Where to get parts?

KC2IXE · Feb 10, 2003

Hi Gang,
Well, 12 years after I last messed around with electronics (I was a tech back then), I'm starting to scrape of the VERY heavy rust, and mess around with some electronics, but I've run into a problem

Back when I was a tech, I obviously had a stockroom full of just about every kind of mil spec part you could think of. I never took any for home (even though I was told I could take a reasonable amount). I never had to - I had a whole stockroom right?

Now it comes time to play. I know about Mouser and Digikey when I need a specific part, but what I'm looking to do is get a good assortment of various parts - you know, Basic resistors (most assortments I've seen to go heavy enough on the most used values), caps (I'd LOVE to get a bunch of tombstones), some pots, basic linear and digital chips (hey, a bunch of 555s and 741s - or the more modern equivilents always come in handy), diodes, transistors (I did ny 20 NPN small signal transistors the other week) etc

Where is a good place to get a GOOD electronics "grab bag" or starter parts kit these days?

INRETECH · Feb 11, 2003

Where are you located ?

There are usually electronic stores located in most major cities

billw · Feb 11, 2003

JameCo has a good selection of "parts assortments."
I think I've bought their 1/4W resistors, 1/8W
resistors, trimpots, and disk cap assortments
(mostly as "refills", which means without the
fancy storage box and $20 cheaper.)

Semiconductors I think you need to buy more "as
needed", although of course you can stock up on
assorted "general purpose" parts. EBay can be a
surprisingly good source if you're willing to buy
relatively large quantities at a time (ie 100 each
3904 and 3906 transistors: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3309635201&category=4666
(but you have to watch out for postage.)

KC2IXE · Feb 11, 2003

Originally posted by INRETECH:
Where are you located ?

There are usually electronic stores located in most major cities

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">New York City - No good cheap parts places left - Canal St used to be a Mecca, but....

INRETECH · Feb 11, 2003

Here in Portland, we have Norvac and Radar

Another good place is surplus stores

aso · Feb 11, 2003

Charles

Do you know your way around Queens? There is a place on Jamaica Ave and 170 St where you can get parts.

Future also has a retail store on Long Island--on Vets. Highway.