Atmel sample

[House91320]

Has anyone had any luck getting samples from Atmel it seems to be imposable.

[allanw]

I've sent a request once and never got a response.

[House91320]

Ya Iv'e sent 2 got nothing back. It's a shame they have a lot of cool chips. I think i will use a pic.

[Simon]

if you have a generic email address you won't get much joy out of microchip

[Bored@Work]

Really ... It is a Dollar or two for an AVR and you freetards complain about sampling?

[cybergibbons]

Really ... It is a Dollar or two for an AVR and you freetards complain about sampling?

I've got samples from Atmel fine before.

Why pay for something if you don't have to? Seems much more retarded spending money on something than not.

[alm]

Why pay for something if you don't have to? Seems much more retarded spending money on something than not.

This kind of thinking is the reason why many companies have made getting samples harder. People who don't intend to use the parts for commercial production but just want a few free parts make it a lousy return-on-investment for the manufacturer. If people would only use the system when really needed, and not just for parts they can get for at any electronic parts distributor, they might actually be able to get the parts. But I don't expect this to happen, tragedy of commons and all.

[cybergibbons]

This kind of thinking is the reason why many companies have made getting samples harder. People who don't intend to use the parts for commercial production but just want a few free parts make it a lousy return-on-investment for the manufacturer. If people would only use the system when really needed, and not just for parts they can get for at any electronic parts distributor, they might actually be able to get the parts. But I don't expect this to happen, tragedy of commons and all.

I completely disagree.

Atmel, Ti etc. often offer samples of cheap (<£5) parts. When I worked in the industry, and we wanted a new part for development, we'd just pay for them and have them on our desk the next day, rather than a hit or miss affair waiting weeks for a sample.

Now that I am a hobbyist, I don't really care when or if samples turn up - if they don't, I will simply buy them and my project would be delayed a few months.

If the parts were only available from the manufacture and not distributors, then you simply call a sales rep and ask for them.

If the parts are more expensive, you normally need to speak to someone and have a specific, detailed project. You can get samples worth hundreds of pounds like this, as long as you convince them you really need them. I've had big freebies from both Altera and Xilinx when I needed to compare two products for use in a commercial system.

[House91320]

The reason I need the chip as a sample is because I am a high school student and the current project I am working on has a budget of $0.00 so I have had to find parts where ever I can find them. Thats why I am going to use a pic micro because they already said they will send me one, or an old 8051 chip because I already have one. Which is unfortunate because with atmel I could have used the arduino ide which I like.

[Mechatrommer]

i agree at both alm and cyber. i will only bother with the free stuff when i go into profesional production line, if i want to just "play play" hobbiest, i will simply buy it, dont violate the service that they have provided. it is meant for them to get profit in the long run. put yourself in their position, what will you feel? how many students that they need to fullfill? they are not education department you know! and as Dave has reported, they are suffering in their business.

and at house, if you cant get the chip for several $, i suggest you drop yourself from the school and find a good job. i remember when i was in U, i worked part time as "waitress" to serve drink in a resort, thats how i get my side income, and i can tell from that, i will be able to afford not just a single chip. doing a project that you have paid for with your own sweat is alot "satifying" than a project that you get for free. just my 2cnts.

sure u can say you can get free easier with microchip, but looking at the recent report on ADC offset, it makes me sick'ier on microchip, i experienced that! on another chip. i'm suspecting they are using cheaper method to produce, thats why they can survive with those free chips, thats the business! and we dont know how dirty it is.

[House91320]

I should have explained about my budget, I have the money to pay for these parts but I cant oder them because I don't have a credit card and cant oder any thing, and my dad is always to busy to do it for me.

[allanw]

Ooh I remember those days

Digikey lets you mail in orders if you don't mind waiting, so you can use a check or something. Free shipping too.

[Time]

Really ... It is a Dollar or two for an AVR and you freetards complain about sampling?

freetards.... bahahah

[House91320]

I didnt know digikey  did that sweet.

[Mechatrommer]

I should have explained about my budget, I have the money to pay for these parts but I cant oder them because I don't have a credit card and cant oder any thing, and my dad is always to busy to do it for me.

ahh! this is a good advice for who is planning to become a father, esp me. Thanx for the reminder

[House91320]

I don't blame him he helps me when he can its just lately he has been working allot.

[Mechatrommer]

I don't blame him he helps me when he can its just lately he has been working allot.

maybe you should wait until he settle down and make a "proper proposal". for a good father, he should listen and probably going into "full sponsorship"
in the meantime, maybe you should go and find whether its avail locally, or ask friend on how to get one. my young bro is in "polytech" pretty much the same as you and i'm not sure how he got pic chip bought. microchip is good though, at marketing. he asked me for a programmer, but i'm yet to fullfill his will

[House91320]

Dose anyone know if there is a pcb manufacturing plant that will take a check or cash.

[Mechatrommer]

where is your location?

[House91320]

los angeles

[Mechatrommer]

this practice is called "remote viewing", i'm not sure i will succeed

http://www.thomasnet.com/southern-california/printed-circuit-boards-pcb-5970603-1.html
http://www.pcb-solutions.com/

[GeoffS]

Dose anyone know if there is a pcb manufacturing plant that will take a check or cash.

Most, if not all, manufacturers will only take a cheque if you have a commercial account with them.
Given the time it takes to do this, using a credit card is much quicker.