Ordering from Farnell - impossible?

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loverocker
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Ordering from Farnell - impossible?

Post by loverocker »

OK, I admit defeat, I just can't work out how to order parts on Farnell's online system without taking about 20 minutes to find each pesky component. If you browse by category, you get several hundred components to wade through and searching doesn't help - I type in "50uF" and get five pages of "150uF" caps as well. Aaargh (pulling out what little hair is left) :x

Is there some secret method of accessing the Farnell site that is more sensible? If only Maplins had more valve-oriented stuff...
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ampkits
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Post by ampkits »

Hey there,

Sorry if this is kinda old but I just saw this post.

I agree it sucks. I emailed em a few times saying how unfriendly their system is, but no reply.

The Malaysian branch really sucks in terms of inventory. I was looking for 100R 3W from the MO series. No stock. I check for 5W. Nope. I checked for all resistors in the series, nope... have to wait 7 days.

This is not only for certain item. Even wires and such, sometimes whole series of stuff are not stocked.

I understand that maybe they do profiling, ie have system to see Malaysian needs, but...well, maybe we tube people are different.

About the search, easiest is to use the advanced search. Be specific like 150uf 50V. It'd help to know what voltages caps they carry are available in.

Better, get the thick catalog. I have hours of fun looking at it.
Nik
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loverocker
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Post by loverocker »

Thanks for the reply, Nik. I was beginning to think everyone here knew the secret handshake that got Farnell's site to work properly ;)

Sometimes when I do a search, the first two pages of the results page is full of "Discontinued" Aaagh!

I'm managing to get a reasonable stash of useful bits. About the only thing I'm still finding it hard to get here in the UK is dual 500K and 1M log pots. Any ideas, guys?
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zaphod_phil
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Post by zaphod_phil »

I *never* use Farnell's web site. It's about 10 times harder to work with than their catalogue and even that's pretty unfrierndly. Most stuff I get from Maplin in the UK. I also post useful UK Component Supplier details into a thread on the AX84 board, which I update from time to time - start from http://www.ax84.com/bbs/dm.code?id=46124 I have also purchased a kit of eyelet board and passives from Nik (aka amptone) in Malaysia. His prices are good and i got the stuff in three days. What Maplin don't have, Nik or some of the other guys I listed may be able to help with...
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loverocker
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Post by loverocker »

I'd agree with most of that. Except Maplin - great catalogue, friendly Web site, but the amount of high-voltage stuff they stock falls with each catalogue. And never (that's NEVER) wander into one of the Maplin shops for components :o

I also use ESR (www.esr.co.uk from memory) from time to time. I've also got two of Nik's kits (18W and 6G15) on the way :)
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zaphod_phil
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Post by zaphod_phil »

zaphod_phil wrote: I have also purchased a kit of eyelet board and passives from Nik (aka amptone) in Malaysia. His prices are good and i got the stuff in three days. What Maplin don't have, Nik or some of the other guys I listed may be able to help with...
Sorry, I meant Nik of ampkits! :oops: My apologies - this is a Monday... :cry:
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Post by ampkits »

Hello!

Hi Phil, Hi Barry!

Phil, how have you been?? Been a while.. How are things?

Barry, I didnt know it was you! Loverocker! My my..I should have paid more attention to whom these nicks belong to..:)

Well... thanks for the compliments. I am sure there are lots to improve on. Like getting turrets instead using eyelets! Hehe..actually I found some NOS ones.. Made by Deltron of UK. The packaging looks ancient...maybe not.

Anyways keep on rockin guys. Sourcing is hard. Just went to Farnell again this afternoon. Asked for some more stuff, again no stock. I asked them whether this is because they became "Farnell Newark In One" but just got a blank stare from the counter lady...

Oh well..

Nik

PS - I agree with the High Voltage stuff. With each passing day, more and more of these are discontinued. They dont care about us tube people..!! It's a conspiracy by them silicone people..:)
Seriously, it's getting hard to even find generic axial caps here...
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Post by Plexi »

I don't know if you have seen Steves amp, but hes in the UK and got the RS parts,

http://www.18watt.com/modules.php?set_a ... php&page=3

Might be a good place to look for UK members.. Look like they have a huge selection of goodies.. and not to hard to find things..

http://rswww.com/
Richie
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