Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Clamping down on electronics sales?

Chordate - 14-8-2011 at 00:27

I've been laying low on wet chemistry recently, instead focusing on some mechanical and electronics projects, but I had an experience recently that seemed quite strange.

I was attempting to order a pin-out adapter for a texas instruments integrated device (high sample rate signal processing) made by a third party and when I called to inquire about pricing I was asked what organization I was with, and informed that "they've been cracking down on the sale of our devices" and that they would not sell to me at all unless I was a member of a reputable organization.

Now, I have experienced this sort of thing with chemical purchases before, but I find it somewhat incredible that organizations are beginning to restrict the sale of programmable embedded devices and paraphenelia.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Is it a growing trend?

Arthur Dent - 14-8-2011 at 04:41

Wow!

No I've never has any problems with electronics, but most of what I need I get locally at one of my big electronics hobby & surplus stores in town, or I recycle from salvaged electronics.

My biggest issue is with power semiconductors, which I buy often when I repair guitar amps and PAs. It seems the chinese have become experts at making low-quality copies of hi-end semiconductors:

http://sound.westhost.com/fake/counterfeit-p3.htm

Some of them sometimes are hard to distinguish from the real thing and you know you have a counterfeit item when you turn the power on... Pow! Shhhhh...

What's tough is that even some reputable suppliers get swindled and unknowingly (or do they?) sell you these crap parts...

My recommendation Chordate is to look for a new supplier. Have you tried Mouser or Electronic Goldmine? There's also All Electronics and Circuit Specialists that have a wide inventory of parts.

Robert





m1tanker78 - 14-8-2011 at 05:57

Sounds like they've received notice from certain lawyers and are trying to keep a low profile.

I've had nothing but great service and dependability from Mouser. I've never received any spoofed Chinese crap from them (that I'm aware of). I've held an account with them for 10+ years and been delighted that they even come to bat when UPS F's up the delivery.

Ordering embedded and power components from ebay sellers is a gamble, IMO. Location doesn't mean shit nowadays. :(

Tank

watson.fawkes - 14-8-2011 at 06:14

Quote: Originally posted by Chordate  
I was attempting to order a pin-out adapter for a texas instruments integrated device (high sample rate signal processing) made by a third party
What was the exact part and part number?

Ozone - 14-8-2011 at 09:44

Interesting...

Don't know why, but probably this "...received notice from certain lawyers and are trying to keep a low profile." It might be a crack down on counterfeit or grey-market OEMs?

Anyway, you can purchase from Mouser or All Electronics with confidence. Neither has ever failed to quickly send me what I ordered.

Cheers,

O3

mr.crow - 15-8-2011 at 07:12

They wont sell you an adapter? Tell them to fuck off

Shipping electronic parts is an essential part of industry. Hobbyists, students and universities use the same channels. There is nothing wrong with buying it, its just a sign of a bad company. Like companies whose American store has the TV part I need but wont ship to Canada because they're too lazy to write a label and put it on a box. I'm looking at you Amazon

Don't forget Digikey! Mouser used to severely rip me off with shipping but I think they fixed it now. Digikey has 2 day shipping for $8 flat and no surprise ripoffs (UPS can go to hell)

arsphenamine - 16-8-2011 at 07:01

This could be nothing more than that they want you to purchase small orders through one of their distributors.