Unwanted components wanted for free  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: daniel123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2016, 07:17:27 pm
content: Hi this is a re write version of the wanted free stuff thread. So now if anyone has unwanted electronic supplies and component I would be willing to take it for you. I would pay for shipping if it's inside the United states or maybe canada. If you live in the houston texas area I can pick up.Thanks Daniel

author: teksturi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2016, 07:31:41 pm
content: Why you rewrite same thread? How is this different?

author: DimitriP
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2016, 07:51:48 pm
content: Maybe time for a new rule... or a new section "Wanted for free".I have a few items to add

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 01:06:13 am
content: Quote from: DimitriP on April 28, 2016, 07:51:48 pmI can see that going straight to hell in a handbasket.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 01:08:25 am
content: Quote from: daniel123 on April 28, 2016, 07:17:27 pm

author: Delta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 01:52:23 am
content: indeed.You are an absolute idiot. Try this...-----------------------------------------------------------------Thread title: Does anyone have any unwanted parts or gear they could donate please? (US / Houston area)Hi, I'm a school kid who's interested in electronics, I'm wondering if anyone has any electronics related stuff they no longer need and are planning to dispose of. I'm interested in general jelly bean components, old PCBs which I might learn from (attempting to reverse engineer, salvage components from etc), or basic test equipment that you no longer use?I'm in Houston, so if I'm lucky enough to find someone local, I'm able to collect. If not, and someone is kind enough to package some stuff up for me, I'd be happy to pay the shipping charges. (Although obviously I'm limited in funds, so we'd have to check if it's realistic or not first!)Thanks for your time, I'm sure you all remember when you were in this position!

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 01:55:10 am
content: Let's say you have have $50 to cover shipping of a bunch of random junk.For the same $50 you can order a lot of jelly bean components from DigiKey. The cheapest shipping from DigiKey is around $7, so you will have $43 left for parts.

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 02:23:17 am
content: Then there's this prize:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/visiting-dave's-lab/msg926665/#msg926665Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.Void where prohibited.Some assembly required.Batteries not included.Contents may settle during shipment.Use only as directed.No other warranty expressed or implied.Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment.Postage will be paid by addressee.Subject to CAB approval.This is not an offer to sell securities.Apply only to affected area.May be too intense for some viewers.Do not stamp.Use other side for additional listings.For recreational use only.Do not disturb.All models over 18 years of age.If condition persists, consult your physician.No user-serviceable parts inside.Freshest if eaten before date on carton.Subject to change without notice.Times approximate.Simulated picture.No postage necessary if mailed in the United States.Breaking seal constitutes acceptance of agreement.For off-road use only.As seen on TV.One size fits all.Many suitcases look alike.Contains a substantial amount of non-tobacco ingredients.Colors may, in time, fade.We have sent the forms which seem to be right for you.Slippery when wet.For office use only.Not affiliated with the American Red Cross.Spit on it.Drop in any mailbox.Edited for television.Keep cool; process promptly.Post office will not deliver without postage.List was current at time of printing.Return to sender, no forwarding order on file, unable to forward.Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error or failure to perform.At participating locations only.Not the Beatles.Penalty for private use.See label for sequence.Substantial penalty for early withdrawal.Do not write below this line.Falling rock.Lost ticket pays maximum rate.Your cancelled check is your receipt.No substitutions.Shoes and shirts required.Management not responsible for lost articles.If rash appears discontinue use.For external use only.Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.Fasten seatbelt.Not for human consumption.Add toner.Place stamp here.Instant water, just add water.Avoid contact with skin.Sanitized for your protection.Be sure each item is properly endorsed.Sign here without admitting guilt.Slightly higher west of the Mississippi.Employees and their families are not eligible.Beware of dog.Contestants have been briefed on some questions before the show.Limited time offer, call now to insure prompt delivery.I'll pull out.You must be present to win.No passes accepted for this engagement.No purchase necessary.Processed at location stamped in code at top of carton.Shading within a garment may occur.Use only in well-ventilated area.Keep away from fire or flame.Replace with same type.Approved for veterans.Booths for two or more.Check here if tax deductible.Some equipment shown is optional.Price does not include taxes.No Canadian coins.Not recommended for children.Prerecorded for this time zone.Reproduction strictly prohibited.No solicitors.No alcohol, dogs, or horses.No anchovies unless otherwise specified.Restaurant package, not for resale.List at least two alternate dates.First pull up, then pull down.Call toll free before digging.Driver does not carry cash.Apply before intercourse.Some of the trademarks mentioned in this product appear for identification purposes only.Record additional transactions on back of previous stub.Do not attempt this at home.This page intentionally left blank.Do not remove this tag under penalty of law.No Tipping Please.Driver carries $20.00 or Less.I'll never drink again.Children please get your parents permission before calling.May contain unverified food products.Do not place metal inside oven.Objects in mirror may be closer than they appear.Ladies please remove your hats.This product is meant for educational purposes only.List each check separately by bank number.Tail light warrant applies.This supersedes all previous notices.

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 03:05:45 am
content: You're not a millennial, but I think this is still relevant:

author: alsetalokin4017
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 03:59:39 am
content: Come on, cut the kid some slack. Louis is talking about people who _expect_ to be given _valuable_ stuff and expert assistance for free and get mad when they don't get it.Daniel is just _asking_ for stuff that maybe nobody still wants, that he might be able to use for his own education. And maybe some help understanding stuff he doesn't understand yet. He's not going to get mad at you for not sending him anything and he doesn't expect a very busy person, like Louis, to take time away from his regular business to help him for free. If you don't have parts to send him, then don't send him anything. If you don't have time or the desire to help him, then.... don't.But there is no reason for you to get all huffy and try to drive him away and sour him on the whole experience of this valuable web forum. Many people here _do_ help others without any expectation for reward, all we ask for is the occasional "thank you" and usually not even that -- I'm happy enough simply when a problem gets resolved.The part about having parents consent is valid, though. Anyone dealing over the internet with a legal minor should be very wary and insist on contact with the parents before sending anything.And... Your Mileage May Vary.... of course.

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 04:24:46 am
content: Sorry, that might have been a bit harsh.However, making multiple posts about the same thing is quite annoying, especially if it's someone asking for free stuff in a discourteous manner (not to mention someone asking for free stuff, while asking about buying JBC irons at the same time)...

author: daniel123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 07:02:37 pm
content: I have deleted my other thread

author: timb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 08:33:08 pm
content: Quote from: daniel123 on April 30, 2016, 07:02:37 pmThat's not really the point...Again, instead of getting a bunch of junk with questionable components, why don't you take the $50 and buy jellybean parts from Digi-Key?In my other thread, I mentioned how you were ignoring all the valuable advice you were being given. YOU'RE STILL DOING IT!

author: daniel123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 09:00:31 pm
content: I am actually reading peoples advice.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 09:17:24 pm
content: Quote from: daniel123 on April 30, 2016, 09:00:31 pmGood.When I was in your position and couldn't justifyanyspending on my new hobby dumpsters were the source of much of my componentry.......any dead appliance was recovered and stripped for bits, cases, leads transformers....anything.The added advantage is the knowledge gained while disassembling of how stuff is constructed, PCB's laid out and the soldering/desoldering practice that will become invaluable for later on.Nuts, bolts, washers, cabling there is so so so much you can reuse.As time went by PCB's just got tossed in a big box for time when harvesting of their components was necessary.You'll need an iron, solder sucker, pliers, spanners....all the things you'll need at some stage anyway, get these first.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 09:30:07 pm
content: Quote from: alsetalokin4017 on April 29, 2016, 03:59:39 amIt has absolutely nothing to do with David actually asking for free stuff. That goes on regularly here and yes, there are kind, generous people here that have helped. I wish I was in the position to be one of them. Some of those people have been burned by finding out the gift was turned into cash. The problem is the multiple posts asking for free stuff and then asking about buying very expensive soldering equipment. The multiple posts basically doing the same thing is like a small child jumping up and down in front of you screaming, look at me, look at me, look at me!!! It really does get annoying. To those that find it annoying, there are two options, ignore the posts or comment on the posts. Ignoring the posts doesn't give guidance on the better way to do things. On commenting, there are also 2 options, one can be harsh or one can offer constructive criticism. I will agree that it doesn't pay to be harsh, that teaches nothing and there are those who have been. There has been some constructive criticism but it seems that it has been pushed down into the noise floor by the constant repeating of asking for free stuff. Daniel, I don't know if you are a typical young person these days who spends their time face buried in an electronic device with little human interaction or not. In general, I find that to be a huge problem as that habit develops poor social skills, that and the entitlement attitude that Louis Rossman brings out. Again, Daniel, I don't know you but I would ask you- would you walk up to a complete stranger and ask them to give you stuff? Or would you engage them, get to know them, hang out with them and gently test the waters first whilst showing that you have the same interests? You basically did the first here on the forum and you didn't get the hint that maybe you were going about it the wrong way.I would offer a suggestion to you. If I were you, I would have the moderators lock these asking for free stuff threads. Participate in the forums. Do your best to ask good questions and make thoughtful comments. Show members you have more interests than just asking for stuff. Build a rapport with members. Maybe down the line, after a few months and a hundred or so posts, you might try revisiting the topic.Quote from: daniel123 on April 30, 2016, 09:00:31 pmReading is one thing. Taking it to heart and acting on it is something else.

author: Delta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 01:09:10 am
content: Quote from: daniel123 on May 01, 2016, 01:05:17 amDanny, look mate, don't be perturbed. Justheed the advice that's been given!1) Use what little money you have to buy parts you will actually use, rather than on shipping junk.2) Take an extra minute to write posts that are polite and don't massacre the English language. (If you can't be arsed to check your spelling, grammar and formatting, why should anyone be arsed to donate stuff to you?)

author: daniel123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 01:45:48 am
content: OK sorry i will try again

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 01:47:23 am
content: Do yourself a favor...Don't.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 02:53:10 am
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on April 30, 2016, 09:30:07 pmWhile I don't condone harshness for it's own sake, there IS a lesson to be learned from it - and it is this:The WAY you go about asking people foranything- whether it's the time of day or a free scope - will greatly influence the response you get.This is a lesson in how the world works and it is one that needs to be learned if you want to get ahead.Quote from: GreyWoolfe on April 30, 2016, 09:30:07 pmExactly.Daniel, you need to take a step back and actually have an honest look at how you have presented yourself. This is important, but it's not always something people can do (especially younger people). If you are still unsure about how your posts have caused such a fuss, get a someone you feel is wise and knowledgeable (parent, relative or neighbour) to read what's been said here and explain it to you.

author: Cloud
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 02:32:14 pm
content: I have a crapload of resistors, diodes, capacitors etc. I have tried to give it to the beginers some time ago, but there was no interest. If you send me a shipping label, I will put it in the box and send it to you, otherwise, I'll put everything in the box and put it on ebay as mystery box and sell it. But keep in mind, I am from Slovenia.

author: daniel123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 05:24:17 pm
content: I need to talk to my dad cloud I will get back to you as soon as i get an answer. How much is shipping from slovania to the usa? just give me a couple days to think about it.

author: Delta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 07:05:33 pm
content: Quote from: daniel123 on May 01, 2016, 05:24:17 pmFFS! Don't you get it? YOU are clearly on an internet connected device of some sort, YOU should be looking into shipping charges to at least get an idea! Put some capital letters in your post, or does that take too much effort?And finally, how about a "Thank you very much for your offer, Cloud"?FFS.

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 07:37:30 pm
content: Quote from: Delta on May 01, 2016, 07:05:33 pmDon't worry. Next week, he'll forget all about this and go back to the XBox or PS4 or whatever else is hot out there these days.

author: timb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 11:46:36 pm
content: Quote from: daniel123 on May 01, 2016, 05:24:17 pmDepending on how big the box is, and the weight, it could be from $15 to $50.I don't know exactly what @Cloud has in his assortment (are they used, pulled components? New? What range of values? How many? If it were me, I'd take that money and use it to buy an assortment of resistors and capacitors on eBay, some jellybean parts from Digi-Key, etc. At least that way you know what you're getting.There's nothing worse than building a circuit with used components and spending all night troubleshooting it only to find out one of them was bad.

author: Assafl
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2016, 07:26:33 am
content: I am sorry - there is nothing BETTER than building a circuit using salvaged components and then figuring out a component was bad. Widlarizing it later is also fun.Usually a circuit you build is a circuit you understand. When it fails - you sort of figure it out like a puzzle.I know these techniques helped me 10 years later when my undergrad projects failed and I had to debug my dipole microstrip antenna.While I agree that his request is sort of unfocused (what is he interested in - audio, lights - I loved LEDs 30 years ago!! - controllers, energy stuff, HV dangerous stuff) - belittling anyone's request for help and assistance doesn't help.Marketers at Fluke and Rigol and Keysight eat your crumudgeon crap with mustard and relish for breakfast. But kids don't always have the maturity to see adults for the fools adults sometimes want to portray. Please be gentle.

author: Cloud
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2016, 09:00:07 am
content: Last time, I put together a "surprise box" it was about 3kg and had new and used components. This one had a lot of old 4000 logic (unsoldered). It looked something like this:You have time tell me your decision until 4.5.

author: timb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2016, 09:38:20 am
content: Quote from: Assafl on May 02, 2016, 07:26:33 amIt's great once you have some experience under your belt, but when you're just starting out and learning the basics, it can be very trying and very disheartening.What's almost as bad, if not worse, is major errors in schematics, from wildly popular books, no less. (Forrest Mimms, I'm looking at you! I swear, a good 2 out of the 5 circuits in the Engineer's Mini Notebooks just didn't work as shown.)@Cloud That actually looks like a pretty good assortment!

author: MT
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2016, 01:28:05 pm
content: The charged caps have zapped the IC's in that "box of surprices"!

author: zerorisers
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 01:44:45 pm
content: I am in the DFW Metroplex. A little ways away, but when I have a couple of boxes of components I don't need I will keep you in consideration. Probably even drive there myself. I have always wanted to go to houston.

author: vze1lryy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 07:25:12 pm
content: Quote from: Delta on April 29, 2016, 01:52:23 amI didn't exactly sound like that when I was 13. I wish I did! But I didn't.I don't think he intends to be an asshole. I honestly just think he's 13...I didn't understand fully how I came off to others at 13 either.I think a big part of it is that now, as an adult, I have people from all areas of my life constantly demanding I do shit for free, constantly bargaining. Customers bargain, other stores call me during business hours asking for free advice, employees don't want to learn or think they can make excuses for why they can't spell the word fernando. My first boss at an internship had me working 70 hours a week for free, paid for one meal a day, and felt entitled to call me at 2 in the morning. that stuff hardens you.So I try to phrase things, at 27, in a manner that will not lead others to believe I feel entitled to their time/property,.I am a little more hair-trigger than I was at 13. At 13 you don't have that "FUCK ENTITLEMENT" attitude drilled into you because you haven't had ten years of being hounded by people for free work. I don't think he feels entitled, but just phrases things without thinking about how it may set someone else of, because he himself has not been through all that frustrating nonsense yet.I have no patience for entitled sounding grown men and women, particularly the fucktards in their 30s-40s who are decades older than me who call me to waste my time. The reason is that I know that they know just how much it sucks to receive those same phone calls. They have even more experience than I do with their time being wasted on bullshit, so when they waste mine on bullshit, full well knowing how annoying it is -screw them!!!!They know better. However, I'll do my best to mentor teenagers or even 10 year olds that want to learn this stuff if they wanted to . I understand that their life experiences will be such that they are not trying to act entitled, they just don't understand why we perceive it that way.Maybe I'm just becoming a softie.I made a huge ass out of myself on the internet when I was 13 on a set of sites that are no longer around. I am still in touch with this one woman who was in her mid 20s who really grilled me on what a piece of garbage I was - just chewed me out six ways to Sunday on all my bullshit and it really helped me develop my character. A year later we talked more. I'm 27, she's in her late 30s. She's probably the longest friend I've ever had at this point and we have a decent level of mutual respect for one another. I forget what my point was with this. I know she despised a lot of the immaturity in my thoughts, actions, and postings. However, at the same time, I am happy that it wasn't just superficial disdain. A lot of what I've accomplished to this date I probably never would have if I didn't have someone helping me a little during that crucial time in my life.

author: bills
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 03:24:35 am
content: Be nice guys.we at one time were young and next to clueless. I am thinking about making a care package I have way too much stuff. BTW I will ship it post paid .It may be a few weeks before I have time.Being retired takes most of my free timeI have to fix the wife's new old jaguar ( leaking oil on the driveway)bill

author: bills
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 03:28:46 am
content: I have done this before and it's a thankless endeavor but maybe someone will benefit, at least some of the stuff may find a good home.I have to quit hording stuff.bill

author: alsetalokin4017
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 06:34:22 am
content: @timb: That's strange... I have all of the Mims Mini Notebooks and I've built many circuits from them, long ago, and I can't remember a single one that _didn't_ work as stated. Can you give an example or two from your experience that didn't work?Mims's "Getting Started In Electronics" is still an excellent resource for people in Daniel's position in life.

author: Assafl
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 12:40:32 pm
content: Quote from: timb on May 02, 2016, 09:38:20 amYes that brings back memories. Over time we all realized that Datasheets "example circuits" usually did not contain all the parts that needed to make a circuit work.When the book writers (like Mims) then copied them into a hobby book without properly testing we were stumped.But the real beauty of doing this at 13 is that instead of making you into a cynical crumudgeon you sort of find out what works (Elektor schematics usually did work) and over time developed the instinct to figure out when a schematic is real or "idealized". All without even realizing I should have been upset.