The nightmare of finding parts at low cost

Its really no wonder that so many companies are losing out to internet trade, especially when it comes to the hobbyist. Many small electronics suppliers, who im sure most hobbyists and amateurs would prefer to patronise, either dont have an internet presence, or dont stock enough and varied parts. Major suppliers either charge extortionate small quantity postage rates, or rediculous 'handling fees', or both, and/or have stupidly time consuming and confusing parts selection filters, that make it all but impossible to quickly and easily find and order a simple component. And hence, the likes of ebay thrive, as a small supplier, or private seller, can quickly and easily list their goods, and a buyer can equaly easily find what they want.

Of course its not always as simple as that. The plethora of Far East suppliers using off-hand tricks in listing titles, which make it look like a part is available cheaply, but then you find it isnt, and the number of sellers listing parts they dont actually have, makes it a tedious task. Then of course there are those with stupid prices, and barmy postage.

Take this morning. I wanted to buy some 5MΩ high voltage resistors. Why? Ive just invested quite a substantial sum in G-M tubes, and Im not going to risk a standard 1/4w resistor breaking down short-circuit and destroying my tubes!

Finding these on the big suppliers websites gave me a headache. I found some on ebay that were not extortionately priced, and were in the UK, but in smaller quantities than I wanted, or in the wrong values. I even enlisted the help of forum members to try and locate some, which is what worked in the end!

I now have 50 4M7 3kV rated resistors coming. Its cost me more than I wanted to pay, but it gives me a handy surplus. Now, many of the Russian tubes advise an ideal anode resistance of 5M1, but that can be made up with a lower voltage rated series resistor before the 3kV unit, if desired. It probably wont make a lot of difference. But, the presence of the 3kV rated resistor gives the protection to the tube that is wanted. The drive voltage of 400-500V probably means normal resistors will survive, but the trade of is cost of resistor against cost of tube. These have cost me less than 8p each, against a tube cost of £10-20 or more. I can offer some of the surplus to other builders - who would shun 99p inc. postage for the protection and piece of mind? We'll see!