Sourcing components?

• Sourcing components?
  Posted by DWSmith on 29 Sep, 2026 23:21
• I've ordered from Mouser, Jameco, and DigiKey in the past but I realize times have changed.  I've read good thing about LCSC and some others.
  
  Where is a good place to order electronic components?  Everything from one place or certain items from certain sources?
  
  Thanks.
• #1 Reply
  Posted by Solder_Junkie on 30 Sep, 2026 14:12
• Depends on what you are ordering. ICs, transistors, caps and resistors from Mouser are excellent. Some odd items, such as PL259/SO235 "UHF" radio connectors are better obtained elsewhere. Likewise, cases/cabinets/boxes, can sometimes be very costly from Mouser.
  
  For us in the UK, orders are shipped free provided you order a minimum of 33 GBP (pre-tax) parts. That was the case on my last order some months ago.
  
  The last time I ordered from Mouser I ordered LEDs, resistors, etc. in 1 off. That makes ordering for a particular project very straightforward.
  
  Beware of eBay, Amazon and AliExpress, unless you are certain the supplier is not selling fakes. There are genuine suppliers on these market places, but quite a few sell garbage and fake ICs/transistors.
  
  SJ
• #2 Reply
  Posted by DWSmith on 30 Sep, 2026 15:43
• Thanks Solder_Junkie!
  
  With that I'll assume that the 3 I've ordered from in the past and LCSC are safe.  I'll stay away from those you warned me about.
  
  I miss the days of supplementing a mail order to get an overlooked part by running over to the neighborhood Radio Shack.
• #3 Reply
  Posted by SteveThackery on 30 Sep, 2026 16:25
• Quote from: Solder_Junkie on 30 Sep, 2026 14:12

  Beware of eBay, Amazon and AliExpress, unless you are certain the supplier is not selling fakes. There are genuine suppliers on these market places, but quite a few sell garbage and fake ICs/transistors.
  

  
  I would go further: do not buy components from Amazon, eBay, and especially not from AliExpress, Banggood, or any other Chinese seller. You can be very confident that they will be fakes. Strangely, the Chinese electronic modules, like DC-DC converters and all the other useful little circuits, are excellent, in my experience. It's only the components which will probably be fakes.
  
  Aside from Mouser, I would recommend RS and Farnell. Both are serious, professional suppliers, albeit more expensive than the Chinese suppliers and the sellers on Amazon and eBay.
• #4 Reply
  Posted by 0100010 on 30 Sep, 2026 22:36
• My go to (for passives) has always been Mouser (since they are, not too far from me).  Sometimes, can only find something at Digikey.  I do miss having Frys Electronics around as well - they were always good to stop by at lunch or after work to grab something quick (solder, flux, paste, heat shrink, etc).
• #5 Reply
  Posted by lichurbagan on 02 Oct, 2026 06:12
• Quote from: DWSmith on 29 Sep, 2026 23:21

  I've ordered from Mouser, Jameco, and DigiKey in the past but I realize times have changed.  I've read good thing about LCSC and some others.
  
  Where is a good place to order electronic components?  Everything from one place or certain items from certain sources?
  
  Thanks.
  

  
  You can visit UNIKEYIC and search for your required components. They have a wide range of ICs, sensors, development boards, connectors and other components for robotics and electronics projects.