Re: Role of ignition condenser in a distributor? & Radio Shack ranting

From: Ed Price (edprice_at_cox.net)
Date: 09/27/04 

Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 04:03:42 -0700

"Rich Webb" <bbew.ar@mapson.nozirev.ten> wrote in message
news:46qdl0det9etq6864tgfk3dejg1uuqp6dq@4ax.com...
> On Sun, 26 Sep 2004 03:48:08 -0700, "Ed Price" <edprice@cox.net> wrote:
>
>>Radio Shack used to be (maybe 30 years ago) an intriguing place to browse
>>and buy project parts. But for whatever reason, the selection and quality
>>of
>>discrete components has plummeted to the joke level. It was bad 10 years
>>ago, and it's even worse now.
>>
>>My proof? Well, I can go into any store in the San Diego region, and get
>>the
>>same level of cheap parts. From what I hear on Usenet, this is typical
>>everywhere else. You could refute my experience, if you could cite a Radio
>>Shack that sells RG-214 coax, type N coax fittings, or switches that have
>>tin-plated terminals and a good "feel."
>
> I don't have a citation/link (it's been several weeks since I read it)
> but a recent industry rag had an article commenting that Radio Shack
> might be returning at least partway to its roots. They apparently had a
> "D'Oh!" moment and realized that there's no possible way to compete with
> the warehouse retailers for the big ticket items. A typical RS has less
> total shelf space than in just the notebook PC aisle at CompUSA.
>
> On the other hand, a customer driving to CompUSA (or fill-in-the-blank)
> probably passes at least a couple RS stores en route. So they're looking
> to capture the "I need a ..." market for smaller items and piece parts.
>
> I wish them luck. It is, perhaps, a sign of uber-geek sophistication to
> dump on Radio Shack. But, even in the days of on-line ordering and
> overnight delivery, it's pretty handy to be able to walk a couple of
> blocks to the local RS and pick up a spool of wire-wrap wire.
>
> --
> Rich Webb Norfolk, VA

Not dumping on them, it's more like wondering how an old friend went over to
the dark side. RS just might have some wire-wrap wire. Do you think they
also have wrapping tools, suitable DIP sockets, switches with WW compatible
terminals, and maybe even an IC or two? Analog & logic stuff is not mutually
incompatible with RF, but I just notice the RS lack of RF components more
acutely.

Thus far, based on my last visit of a week ago, there's no evidence of any
new emphasis on component selection or quality. Fortunately for me, I have a
nearby Gateway, and a couple of big surplus stores too. Each has their
strengths, and I try my best to keep them all profitable. NAPA too! <g>

Ed
wb6wsn

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