a magnet to pick them up.
I know, we should, but we don't lol. You pick em up and shove em into the breadboard. Maybe I will get a bit more precise. I know it would help, but it means buying more stuff. I think I will just go with the nail polish or something.
I would like to see a picture of a diode with it's markings rubbed off, because in my 60+ years of experience I've never seen one. True, laser engraved chips and diodes can be hard to read, but good light and reading glasses can usually fix that. Laser marked parts can be read easier with a tiny amount of white heatsink paste rubbed on it.
Leo..
a small diode can be rubbed claen of markings. If someone uses them on a reuglar basis on pr0totye boards. It is only a bit of ink that rubs off then its like just a black conponemt with nothing on it.
I've only ever seen glass body diodes with printed markings.
1N4148 and similar looking glass zener diodes.
I buy them on bandolier tape, which is colour coded.
Leo..
