Wanted free stuff - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: daniel123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 09:33:32 pm
content: Hi I was wondering if anyone has a box of free things that I could have. I'm talking like a giant box of parts and some test equipment stuff that you don't use. If you live in the Houston Texas area we can pickup or I can pay for shipping if it's inside the Unites States. If you would have any parts please contact me at danielvrolijk55@gmail.com. If you can help me out that would be greatly appreciated.Sincerely,Daniel Vrolijk

author: ludzinc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 09:52:07 pm
content: While we're at it, any one got a free Ferarri they want to give away?

author: daniel123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 09:54:36 pm
content: No they would not I'm not talking about that much more like salvaged circuit boards and things to take apart because I can't dumpster dive their aren't places here were I could dumpster dive.

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 09:57:33 pm
content: Quote from: ludzinc on April 25, 2016, 09:52:07 pmMy needs are much simpler. I want a 1965 or 1966 GTO with tri-power. Anyone?Jay

author: AlxDroidDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 10:12:35 pm
content: Quote from: Jwalling on April 25, 2016, 09:57:33 pmI don't even want a car. All I want is an Audi 3.0 TFSI engine and the gearbox that I can fit on a VW Jetta (1.4L originally, but is pretty much the same platform as the A4). If anyone has one of those spare engines at home, preferably brand new, I'd appreciate. Sender pays for shipping and customs taxes.

author: Delta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 10:16:29 pm
content: Quote from: daniel123 on April 25, 2016, 09:54:36 pmI have a "Basic guide to English grammar" you may have for free...

author: ozwolf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 10:57:41 pm
content: Come on guys, give him a break. Be nice.Ozwolf

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 11:19:32 pm
content: Quote from: daniel123 on April 25, 2016, 09:54:36 pmWhere are you exactly? There are surplus stores, slavation army and other places like this where you can get stuff real cheap.On the other hand, it is probably better to purposefully design things with reasonable selection of components and order the parts you need. It is not that expensive and much better than making things from junk in most cases.

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 11:24:41 pm
content: Quote from: Delta on April 25, 2016, 10:16:29 pmDoes it come with a dictionary as well?U no, won of thoz bukz dat can haz wordz in their four gud speeling

author: daniel123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 11:26:36 pm
content: I am in Houston Texas the only place or electronics store is EPO electronic parts outlet that the only one

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 11:37:09 pm
content: Quote from: daniel123 on April 25, 2016, 11:26:36 pmHouston is a huge city, there is no way there is only one surplus store there. Even if not surplus, there will be slalvation army stores, they sell old junk cheap.There seem to be reasonably discounted local stores, at least that's what google tells me. But overall you will spend more time and money buying junk you don't need for a few parts you can actually use.PS: Even EPO seems to have two different locations.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 11:39:49 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on April 25, 2016, 11:31:17 pmI can see a problem of dealing with online purchases when you are 15. But you really have to figure out how to do that. Getting things offline only will not get you far.I guess you don't have a job, so money will come from parents. Ask them to make you a debit card and give the allowance this way.And once you get a card, there is also eBay, which opens a whole new world of cheap parts, especially when you got patience.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 11:43:08 pm
content: In all my time fiddling around with stuff over the years, the number of salvaged parts I haveactually usedwouldn't fill a shoebox - and I'm including bulky items like switches, transformers and, yes, even mains cords with moulded plugs attached. Believe it or not, the last thing I salvaged from an old DVD player and VCR were the black self tapper case screws (and a mains lead), but that was it.I've never had the opportunity to dumpster dive - and even if I did, it would be looking for gear that I might find useful that would be repairable, not for parts.If you want to get into salvage for parts, stick to nice, big and interesting PCBs. You can make a fun coffee table or wall hanging with them. (Good for desoldering practice, too.)Edit: spelling

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 11:49:54 pm
content: Ignore all the "garbage" replies, some people just have a shltty life. If you were in OZ, I have a sheetload of stuff you could have, and shipping wouldn't make itworthwhile. Don't give up by a long shot, normal members should show up soon enough. GL

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 12:03:17 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on April 25, 2016, 11:58:44 pmTrue. However, I've found that sometimes the questions can be a decade or two in coming...

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 12:03:39 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on April 25, 2016, 11:54:57 pmIt is hard to do the accounting on those things. There may be different taxation on different project, so it is easier to order new parts than do transfers between the projects, fewer chances to get an audit from IRS.Quote from: blueskull on April 25, 2016, 11:54:57 pmSame thing. It is only $300k if you have a buyer.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 12:07:29 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on April 26, 2016, 12:03:39 amThat's the truth of the matter.I'd rather (and have done) given stuff away to people thatmaymake some use of it, rather than toss it away ... for this very reason.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 12:18:15 am
content: Sounds better than having it turned into an Espresso machine.

author: alsetalokin4017
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 12:42:26 am
content: I live in another large Texas city, and every three months or so we have a "large item pickup" where the city sends trucks around to pick up trash and take it to the landfill. At these times people put out all kinds of things at the curb for pickup. I look for CRT televisions and computer monitors. Usually the copper scavengers get to them first and break off the CRT necks for easy access to the yoke and deflection coils. But usually they leave the circuit boards behind, speakers, and even the degaussing coils.Things you can usually get from these circuit boards:optoisolatorsop-ampsaudio amp chipsrelaysgeneric transistorsceramic and polyfilm and electrolytic capacitorsinductors, chokes, transformers, some wound with Litz wire, some with magnetshorizontal deflection transistorsmosfetssmall memory chipsresistorsdiodes, rectifier and small-signal and zenersheat sinkstactile pushbutton switchesIf the scavengers have left the yoke or the degaussing coils you have lots of enamelled magnet wire there.CRT monitor cables that connect the monitor to the computer have lots of hookup wire and even shielded cables inside, it's not too hard to strip them down for the wires.Discarded computer power supplies will also provide a few good parts, like fullwave bridges and/or rectifier diodes, mosfets, hookup wire, chokes, etc.The real challenge is to use the scavenged parts in projects! I've used them to fix other stuff that needed fixing (replacement capacitors mostly), and for hobby projects of various kinds.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 07:48:49 am
content: For salvaging components, try calling local businesses, particularly small ones. Ask about CRT's, printers*, and such they want to dispose of. Otherwise, you'd probably be a lot better off ordering parts.Aside from the sources already mentioned (and linked), you can get jellybean stuff on the cheap from the following:Tayda ElectronicsThey're located in Thailand, so shipping isn't quick; but the parts are cheap.FuturelecPlease note ^ is not all-inclusive.Other interesting places (i.e. surplus electronic components, mechanical stuff, and some specialty outlets):Skycraft SurplusMPJA(also surplus)Electronic GoldmineParts ExpressThey sell a lot of stuff targeted for audio; rolling your own speakers in particular.All Electronics(surplus)Surplus Sales of NebraskaFair Radio Sales(surplus)Surplus Center(lots of mechanical bits)Dan's Small Parts and KitsNightfire Electronic KitsGreat Plains ElectronicsHeatsinkUSA

author: daniel123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 09:24:52 pm
content: Well ill keep this thread open to see if anyone is willing to give me some parts. Also if you live in the houston are you know my email contact me if you have any parts that I can pick up. Thanks Daniel

author: timb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 12:29:29 am
content: Quote from: daniel123 on April 26, 2016, 09:24:52 pmWow. Just wow.In this, and all your other threads, people are trying to help you, but you just ignore it and keep asking for free stuff.Try reading all the helpful replies you've gotten, follow the links, absorb the information and then try what they've suggested. I understand you're 15, but that's no excuse. (I wasrunning a successful companyat 15.)Do you understand what this means: "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he'll eat for life."

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 12:35:14 am
content: Quote from: digsys on April 25, 2016, 11:49:54 pmAlthough you have to be careful what you wish for. I once got offered a car full of electronics stuff. Little did I know the person drove around in a rather large van. Parents not happy and I learned a valuable lesson not to hoard to much junk.

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 01:21:37 am
content: Quote from: timb on April 27, 2016, 12:29:29 amBuild a man a fire, he's warm for a night.Set a man on fire, he's warm for a lifetime.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 01:33:46 am
content: Quote from: daniel123 on April 26, 2016, 09:24:52 pmGiven this and all the other threads you've started, one must conclude you expect others to just give you an entire lab for free.Are you serious?Quote from: timb on April 27, 2016, 12:29:29 amI's still shaking my head.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 05:46:59 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on April 27, 2016, 04:59:24 amHe did...Quote from: daniel123 on April 25, 2016, 09:38:09 pm(source).And I accepted this ^ on it's surface.Then he started another thread...Quote from: daniel123 on April 26, 2016, 09:38:46 pm(source)Either he's too broke and incapable of finding an odd job or two to earn what it would take to cover shipping and buy some cheap parts as mentioned in this thread, or he already has $270+ at his disposal to buy another soldering station.This is bad enough on it's own, but the icing for me was the fact he didn't even acknowledge the suggestions as to how he could help himself. In fact, he made a post that's tantamount to"Give me free parts only".So please forgive me, but mymeter is pegged at this point.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 06:28:13 am
content: Hey now! Lets get this thread back on track....I want an early 90s Porsche 911. The 964 body. Last one with big bug eye headlights. Come on guys. Ill even take any color. What if i say please? Anyone? Anyone?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 08:09:56 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on April 27, 2016, 07:35:49 amI've read it. Multiple times in fact.Please check all of his posts (i.e. look at the broader picture).

author: timb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 10:07:01 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on April 27, 2016, 09:20:02 amIn the thread where he asks for a free scope, he offers to pay for shipping, then someone points him to a Craigslist (or eBay local, can't remember which) ad with a scope for $50, to which he replies that he's broke and doesn't have that kind of money. It was then pointed out that he was willing to pay for shipping, which would have been around $50 for a scope, he replied that he "was just a kid" and "doesn't understand about shipping" and proceeded to keep asking for a free scope.So, he's either a broke kid who wants free stuff *or* he's a kid with $270 to blow on a *second* soldering station yet can't afford a $50 scope or that in shipping. Which one is it?Maybe he's just a *really* immature 15? (Or maybe I expect too much out of 15 year olds?) I hope that's the case, because there's a growing part of me screaming that something hinky is going on.I don't mind helping people out, in fact, last month I sent a huge box full of parts and tools (totaling several hundred dollars) to another young member of this very forum. I'm also giving them a Tek CRO soon when I'm done restoring it. Keep in mind, he *did* post a thread asking if anyone would be willing to donate/lend him a scope and since he's not far from me I decided to help him out. After talking with him and seeing a PCB he'd laid out, I offered to send him a care package. The difference between him and the OP is that he asked politely, didn't beg and seems actually capable of helping himself and taking advice.Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some kids to chase off my lawn.

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 12:38:51 pm
content: He ain't got money for scopes and sh!t, he's 15, he's gotta keep up with his drugs and ho's.Now, where do I sign up for this free car...

author: Iwanushka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 06:44:08 pm
content: I will take one 911 too, 90s or older no new crap please!

author: timb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 09:31:36 pm
content: While we're at it, I'll take a 1988 Nissan 300ZX Shiro Special, please. I'll even fly out and drive it back! (Airline tickets only cost like $5, right?)I'd also accept an original Datsun Fairlady Z. Gotta love dat straight 6!

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 09:34:57 pm
content: Quote from: timb on April 27, 2016, 09:31:36 pmThose side mirrors look pretty silly.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_S30

author: timb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 09:43:55 pm
content: Quote from: Smokey on April 27, 2016, 09:34:57 pmIf by silly you mean FUCKING AWESOME than yeah, I totally agree.If you scroll down in that article, there's a picture of the 240Z in "907 Racing Green" which is the US version. It has normal, boring, US D.O.T. approved side view mirrors in their normal, boring locations.If I ever got an original "Datsun 240Z" to restore, I'd most likely put the original, awesome Japanese-style "Nissan Fairlady Z" mirrors back on.Edit: It's getting hard to find a 240Z here in the US; I guess they were only offered for a couple of years here before the 260Z came out, at which point Datsun dealerships had started to spread. Still, I'd take 240Z, 260Z or 280Z; they're all first generation Z cars! Beggars can't be choosers, right?

author: daniel123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 10:46:01 pm
content: I read the other peoples suggestions and well free in my terms means someone that has stuff that they havnt used for years and are not planning to use it it dosent relate to shipping cost at all. It just means that the parts are free. like extra ic chips resistors etc just parts that you dont use. I know that some of you proably have lots of parts or too many. *sigh*

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2016, 12:20:36 am
content: Quote from: daniel123 on April 27, 2016, 10:46:01 pmI think you may want to rephrase your request as looking for *unwanted* parts and components as opposed to *free stuff*. You should also make your request more specific, describe what you want to do with what you receive, and/or describe in general the projects you want to work on.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2016, 01:04:08 am
content: Quote from: daniel123 on April 27, 2016, 10:46:01 pmLook what Bernie is doing to the youth of America!