Since starting with the MSP430 LaunchPad, I found out about Texas Instruments’ very liberal sample program. They (TI) will send you samples of up to eight line items at a time, with varying quantities allowed of each item (usually between 1 and 5). The samples are free (as in beer); the shipping is free, and they ship FedEx 2nd-Day!
What you see in the photo above are a few samples I’ve received in the past two weeks. They are (L-R, T-B):
- 5 very small SMD temperature sensors (for my home-monitoring project)
- 5 equally small 5-wire touch screen interface chips (might try to get a touch overlay in my parts box working, I’ll probably kill a chip or two in the process)
- 5 232 interface chips (like MAX232) (for my home-monitoring project, etc.)
- 5 SMD adjustable voltage regulators
- 5 5v linear v-regs (for breadboard power supply boards)
- 5 more 5v linear v-regs (different kind)
- 2 MSP430 value-line microcontrollers (like the ones that came with LaunchPad)
- 1 very nice 5v switching voltage regulator module
- 5 3v linear v-regs (for breadboard power supply boards)
- 5 more 3v linear v-regs (different kind)
- 2 SMD MSP430 value-line microcontrollers (for my “Mini-LaunchPad” design)
Obviously, this is an amazing program TI offers. If you are a hobbyist, it’s like a free parts bin. If you’re an entrepreneur, it’s a great way to get parts for prototypes (obviously what the program is for). Give it a try; it costs NOTHING.
It is indeed pretty awesome, but according to a couple sources if you do it too often you’ll get blacklisted. If only they offered more dip packages…
Oh and if you haven’t come across this before, http://www.ladyada.net/library/procure/samples.html
@Matt:
I guess I forgot the part about “DON’T ABUSE THIS!” ;-) Thanks for reminding anyone reading.
Thanks, too, for the link. It seems familiar (I’ve received samples from several of those companies), but always nice to have a list!
Check my powered breadboard build for an enclosure I got as a sample from OKW a long while ago. They sent me several nice ones. I also have a “Vario” box waiting for a good project, and two smaller “Smart” boxes, one of which will be the enclosure for my Meter Monitor project (with an LCD on the front).
Doc,
I also get samples from many sources and many people do this. The companies will blacklist but if one understands the true nature of samples then they might err on the side of moderation. Samples are meant to encourage hobbiest/enthusiast but the main goal is to get them into hands of engineers that work for companies that might buy said samples in >large quantities once sample is deemed fit to go onto the production line. In the last 15 years I have seen the hobbiest/enthusiast scene churn out solid products while a new breed of open source hardware is making your shade tree elec engineer into a CTO overnight…
I agree, and I have received samples from several other companies as well (including the enclosure in my “powered breadboard” post.
Temperance is always key. Ask for what you need for your project/ideas; don’t be excessive so as not to ruin it for all of us.
Hi, what is the reference of the 5v switching voltage regulator module?
Cristian:
I got it wrong in the write-up, it’s actually an adjustable power supply module with 5-14v input up to 2.5A current (very nice!). Product page is here:
http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/pth08000w.html
-Doc
Does this works for simple hobbyists people as well ? The registration form is asking me for a company name…
mbonnin:
Sure it does. I just answered the company name question by asking myself: “If this project/hobby turned into a business, what would I call the company?”
Many businesses grow out of hobbies. Don’t get greedy in your ordering and they won’t mind.