of Braino's...not every garage project truns into Apple Computer.....
Thank God for that.
Yeah horrible thought that... garage projects turning into companies larger in value than Exxon.
And, on what companies did Chip focus his early Parallax endeavors? Not Apple or Commodore?
Without those companies and many others (Gosh, including RadioShack and its TRS-80), maybe we'd not be here in a forum discussing Basic Stamps and Propellers :thumb:
Warts and all, the early personal computer industry did give a boost to the idea that you still could start a company in your garage.
On RadioShack and its "clearance" items... If customers are not buying the products it carries, it either needs to change its inventory or change the way it sells its inventory. The company seems to be doing a bit of both, and time will tell how this strategy works out. The question I have is; If they are totally removing DIY/Kit type products from their shelves, why aren't all DIY/Hobby/Kit items on clearance?
Yeah horrible thought that... garage projects turning into companies larger in value than Exxon.
And, on what companies did Chip focus his early Parallax endeavors? Not Apple or Commodore?
Without those companies and many others (Gosh, including RadioShack and its TRS-80), maybe we'd not be here in a forum discussing Basic Stamps and Propellers :thumb:
Warts and all, the early personal computer industry did give a boost to the idea that you still could start a company in your garage.
On RadioShack and its "clearance" items... If customers are not buying the products it carries, it either needs to change its inventory or change the way it sells its inventory. The company seems to be doing a bit of both, and time will tell how this strategy works out. The question I have is; If they are totally removing DIY/Kit type products from their shelves, why aren't all DIY/Hobby/Kit items on clearance?
dgately
because Radio Shack is not getting out of Diy business. Most of the product that is on clearence is product that no one bought. I put up some tags last week on product that the packaging had yellowed from the uv in store lights! Get rid of dogs like that, and maybe we will stock some cool product. I do Have doubts that we will see a demo of the 3D printer anytime soon!
Jim
Dropped in to my fifth store today looking for two male DB15 HD (VGA Vid) connectors. Lots of empty parts hooks, quite a few obsolete parts, but no DB connectors of any kind.
Lots of TV's, camera's, cell phones, etc., so I guess they think they'll do better competing against all the big retailers and cellular booths.
Oh, no deals either.
Sorry, in the 10 years at Radio Shack, I have never seen a 15 pin db connecter.
Jim
because Radio Shack is not getting out of Diy business. Most of the product that is on clearence is product that no one bought. I put up some tags last week on product that the packaging had yellowed from the uv in store lights! Get rid of dogs like that, and maybe we will stock some cool product. I do Have doubts that we will see a demo of the 3D printer anytime soon!
Jim
I've joked about this in the past, but the more I think about it, the more and more and more brilliant of an idea it seems to me. I think Radio Shack might be able to survive if it allies itself with the survivor/survivalist movement (or whatever it's called). I mean, the whole reason you need to be able to DIY is because you've suffered a collapse of the global system, etc. So you need perimeter defenses, IR security cameras, dried food in 55 gallon drums, canning supplies, first aide kits, etc. not to mention ham radio equipment for when the solar flares knock out everything, drones to patrol your 'hood against armed secular muslim caliphate drones, and so forth and so on. I'm amazed at the number of people who buy into the global collapse scenarios, and RS could mesh fairly well with this sort of mentality, selling DIY bunker building kits, DIY kevlar vest knitting supplies, etc. Even the grow-your-own food movement could benefit from a store like that, I suppose. Of course, it might not play well in the Malls, but maybe there's some niche for urbanite survivor types, too, pepper spray and such. Heck, at this point I'm willing to suggest anything to keep these RS stores from shutting down. I just can't stand to see yet another tire store or auto parts joint open up in my neck of the woods.
Sorry, in the 10 years at Radio Shack, I have never seen a 15 pin db connecter.
Jim
Sounds like analog joysticks for PCs weren't your thing then...
(Anyone got a spare Gravis Analog Pro joystick they're willing to sell? )
It was also used for networking. On some cards you'd see a BNC for thin coax, an RJ45 for ethernet and the DB15 for the thick coax.
Some laptops used it for the external floppy drive.
It's also popular for 'specialist' equipment where you have more than 9 pins.
No Radio Shack here... never has been. The reality for me has always been that there usually was an alternative with either a better selection, better informed sales people, or better quality.
In the beginning Radio Shack played second fiddle to Allied Radio in the nation-wide mail order electronics parts houses, then Tandy bought it and converted their leather crafts stores to selling electronics. It has always been a bit of an oddity in terms of management and franchise arrangements.
Let's face it.... Amateur Radio is pretty much gone (skype allows me to call free to anywhere), and DIYers are just about gone due to everything having planned obsolecense.
because Radio Shack is not getting out of Diy business. Most of the product that is on clearence is product that no one bought. I put up some tags last week on product that the packaging had yellowed from the uv in store lights! Get rid of dogs like that, and maybe we will stock some cool product. I do Have doubts that we will see a demo of the 3D printer anytime soon!
Jim
I thought that, originally... But, I'm seeing blue tags on fairly new packages as well. My local RS just got some of the items in not long ago that are now blue tagged. There's tons more product on the shelves that have been sitting for months, years, possibly a decade .
What's that all about?
Anyway, The other thread is full of ideas for helping Radio Shack and I hope the company stick around!
I tracked down one of the $20 GPS units at an outlying Shack tonight (thanks for the heads-up, Ron!). Also couldn't resist buying more LCDs & Hexbugs. Heck, they were just sitting there...
Four other $10 clearance items caught my eye. I don't need them, but someone starting out in the electronics hobby might. They are LED, cap, switch & resistor assortments in those nice clear flat hinged boxes. The empty boxes alone sell for $5 or more. They assortments in no way fill the boxes, but are a good value, especially considering that a pair of LEDs or a 5-pack or resistors or a switch at the Shack sells for a buck or more. Have a peek:
What's what? Well, the Federal Reserve is going to begin pushing interest rates up. It just might be that the cheap financing available to buy all that inventory is coming to an end. So Radio Shack has to either pay down debt or suffer the increased interest costs.
Thanks to you guys I went back to my local RS and got a Serial LCD for $10. I noticed that the Compass Module 3-Axis HMC5883L is also on clearance for $10 but it is a 40 mile trip for me to get to the store that has it. The GPS looks like a great deal but I got one last year at full price at RS and don't need another one.
I went to my local Shack today with the anticipation of buying one of those displays. Only to find that nothing in the DIY section was on sale. They also were selling Parallax Quickstart boards for $34.00. I'll stick to my online shopping for parts.
I went to my local Shack today with the anticipation of buying one of those displays. Only to find that nothing in the DIY section was on sale. They also were selling Parallax Quickstart boards for $34.00. I'll stick to my online shopping for parts.
Some stores apparently didn't post the clearance sale signs. I found the LCD display and took it to the register.
They scanned the code and revealed the sale price.
You can go to the RS web site and enter "clearance" to search for items.
I had the same experience as Ron. no tag, but the scan produced the sale price. Do your research on the RS site first. If it's a corporate store, they will give you the web site price.
I saw erco's list. Checked and saw that the 2 items I needed were in stock at my local store. Drove to the store with cash in my pocket. Sales reps could not fine the items. Unhappily drove home with cash still in my pocket. Not a good way to compete with Amazon, Digikey, or Mouser.
Smoking RS deal of the day: 47" aluminum tripod for $9.97. I nabbed the last one at my store after a targeted ad popped up on my screen tonight. Don't wait!
BTW, I was pleased to find 4 small books there by Forrest Mims, I had missed those previously. All his best material there, too bad each book was $15! Makes my old yellow book even dearer!
Smoking RS deal of the day: 47" aluminum tripod for $9.97....
Man, they ain't nuthin on clearance near me. You sure this ain't some kinda thang like the dogs runnin away from their owners before a big quake hits? You don't reckon they're dumpin stuff all on account LA gonna fall into the ocean soon?
I don't think so. The fact that you get a free cell phone and two big screen TVs (they're really more of a nuisance, piling up in my garage) with every purchase tells me that RS plans to be a West coast fixture for a long, long time.
Well, we could have a Cooperative Parts exchange forum here that would allow you to locate people near you with extra parts, and completely bypass Radio Shack for that one blue LED situation.
*******
After this feeding frenzy of clearance items, watch carefully what Radio Shack has in stock about the end of November for the Christmas seasons.
They could be trying to clear the stores to restock something wonderful for Christmas. But in all honesty, I just can't think of what that might be.
That PanaVise is an extreme good find. They have been around for many decades and make excellent hardware.
The whole Radio Shack clearance is almost Asian in character... nobody buys anything thing until it is at least 50% off. Absolutely brutal if the retailer is having to sell below cost.
Originally Posted by PublisonScored at Serial LCD for $9.97, but the racks were pretty much bare of other DIY. Sad.
When I took two of the LCDs to the counter, the RS salesman said "You're the first person I've seen buying these." They were on the lowest level of the wall, in the corner. I had to squat down to search for them.
Hello!
When I walked into a RS over in Manhattan yesterday, and bought the same thing, the woman there nearly said that. In fact I told her it was supposed to be on sale. She then agreed with me on that, and looked, well, surprised.
I still think that the best way to restore faith in the store is to scuttle the cell phones, and certain computers, and A/V gear....... And hire people who are familiar with the technology.
Hmm, the Radio Shack web page search says that vise is in stock at the local store. I may have to go in there when I head over that way Tuesday to get a haircut. If they have any left at that price, I'll buy all of them
I saw this very nice electronics assortment hanging next to the four similar-looking assortments on clearance for $10 (see post #100). I wouldn't have hesitated to buy it (plus another dozen) for $10, but alas, a price check revealed that it retained its original price of $60. If & when it gets discounted, POUNCE!
Comments
Yeah horrible thought that... garage projects turning into companies larger in value than Exxon.
And, on what companies did Chip focus his early Parallax endeavors? Not Apple or Commodore?
Without those companies and many others (Gosh, including RadioShack and its TRS-80), maybe we'd not be here in a forum discussing Basic Stamps and Propellers :thumb:
Warts and all, the early personal computer industry did give a boost to the idea that you still could start a company in your garage.
On RadioShack and its "clearance" items... If customers are not buying the products it carries, it either needs to change its inventory or change the way it sells its inventory. The company seems to be doing a bit of both, and time will tell how this strategy works out. The question I have is; If they are totally removing DIY/Kit type products from their shelves, why aren't all DIY/Hobby/Kit items on clearance?
dgately
Yeah - I meant half of the price at the Parallax store...
because Radio Shack is not getting out of Diy business. Most of the product that is on clearence is product that no one bought. I put up some tags last week on product that the packaging had yellowed from the uv in store lights! Get rid of dogs like that, and maybe we will stock some cool product. I do Have doubts that we will see a demo of the 3D printer anytime soon!
Jim
Jim
I've joked about this in the past, but the more I think about it, the more and more and more brilliant of an idea it seems to me. I think Radio Shack might be able to survive if it allies itself with the survivor/survivalist movement (or whatever it's called). I mean, the whole reason you need to be able to DIY is because you've suffered a collapse of the global system, etc. So you need perimeter defenses, IR security cameras, dried food in 55 gallon drums, canning supplies, first aide kits, etc. not to mention ham radio equipment for when the solar flares knock out everything, drones to patrol your 'hood against armed secular muslim caliphate drones, and so forth and so on. I'm amazed at the number of people who buy into the global collapse scenarios, and RS could mesh fairly well with this sort of mentality, selling DIY bunker building kits, DIY kevlar vest knitting supplies, etc. Even the grow-your-own food movement could benefit from a store like that, I suppose. Of course, it might not play well in the Malls, but maybe there's some niche for urbanite survivor types, too, pepper spray and such. Heck, at this point I'm willing to suggest anything to keep these RS stores from shutting down. I just can't stand to see yet another tire store or auto parts joint open up in my neck of the woods.
Sounds like analog joysticks for PCs weren't your thing then...
(Anyone got a spare Gravis Analog Pro joystick they're willing to sell? )
It was also used for networking. On some cards you'd see a BNC for thin coax, an RJ45 for ethernet and the DB15 for the thick coax.
Some laptops used it for the external floppy drive.
It's also popular for 'specialist' equipment where you have more than 9 pins.
In the beginning Radio Shack played second fiddle to Allied Radio in the nation-wide mail order electronics parts houses, then Tandy bought it and converted their leather crafts stores to selling electronics. It has always been a bit of an oddity in terms of management and franchise arrangements.
Let's face it.... Amateur Radio is pretty much gone (skype allows me to call free to anywhere), and DIYers are just about gone due to everything having planned obsolecense.
I thought that, originally... But, I'm seeing blue tags on fairly new packages as well. My local RS just got some of the items in not long ago that are now blue tagged. There's tons more product on the shelves that have been sitting for months, years, possibly a decade
What's that all about?
Anyway, The other thread is full of ideas for helping Radio Shack and I hope the company stick around!
dgately
Four other $10 clearance items caught my eye. I don't need them, but someone starting out in the electronics hobby might. They are LED, cap, switch & resistor assortments in those nice clear flat hinged boxes. The empty boxes alone sell for $5 or more. They assortments in no way fill the boxes, but are a good value, especially considering that a pair of LEDs or a 5-pack or resistors or a switch at the Shack sells for a buck or more. Have a peek:
Capacitors (was $25): http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=17085916
LEDs (was $40): http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=17057016
Switches (was $25): http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=17196946
Resistors (was $25): http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=17085906
Then add this useful $11, 500-resistor assortment to your box: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2994585
Some stores apparently didn't post the clearance sale signs. I found the LCD display and took it to the register.
They scanned the code and revealed the sale price.
You can go to the RS web site and enter "clearance" to search for items.
If it's a franchise store, all bets are off.
John Abshier
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12214762
BTW, I was pleased to find 4 small books there by Forrest Mims, I had missed those previously. All his best material there, too bad each book was $15! Makes my old yellow book even dearer!
http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kw=forrest+mims
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ENGINEERS-NOTEBOOK-II-Forrest-M-Mims-III-1982-/141054088778?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item20d77a964a
Man, they ain't nuthin on clearance near me. You sure this ain't some kinda thang like the dogs runnin away from their owners before a big quake hits? You don't reckon they're dumpin stuff all on account LA gonna fall into the ocean soon?
*******
After this feeding frenzy of clearance items, watch carefully what Radio Shack has in stock about the end of November for the Christmas seasons.
They could be trying to clear the stores to restock something wonderful for Christmas. But in all honesty, I just can't think of what that might be.
I just bought a Model: 301 Standard PanaVise® at RadioShack on clearance sale for a great price of $19.97
See this link http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...uctId=12717861
Here is a link to the PanaVise® website page for the Standard PanaVise® Model 301 it shows a price of $54.99, and it sells for $44.86 on Amazon.
Nice find! In stock! Trip to RS immediately
My old vice is 30 years old.
I saw that also but the standard jaws are only 2.5" wide...
I did pick up a couple of resistor assortment packs - 100 resistors for $1.97
The whole Radio Shack clearance is almost Asian in character... nobody buys anything thing until it is at least 50% off. Absolutely brutal if the retailer is having to sell below cost.
Hello!
When I walked into a RS over in Manhattan yesterday, and bought the same thing, the woman there nearly said that. In fact I told her it was supposed to be on sale. She then agreed with me on that, and looked, well, surprised.
I still think that the best way to restore faith in the store is to scuttle the cell phones, and certain computers, and A/V gear....... And hire people who are familiar with the technology.
Did a search and found someone selling one on eBay for $1
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Singapore-1987-20-Cents-Copper-Nickel-Coin-Powder-puff-plant-/251260974605?pt=US_World_Coins&hash=item3a8052360d#ht_511wt_932
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=17877916&locale=en_US
Aren't we being a bit foolish by quoting an EBay price.
One USD is equal to 0.7844983 Singapore Dollars by today's FX quote. And that is 1/5 of a Singapore Dollar. You were short changed.
Is that right? I'm seeing, Friday 6 September 2013 1 USD = 1.2739 SGD