SMD passive kits - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jamesb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 05:13:25 pm
content: Hi all,I've been looking at passive component kits from various manufacturers in an effort to kit-out my electronics lab but I've had some hesitation due to price / component count.In the usual effort to cut costs, etc, I've looked at other sources (such as evilBay) but I am a bit skeptical considering the source. Have any of you more experienced guys had goodrecentsuccess with any vendors outside the usual Digikey / Mouser for these SMD passive kits?

author: andyturk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 05:23:01 pm
content: http://www.adafruit.com/products/441http://dx.com/p/0603-0ohm-20mohm-smd-resistor-set-white-4425-pcs-195609

author: MacAttak
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 05:32:23 pm
content: SMD devices are so cheap and you can't re-use them like THT components for breadboarding... doesn't really make sense to stock up on them.

author: jamesb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 05:54:20 pm
content: MacAttak:I had never even thought to look on the Adafruit site! Thanks for that tip.andyturk:Well, in fact I will be prototyping with them so it would be nice to have a selection on-hand.And contrary to what some may think - they can be reused if the work is done carefully .. the question becomes: is it worth it?I'm thinking that some board fab houses may offer these "parts books" too - I'll try poking around to see what else is out there.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 07:41:27 pm
content: Pretty good price for the Adafruit binder. I just bought kits from eBay.

author: Circuitous
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 07:59:01 pm
content: I find it very handy to have a set of SMD resistors and capacitors on hand. when a particular value runs low in the bin, I just put another hundred or two on my next digikey order.Here's a decent resistor kit.http://aidetek.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=A&Product_Code=R08E24-100&Category_Code=RKitsI have both a resistor and capacitor kit from them.http://aidetek.comYou'll also find that company on ebay, maybe under a different name.They're fine, I've ordered from them a couple of times with no issues.I have an Adafruit binder that I keep some of my cut-tapes in, but I really prefer the kits like Aidetek, and others, provide.

author: millerb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 09:18:26 pm
content: Quote from: MacAttak on June 06, 2013, 05:32:23 pmI use smd parts all the time on the breadboard. Little resistors, chip capacitors, tantalium, leds, etc. I solder them right onto the pins of 2.54mm strips and plug them right in.

author: millerb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 09:21:37 pm
content: I've order quite a few binders of SMD parts off ebay that were shipped from China and never had any problems. Last binder of resistors I bought off eBay for 30 dollars came with several thousand and each strip has the value stamped right on the back.

author: miceuz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 09:43:38 pm
content: I'm keeping smd component collection from desoldered stuff and leftovers from past or ongoing projects, I usually prototype on in smd on copper clad board - cut traces out with exacto knife. I've found out it's usefull to keep a reel of 10K, 100nF for digital stuff and decoupling, some ferrite beads and 10nF, 1nF caps for analog votage cleanup and 1k for transistor bases. O yeah, and a pinch of transistors and mosfets.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2013, 01:30:43 am
content: If it helps anyone I bought several of these for holding SMD parts:LINKBut next time around I think Im going to get this instead:LINK

author: Circuitous
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 07, 2013, 01:42:56 am
content: wow, that Jameco bin is expensive, you might check Aidetek for similar, less expensive options...

author: andyturk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2013, 03:22:01 am
content: Quote from: Circuitous on June 06, 2013, 07:59:01 pmI've got three of the Adafruit binders (0603 resistors, 0603 capacitors, and one for everything else). The binders are OK, but it can be difficult to get the cut tape out. Sometimes you have carefully slide a pair of tweezers in the "slot" to grab the tape.The other problem that's more irritating is when plastic of the binder pages doesn't grip the tape. When you flip between pages, things will often slide out. If the labels are on the pages and not on the tapes themselves, it's really annoying. This happens all the time for short pieces of tape (e.g., SOT-23 parts with cryptic markings).The great thing is that my parts "library" has hundreds of different components and only takes up four inches on a bookshelf.

author: jamesb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2013, 01:18:03 pm
content: Thanks for all the input gang!Ease of access is something to be sure of - so perhaps the Adafruit ones are a bit lower on my preference list. The price looks pretty darn good though. I've pokes around and Seed Studio has some kits but they don't seem any better than the evilBay ones one can find.I do need bins for my stuff - I've looked at some hardware stores for their plastic and metal "fastener bins". Of course the ESD concern becomes an issue, though I generally leave the sensitive stuff in their plastic bags, etc. Those allegedly ESD safe SMD bins are intriguing for sure.It would be great if I could find a sort of "all in one" (I know that is impossible) starter-kit for 805 or 603 passives which included a nice series of resistors, capacitors and inductors for a price of around $150 or less. That would be awesome!

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2013, 01:34:18 pm
content: This thread had me buy the 0805 and 0603 kits from adafruit. I like these because they are known decent brands and capacitor types.