Thread: Electronic shops...the real kind

Well, I buy all my stuff from RP Electronics in Burnaby.
Sorry this doesn't help you much, but if you're ever up in Vancouver, you'll know where to go.

Otherwise there's Jameco and Digikey online, obviously. Although that's not always economical when you need a 10 cent part right now.

Cheers,

Kris

that's a good yet tricky question

what are you looking for? Stereo parts? Computer parts? An install shop?

For stereo parts, I would check Good guys, Circuit City, Crutchfield.com, etc. These tend to be cheaper than the smaller stereo shops, and you can usually find what you want there.

For computer parts, I would go pcclub.com (unless you have a store nearby) or compusa. Computers Renaissance has a **** poor return policy. If you need the 12V power supply and switch controllers, though, you most likely can't find them locally -- order them online.

All install shops have common and unique points. Look for a clean install bay (you don't want food and crap in your car while they are installing, and you want an organized shop so you know they will use the right parts because they can find them - I saw an unorganized shop use 10gauge butts on 14 gauge wire because the guy didn't want to take the time to find the right ones). Look for someone who doesn't have the 'holier than thou' attitude and will explain everything they are doing to your car and answer ALL of your questions. And check out their showroom. If they do good work, then they will have the money to keep a well stocked show room.

I hope this helps,

Marc

Hmm -- now that I think of it, you may be meaning circuit boards, ICs, semiconductors, etc. I get most of mine through Radio Shack if I just need one or two things. I use Digikey, though, if I'm doing a whole project. They're fairly inexpensive and have EVERYTHING. They are at digikey.com

-- they also carry microcontroller kits!!!

Mouser Electronics as always done me well too. Can't remember the website, but if you search for it you will most likely find it.

RA-Elco in Salt Lake City, Utah is the best. Don't let the guy behind the counter scare you, he really is helpful.

I have pretty much given up local shops. I now shop on-line.

I use http://www.allelectronics.com for a good selection of surplus stuff. You can find most things, but not all.

If you want everything then http://www.digikey.com is your friend.

I also go to Frys, but their selection is not that great, and their customer service is not that great either. Try returning something

Originally Posted by NovaKane

I have decided we need to compile a list of good electronic stores. Since bit by bit, the real stores are getting eaten up by radioshack.

I live in the bay area and don't know of any good stores. Can someone point me in the right directions. And also feel free to post about shops in your local area as well.

Bg Micro great for surplus stuff. They are very cheap you would be hard pressed to beat 90% any of their prices.

The kind of place i am after, is the good old electronic shops with all kinds of totoally random part. I want a place that I can walk into, and pick up 40 pin female to 40 pin female connector. I know you can find the stuff online, but there is just something about walking into a store and being able to see and play with everything you need first. I like seeing a bunch of buckets full connectors, switches, LED's and everything else that makes electricity great. I know you guys know how i feel. Just the smell of solder, flux and contact cleaner of an electronic shop tickles me pink.

In Dallas Texas u have Tanner Electronics. They sell second hand and new electronics equipment, most times reasonably priced. Lots of stuff you can't find at that ***** Shack. Like Furby guts, heatshrink, HAM gear, etc.

Also Altex electronics. They carry mostly new stuff like cable tunneling, tools... They have a website: www.altex.com.

Fryes has a fair bit of electronics. Things like breadboards, IC's, etc.

Im stuck in the same kind of hell up here in Connecticut. I'm only 25 but I do remember the glory days of Rat Shack when they actually stocked real components. I have been looking for a small shop to pick up latches and logic gates and ****, but thats pretty much useless it seems. I went into Rat Shack at the local mall and asked if they had an octal latch in stock.. got a blank stare in return. I swear if the guy asked if I wanted a cell phone at that point I woulda been posting bail an hour later :P