workshops (Europe)

[jh]

I think my greatest step forward to an organized workshop was
buying a complete set of E12 resistors in a large box with many
little drawers. Conrad Electronic (Germany ...) sold 100pieces
off a certain resistor value for DM 3,- (USD 1.5), and if you bought
a st of *all* values from 12Ohms to 1MegOhm you got the big box
for free. So at one time I bought such a complete set, and when
several resistors started to run out, I bought another complete
set, so I got a new box for other components. Did that several times
now, changing from E12 carbon to E24 metal resistors over the years,
and got enough of these boxes with drawers for capacitors, opamps
and 4000 CMOS series meanwhile.

The only thing I still buy in unsorted surplus bags are capacitors.
Some great deals there from time to time. Especially polystyrene
caps.

My favorite suppliers at the moment:

Reichelt Elektronik
 (cheap semiconductors, and has a great variety
of Japanese transistors and ICs, too). Time from ordering to delivery
a few days. So I usually buy there to replace my standard semiconductors
when I run out of stock.

RS Components
They are a bit more expensive, but they have an increadible delivery
time. Faxed my last order at 7 pm in the evening, got the package
next morning. My main source if I need something immediately, and
also if I want samples to decide for a new switch or pot, to check the
dimensions etc.

Farnell
Similar to RS, but I like RS a *little* better.

Conrad Electronics
Used to be my main source a few years ago, but not now anymore.
Their big advantage is that they have a shop here in Nuernberg, but
I rarely gol there anymore since ordering from the internet of from
CDs is so easy. Takes a few days for delivery (definetly longer
than Reichelt), and prices are higher than Reichelt in small quantities.
They have nice "Rstposten" (surplus) catalogues, however. When one
of these comes in twice or 3 times a year, there is always something
worth buying.

Maplin (UK)
They are similar to Conrad, but being located in UK, they have a
slightly different blend of mecahnical components. Great source
for EMS-style knobs and vernier dials, for instance.
Buying from them can be a bit of a pain, however. While everybody
elso on this planet is eager to supply you with his latest catalogue,
you actually have to *buy* the Maplin catalogue, and it's not cheap.
Recommended to buy one at one time at least, because there is quite
some semiconductor data book included. But to keep updated,
I'd have to order it regularly, which I am not willing to. Hey, they
are missing the oppurtunity to keep their customers with this
policy. They started a web site (thank God !), but it was unusable for
months and it's still one big mess. I sent them a friendly mail about
this impossible situation, but they didn't even care to reply.
I *need* to buy there sometimes for special items, but I'll avoid them
for general stuff. 

JH.