Does RadioShack sell components anymore?

[a_dam]

I bought a Compaq computer system in 2000 (then built a good system about 2005). The little JBL powered speakers that came with the old Compaq were actually pretty rockin. The amp finally burned out, but speaker coils didn't. The amp's IC chip seems to be the only fried part, so I thought I might try to replace it.

The soldering would be easy, and online searches suggest that the chip (TA8227P) is common and can be had for under 5 bucks (without shipping).

You used to be able to get almost any part (resistor, capacitor, chip) from RadioShack. I called the one near me and the kid (sorry young guys) was clueless. After lots of explaining, he came up with only one item called "integrated circuit board" (obviously a breadboard, DUH). Maybe you can't order an IC from them anymore.


I don't have credit cards. I've only done online payments with checks or (mostly) money orders.


Can anybody here recommend a source for electronic components? (An actual "store", or a site that does small orders.)

[george_n_texas]

MCM|TA8227P|IC, Package: 12 Pin HDIP | Newark.com

Google is a great search engine this was the first hit for your chip

I would imagine a pre-paid debit card should work

[bairdco]

find a local electronics store. i think radio shack just sells triple aaa batteries now.

[BarelyAWake]

Don't forget the cell phones...

meh... Once upon a time I used to love Rat Shack. No more I'm afraid, they're clueless AND don't have anything worth buying now

[camlifter]

radio shack is a joke now, it used to be they where staffed with geeks who knew more about your projects than you did, they could really help you out. now the kid just says, i don't know, did you check our web site. lol.

[Finfan]

I have to agree. Radio Shack has completely forgotten where they came from. They are nothing more than a consumer electronics store now with a small selection of switches and passive components hidden away in the back of the store.

[Bikeguy Joe]

Radio Shat has some really middle of the road radio control cars though!

[george_n_texas]

Radio shack used to have a bunch of boulderdash players in their stores. I remember years ago needing just to make a DOS boot disk to sys my hard drive...it had somehow become unbootable. The guy told me to drive about 10 miles to sears where I bought it instead of using his floor model for 10 seconds! They tended to talk down to their customers acting superior. Lot of em were geek wannabes. It was kinda funny listening to them for a little while and then revealing I was a tech. The only business I have done pretty much with them is window shopping and buying what's on sale...they do throw stuff on sale at a great price from time to time.

Just remembered Fry's electronics has a lot of this stuff and they are a subsidiary of radio shock. If ya have a fry's nearby they might have your stuff!

[a_dam]

Thanks for the link George.

MCM|TA8227P|IC, Package: 12 Pin HDIP | Newark.com

I checked that site out before I posted. Couldn't find exactly what payment methods they accept; only mentions of credit cards as far as I could see. Also couldn't find shipping fees. On some sights you do an "add to cart / go to checkout" to see the total charge. But the Newark site requires you to register and login for that. Forget that mess. I'll look elsewhere.

The quality of assistance you get from store personnel seems to be declining, generally. That's why this and other forums are valuable. There's more on the Web than porn.

[a_dam]

One more thing...

Speaking of RadioShack reminds me of the old days. I was about 14 in the late '70s. My friends family had a little cabin in southern Indiana by McCormick's Creek state park. While in the little town of Spencer there, we went into a RadioShack. The store was open, the door was even propped open (summer, no AC), but nobody was in there. The owner was out to lunch and there was a sign that read "Out to lunch. Will be back at 12:30".

It was tempting to steal something, but even then I knew that karma is a mutha.