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

From: Rich Webb (bbew.ar_at_mapson.nozirev.ten)
Date: 09/26/04 

Date: Sun, 26 Sep 2004 16:22:40 GMT

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