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Ordering online:If you like to order online, look for handy Web site features,

such as being able to save your order and add to or modify it during multiple

visits to the site. Many suppliers’ Web sites offer this feature, but most offer it

only after you register with their sites.

Delivery time:Shipping times can vary based on where an online supplier

ships from. For example, a supplier in a neighboring state might get you parts

in a day or so, whereas one across the country might make you wait four or

five days for your order, depending on the shipping method you choose.

Labels:Suppliers typically send parts separated into many little bags, but dif-

ferent suppliers have different methods of labeling parts. Some don’t label

parts all that well, so if you aren’t yet confident enough to identify one com-

ponent from another, you might want to look for a supplier who is meticulous

about labeling. After ordering from a few suppliers, you can determine what

style of labeling works for you.

Cost:Cost is an obvious differentiator. Some companies offer price guaran-

tees that ensure that if you find a better price, they will match it. Others

impress you with all their specialty items, but they offer them at less-impres-

sive prices. If you’re ordering a lot of electronic parts, you might want to find

a lower-cost resource to save a lot over time.

Part version:Be careful to check out which version of a part you’re ordering.

Many parts are manufactured for use on an automated assembly line with a

method called surface mounting.These do not have pins that allow you to

insert them in a breadboard.

Dimensions:Pay attention to dimensions. Some parts are so small that you

can’t easily handle them. Because the sizes are often listed in millimeters (which

you might not be used to deciphering), you might get a component that’s^1 ⁄ 8 " x^1 ⁄ 8 "

instead of getting a component that you assumed was about^1 ⁄ 2 " x^1 ⁄ 2 ".

Help:Need some help using the parts you buy? Some suppliers specialize in

certain special interest areas and offer articles or tutorials on their Web sites.

Other suppliers give you easy access to the manufacturer’s datasheet, which

provides useful information to help you see how to apply the part in a circuit.

Reynolds Electronics ...................................................................................

http://rentron.com

Reynolds Electronics is a good supplier of remote control components, micro-

controllers, and robot kits and parts. One feature that stands out on Reynolds

364 Part V: The Part of Tens