Electronic components --------------------- Circuit Specialists 220 S. Country Club Dr. Mesa <http://www.web-tronics.com/> Good source for through-hole resistors, capacitors, transistors, diodes, heat shrink tubing and some connectors. They don't have much in the way of modern-day semiconductors, last I checked. Mouser Electronics <http://www.mouser.com> Vast inventory of electrical and electronic components, equipment, etc. Typically, better prices than Digi-Key, about comparable range of products. Quick order response, good web site, and so far, I've never encountered any problems. Digi-Key Electronics <http://www.digikey.com> Good inventory and web site, fast response, but usually not as good as Mouser for prices. I generally order from Digi-Key only if they carry an item (typically a particular brand of semiconductor) that Mouser doesn't have. Computer and electronic equipment --------------------------------- NewEgg <http://www.newegg.com> Excellent source for drives, power supplies, motherboards, etc. Also a reasonably good selection of photographic equipment at competitive prices. Quick turns on orders, reasonable shipping rates and a good website. Circuit boards -------------- Olimex <http://www.olimex.com/pcb/index.html> If you design circuit boards, I've found Olimex, in Bulgaria (yes, Bulgaria), to be very good. Very fast turn on one or two layer boards, quality is fine, and they're good at working with hobbyists. They probably use older manufacturing equipment so they can't do fine-line or boards with internal layers, but if you can put your circuit on one or two layers, this is a good option. It sure beats wire wrap. Industrial supplies, fasteners, tools, etc. ------------------------------------ Ace Hardware Most stores are good sources for stainless, brass and aluminum fasteners. Better selection than Home Depot or Lowes, but you generally pay for the convenience. Good for small quantities. McFadden-Dale 4647 S 32nd St. Phoenix Good inventory, local, but somewhat expensive. MSC Industrial Supply <http://www1.mscdirect.com> Enco <http://www.use-enco.com/> Wide variety of tooling, measuring equipment, fasteners, etc. Both of these suppliers are about equal in inventory, shipping, etc. Keep an eye on the sale items if you're looking for specific items, as they both are good at knocking the price down on various items from month to month. For many items, both also generally offer your choice of name brand, domestically-sourced and import items. Material -------- Industrial Metal Supply Co. (IMSCO, formerly Capitol Metals) 5150 S. 48th Street Phoenix <http://www.imsmetals.com/> Excellent local source for many sizes of aluminum, steel and brass stock. They have a walk-in showroom/warehouse on the west side of 48th St., between Alameda and Broadway. Lots of pre-cut stock in 12" lengths, but be sure to go to the main stock room to sift through the remnants, which typically sell for half the price of the material up front. Davis Salvage 3337 E Washington St, Phoenix I haven't been to this place in years, but unless it's changed dramatically, it's basically a junkyard for almost any kind of structural or industrial metal. A good place to look for things like angle or channel iron, I-beams, square tube, etc. Be careful, though -- there are many potential hazards to be encountered wandering about the lot or digging through racks of large/long/sharp/heavy pieces of stock. Both MSC and Enco also sell various materials, if you can't find what you're looking for at IMSCO or Davis. I've used all of these places to acquire parts and pieces that I use at the telescope. Anyone else have a list to share? -- Mike -- -- cal_donley@xxxxxxx -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list.