How expensive hobby electronics in your country??? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: elex_enthusiast
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2016, 12:38:04 pm
content: So how expensive hobby electronics in your country? This question suddenly came to my mind while I am starring at my pending projects which is sitting on a shelve for a few months now. I am building audio projects and I need to buy a few pairs of power output transistors and other passive components that would cost me about P10k. Local store price is so high and buying online (which is significantly cheaper) is not an option when you don't buy it all at once and you have no means of paying it. I know there are lots of cheap priced components from China (e.g. in aliexpress) but I don't have any means of paying online transaction. I am poor and don't have debit card to pay for it. This situation has a chain effect to me, slow acquisition of parts means slow progress in learning and completing a project. And this situation makes me think sometimes to quit on hobby electronics. So disapointing..is there anybody here who has the same issue specially those who live in third world countries?

author: glicos
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2016, 01:21:16 pm
content: Quote from: elex_enthusiast on July 10, 2016, 12:38:04 pmHi alex, im also from philippines and mostly ordered my stuff in alliexpress using a debit card. You can apply for a debit card (with visa or master card logo) in any local bank here (Mine is BDO and RCBC). There's no maintaining balance, just load some cash on it then use it to buy online. Much cheaper compare to Western Union.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2016, 01:29:06 pm
content: Quotethere is unfortunately no solution to that. I guess getting a job and making a living first should be on top of your priority. Once you have more financial means, get back to electronics.

author: elex_enthusiast
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2016, 01:45:43 pm
content: Quote from: dannyf on July 10, 2016, 01:29:06 pmWell I do have a job but underpaid..sad to say but government here doesn't impose minimum wage even on their casual employees. I am in a process into shifting my career with better opportunities. Family matters must be first in priority and most of the time hobby sets aside. But one thing pisses me off with regards to electronics hobby..prices here were horribly high. And its even worse in my situation, I live in an urban area miles away from city where there are stores that cater electronics stuffs (and most stuffs they're selling are fast moving replacement parts for repairs) hence parts outsourcing is PITA specially when you cant buy it locally..

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 10, 2016, 03:28:42 pm
content: They do sell VISA gift cards at grocery stores and stuff, pick an amount and use it.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2016, 04:00:14 pm
content: Wherever you are a hobby is discretionary. Here in the US when education, family and other requirements on income came in front of hobby funding I fed the beast using salvaged components from discarded gear. While such discarded gear may not be as plentiful in your region as it is here in the US, there are always ways to make things happen.Since you apparently have some skills, how about trading time at a repair shop for access to discards, instruments or whatever?