EEVblog #979 - Mailbag

[SeanB]

Keep the nice HP intact, and the package style on those CMOS analogue switches is PM3 flatpack, used to be very common. Still have the Weller tip to solder them as well.

[Tom45]

The Phillips catalog jogged my memory of another long gone feature: reader service cards.

[Brumby]

Oh ... I remember those.

Fill in some details, circle all the numbers for the things you were interested in - and stuff would come in the mail!

Compared to today, it was slow - but it was a way to easily get access to a wide range of material.

[FrankBuss]

I remember my grandpa used to type letters on a typewriter and got free samples from manufacturers, e.g. precious RF transistors you couldn't get anywhere else as a hobbyist. Well, he was an engineer, but for relay circuits, his employer didn't believe in these newfangled transistors, so he played with it in his spare time. It's so much easier these days.

[Mr. Scram]

It seems the Ratherboard campaign is up, but has not gained any tracked after the initial backers. I feel the kit is probably much too expensive for that market segment. I do understand they use some components that are not cheap, but at 50 or 75 dollar without a Pi, more hobbyists and serious hobbyists might be interested. At 150 dollar or more, slapping together a solution yourself becomes more interesting. Or, of course, you go with proper control stuff.