Sources of Samples
Oldbitcollector (Jeff)
Posts: 8,091
I thought it might be interesting to create a thread of companies that offer samples of their products.
Not that I'm so cheap that I can't afford $2 chips, but sometimes all I want is a chip or two, and between
paying $5+ shipping to free, free wins every time. Besides, isn't it fun to have someone else contribute
to your hobby? [noparse]:)[/noparse]
PLEASE: If you use free samples, please respect these companies by doing the following:
1.. Be honest! I've found that these giants have a soft spot for students and hobbiests.
2.. Only take what you think you'll eat. I hate seeing obvious samples on Ebay..
3.. Take the time to write up a blog, or other web entry and say something nice about the product.
4.. 00-00 DO NOT ABUSE 00-00
Here are three companies I've found, and some of what I've requested and received.
http://www.maxim-ic.com/ <-- Awesome source of max233 and max3232 communication chips for RS232 interfacing
http://www.microchip.com/ <-- Yeah, they carry PIC, but also those EEPROMS you need.
http://www.intersil.com/ <-- Recently given to me for source of EL1881's for Bean's Video Titler project.
What other companies have you found that are generous about their products?
Oldbitcollector
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The comments and code above are proof that a million monkeys with a million propeller chips *could* write Shakespeare!
Not that I'm so cheap that I can't afford $2 chips, but sometimes all I want is a chip or two, and between
paying $5+ shipping to free, free wins every time. Besides, isn't it fun to have someone else contribute
to your hobby? [noparse]:)[/noparse]
PLEASE: If you use free samples, please respect these companies by doing the following:
1.. Be honest! I've found that these giants have a soft spot for students and hobbiests.
2.. Only take what you think you'll eat. I hate seeing obvious samples on Ebay..
3.. Take the time to write up a blog, or other web entry and say something nice about the product.
4.. 00-00 DO NOT ABUSE 00-00
Here are three companies I've found, and some of what I've requested and received.
http://www.maxim-ic.com/ <-- Awesome source of max233 and max3232 communication chips for RS232 interfacing
http://www.microchip.com/ <-- Yeah, they carry PIC, but also those EEPROMS you need.
http://www.intersil.com/ <-- Recently given to me for source of EL1881's for Bean's Video Titler project.
What other companies have you found that are generous about their products?
Oldbitcollector
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The comments and code above are proof that a million monkeys with a million propeller chips *could* write Shakespeare!
Comments
I personally have only ordered samples from microchip, intersil, and allegro. Most of those companies sent me more parts than I asked for. They really do have a soft spot for students and hobbyists. Just don't abuse them (some people used to abuse National Semi, which lead to some popular devices having samples that cost money).
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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer
Parallax, Inc.
Really? I requested samples and they didn't even give me a reply to why I was rejected. I clearly stated my purpose and that I am a college student (I also used my college ece email address). Maybe their regional sales offices in Texas are mean and bitter...
Harrison
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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer
Parallax, Inc.
They carry sockets, pin headers, USB connectors and the like. It's never been a hassle to order samples, nice people.
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Brian Meade
"They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night" - Edgar Poe