Dunstable Downs car boot sale discussion thread

[KJDS]

It probably makes sense to have a thread for this.

I'm planning on being there with an assortment of little things and cheap heavy things that don't make sense to sell online given shipping costs.

I'll have
Assorted transformers suitable for making linear PSUs
A big pile of cables including many SMA to SMA of various lengths.
and quite a lot of other bits

[mikeselectricstuff]

For anyone who missed the original thread - http://www.ddrcbootsale.org/

One of the last remaining half-decent electronics junk sales in the UK.

I'll be there clearing out soem stuff at "I dont want to take it home" prices and will have some stuff free if unsold.

Look for a black Mondeo estate with a roofrack.
 

[smjcuk]

I had no idea that sort of thing still even existed.

See you there. Also, probably three depressed children and an equally depressed looking wife

Having not been to one of those sorts of things since the Enfield Lock leisure center stopped hosting them, can you still get large bags of mixed discrete components for a couple of quid at them? My entire supply used to come from that sort of thing

[mikeselectricstuff]

I had no idea that sort of thing still even existed.

See you there. Also, probably three depressed children and an equally depressed looking wife

Having not been to one of those sorts of things since the Enfield Lock leisure center stopped hosting them, can you still get large bags of mixed discrete components for a couple of quid at them? My entire supply used to come from that sort of thing

A reason that DDRC is still there and most others have died is that the stall fees are very cheap, so a large proportion of the sellers are people clearing stuff out as opposed to regular traders.
The older rallies that had to charge stall fees that could cover hall rentals were basically killed off by ebay

[smjcuk]

Makes sense. Annoyingly though the grab bags of components that appear on eBay are pretty crap these days.

[tggzzz]

I'm planning on going to http://www.westrally.org.uk/ in Frome, Somerset. It looks reasonable, but I haven't been before.

[KJDS]

I'll be in a black Saab 9-3

I've also found a big stash of high power resistors and some old analogue meters. If anyone wants any test gear bringing to save on shipping fees then just ask.

[JackP]

Looks like it'll be the bus from St Neots if I want to go. Anyone know how to get there (LU1 4LX I think if I read the website correctly)?!

[KJDS]

Looks like it'll be the bus from St Neots if I want to go. Anyone know how to get there (LU1 4LX I think if I read the website correctly)?!

There's a bus map here. If you take the 1 or 4 and get off at Stockwood park that should leave you need the visitor entrance to the sale. I suspect that the buses will have Farley Hill on the front, but check with the driver. I've not used a bus in Luton in a long long time.

http://www.travelluton.co.uk/downloads/WEB-Luton_Bus_Map_jan_2015.pdf

[smjcuk]

I'll be in a black Saab 9-3

I've also found a big stash of high power resistors and some old analogue meters. If anyone wants any test gear bringing to save on shipping fees then just ask.

Excellent. After a meter movement or two.

I'll be in the broken down Fiat on the A406

[dexters_lab]

i'll be there too with a couple of friends

i was thinking about booking a plot but i dont think i really have enough stuff to sell at the moment

[Flump]

and some old analogue meters.

Ive been searching ebay last couple of days for a largeish analogue meter that the front and scale can be removed
its to make an RF meter, do you have anything suitable ?

[smjcuk]

Snap. I can't find a single thing I can get the front off that's new. They're all tiny and it's all 0-10v or 0-1mA stuff on the scale as well which makes little sense.

[KJDS]

I'll bring one back from the lock up when I'm next down there and put some pics up.

[KJDS]

I've just picked up a defluxer and other bits to bring.

[TopLoser]

i'll be there too with a couple of friends

i was thinking about booking a plot but i dont think i really have enough stuff to sell at the moment

Come park up with me, i booked two plots just in case. i could do with a helping hand.

[mikeselectricstuff]

Yes, it's a real pain to do these things single-handed - if nothing else you'll want to have a run round to see if there are any bargains ( to keep, or just sell on your stall!)

Another handy hint, take plenty of change, fivers etc - punters never have enough change. I've been paying twenties in every shop I've visited for the last week or so!
Don't forget food, water and (if the weather looks good) hat/sunscreen
On-site food is limited to a burger van (often with long queue) and an ice cream van.
Also plenty of bags if you're selling small stuff.

Things tend to start dying out around 1-2PM, or when the weather looks like turning. I usually aim to get there around 9, by which time about half the stallholders have arrived.

Be prepared for vultures to crowd round as you start unloading!

[TopLoser]

Another handy hint, take plenty of change

Where I live now £1 coins are the currency of choice!!

But yes I can see why having two people on a stall would be very useful for all sorts of reasons.

[dexters_lab]

i'll be there too with a couple of friends

i was thinking about booking a plot but i dont think i really have enough stuff to sell at the moment

Come park up with me, i booked two plots just in case. i could do with a helping hand.

sure    dont mind helping, maybe i should have a scout around some of my stuff and bring it along

[rolycat]

Everyone knows Mike, of course, but might other EEVBlog stalwarts consider wearing a badge, or some more subtle means of identifying fellow forum members?

[mikeselectricstuff]

Everyone knows Mike, of course, but might other EEVBlog stalwarts consider wearing a badge, or some more subtle means of identifying fellow forum members?

T-shirts...?

[KJDS]

It would be helpful if we can all manage to park together, not sure on the logistics

[mikeselectricstuff]

It would be helpful if we can all manage to park together, not sure on the logistics

That may be tricky - They fill up a row at a time in order of arrival - gaps between rows will be full of people wandering round so it's difficult to slot in later. Also no obvious reference points to communicate where you are.

[TopLoser]

Well my two tickets arrived in the post today. Car will be full of CRAP (Customer Returns Already Processed) and assorted random stuff that must go at any price.

[dexters_lab]

Looks like it could be an interesting weekend, it turns out i am driving from Manchester to Castle Combe Circuit on Saturday morning then over to Dunstable where there is a premier inn waiting, only 454 miles round trip back to home on Sunday!

its probably best to just get parked up where ever and everyone just meet up later