[Shop-talk] Electronic connector question

[John T. Blair]

At 03:33 PM 10/9/2009, Doug Braun wrote:

 >Back when Radio Shacks had a reasonable selection of electronic components,
 >they were often the only place in town.  Now anybody can get anything
 >mail-order from the Internet.  And there are lots distributors that gladly
 >take small orders, or orders from individuals.

 >And data sheets?  Before the Web, hobbyists had to cajole or bluff their way
 >with sales reps to get a copy.  Now you just download them.

 >The only problem now is that you can't actually build anything, 
since all the
 >parts are tiny and surface-mounted...

Doug,

You can say that again.  Back some 45 yrs ago, when I first got in to 
ham radio
we used to have 4 electronics houses in town, besides Radio Shack.  You could
get coil forms, variable caps, anything to build or fix a 
radio.  Today, we're down to one place, and they don't stock much, 
cable, and some stuff in plastic bags. :(

I used to enjoy building Heath Kit equipment.  At least you could 
repair it.  But
then came the ICs, computer chips, and surface mount parts. :(  Now you're
lucky if you can get a replacement board for a piece of equipment.

John

John T. Blair  WA4OHZ     email:  jblair1948 at cox.net
Va. Beach, Va
Phone:  (757) 495-8229

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