Excess parts: 'sell' or throw away - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 05:05:27 pm
content: I have accumulated a fair amount of excess new and desoldered parts. Think about chips (through hole/some SMD), connectors, through/SMD passive parts, etc which are leftovers from projects and stuff I have desoldered ages ago. I just can't decide on whether to 'sell' (*) the whole lot as-is or just take it to dump for recycling. On one hand it would be a pity to bin it because I'm quite sure there are usefull parts in the pile. On the other hand I don't want to enable a hoarder. I do know it has to go somewhere else. What do you guys think?(*) Pay for postage and money for some ice-cream to make it worth while. Can't remember the right English term.

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 05:21:26 pm
content: QuoteSell. If someone is a hoarder that is his problem and will hoard with or without your help. Also, you might not be enabling a hoarder but rather some hackerspace, makerspace or a youngsters interest study.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 05:25:28 pm
content: Donate them to a local MakerSpace or HackSpace?Some components are sought after, even if they have been desoldered. Components from old Tek/HP test equipment are an obvious example. Less obviously, to me, are Ge transistors/diodes and mustard yellow capacitors and similar.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 05:27:25 pm
content: It depends on what the parts are. If it's used there's less change someone will be interested, unless it's extremely rare or expensive. If it's cheap, such as a load of used electrolytic capacitors, then I'd bin.New old stock should still have some value, unless it's the type of produce with a limited shelf life.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 05:55:06 pm
content: Quote from: daqq on September 05, 2016, 05:21:26 pmThe makerspace is an interesting idea. It turns out there is a local makerspace! Now wait if they want my old stuff... Maybe I can do a larger cleanup!

author: Jeff_Birt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 06:20:23 pm
content: I have done both. I have given stuff to young people just starting out. I passed on an old 10mHz Tektronix scope that was given to me many years ago to someone who did not have a scope. I also sell some stuff so I can use that money to by new stuff

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 07:01:51 pm
content: One point about anything donated to a hackspace or maker space: a component is only useful to someone if (a) they know it is there and (b) can find it.Hence boxes/bags of resistors are useful if they are labelled, and a waste of time if not.W.r.t. electrolytic capacitors... My local hackspace was given bags of many 20 year old electrolytics. I was ready to bin them, but found their ESR was acceptable. I wouldn't use them for anything critical such as recapping an SMPS, but they are fine for quick decoupling tests and emergency use.

author: MT
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 07:23:44 pm
content: keep!

author: JoeN
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 07:27:51 pm
content: eBay grab bag!

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 07:28:03 pm
content: Quote from: MT on September 05, 2016, 07:23:44 pmNo, not keep because organising & storing the components costs more than they are worth.

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 07:30:46 pm
content: Don't throw them away, someone will want them.I look for "throw away" stuff for my son. At 10 he's happy to get all that he can to start his parts collection.

author: MT
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 07:45:36 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on September 05, 2016, 07:28:03 pmSkip the organize part and go directly to storage, surely you do have space for a banana cardboard box or two even in Holland?

author: MT
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 07:48:03 pm
content: Quote from: eugenenine on September 05, 2016, 07:30:46 pmIs int a ""dads" responsibility to buy a complete set of 0603 resistors to his 10 year old son as to introduce him to be part of dads projects as unpaid child labour?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 08:06:04 pm
content: Quote from: MT on September 05, 2016, 07:45:36 pmWhat is the difference between storing stuff in a box without ever looking at it or disposing it?BTW: @MTwith the subject title?

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 08:14:04 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on September 05, 2016, 08:06:04 pmStoring stuff does not guarantee you will never use it.And that's just people messing with the HTML code or something. (I would advise against that given the whole drama going on lately)

author: setq
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 08:16:25 pm
content: eBay. Wait until you get 500g of surplus then stuff it up as an "electronic component lot NOS".

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 08:17:32 pm
content: True but I have already stored some of the stuff for 20+ years. I usually buy new because I don't even know I have it or what I have isn't quite what I need. Besides that I'll still be keeping a sh*tload of stuff.

author: MT
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 08:42:31 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on September 05, 2016, 08:06:04 pmI mistakenly had pointed the cursor in the subject box (my desk is full of components, mouses, dev boards and piles of project documents etc)and was surprised i actually could change the title so i did a test to see if it would remain! Which it didnt, i have no idea why Simon felt slightlybutt hurt as to change it,nor do i have the slightest clue into why it is allowed to be changed at all on a "local level" so to speak?! Just fooling around with a new forum discovery,nothing to do with you or the thread...The difference? Well if stored you keep it, i didnt say anything about looking at it but eventual as you said your self could have some use for them in the future.

author: MT
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 08:43:49 pm
content: Quote from: Cyberdragon on September 05, 2016, 08:14:04 pmWhat drama? Have i missed some recent drama on EEVBLOG?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 08:50:29 pm
content: Quote from: MT on September 05, 2016, 08:42:31 pmWhy is it that every time I carry out some moderation it is treated as me having a persoanl vendetta or something ? The new title was innapropriate and you know it. If anything i would not stop getting reports until it was changed back or removed. I don't know why you can change it. One would hope that members don't need treating like children but sometimes i wonder.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 08:52:06 pm
content: Quote from: MT on September 05, 2016, 08:43:49 pmNone that I know of, the adults are being adults and the children will always be children. I think patience is wearing thin with the children.

author: MT
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 09:00:03 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on September 05, 2016, 08:50:29 pmOverreacting and having a tantrum now Simon? Yes the title was not inappropriate, it was ludicrous but that's not the point! Point is why does the forumowner allow its users to change thread titles on single posts, not entire thread, well from here i could only see that my post had a different title whilethe thread still had its original title, and you know this Simon so spare us the childish lecturing and tantrums..

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 09:02:31 pm
content: Quote from: MT on September 05, 2016, 09:00:03 pmRight that's 2 days of peace from you. May the original thread continue!

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 09:09:16 pm
content: Quote from: MT on September 05, 2016, 09:00:03 pmActually, the follow-ups did as well.Quote from: MT on September 05, 2016, 09:00:03 pmThere's no irony meter emoticon. Pity. That will have to do.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 09:12:30 pm
content: Yes the entire thread changed title from the point MT changed his reply subject. I assume each replay is to the previous reply. Now can the original discussion continue ? "nothing to see here" and all of that.

author: MK14
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 09:18:52 pm
content: I think once you have decided a modest pile of stuff, e.g. x50 old electrolytic capacitors and about a dozen used/soldered to transistors are taking up room, and you have decided NOT to use them, or store them away.You just make a decision, and if it is NOT viable to sell or give them to someone, you need to bin them.I've often found, this is one of the things you have to get use to, when you get involved with electronics. Although we can have boxes of "junk" components, illustrating that we don't always listen to this advice.Even if you find someone to give them to. They may easily start fussing, and end up refusing them anyway.

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 10:04:41 pm
content: Quote from: MT on September 05, 2016, 07:48:03 pmBecause his projects still involve seeing which component makes more smoke

author: magetoo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 10:29:22 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on September 05, 2016, 07:28:03 pmI'm the last person that should be giving advice on what to do, but since you asked for people's thoughts...If you can't get anyone local to take the whole lot, maybe sell the connectors and ICs as (separate) grab bags, and throw out the passives. Make some minimal effort at describing what it is likely to be, like mentioning "I've been doing mostly {RF, audio, whatever} projects and these are the leftover parts" and take a few pictures. Maybe offer to throw in the rest for free if anyone's interested. (Everyone likes free stuff, right?)After reading that recentcrazy hoarder threadin the buy/sell/wanted forum, it just seems that an unorganized pile of random stuff has negative value. Don't be the guy saying "but you must take it all". If it's not worth your time organizing it, it's not worth anyone elses either and nobody likes ultimatums.

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 11:36:32 pm
content: What is this organizing you speak of? If you've seen any of my crap you would know the solution to too much stuff is to give up on organization entirely.*While posting this a tube rolled off the coffee table onto the carpet. I picked it up and put it right back where it was.*See what I mean...organization is futile. Just look at some of the youtuber labs.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 05:33:47 am
content: I once took a load of stuff off a forum member i know personally to help him clear up. Some ended up on ebay but a lot binned. I have to be careful myself of accumulation and have become adicted to buying stuff i think I can sell so that's being knocked on the head.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 06:12:53 am
content: Quote from: Cyberdragon on September 05, 2016, 11:36:32 pmI'm as guilty as the next person with the accumulation of stuff. Just ask SWMBO ... (On second thoughts, don't).However, I have devised a plan that has served me well for the past 20 odd years. (Again, don't ask the wife.)It consists of having a number of containers all the same size (makes for easier storage layout) with a specific category of contents. I am free to fill any container with items that fit the category, but if I want to add something that won't fit, I have to remove something and get rid of it. Yes, there is junk, but it's organised ... at the container level at least. Within each container organisation tends to follow quantum theory - but at least finding something is limited to searching through one container (usually).However, over the last few years, the number of containers with my stuff in them has been on the decline.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 07:24:34 am
content: You could always adopt the thinking Lightages had in this thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/the-parts-trading-thread-pay-it-forward!/

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 07:51:18 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on September 06, 2016, 12:28:21 amYou're young, have limited space, and a decent income.I bet when you are older, have a house and big shed, and expenses that strain your income (get married and have kids, pay mortgage, etc) you will think differently.

author: setq
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 09:17:22 am
content: I'm older, have a house, a shed, and am married and have kids and think the same as blueskull.After much analysis and a few personal fails in this space (minor Tektronix hoarding - only 6 units!), if you don't spend a fortune on collecting test gear and other crap which is a rancid curse, that leaves you with plenty of cash to cycle consumables (components) out without too much an issue. I won't spend more than £10 ($15ish) for an oscilloscope now. That landed me a 50MHz Philips PM3217 unit which is fine for 99% of people's needs. That represents £340 not spent on a DS1054Z which means you can actually DO SOMETHING rather than just buy stuff and look at it. And you do stuff with components!Also a fair chunk of what I used gets widlarized so I'm not actually keeping much

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 09:51:55 am
content: Quote from: setq on September 06, 2016, 09:17:22 amYery very true. I wish more people would realise that. (My rule of thumb is £1/MHz for a working scope)But there's the inevitable caveat that any such scope should work without you putting too much effort into it!

author: 3db
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 10:23:42 am
content: Quote from: MT on September 05, 2016, 09:00:03 pmBecause the site owner can do whatever he wants.It's his site and it's FREE to users.Get it ?

author: setq
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 10:28:38 am
content: Quote from: tggzzz on September 06, 2016, 09:51:55 amI'd exclude Tektronix from that. £-4/MHz as there is £5 of broken parts in one of them per MHz from experience. Plus triggering not working? Tunnel diodes smoked! The only pair left on the planet are buried in the ark of the covenant. Philips? All problems involve a new BC548

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 10:44:59 am
content: Quote from: setq on September 06, 2016, 10:28:38 amExcept the tunnel diodes are buried in Russia, and a BC548 won't help with decent triggering - you need a tunnel diode for that! (The latter is now admissable as the truth under the newly formulated Brexit/Trump rules).I've been restoring a couple of Tek1502 TDRs. One suggested replacement for the big TD that launches the step into a 50ohm line is a fast Analog Devices comparator; I think that would work!

author: setq
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 11:08:34 am
content: Ahhahaha all hail our new overlordsA couple of bog standard 30p FETs stuck together on a bit of metal and an SL3145 1.6GHz NPN array is actually used for the trigger comparator. The latter is £7 but you can slide a HFA3096 in there if you're brave as it doesn't use the whole device. 8GHz Ft matched array for £3 is a good deal.Fast AD comparator is probably cheaper than a tunnel diode these days.Starting to consider building my own analogue scope now. It's probably not that hard to get something with 50MHz bandwidth out of the door these days. Hell you can probably do it with a bunch of those tiddly little SOT23 opamps with stupid gain-bandwidth product and some discretes.Back on topic: And I can afford to do this because I'm not hoarding bits or buying expensive test gear

author: jonovid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 11:13:46 am
content: IMO test, label and bag then donate the good to a Local Hackerspace. bin the bad or otherwise non re-usable, that failed the test.Sorting ,Testing and then classifying components is 50% of my time as a hobbyist. as even new components can be not up to spec.Quote-just how BIG are the transistors?1KW industrial switching types?- Looks like you have less then a one Liter tub. wait till you have a good 10 Liters of components.then sort-out the good from the bad.

author: MK14
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 12:21:04 pm
content: Quote from: jonovid on September 06, 2016, 11:13:46 amIt was only meant as a hypothetical example.I was mainly trying to explain what I might do, with a pile of components, which have just been used to develop something. Because they may be used/leads-cut-short/soldered/abused etc, and they are too cheap (a 1 pence small signal diode etc), to be worth sorting through, once soldered in to a quick test board or something.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 01:05:21 pm
content: Giving the parts to a maker space sounds like the right thing to do. Determining what's too much depends on what you're doing. If you do a few projects, you mostly need just the parts for those and a few common parts for the breadboard. When you repair stuff, some basic stock of parts used in the broken devices is very handy. For example, I got a lot of various semiconductors to have sufficient DUTs for the Transistor Tester project. Besides those I stock resistors (E24), caps (E12), a few inductors, few MCUs, common analog ICs, logic gates, voltage regulators, few relays, fuses, connectors and plugs. Most ICs are spare parts from/for old projects. Not having a 12V Zener when repairing something on a Sunday afternoon would annoy me