ABSTRACT
What kinds of equipment do amateur scientists use? In astronomy, telescopes are essential; for ornithologists it’s a pair of binoculars; in the field of botany magnifying glasses are important; and entomologists need a couple of nets. Add to that some field guides, jars, and pencils, and most amateur scientists can in theory start to do fieldwork and collect data about stars, birds, plants or butterflies. The kinds of equipment that amateur scientists need usually share the same characteristics: they are rather cheap, easy to find, and they can be purchased from specialized providers. They are, in a sense, ‘convivial tools’ (Illich, 1973), tools that can be easily, flexibly and broadly used. Some of this equipment can be bought second-hand, while other equipment can be built by oneself or tinkered with.
