Re: Radio Shack, Newark, Mouser, and others
> Aww Les, this is an easy one.
www.newark.com
You're right...but then this is my week to be into LAZY.
> Don't forget that Newark is now sister to MCM Electronics.
> I think they have removed the minimum order requirement
> (there might be a small charge for it)
Generally I've tried to anticipate parts requirements for
projects and pull together a bulk order, adding in all the
small one-of-a-kind of stuff I'll possibly need. Never any
problem with making the minimum. For XLR's and pre-made
cords, though, Newark is spendy. Have had good deals on
packages through BSW and now others are catching on.
> But let me say this, before you ever even think of going to
> Newark's website, heed my warning. Their website SUCKS. It
> is horrible to navigate around and search function is
> horrible. They do have an online PDF section of catalog
> pages which is the right way to do it, or just order the
> catalog yourself. You'll be glad you did.
I made it a point to get a hard-copy catalog about every
other year. You're right...it IS the best way when you
want to shop among possible suppliers.
> I like Mouser too, but I also like others such as Joseph
> Electronics, Zach, and Milestek. I think the plethora of
> electronic parts mail/catalog order is nice... unless you
> need a part NOW.
Ah for the days of B&A out of St. Louis (Burstein/Appleby)!
Excellent goods, usable catalog, good prices. I believe both
B and A died years ago and their families didn't want to keep
the business.....I may be wrong....but I haven't been able
to find them in about 15-years.
As to parts now....dunno if it's true any longer, but cities
of any size used to have electronics wholesalers who catered
to local TV repair shops. Jabbour Brothers in Pawtucket,
R.I., D'Andreta's (Good old Vito) in Providence, Johnny Burns
in New Bedford, etc. Of course just try to find a local
TV repair shop anymore. IF there is such a wholesaler in
your city and you have a talk with them you may find they
already stock much of what you need and are willing to order
special and even stock a little special if you can spread the
word among other engineers about them and perhaps help them
expand their customer base.
P.S. The closest electronics shop to the transmitter building
in the picture below is over 800 miles away, though well-stocked.
Of course for a few things I can walk down to Leo's Music Mart
and find, for example, a single RCA phono connector for $5.95.
Or, I could order it by phone from the other nearest supplier
and get it the next day by counter-to-counter airline delivery.
The connector would cost under a dollar but the delivery
would be around $27. Teaches one to plan ahead.....
<P ID="signature">______________
Due to continuing underwhelming popular demand...</P><P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">
Edited by Les on 07/06/05 04:42 PM.</FONT></P>