Acquiring Components:
Some students seem to have a hard time getting acquainted with the
fact that there are other places to acquire parts/supplies
other than "Radio Shack". Numerous mail order vendors offer
a variety of parts that makes Radio Shack pale in comparison.
Most parts/supplies are also usually available from these vendors
at a fraction of the cost that you would have to pay at Radio Shack.
One gotcha, however, is the minimum-order requirements which can vary
from say $25 up through $75 or even $100. Jameco Electronics is nice
in this respect, as they will permit you to order under their $25 minimum
for an additional $5 service charge. All the links below enable you
to browse through inventory, prices, and to order online if desired.
Jameco Electronics
DigiKey
Newark Electronics
Most mail order supply places provide standard UPS shipping, but
if you need your stuff right away, they offer 1-day or 2-day
shipping for an additional fee. The fast way to order is to either
order on-line by getting onto the above web sites, and provide
credit card information. A safer way is to simply phone the company
[most provide a free (800) number] and order using a credit card.
Other popular distributors providing extensive inventory selection include:
Mouser Electronics (ph. 800-346-6873)
Allied Electronics - great source but I don't have their info right now!
Several "surplus" dealers offer great deals on misc. surplus items
but do not have extensive selections/inventories. Nevertheless they
generally offer great deals on items such as DC motors, stepper motors
Liquid Crystal Displays, LED's, NiCADs, relays, solenoids, tools etc..
Some also offer decent selections of common (and sometimes more esoteric)
IC's, transistors and other semiconductors such as Hall Effect sensors.
Marlin P. Jones & Assoc. Inc.
Abra Electronics Inc.
All Electronics Corp.
B.G. Micro, Inc.
D.C. Electronics: (ph. 800-467-7736 or 800-423-0070)
Hosfelt Electronics, Inc: (ph. 800-524-6464)
AND MANY, MANY MORE!
Many of these companies provide an inexpensive way to stock up on
"infrastructure" supplies/components to allow you to build
professional looking and reliable design projects throughout
your EE undergraduate career. Things you might stock up on
and save a bundle might include:
Modular ribbon cable connectors(0.1" spacing) & ribbon cable.
-----(for interfacing with the I/O header on the 68HC1x)---
Tools such as needle-nose pliers, cutters, wire strippers etc.
Stranded wire with assorted insulation colors.
Soldering accessories (irons, solder, solder flux etc.)
Light Emitting Diodes, OptoIsolators, OptoSensors.
Resistors, 0.1 mf capacitors(for decoupling).
Hardware (nuts, bolts, washers, PC board standoffs etc.)
Wirewrap wire and sockets.
Project Boxes.
Switches, IC sockets(solder tail), NiCAD batteries.
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