Part Sourcing Assistance/Advice Thread

[RudeWolf]

Damn, just ordered most of the parts (everything minus transistors which are coming from AMB) for my Dynalo + Sigma 22 build. It was surprisingly tiring! I can't imagine ordering parts for the more advanced builds. Must be a many day affair.

I should be able to get that thing together by this weekend. Assuming I don't mess anything up too badly.

[johnwmclean]

Got great service from Viljo for custom knobs:

http://www.viljomarrandi.com/

Got to be patient, I had a 4 month wait, the result was well worth it:

These were blued to get that blackish colour.

Edited June 19, 2012 by johnwmclean

[Pars]

Those look very nice!

[johnwmclean]

Thanks Pars!

[grawk]

yes, and 4 months seems fast for nice knobs

[RudeWolf]

A few beginner questions-

1. Is there any advantage in using dual pole mains switches?

2. When soldering through hole parts onto a both-sides-plated PCB is it important to have neat concave solder spots on both sides?

3. If some parts happen to stand quite high from the PCB, should I make an effort to push them as close to the plate as possible? Some of my Dynalo resistors are standing unevenly and frankly I hate how that looks. Common sense tells me that doing so may minimize signal path.

[johnwmclean]

2. Apply some flux to the join, (I use a flux pen), heat the join up sufficiently (approx 2 sec) before applying solder. You should have a nice smooth neat concave join on both sides of the PCB.

Not super important but something to aim for, the success rate gets higher with practice.

[kevin gilmore]

1) Depends on whether one side of your mains is grounded or not. But generally it is a good

idea to have a dual pole switch because that is the world standard. Its all about safety.

[RudeWolf]

Ok, I'll try to apply the flux more often.

Scratch the switch question. I might have an idea how to do an amp with a switch that's beyond awesome (yet slightly impractical and most probably toxic).

[deepak]

PartsConnexion 20% off almost everything sale to July 31

[ujamerstand]

Oh My. This and steam summer sale. What to do, what to do...

[dsavitsk]

Does anyone know of a source for a panel mount 3.5mm TRS jack that can mount in a thick panel? They make these in 1/4" for guitars, but I have been unable to come up with a smaller one.

[jdkJake]

Does anyone know of a source for a panel mount 3.5mm TRS jack that can mount in a thick panel? They make these in 1/4" for guitars, but I have been unable to come up with a smaller one.

How thick of a panel?

[jdkJake]

Have you thought about using something like this?

http://m.markertek.com/product/detail/http:%7C%7Cwww.markertek.com%7Cmobile%7CConnectors-Adapters%7CAudio-Connectors%7C3-5-2-5mm-Mini-Connectors%7CConnectronics%7CTN-MFS.xhtml

The jack itself is most likely threaded for attaching into the shell. Remove the shell, tap the panel appropriately, screw it directly into the panel. Perhaps a dab of loctite to keep it secure.

Just a thought....

[dsavitsk]

I think that might work. Thanks.

[jdkJake]

Anyone know of a reputable source for FQA19N20C/FQA12P20?

I am looking for a quad to build an F5 and having trouble sourcing these (or at least sourcing parts that have a better than average chance of being real).

[RudeWolf]

Is this too good to be true?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/50pair-OR-100PCS-Transistor-TOSHIBA-TO92-2SA1015-GR-2SC1815-GR-A1015-GR-C1815-GR-/270978998458?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f179b60ba

My local suppliers are almost out of these transistors. And the ones I got so far from them seem to be somewhat unstable.

[Pars]

The picture looks fine (from what I remember). For $3, you aren't risking much. Test them for sure.

Edited July 25, 2012 by Pars

[RudeWolf]

For $3, you aren't risking much.

I'm pretty sure this is how this business works. If shipping won't be too long then I'll bite.

Edit: Damn, shipping is more than two weeks. I'll pass. One of the local guys had bad luck with this seller.

Edited July 25, 2012 by RudeWolf

[Pars]

Let me see what I have laying around...

I don't know what shipping would be like, but Mouser has the Fairchild version of these for 7 cents apiece, or 3.7 cents in 100. Unfortunately, they don't have the GR grade in the C1815 NPN.

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Fairchild-Semiconductor/KSA1015YTA/?qs=ljbEvF4DwONgdKizIuxI5UKMGOiR5dCFrGZORl6qhPg%3d

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Fairchild-Semiconductor/KSC1815YTA/?qs=ljbEvF4DwOPz7O2KUMOsr34RMcYiO0wN

MCM has them for 5 cents:

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/2SA1015

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/2SC1815

[RudeWolf]

For the Dynalo circuit would there be any meaningful difference between GR and YTA designations?

[Pars]

Probably not. GR would be preferred because of the higher hFe (not sure why)?

Note: hFE (1) classification O: 70~140, Y: 120~240, GR: 200~400

Not sure who the preferred Euro suppliers are. I see Dalbani has them in GR:

http://www.dalbani.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+L062A634E589221006B28003+M36+ENG

Edited July 25, 2012 by Pars

[RudeWolf]

My preferred suppliers would be Farnell and Elfa Distrelec but none of them seem to carry it.

As I said two of the local electronics stores have them but I have a bad feeling that they get them from ebay. Some of the local diy-ers who bought transistors from them got fakes.

In any case I'm in progress of doing a full transistor test on my Dynalo.

[RudeWolf]

Ok, I bit. Damn you, ebay!

[jwzhan]

anyone knows where to get 512-KBU4M (Fairchild Bridge Rectifier)? it's non-stocked on both mouser and digikey and will only be shipped at ＞200.

I was going to use the Vishay alternative 625-KBU4M-E4, and it was in-stock when I checked few days ago, but now it's 7 weeks backordered.