Radio doesn't Shack like it used to

Radio doesn't Shack like it used to

Posted by Brad Wood
Aug 29, 2008 03:57:00 UTC
I was working on a friend's multi-meter today and found myself needing to run to RadioShack. I'd rather not elaborate why I needed to fix my friend's multi-meter. It involves a test lead in the Ohms plug, 120 Volts AC, 2 blown fuses, 1 smoked capacitor and me. Suffice it to say I set out to fetch a new ceramic capacitor with radial leads, measuring 82 pico farads that wasn't shorted out.Unfortunately, RadioShack just doesn't carry the same stuff they used to. Back in the day, they had a huge selection of in-store components; and what they didn't have, you could find and order in a giant catalog. Now they just carry a choice selection of commonly used parts, and an occasional "grab bag" of spare pieces. The closest they had was a ceramic cap weighing in at 100 pF and it was only rated at 50VDC. Luckily they came two in a package. I can run them in serial to double the voltage rating. It's kind of a shame really, but I can see how RadioShack makes a LOT more money on cell phones, remote control cars, and satellite receivers than on 87 cent resistors. It's ironic though-- I can get the EXACT thing I need at www.mouser.com for 10 cents if I want to pay 6 dollars shipping!

 


Jim Priest

Last time I was in Radio Shack I was wondering if they still sold radios...

Shan

@Jim Priest: Yes, but unfortunately they no longer seem to sell shacks.

Ryan Stille

I miss the old Radio Shack, too. Now they are just trying to become another Best Buy or Circuit City.

But I don't blame them, people just don't tinker like the used to, and I'm sure they don't sell much of that stuff anymore.

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