What is BOM Squad?
BOM Squad is a free search and inventory tool designed for DIY audio hardware enthusiasts. It converts static component lists into interactive shopping lists and helps manage personal inventories of components, and helps users find suppliers of these components.
Where does BOM Squad data come from?
Due to legal restrictions on the use of various APIs, BOM Squad does not use any API or scraping tool for data collection. Similar to the crowd-sourced encyclopedia Wikipedia, we manually enter all data directly using manufacturer data sheets and other references, documenting only basic info like component values for identification and comparison.
Does BOM Squad infringe copyright?
No, BOM Squad does not infringe copyright. The platform operates in compliance with U.S. copyright law, which states that raw data and factual information, such as component specifications and Bill of Materials (BOM) details, are not eligible for copyright protection (Feist Publications, Inc. v. Rural Telephone Service Co., 1991). BOM Squad exclusively uses this raw data to create its interactive tools and avoids incorporating any copyrighted content without permission. Additionally, all images featured on the site are used with the explicit permission of the manufacturers. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights while providing a valuable resource for the DIY audio hardware community. If you have concerns about specific content, please use the "Report a Bug" button or our content and data inaccuracies form.
How does BOM Squad help with component sourcing?
BOM Squad eliminates redundant orders by managing your personal inventory and repurposing extra components for future builds. It integrates with retailer databases to streamline the sourcing process.
What community features does BOM Squad offer?
BOM Squad crowdsources information about components, including reviews and alternatives for discontinued parts. This community wisdom is preserved in a single, accessible platform.
Is BOM Squad free to use?
Yes, BOM Squad is free to use. We are committed to keeping it free forever, supported by crowdfunding on Ko-fi.
How can I support BOM Squad?
You can support BOM Squad on Ko-fi for $3 or $10 per month. Subscribers get to choose which features and projects we add next.
Is BOM Squad open source?
Yes, BOM Squad is open source. You can explore and contribute to our codebase on GitHub.
How do I use BOM Squad?
From the homepage, select a project you want to build. Each project page contains details and an interactive BOM. You can add projects to your personal list or a list of planned builds, manage your inventory, and create shopping lists.
What is the interactive BOM?
The interactive BOM is a nested table that shows build requirements and components that fulfill each item. It includes community reviews, prices, and supplier links. Icons indicate if your inventory or shopping list meets an item's requirements.
How does BOM Squad handle component storage?
You can specify storage locations for components in your inventory. Locations are entered as a comma-separated list representing a nested structure (e.g., drawer number, box number).
How do the yellow highlights and icons in the interactive BOM work?
Yellow highlights and icons in the interactive BOM indicate if your inventory or shopping list meets an item's requirements. Darker yellow means both sources meet the requirements, helping you verify that a project is feasible with your current or planned components.
How can I stay updated with BOM Squad's changes?
We notify users of any changes by posting updates on our website and via email to subscribers. You can review the Privacy Policy periodically for updates.