RS valueless inductors - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 03:24:06 pm
content: Yep the quality of listings on RS is now going down the pan, I present to you the inductionless inductor....:https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/wire-wound-surface-mount-inductors/7423485/

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 03:41:23 pm
content: It's just a low power, wide tolerance, wirewound 350mOhm resistor. How useful!Or maybe it's a random mystery box inductor that could be any rating. What fun!

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 04:28:40 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on May 14, 2018, 03:24:06 pmYep, it's not the only bit of RS either going down the pan. I have a meter there for calibration and last Wednesday it was being shown online as been dispatched. Friday it didn't show, so rang them, turns out it's still in the lab being calibrated ️From mobile device so predictive text might have struck again

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 05:04:17 pm
content: The call centre worker I spoke to was totally not phased as she totally missed the gravity of what they had done. I spotted a second part from the same range while I was on the phone that had the same problem, but that was alright as it is obsolete anyway. I suspect the whole range is like it.Last Friady I had to call Farnell to find out what the tolerance on a multicomp (their own brand) zener as that was missing. They had no idea although their part number matched another obscure manufacturers part number that was 5%......

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 05:19:01 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on May 14, 2018, 05:04:17 pmIt's all part of cutting costs and maximising profits and there is a fine line being getting the balance right, and it looks like they've cut too far now.From mobile device so predictive text might have struck again

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 05:22:55 pm
content: They obviosly read EEVBLOG though as it's gone obsolete since your postI am getting fedup with RS with ever increasing MOQ's, they are starting not to cater for people building prototypes or repairing things!! If I want 10's or more I go direct to the semi distributor! Seems RS's idea these days is a minimium spend of £5 per line item grrrrr

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 05:40:38 pm
content: Maybe that's why it's a discontinued product?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 05:51:04 pm
content: Discontinued part with incorrect description. Why would you care?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 05:53:06 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on May 14, 2018, 05:04:17 pmI'd stay clear of RS' and Farnell's own brands because it is a mixed bag with unknown origin. It is not worth the hassle. Keep in mind assemblers usually don't buy from RS, Farnell, etc so they will need to spend time finding replacement parts from their suppliers which just adds costs.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 06:00:02 pm
content: Agree about staying away from multicomp and RS Pro. If you’re going to buy that, get stuff from Tayda or LCSC. I do buy CPC’s multicomp branded 0.25W 1% resistors though as they are actually Royal Ohm and decent quality.RS MOQs are usually ok. The problem comes when you want older or TH components these days. SMD stuff is cheap enough to “meh” off usually.I always hit RS first though because the time to door is lowest and there isn’t a minimum order amount. I can order stuff at 8pm and it turns up the next day. Occasionally you get a good win though when they fuck up like the TE LR1F resistors I got 8000 of for £3 or soThe thing that pisses me off is stock levels but that appears to be a problem everywhere at the moment.Honestly though with RS they’ve been really good. I ordered a rocker switch to replace the current damping switch on a Thurlby and it was out of stock. This was about £1.50 worth of order and they called me once a month to update me on procurement status. When they cock up I get to speak to a human straight away and get new stuff sent out right away and get to keep the old stuff.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 06:19:19 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on May 14, 2018, 05:51:04 pmThat has happened in the last hour, I bet that is why the second one I found was discontinued.... that part was for sale this afternoon with 100 in stock.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 06:20:58 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on May 14, 2018, 05:53:06 pmThe farnell engineer pretty much suggested i not use their multicomp parts and I wan only using it as it's for protection (total fail) and not an active part of the design.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 06:26:06 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on May 14, 2018, 06:00:02 pmI have preferred RS so far but really they are rendering themselves useless. It is impossible to filter based on what is in stock which makes buying from them a non starter. I have twice tried to explain to someone on the phone that there is a problem, the first person acted as though nothing was wrong and the second stated that no one else had complained. I pointed out that this was probably because we were all buying elsewhere and that we did not have to use RS. She suggested I write to the web team because she was a lazy cow that clearly will also never work out why she gets made redundant.....

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 06:30:04 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on May 14, 2018, 05:53:06 pmOh yes they DO! I make a point of using manufacturers part numbers only and have always been asked for RS or Farnell numbers. None of the small assemblers are making enough of anything to buy tons of each part and I'm pretty sure they use RS/Farnell own resistors and ceramic caps.

author: Neukyhm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 06:32:00 pm
content: It's an universal inductor. You just put it in your circuit and it will adjust itself to the inductance you wished.XD

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 06:35:21 pm
content: You mean like this one that is both 11µH and 50µH.......http://uk.farnell.com/bourns/dr331-113be/inductor-11uh-25-0-5a-smd/dp/2333652RL?st=common%20mode%20chokeI just fucking give up, soon I WILL buy EVERYTHING from digikey....

author: sdouble
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 07:13:35 pm
content: newark and arrow are also good sources

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 07:16:01 pm
content: Quote from: sdouble on May 14, 2018, 07:13:35 pmNewark is Farnell..

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 07:32:23 pm
content: I suppose there is Mouser in Europe but I am seriously fed up with Fanell and RS, their databases are just full of gibberish.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 08:10:47 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on May 14, 2018, 07:32:23 pmMouser ships from US but does customs clearance themselves. So it's basically the same as ordering from EU, except shipping takes a few days.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 08:14:30 pm
content: I thought they had EU warehousing, they have a sales office in the UK.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 08:28:31 pm
content: Quote from: Monkeh on May 14, 2018, 07:16:01 pmNewark is also an anagram of wanker.

author: chris_leyson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 09:01:01 pm
content: Must admit I haven't been happy with Farnell recently, ordered some stuff a few weeks ago, every item was shown as being in stock. Got an email a few hours after placing the order saying that two items were on two and three month lead times respectively. Had to find an alternative part and place an order with RS. Mouser and Digikey are now my favorite suppliers.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 09:08:41 pm
content: My first choice is TME, especially for passives and connectors. Price usually is so much lower. Then Mouser/Farnell. Never ordered from Digikey as price usually is higher than the rest. And I don't like to design in hardly obtainable components. RS and Elfa/distrelec very rarely. Small order once in a couple of years.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 09:12:30 pm
content: Yes TME are pretty good. Considering they ship from Poland I can get an order on my door in the U.K. in under 18 hours!Only problem is it costs about £8 a pop for delivery.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 09:22:13 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on May 14, 2018, 09:12:30 pmWhen I order EUR 500 - 1000 of parts, it's not a problem

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 09:31:35 pm
content: My orders are usually around €40-80 occasionally €150 ish so that’s a big percentage.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 09:43:31 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on May 14, 2018, 09:12:30 pmAre you sure about the shipping from Poland, they have a branch in Coleshill as well.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 09:45:55 pm
content: That’s sales office I think. I’ve only had stuff come via airmail from Poland. Usually DHL.

author: Circlotron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 10:06:06 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on May 14, 2018, 05:51:04 pmSo you don’t not get the wrong thing.

author: Neukyhm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2018, 11:14:18 pm
content: I'm happy with RS, however if I'm buying for more than 50€ I go definitely with Mouser because shipping is free.

author: thermistor-guy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 12:56:27 am
content: Quote from: Simon on May 14, 2018, 06:30:04 pmUK MoD also uses RS part numbers, as secondary references for manufacturers' part numbers. There are many of these secondary references on the NATO database NMCRL, especially for older components. So vendors supplying the UK military will buy from RS, where appropriate.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 06:19:18 am
content: To be fair the MoD has some comedy procurement. I worked for one of their suppliers and it was crazy some of the stuff that went on. Our supply chain was direct from manufacturer mostly.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 06:52:59 am
content: I'm not really sure why there is the expectation of free delivery. there are costs involved in delivering....

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 06:59:25 am
content: I think it’s justified in some things. If you’re buying one switch for a repair job it’s unjustifiable paying 5x the real shipping cost just because flat rate for example.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 07:20:37 am
content: Quote from: thermistor-guy on May 15, 2018, 12:56:27 amThat is probably why they don't fanny about with part numbers like farnell have where at work we nearly ordered a completely wrong part for 10x+ the price because they had ditched the original part and reused the number. our purchasing asked me to take a casual look at it and I immediately spotted the description difference and that for what we wanted the value was far too high.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 07:23:10 am
content: Quote from: bd139 on May 15, 2018, 06:59:25 amthey will be using couriers that they have a deal with, some use Royal mail untracked on very small orders but that is just asking for trouble, you would be surprised the amount of times our stores suddenly finds stuff after looking already when you tell them the date and time and who signed for it.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 07:25:11 am
content: To be fair you’re right. That happens to me at work quite regularly.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 07:26:31 am
content: Quote from: Simon on May 15, 2018, 06:52:59 amFree shipping is something that's used to attract customers away from their normal suppliers who charge shipping. Very often the actual cost to them is minimal as they attract very good rates because they can give a delivery company truck loads daily and helps them to work more efficiently.From mobile device so predictive text might have struck again

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 07:29:31 am
content: ultimately you pay one way or the other. work did not raise an order for some 2.2µF ceramics because it was a few pence short of the minimum to save us £3.86, now those caps are out of stock so good luck with me making prototypes....

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 07:32:42 am
content: That’s the sort of crap you don’t need to deal with. If you need caps then they should turn up and be charged out properly. If someone masters that they will destroy Farnell and RS over night.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 07:41:58 am
content: Quote from: Simon on May 15, 2018, 07:29:31 amThat shows that purchasing dept is flexing their muscles without having any real understanding of the impact of their actions on the companies various departments and possible impacts further down the line. They should discuss the position first with the dept who needed the items and then act accordingly.From mobile device so predictive text might have struck again

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 07:42:22 am
content: Well I have often wondered if I should go back into component reselling....... buy them by the reel and resell by the 10 when no one else can. Problem is I won't have all of the certs the big boys do and who will trust me and my stock in my loft....

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 07:43:54 am
content: Quote from: Specmaster on May 15, 2018, 07:41:58 amWe are a small cheapskate company the complexities of electronis completely illude them and our one buyer is from the chemical industry...

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 07:45:29 am
content: Quote from: Simon on May 15, 2018, 07:42:22 amI’d be a customer. I’ve been buying part reels off eBay for a while because it’s cheaper than usual outlets. Problem is I have about 100 reels now which I don’t have the room for.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 07:46:00 am
content: Quote from: Simon on May 15, 2018, 07:43:54 amCase proven.From mobile device so predictive text might have struck again

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 07:46:50 am
content: Quote from: bd139 on May 15, 2018, 07:45:29 amstart selling ?

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 07:48:59 am
content: Quote from: Simon on May 15, 2018, 07:46:50 amEbay them in small batches.From mobile device so predictive text might have struck again

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 08:03:20 am
content: I might need them

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 08:04:49 am
content: sell them to me and when you need them I'll sell them back for a lower than usual markup

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 08:06:05 am
content: Yes its hard trying to justify selling something, I've using that excuse for years and now I have no space left.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 08:13:09 am
content: FYI,Given that it's basically something stupid: an obsolete / discontinued item / old listing / catalog error...It's also not an inductor, but a transformer. Mostly. Sort of.It's a common mode choke, intended to have a high magnetizing impedance. It may not have a representative inductance at all, as with ferrite beads. Typically these are rated by impedance at frequency, but if it was mistakenly categorized as an inductor, they wouldn't have that spec to enter.Now, most CMCs get rated by inductance and impedance. Some do neither (they might be rated by attenuation instead... or just not at all, sold as-is(!)). Some do just one or the other, some do both. So, it could be that it's one where the OEM part doesn't have an inductance spec.Or it was a stupid catalog error.Tim

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 08:16:33 am
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on May 15, 2018, 08:13:09 amIt was a stupid catalogue error. When the part was on sale, it had no electrical specification other than the DC resistance, even on the pathetic RS Components data sheet!

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 08:25:17 am
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on May 15, 2018, 08:13:09 amTake your pick:https://www.mouser.co.uk/Passive-Components/Inductors-Chokes-Coils/_/N-5gb4?P=1yyqk4tZ1z0z7ymZ1z0wricZ1z0wperZ1z0wri3Z1z0wg7eZ1z0wr0qZ1z0wr2aZ1z0wqllZ1z0wqweZ1z0wr50Z1z0juplZ1z0juqsZ1z0wuodZ1z0iy1kZ1z0wtxn&Keyword=common+mode+chokes&FS=True&Ns=Pricing|0Digikey put a frequency against the impedance just to make it a meaningful number....