[Lazyweb] NR electronics suppliers

[memnus]

I'm looking for an electronics parts supplier. I need some LEDs, transistors, random wires and breadboard, and maybe an IC or two. The only place I currently know to get these is Radio Shack, whose prices are exorbitant when I'm looking at twenty or more lights in four colors.

I can Google for "electronics hobbyist supply" but a lot of the sites that come up are user-hostile, don't have a lot of great specs, or seem to be selling in bulk anyway. I'd love to use American Science & Surplus as a main supplier, but being a surplus site their selection is sketchy at best; they seem particularly short on blue LEDs (never mind being able to find a particular op-amp chip).

Any more hardcore DIYers than I have any recommendations?

(EDIT for actual formatting)

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Comments

[zhukora1.livejournal.com]

I'll ask Louisa where he gets his stuff. He has epic amounts of all the items you listed.

[chewie23.livejournal.com]

If you're interested in a place that is both local and crazy:

http://www.sdelectronicsupply.com/

[chewie23.livejournal.com]

(This didn't come through in the original message, but, I should disclose that the owner of San Diego Electronics Supply is a friendly acquaintance of mine.)

[memnus.livejournal.com]

Shiny! And I think you've actually introduced me to this person.

[chewie23.livejournal.com]

Yes! I had forgotten you had met The Manny!

[gwillen.livejournal.com]

I recommend the Internet. If you want cool friendly helpful hobbyist-types, order from http://www.sparkfun.com . Otherwise try http://www.digikey.com (probably slightly cheaper; definitely cheaper for bulk orders.)

[gdarklighter.livejournal.com]

DigiKey is where the Mudd engineering department goes for all their parts. Highly recommended.

[zixi.livejournal.com]

Do you have a Fry's Electronics near you?

[memnus.livejournal.com]

There does appear to be one in San Diego, though I've never been there.

[iluvsheep.livejournal.com]

In my limited experience, Fry's doesn't have a lot in the "raw component" area. They are mostly focused on end-user products.

[zixi.livejournal.com]

I remember the one in Chicago-area having some aisles of raw components but I don't remember it in any details. They definitely are mostly end-user.

[chewie23.livejournal.com]

The Fry's in San Diego (I haven't been to another one) is where I would sentence my dearest enemies, had I the authority to do so.

It is loathsome, and I would rather attempt to make the parts by hand, using whatever materials Nature herself provided than to go there.

YMMV

[zixi.livejournal.com]

(alternately there is a nonzero chance I could physically go to American Science and Surplus next week if you want me to try to look for anything if I make it there)