Recent visits to my local Radio Shack for even the most simple
components has left me disappointed. Recently I had the need for 5
10uf electrolytics at any voltage really, and could not find them at 3
local stores.

There used to be a selection of 25 or so IC's that were widely used
and popular...no more tho.

Even a simple LM386 could not be found around here.

Also, the parts are now being jammed into these ugly parts bins as if
to hide them from view.

Is this the same situation where you live?

One manager mentioned that components are no longer a real concern of
management and that he is under the impression that "parts" are on the
way out soon.

Wouldn't that just be the way...the old local electronics places are
out of business, and the Shack eliminates their parts. They sure do
have answers, don't they?

de WA2AFD

"Howard" wrote in message
om...
Recent visits to my local Radio Shack for even the most simple
components has left me disappointed. Recently I had the need for 5
10uf electrolytics at any voltage really, and could not find them at 3
local stores.

There used to be a selection of 25 or so IC's that were widely used
and popular...no more tho.

Even a simple LM386 could not be found around here.

Also, the parts are now being jammed into these ugly parts bins as if
to hide them from view.

Is this the same situation where you live?

One manager mentioned that components are no longer a real concern of
management and that he is under the impression that "parts" are on the
way out soon.

Wouldn't that just be the way...the old local electronics places are
out of business, and the Shack eliminates their parts. They sure do
have answers, don't they?

de WA2AFD

No body ever said they had to be the "right" answers! Half the sales people
don't know what they're selling anyway. G.W.

"Howard" wrote in message
om...
Recent visits to my local Radio Shack for even the most simple
components has left me disappointed. Recently I had the need for 5
10uf electrolytics at any voltage really, and could not find them at 3
local stores.

There used to be a selection of 25 or so IC's that were widely used
and popular...no more tho.

Even a simple LM386 could not be found around here.

Also, the parts are now being jammed into these ugly parts bins as if
to hide them from view.

Is this the same situation where you live?

One manager mentioned that components are no longer a real concern of
management and that he is under the impression that "parts" are on the
way out soon.

Wouldn't that just be the way...the old local electronics places are
out of business, and the Shack eliminates their parts. They sure do
have answers, don't they?

de WA2AFD

No body ever said they had to be the "right" answers! Half the sales people
don't know what they're selling anyway. G.W.

Bill Turner wrote:

I wouldn't be surprised. Radio Shack's only advantage, IMO, is they're
handy. If you don't mind mail order, you can get equal or better parts
and FAR better selection from Mouser or Digi-Key, and probably spend
less overall even when shipping is included. Get a catalog and give 'em
a try.

Amen!

Dana

Bill Turner wrote:

I wouldn't be surprised. Radio Shack's only advantage, IMO, is they're
handy. If you don't mind mail order, you can get equal or better parts
and FAR better selection from Mouser or Digi-Key, and probably spend
less overall even when shipping is included. Get a catalog and give 'em
a try.

Amen!

Dana

Howard wrote:

Recent visits to my local Radio Shack for even the most simple
components has left me disappointed. Recently I had the need for 5
10uf electrolytics at any voltage really, and could not find them at 3
local stores.

There used to be a selection of 25 or so IC's that were widely used
and popular...no more tho.

Even a simple LM386 could not be found around here.

Also, the parts are now being jammed into these ugly parts bins as if
to hide them from view.

Is this the same situation where you live?

One manager mentioned that components are no longer a real concern of
management and that he is under the impression that "parts" are on the
way out soon.

Wouldn't that just be the way...the old local electronics places are
out of business, and the Shack eliminates their parts. They sure do
have answers, don't they?

I wonder what their answer will be when the cell phone market is
saturated. (which is starting now) I really doubt that the Shack will
survive, since they've pinned so much on cell phones.

- Mike KB3EIA -

Howard wrote:

Recent visits to my local Radio Shack for even the most simple
components has left me disappointed. Recently I had the need for 5
10uf electrolytics at any voltage really, and could not find them at 3
local stores.

There used to be a selection of 25 or so IC's that were widely used
and popular...no more tho.

Even a simple LM386 could not be found around here.

Also, the parts are now being jammed into these ugly parts bins as if
to hide them from view.

Is this the same situation where you live?

One manager mentioned that components are no longer a real concern of
management and that he is under the impression that "parts" are on the
way out soon.

Wouldn't that just be the way...the old local electronics places are
out of business, and the Shack eliminates their parts. They sure do
have answers, don't they?

I wonder what their answer will be when the cell phone market is
saturated. (which is starting now) I really doubt that the Shack will
survive, since they've pinned so much on cell phones.

- Mike KB3EIA -

Howard wrote:

Also, the parts are now being jammed into these ugly parts bins as if
to hide them from view.

Is this the same situation where you live?

de WA2AFD

Yes, the few stores around here have stuffed the few parts into those
cabinets. I don't think they are that bad, I'd like a couple dozen for
my shop here at home for bigger parts. I have 25, 50 drawer parts
cabinets already full of parts, but the drawers are too small for rotary
switches and large connectors. Maybe they will pitch them out if they
drop their remaining parts. There are six stores within an hours drive.


--
I say, the boy is so stupid that he tried to make a back up copy of his
hard drive on the Xerox machine!

Michael A. Terrell
Central Florida

Howard wrote:

Also, the parts are now being jammed into these ugly parts bins as if
to hide them from view.

Is this the same situation where you live?

de WA2AFD

Yes, the few stores around here have stuffed the few parts into those
cabinets. I don't think they are that bad, I'd like a couple dozen for
my shop here at home for bigger parts. I have 25, 50 drawer parts
cabinets already full of parts, but the drawers are too small for rotary
switches and large connectors. Maybe they will pitch them out if they
drop their remaining parts. There are six stores within an hours drive.


--
I say, the boy is so stupid that he tried to make a back up copy of his
hard drive on the Xerox machine!

Michael A. Terrell
Central Florida

I would add Allied www.alliedelec.com to that list -- their "break point"
for shipping is $25, they will ship via USPS Priority Mail (which is very
quick anyway). At any rate, who doesn't have a soft-spot in their heart for
old Allied with their Knight Kits from 4 decades ago!


"Bill Turner" wrote in message
...
On 26 Nov 2003 17:08:04 -0800, (Howard) wrote:

One manager mentioned that components are no longer a real concern of
management and that he is under the impression that "parts" are on the
way out soon.

__________________________________________________ _______

I wouldn't be surprised. Radio Shack's only advantage, IMO, is they're
handy. If you don't mind mail order, you can get equal or better parts
and FAR better selection from Mouser or Digi-Key, and probably spend
less overall even when shipping is included. Get a catalog and give 'em
a try.

--
Bill, W6WRT