[sdiy] Big Stumbling Block in Synth Project

[James Patchell]

For the last several days I have been doing the detail work on the 
schematic for my new synth project.  Things like part values, PCB 
footprints, and catalog numbers for Mouser and Digikey.  The problem I 
am having is that I used to use these AMP connectors that are 2 X xx 
pins.  (you know, 5,7,10, etc) that have a plastic shroud.  I have old 
BOMs so I was looking up part numbers from those.  To my horror, I have 
discovered that those parts no longer exist.  OK, not too bad, just look 
through the catalog and find some substitutes.  Well, for me, that is 
easier said than done.  When I had all my vision, I could barely read 
the Digikey catalog, and the Mouser was only slightly better.  But with 
the loss of my vision, even with a magnifier, it is imposible.  
Ah...download the electronic version and use my screen reader.  
Oppss...No good.  Adobe Acrobat knows I have accessibility software 
running on my computer, so it processes the PDFs before I read them.  In 
the process, it crashes....

All I can say is GRRR....

Well, there is always more than one way to skin a CATalog.

-Jim