Component sources

[Bern]

Wondering if you would mind sharing with me your favorite sources for electronic components, on line. I have moved, and it is now about a two-hour drive, one way, to the stores I used to use. Who is the easiest to work with, have the best sources, a good catalog, and best pricing? Thanks for all your help.

[russlk]

I buy from Mouser because they have a broad line, no minimum order and prices are good. You can sometimes find bargains at Jameco or All Electronics, but the selection is limited.

[John Paul]

Hi,
Below are some links for two that I have ordered from:<p>The Electronic Goldmine<p>Allelectronics<p>And here are some others that I have not ordered from but they look like they are pretty good:<p>MPJA<p>Circuit
Specialists Supply<p>and of course,
RadioShack<p>John Paul

[Bob Scott]

These are the ones I use at work in order of preference, but sometimes if you shop, newark can have better prices than digikey etc.<p>www.digikey.com
www.newark.com
www.mouser.com
www.alliedelec.com
www.allelectronics.com
www.futurelectronics.com
www.jdrmicro.com<p>Web based massive amount (traincar loads)of surplus semis with with store outlet in San Jose:<p>www.acecomponents.com<p>Good selection of new semis, passives, connectors, etc. No web site but have store in San Jose:<p>Anchor Electronics.<p>For hard to find semis only. They cost 10X as much as market:<p>www.cavalierinc.com<p>You migh find interesting:<p>www.amidoncorp.com<p> Bob<p>[ March 06, 2004: Message edited by: Bob Scott ]</p>

[amuron]

Chris Electronics is typically a 30-40% less than Digikey, and the do not have a minimum order. In volume, they tend to be about 10% less than the big OEM suppliers. In many cases, they will split reels as well. They do not have a web catalog or e-commerce, as their customer based is probably 99% OEM. www.chriselectronics.com<p>I ususally use Chris, DigiKey, Arrow, Insight, Linear direct, and Maxim direct. However 95% of my projects are at the OEM level where I will need thousands of parts a month.<p>For home projects I use MCS Electronics, Marlin Jones, Chris Electronics, DigiKey, Allied, All Electronics, JDR<p>Ron

[Edd]

Another OEM surplus site and its online catalog:<p>http://www.bgmicro.com/catalog.asp<p>73's de Edd

[myp71]

Just in case you need another one I would go with AllElectronics Because they ship Usps without too much extra cost if any It's one plus for me because I hate UPS and refuse to use em (like it's really gonna hurt em but you never know)

[jfbevilaqua]

We have created a system that will scour 4 or 5
distributors for the best pricing. It is still in
Beta Mode but here is what is looks like now.<p> http://www.webshipments.com<p>It is running on a shared development server and
is on the slow side for now but be patient and
check back next week again. The first page
is filled with hidden hyper-links and will be optimized
this weekend.<p>Regards,
John Bevilaqua

[amuron]

Interesting, it looks very similar to the early days of partminer. Its too bad they couldn't make it fly back in 99. (Good for you though). Now www.freetradezone.com is a whole lot more combersome to use. I think you may be onto something, but I wonder why partminer went away from the methods you propose.<p>Ron

[jollyrgr]

One often overlooked source for "common" items is eBay. You can get some real cheap LEDs, capacitors, etc. off eBay stores. I broke down and bought some white LEDs from a guy in Hong Kong from an eBay auction. The goods came and were as represented. I cannot say this will be the case every time. I've also bought capacitors and other LEDs from eBay. Watch out, though, for the shipping. Some sellers charge quite a lot for shipping to make up for their low sale price. Some sellers from Hong Kong were charging shipping prices that were more than the auction price itself. There were other auctions that included the product and "free" shipping for less than what some were charging for JUST shipping.

[Dave Dixon]

Old Thread... back to the top of the list for Philba's use! IMHO Newark (yeah, I know, In One) rocks!
Dave<p>[ February 11, 2005: Message edited by: Dave Dixon ]</p>

[Dean Huster]

Here's a freeze-dried version of a bunch of catalogs I had back around 2001 or 2002. It may be hard to read here, because my original WP version had lots of italics, bold face and type-size changes to help sort things out, and even though this forum has that capability, I wasn't about to spend the time doing all that! For instance, in the original, I had italicized anything that a vendor had that was a bit harder to find, i.e., carbide drill bits, or items of which a vendor had an especially broad array. If you'd like the printed version of the list, e-mail me for instructions on where to send a double-postage SASE business-size envelope and I'll zip a copy to you. Alternately, I might be able to scan and send a .jpg via e-mail back to you.<p>Dean<p>Parts Resources<p>This information is taken from the vendors' paper catalogs and some information may be somewhat dated.<p>
MAT Electronics, Inc. (2001)
400 Pike Road
Huntingdon Valley PA 19006-1610
800-628-1118 (voice)
800-628-1005 (fax)
http://www.matelectronics.com
[email protected]<p>Surveillance and security equipment; TV flybacks; original replacement semiconductors (STK, LA, TDA, 2SB, etc.), NTE replacement semiconductors; VCR parts and tools; 1/4-w & ½-w 5% resistors; power resistors; SMT resistors and capacitors; electrolytic capacitors; TV antennas; cable TV and DSS supplies; cable; crimp terminals; adaptors; connectors; prefab cables; telephone accessories; cordless phone batteries; TV/monitor wall mounts; video game accessories/tools; remotes; turntable styli; auto audio; speakers; PA equipment; generic batteries; camcorder batteries; chemicals; computer connectors, wall plates, accessories; soldering equipment (Weller, Hakko, Wahl); tools (Xcelite, Panavise); bench lighting; ticket books; training videos; service software; alignment media (VHS, 8mm, cassette, DVD); microwave oven parts; test equipment (B&K, LG Precision, Pomona).
<p>
Solid State, Inc., Tech Division (Nice stuff here!)
46 Farrand Street
Bloomfield N 07003
888-287-5487 (voice)
973-429-7150 (fax)
http://www.solidstateinc.com<p>Test equipment (some weird stuff like non-contact thermometer, insulation tester, CO meter, refrigerant leak detector, clamp meters, spectrum analyzers, field strength analyzer, HV probe, differential probe, scope probes, premade cables; Triplett, Global Specialties, Protek, LG Precision); Mueller connectors; perf board; wire wrapping; PC etching; soldering equipment (Edsyn, Weller); solder & flux; educational kits (soldering, fiber optics); tools (Panavise, tackle boxes, service kits, trimpot tweaker, Xcelite, crimpers, spring hooks, bending jigs); storage boxes; parts cabinets; NTE replacement semiconductors; 74xx, 74LSxx, 74HCxx, 4xxx ICs; transistors (2Nxxx, IRFxxx, Vnxxx); thyristors; diodes (zener, Schottky, varactor); optocouplers; LEDs, fiber optic emitters & detectors; fiber optic cable (spools); capacitors (ceramic, mylar, monolythic, tantalum, variable, 160v electrolytic, electrolytic); RF chokes; audio & power transformers; potentiometers; resistors; crystals; oscillators; thermistors; wire & cable; fuses; heat shrink; calculators; computers & accessories.<p>All Electronics Corp. (2001)
(not to be confused with Alltronics)
POB 567
Van Nuys CA 91408-0567
800-826-5432 (voice)
818-781-2653 (fax)
http://www.allelectronics.com<p>Surplus outlet, merchandise changes periodically. LEDs (flashing, bicolor, IR, white, blue, mounting, bargraph); LCDs; lamps; lamp sockets; Cold Cathode Fluorescent lamps; switches (toggle, slide, rotary, push, mercury, hall effect, key, reed, pressure, vacuum); proximity sensors; rotary encoders; thermal switches; rechargeable batteries; battery holders; buzzers & noisemakers; wiring looms; small speakers; screw terminal blocks; microphones; crimp terminals; metal spacers & standoffs; cable ties; roller chain & sprockets; gears; motors; relays; solenoids; heat shrink; thermistors; fans; wire and cable; cameras; telephone jacks; connectors; adaptors; 0.1" headers; IDC connectors; premade cables; panel meters; DPMs; line cords; RFI filters; strain reliefs; GFCI outlet ($6.50 ea); photocell controllers; magnets; wall warts; transformers; "variacs"; knobs; pots; rubber feet; wheels; handles; capacitors (photoflash, electrolytic, large mylar, HV mylar, mica); resistors; fuses; fuse holders; enclosures; perf board; PC board; ferric chloride; Press-n-Peel; Tinnit; tools; adhesives; linear integrated circuits; transistors; diodes (diacs, schottky, 40A rectifiers; HV rectifiers); heat sinks; books; little kits; inductors; torroids; power supplies; Parallax Stamp supplies.<p>Marlin P. Jones & Associates, Inc. (1997)
POB 12685
Lake Park FL 33403-0685
800-652-6733 (voice)
800-432-9937 (fax)
http://www.mpja.com
Orders: [email protected]
Technical information: [email protected]
Catalog requests: [email protected]<p>Surplus outlet, merchandise changes periodically. Security components; computer software instructional videos; power supplies; wall warts; transformers; fans; switches; telephone accessories; relays; motors; solenoids; pneumatic components; small kits; TV accessories; knobs; magnets; audio accessories; speakers (especially paging horns); buzzers & noisemakers; microphones; enclosures; rubber feet; lacing cord; panel meters; test equipment; prototyping boards; breadboarding accessories; tools (carbide drill bits, diamond scribe, files, pliers, crimpers); chemicals; lamps; power resistors; potentiometers; capacitors (super caps, trimmers, monolytyic, ceramic); displays; rectifiers; semiconductors; Peltier modules; LEDs, oscillators; connectors (UHF, N, BNC, IDC, mini DIN, 1/4", 3.5mm, RCA, DB); adaptors; crimp terminals; fuses; fuse holders; books; heat sinks; mirrors; laser diodes; computer accessories; power cords; ribbon cable; lenses; thermocouple wire; wire and cable; Parallax Stamp accessories; X-10 home automation.<p>
Electronix Express, a Division of RSR Electronics, Inc.
365 Blair Road
Avenel NJ 07001
800-972-2225 (voice)
732-381-1006 (fax)
http://www.elexp.com
[email protected]<p>Tends to supply schools as a specialty area. Test equipment (Wavetek, B&K, Fluke, Simpson, Global Specialties); meter movements; trainers (digital, analog, µP, telecommunications, PC interface, PLDs); chip programmers; breadboards; prototyping boards; surfboards; antistatic foam, bags, labels, mats and accessories; wire-wrapping equipment; tools (Panavise, Xcelite, vernier calipers, micrometers, drills & bits); PCB etching (Press-n-Peel – fantastic inventory and price!, Tinnit, ferric chloride, Kepro shear, tanks, screen printing); PCB material; test leads; storage boxes and cabinets; workbenches; carts; soldering equipment (Ungar, Weller, Xytronic); relay racks & cabinets; integrated circuits (74xx, 74LSxx, 4xxx, ADC, DAC, UART, linear, 74HCxx, 6500, 6800, 8000, EPROM); IC sockets; diodes (rectifier, bridge, zener, fast recovery, Ge, varactor); transistors; thyristors; EXR replacement semiconductors; calculators; crystals; oscillators; LEDs (blue, displays, bargraph, optocouplers); incandescent lamps; xenon tubes; fiber optics; HeNe laser; solar cells; switches; resistors; pots; capacitors (NP electrolytic, mica, tantalum, trimmers, ceramic, monolythic, 160v, electrolytic); fixed inductors; variable inductors; ceramic filters; transformers; speakers; microphones; buzzers; connectors; perf boards; terminal strips (solder lug); crimp terminals; cables; fuses; fuse holders; knobs; cable clamps; hardware; batteries; wire and cable; heat shrink; coaxial cable; wire wrap; chemicals; books; video training tapes & CDs; circuit simulator software; computer accessories; degaussing coil; security systems; small kits.<p>
Chaney Electronics, Inc.
POB 4116
Scottsdale AZ 85261
800-227-7312 (voice)
480-451-9495 (fax)<p>Lots and lots of small kits. Computer-based training; training kits; solar cells – interesting reading on the subject; PCB boards.<p>
Brigar Electronics
7-9 Alice St.
Binghamton NY 13904
607-723-3111 (voice)
607-723-5202 (fax)
http://members.aol.com/brigar2/brigar.html
[email protected]<p>Surplus electronics dwelling a lot in industrial control. Motors (BIG servo motors); transformers; fans; power supplies; linear motion rolling guides; ball screws; pneumatic cylinders, regulators & valves; rotary encoders; stepper motors; ac oil capacitors; ribbon cable; huge variety of hook-up wire and cable.
<p>
Electronic School Supply
3070 Skyway Dr., Suite 303
Santa Maria CA 93455
800-726-0084 (voice)
805-928-0253 (fax)
http://www.esssales.com
[email protected]<p>Educational trainers (PLC, µP, fiber optics, digital, analog); tool kits; test equipment (Elenco, global Specialties); small kits; fiber optics accessories; breadboards; tools; integrated circuits (4xxx, 74xx, 74LSxx, linear, CA3xxx, Xrxxx, ADC, DAC, PAL, GAL, Z80-, 6xxx, 8xxx, memory chips, diodes, transistors, zeners, LEDs – good mfr. xref for memory); incandescent lamps, capacitors (electrolytic, mica, tantalum, film); resistors (1%, 5% and networks); inductors; trimpots; panel-mount pots; IC sockets; wire wrap; connectors; telephone/network cabling supplies & patch panels; switches; transformers.<p>
Parts Express
725 Pleasant Valley Drive
Springboro OH 45066-1158
800-338-0531
513-743-1677
http://www.parts-express.com
[email protected]<p>Home theater; remote controls; TV antennas; DSS equipment; MATV equipment; TV accessories; camcorder batteries; X-10; security; video game accessories; computer accessories; Category 5 cable & connectors; cordless & cellular phone batteries, antennas & accessories; telephone installation; belts; NTE replacement semiconductors (good selection); OEM semiconductors; capacitors (electrolytic, film, ceramic, large film, non-polarized electrolytics); resistors (film, power & dummy loads); switches; lamps; fuses; connectors; adaptors; heat shrink; crimp terminals; chemicals; cable ties; "E" clips; Ziplock bags; rubber feet; hardware; tools; Mag-Lite; storage bins; soldering supplies; test equipment (Triplett, Goldstar); wall warts; batteries (button cells, computer NiCd, lithium, gel cell, NiCd, 2-way radio); instructional videos; books; PCB etching supplies; breadboards; enclosures; small kits; Hammond transformers; vacuum tubes; tube sockets; chassis; vacuum tube amplifiers; wire & cable (snake, microphone, guitar, "Monster", flat under-rug, Cat 3, Cat 5, hook-up wire, high-current); CD supplies; test cables; headphones; loudspeaker building components (this is probably the biggest selection of this stuff anywhere on the market!); PA amplifiers; sound absorbing material; professional audio equipment; microphones; mic stands; cases; relay racks; turntable cartridges and styli; disco supplies; alarms; automotive (accessories, audio, amps, antennas, speakers, video, fusing, wiring, foam, liner, mats, speaker boxes, capacitors -- this is another big area of theirs).<p>
Kelvin
280 Adams Blvd.
Farmingdale NY 11735
631-756-1750 (voice)
631-756-1763 (fax)
http://www.kelvin.com<p>Unfortunately, these clowns seem to sell only to schools which is a real bummer since they have some very desirable inventory for hobbyists that may not be found elsewhere. I don't know for sure that they won't sell to an individual, but they supposedly only send catalogs to school addresses. Science-type projects, kits & supplies (plastic molding equipment; radio/audio/video production; screen printing; lasers; hydrophonics; parts for all sorts of construction); cars, boats, planes, races, timers, bikes, magnetism, rocketry, hovercraft, balloons, wind tunnels, maglev; photography; bridgebuilding & testing; earthquake testing; robotics; plastic forming, injection molding, acrylic rods, acrylic sheets; signmakers; plastic, brass, copper, steel, aluminum, tin in tubes, rods, strips, channel and/or sheets; adhesive tapes; adhesives; paints; abrasive papers; clocks and parts; gears; motors; wheels; propellers; pulleys; magnets; solar cells; tools (Dremel, Panavise, glue guns, scroll & band saws, lathe, mini-lathe, mini-vertical mill); badge/button maker; books; small kits; optics; scales; thermometers; timers; rulers; electronics trainers; test equipment; perf board; PCB layout software; wire wrap; PCB manufacturing (PCB material, Kepro shear, tin plating, ferric chloride, ammonium persulfate, etching tank, heater, Kepro spray etcher, transfers); soldering supplies (anti-seize, silicone grease); knobs, enclosures; potentiometers; connectors; switches; LEDs, capacitors (250v & 450v); resistors (1/4-w, power, SIP); integrated circuits (74xx, 74LSxx, 74HCxx, 4xxx, some linear and opto, some NTE); triacs; fuses; relays; IC sockets; transistors; transistor sockets; diodes (rectifiers, zeners, bridge); solder-type and screw-type phenolic terminal strips; barrier strips; crimp terminals; "Amphenol" microphone connectors; microphone cable; headphones; ferrite rod (10 cm x 8 mm); #18 thru #30 magnet wire; TV and computer accessories; batteries; battery holders; zip cord; solid & stranded hook-up wire; test lead wire; heat shrink; wire nuts; cable ties; electrical fixtures (lamp sockets, switches, receptacles, wall plates, plugs, electrical boxes, dimmers, lamp parts); cable clamps; spacers; rubber grommets.<p>
Alltronics (This is one of those you-gotta-have-it catalogs)
2300 Zanker Road
San Jose CA 95131
408-943-9773 (voice)
408-943-9776 (fax)
http://www.alltronics.com<p>Surplus electronics. LED flashlights; lens; "variac" variable autotransformers; transit cases; solar furnace; Teflon spaghetti; keychain laser; CPU heatsink; hard drive; solenoid valve; Loctite; carbide drill bits; 11-pin plug & socket - keyed; older crystal sockets; TO-3 transistor sockets; battery holders; Minicircuits parts; books; mobile antennas; grab bags (standoffs, plugs, trimpots, meters, shrink tube, resistors, MOVs, crystals & oscillators, capacitors, heat sinks, line filters, motors, motherboards, steppers, knobs, displays, ICs, torroids, hardware, wall warts, misc.); 45-to-33 spiders; tuners; tiny cameras; speakers; enclosures; capacitors (silver mica – excellent selection, polypropylene, polystyrene, axial electrolytic, axial tantalum -- excellent selection, conformal tantalum -- excellent selection, radial electrolytic); computer cables, computer accessories, LDC display; New-in-box Atari 1020 color printer ($14.95); fans; pumps; ear plugs; lacing tape and cord; syringes; Teflon tubing; PCB material (fantastic price!); integrated circuits (74xx, 74ALSxx, 74ASxx, 74Cxx, 74Fxx, 74Hxx, 74HCxx, 74HCTxx, 74Lxx, 74LSxx, 74Sxx, 4xxx, linear, used EPROM – overall, about the best IC selection I've ever seen in one spot other than an industrial distributor); little kits; LEDs – good selection; displays; #13 thru #40 magnet wire; magnets, ferrite beads, ferrite rod (0.5" x 8.875"); transformers; Amidon toroidal cores and other Amidon stuff; motors; steppers; pots; ultrasonic transducers; line filters; trimmer caps; rheostats; wall warts; solar cells; power supplies; prototyping boards; barrier strips; connectors & adaptors; muscle wire kits; surfboards; switches; heat sinks; a few tools; scope probes; rubber feet; diodes and transistors (nice selection); vacuum tubes (many used); instructional videos; cables.<p>Jameco Electronics (One of the good-to-have catalogs)
1355 Shoreway Road
Belmont CA 94002-4100
800-831-4242 (orders)
800-536-4316 (customer service)
800-455-6119 (technical support)
800-237-6948 (fax)
http://www.jameco.com
[email protected]<p>Computer accessories; solid state relays; small kits; integrated circuits (74xx, 74Cxx, 74LSxx, 74Sxx, 74HCxx, 74HCTxx, 6xxx, 4xxx, Intersil, Motorola, Signetics, linear, Maxim, Atmel, RCA, Z80, 6800, 8xx, A/D, D/A, EPROMs, EEPROMs, PROMs, PALs, GALs, RAM, memory modules, Analog Devices, Dallas Semi, PIC, ISD voice recorders); Parallax products; PIC products; software; prototyping; crystals; oscillators, diodes & transistors; CDS photocells (LDRs); varistors (MOVs); heat sinks; optocouplers; LEDs; IRLEDs & detectors; displays; LCDs; laser diodes; capacitors (trimmers, SMT, electrolytic, monolithic, tantalum, ceramic, mylar); resistors (1/8-, 1/4-, ½-watt, networks, SMT, potentiometers, trimpots); pressure sensor; flex sensor; hall effect; IR receiver modules; proximity sensors; temperature switches; knobs; switches; relays; connectors; cable clamps; buzzers; ultrasonic sensors; microphones; speakers; solenoids; steppers; motors; servos; gears; muscle wire accessories; batteries; fuses; solar panels; hardware; fans; line cords; line filters; transformers; "variacs"; wall warts (huge selection); power supplies (huge selection); books; breadboards; prototyping boards; enclosures; blank PCB; storage boxes and cabinets; little kits; cameras; PCB etching supplies; soldering equipment (Xytronix, Weller, Wahl, solder pots, fume extractors); chemicals; ESD tools; carbide drill bits; tools; test equipment; cables; EPROM programmers; computer parts (power supplies, keyboards, mice, cards, monitors, modems, hard drives, ZIP drives, floppies, motherboards, cases); computer accessories; network cabling and connectors.<p>
Dalbani (If you do any consumer product repair, this catalog is a MUST!)
4225 NW 72nd Avenue
Miami FL 33166
800-325-2264 (voice)
888-716-9106 (fax)
http://www.dalbani.com
[email protected]<p>Deals primarily with consumer products repair. Semiconductors (STK, IRF, IRFZ, IRFP, STR, STRx, original manufacturer, huge selection of consumer ICs, diodes and transistors, rectifiers, NTE, ECG, TCG replacement semiconductors); capacitors (HV electrolytic to 450v); relays; resistors (1/4-w, power); computer components (cables, data switches, microprocessor cooling kits, cases, cable testers, monitors, cards, ethernet hubs, keyboards, mice, modems, printers, printer supplies, motherboards, hard drives, CD-ROMs, ZIP drives, blank CDs, speakers, microphones, accessories); multimedia training; VCR repair parts (pinch rollers, tuners, belts, heads, idler assemblies, tires, cassette housing assemblies, special tools); TV repair parts (flybacks, triplers, deflection yokes); CD player repair parts (optical pickup assemblies, capstans, jumper cables); potentiometers; TV antennas; video converters; video stabilizers; camcorder heads; MATV/CATV accessories; A/V cables; RG-6, 58, 59, 62 cable; power cables; connectors; adaptors; switches; IR remotes; camcorder batteries; LCD TVs; test equipment; analog & digital panel meters; scope probes & meter leads; soldering equipment (Soloman, Weller, Plato); chemicals; tools (nice selection, reasonable prices); parts cabinets & cases; security systems; A/V wall mount brackets; 2-way communication; home theater; headphones; microphones & accessories; batteries; electric shavers (I just report ‘em, I don't explain ‘em); cameras; telephones & accessories; telephone wiring, repair parts, cordless batteries; cellular batteries & battery eliminators; training videos; generic data books; power inverters; power supplies; wall warts; power cords; automotive sound (in-dash stereo, amplifiers, speakers, noise suppressors, antennas); crimp terminals; lamps; microwave oven magnetrons; NEC monitor replacement boards; small kits.
<p>MCM Electronics (If you do any consumer product repair, this catalog is a MUST!)
650 Congress Part Dr.
Centerville OH 45459-4072
800-543-4330 (voice)
800-765-6960 (fax)
http://www.mcmelectronics.com
[email protected]<p>Home audio systems (power amps, preamps, receivers, CD changers, home theater, tube amp & solid state amp kits, speaker systems, Sovtek vacuum tubes, installation accessories, speaker switches); sound reinforcement systems (mixers, amplifiers, equalizers, active crossovers, speaker systems, road cases, microphones, mic accessories, speaker horns, snakes, windscreens, audio racks & rack accessories; disco crap); televisions; boom boxes; portable radios (AM/FM/SW); clock radios; stand-alone games; telescopes; binoculars; cameras; electronic flash units; tripods; camera cases; camcorder batteries; IR remotes; CD accessories; headphones; turntable cartridges & styli; test tapes and disks; VCR service tools; optical pickups; VCR repair parts; TV repair parts; automotive electronics (TV, antennas, in-dash stereos, EQs, power amps; crossovers, speakers, alarm systems, battery chargers, rear vision); batteries (alkaline, lithium, button cells, gel cells, NiMH, Renewal, NiCd); cordless phone batteries; flashlights (Streamlight, Mag Lite, Eveready); outlet strips/surge protectors; power cords; hospital-grade plugs and receptacles; cellular accessories and repair parts; chemicals; computer products (mother boards, Intel & AMD CPUs, memory modules, EPROM, cards, cameras, power supplies, hard drives, keyboards, mice, scanners, joysticks, speaker systems; disk storage systems, computer batteries, data switches); video game accessories; technician software; connectors & adaptors; crimp terminals; computer networking supplies; paper shredders; calculators; laser pointers; printer supplies; PCB etching supplies; prototyping supplies; breadboarding supplies; knobs; spacers; enclosures; relays; switches; incandescent lamps; LEDs; fuses; fuse holders; small kits; educational videos (UCANDO, EIA, more); books; satellite, MATV, CATV accessories & supplies; TV antennas (Winegard & Antennacraft products); security systems (surveillance & alarms); original equipment semiconductors; capacitors (HV radial & axial electrolytic, electrolytic, ceramic, tantalum, monolithic, film, variable); resistors (1/8, 1/4, ½, 1 carbon film, SMT, power, trimpots, panel pots); IC sockets; heat sink insulators; crystals (regular & low-profile); thermal fuses;vacuum tubes (limited number); books; ESD supplies; soldering equipment (Hakko, Weller, Tenma, Wahl, solder, solder wick); speakers, enclosures, parts, crossovers; storage cabinets, boxes & bins; adhesive tapes; magnifiers; vacuum cleaners; lighting; microfiche readers; tools (Panavise)<p>
ABRA Electronics, Inc. (This is one of the good-to-have catalogs)
1320 Route 9
Champlain NY 12919
800-717-2272 (voice)
800-898-2272 (fax)
http://www.abra-electronics.com
[email protected]<p>A large general catalog. Transistors (including SCRs, triacs, TIP series, IRF, Motorola); integrated circuits (including 74, 74LS, 4000, 74HC, 74HCT, 74HCTLS, 74C, 74F, 74S, 74ALS, 74ACT, linear, Exar, Maxim, Intersil, ADC, DAC, 8000, SRAM, PROM, EEPROM, 9000, 6000, EPROM, flash, DRAM, FPGA, Dallas Semi, GAL, PAL, memory modules, SMT devices); diodes (rectifier, zener, varicap, bridges); resistors (up to 22M, power, SIP, DIP, thermistors, potentiometers); capacitors (including electrolytic, tantalum, supercaps, film, HV caps, trimmers); lamps (including NE-2); optoelectronics (LEDs: blue, displays, holders, intelligent; MOC and 4N, H11, IR, matrixes, laser diodes); LDRs; DPMs; DMMs; analog panel meters; crystals; oscillators; noisemakers; fuses; fuseholders; IC sockets (ZIF, wire wrap, leadless carriers, PGA, SIMM, SIP); fans; heat sinks; switches (DIP, toggle, slide, rotary, micro); knobs; transducers; relays; relay sockets; inductors (a really nice selection); protyping; NTE replacement semiconductors (very comprehensive); maglites; xenon tubes & transformers; soldering equipment (<p>Omnitron Electronics
660 South Military Trail
Deerfield Beach FL 33442
800-379-6664 (voice)
954-574-9528 (fax)<p>Test equipment (Tektronix, Elenco, B&K, Fluke, Hitachi, misc., network test equipment); soldering equipment; test leads; tool kits; electronics trainers; laptop computers; computer equipment; training videos (UCANDO; hydraulics, servos, PLCs, rototics, relay control, misc.); small kits (Chaney, WizKits, Graymark).<p>Radio Shack
Ft. Worth TX 76102
(No mail-order; Internet or retail store sales only)
http://www.radioshack.com<p>Electronics parts and consumer electronics. Radio Shack has the convenience of retail stores all over the country with the disadvantage of sometimes higher prices and alltimes limited parts values. For instance, they may carry a FEW SIP resistor packages, but not a good cross-section of values and styles. Stores vary in size and inventory. What you find in one store you may not find in another. In general, do not count on a Radio Shack employee to be at all knowledgeable in electronics. They may know stereos, TVs and computers, but don't know a thermistor from a thermocouple. Having their big catalog is nice for emergencies, but not for general orders. Their ":Cue:C.A.T." for interfacing their catalog with their Internet site is cute ... but you can't find the "free" device in any of their stores – they're always inconveniently "out". I understand that as of 2003, they will cease any use of a general catalog. If it isn't in the store, you won't find it.<p>Digi-Key
POB 677
701 Brooks Ave., South
Thief River Falls MN 56701-0677
800-344-4539 (voice)
218-681-3380 (fax)
http://www.digikey.com<p>Despite the threatening name of their base of operations, Digi-Key, originally a hobbyist-oriented supplier, is becoming a player in the big distributor business. They have a broad line of solid state and passive components, and Panasonic is one of their largest brands. It's one of THE catalogs to have on hand. If you have a credit card or credit line with them, phone orders are received within four or five days.<p>
Allied Electronics, Inc.
An Avnet Company
7410 Pebble Drive
Fort Worth TX 76118
800-433-5700
http://www.allied.avnet.com<p>This is one of the granddaddy distributors. Originally Chicago-based and selling the Knight-Kit line of hobbyist kits, they were bought by Tandy in the mid-1960s and headquarters moved to Ft. Worth. Radio Shack stores were renamed Allied-Radio Shack for a time. The 2"-thick catalog is a must to have at hand, for this is one of the sources that will carry what the others don't have. Allied has catalog sales offices all over the U.S.<p>
Newark Electronics
4801 North Ravenswood Ave.
Chicago IL 80840-4496
800-463-9275
http://www.newark.com<p>This is another of the granddaddy distributors. Newark is still Chicago-based and it and Allied are direct competitors and have a nearly identical product line. Their 2"-thick catalog is also a must to have on hand, just as Allied's is. Newark has catalog sales offices all over the U.S. and they're linked with Farnell for worldwide sales.<p>
Mouser Electronics
958 N. Main Street
Mansfield TX 76063
800-346-6873 (voice)
817-483-6899 (fax)
http://www.mouser.com<p>Mouser is a wannabe distributor. They have a lot of stuff, but are surprisingly deficient in some areas. Still a good catalog to have. A lot of magazine projects used Mouser-sourced parts.<p>
The Electronic Goldmine
POB 5408
Scottsdale AZ 85261
800-445-0697 (voice)
480-661-8259 (fax)
http://www.goldmine-elec.com<p>Primarily surplus electronics with a changing inventory. Primarily surplus electronics with a changing inventory. Silicon solar cells, weird solder alloys (10/88/2, 40/60, 60/40, 63/37, 96/0/4), ultra-thin heating elements, limited types of semiconductors, air variable capacitors, carbide drill bits, wall warts, security electronics, antennas, rechargeable batteries, enclosures, test leads, ribbon cable, super caps, trimmer caps, Mylar caps, PCB material, crystal oscillators (regular and SMT), crystals, optoelectronics, ferrite cores, fans, heat shrink tubing, heat sinks, headphones, overstock electronic products, small kits, optics (lenses, mirrors, prisms), microphones, magnets, motors, piezo transducers, pots, relays, resistors (SMT, power, 1/4-watt, 1%), small robotics components, SMT (diodes, caps, ICs, resistors, inductors), IC sockets, switches, transformers, ultrasonic transducers, grab bags of all kinds.<p>Pasternack Enterprises)
POB 16759
Irvine CA 92623-6759
949-261-1920 (voice)
949-261-7451 (fax)
http://www.pasternack.com<p>Connectors, cables and connector adaptors. Not a bad catalog to have as a reference for identifying connectors. These are primarily RF connectors and they're pricey. More for the commercial end user.