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The President of Radio Shack ruined the company by turning it into a retail electronics store. They used to have electroic parts, stuff for the builder and ham radio operator.

Would be nice if they returned to their roots.

They used to have electronic parts, stuff for the builder and ham radio operator.

Yup, but unfortunately electronic hobbyists and ham radio operators were the geeks of the 50's and 60's. They actually knew and learned something. Todays geeks salivate over computers and owning high tech gadgets like Blackberry camera phones and iPods. Changing the focus of Radio Shack was the only way to stay in business.

-Hal

Ah, the 'good old days'. McGee Radio and Burstein-Applebee in Kansas City. Some big excess inventory and other electronic stuff outfit in Ohio.(Olson Electronics?) Lafayette Electronics (NJ I think) Allied radio in Chicago. Now the only one I know of that comes close is Electronic Express, and I have no idea where they are, I order on the 'net! Remember when you could by radio/ tape player/ record player chassis that were overuns. Put 'em in a box and hook up power. I guess you can still do it, only now they're called computers and you build em from pieces you order here, there, and everywhere. John C. (Not Garand)

Electronic Surplus in Cleveland has been around for over 60 years and is without a doubt one of the best places I have ever found for parts.
Even though Allied Radio is not around, Allied Electronics is a spin off of the original company.
MCM, Newark, Mouser, and Digi-Key also are good suppliers for components.
John, is this who you were talking about?
https://www.elexp.com/

Monster cable vs. coat hangers

https://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/audiophiles-cant-tell-the-difference-between-monster-cable-and/

As I was reading the latest on monster cables, and actually reread most of the previous posts, I remember reading this one from Ed. I completely understood what Ed was saying and moved on not giving it any more thought. It occurred to me as I re-read it that many on the board may not know what Ed was taking about! Although no one asked about it and some may have googled it, I believe an explanation may be in order!
Sorry for the hi-jack!!

Jim, I was just implying that there is a Radio Shack store or a dealer in/near just about every town. I think of those times where my kids ripped out the 9 volt battery clip in their favorite toy the day after Christmas. For a dollar, I was able to fix it and save the day. How about that strange adapter that allows them to connect their video game to our incompatible TV that wasn't included in the package? There aren't many retailers out there that afford us such a convenience. I'm willing to pay 300% markup for that.

Ed...you mean to say you don't have all that stuff in your warehouse already? I once needed a single battery clip, went to RatShack, and had to buy a pack of like ten...so I gave the rest to my electronics teacher.

In 1993 I walked into a RS in Charlotte, NC.
The salesperson promptly greeted me and asked me if he could help me find anything.
I told him I was looking for an inductor for a project I was working on.
He said "One minute please" and began to walk up and down every aisle.
When he couldn't find one he cam back and asked "What's an inductor?"

This goes back to Ed's remark concerning a full wave bridge. Knowledge as to what these component parts are coupled with the skills required to find and troubleshoot them are abilities that are, for the most part, a dying skill set. Technicians of today are board replacement techs. This is, in part, due to the engineering of the product that allows a faster repair time. No need to train to the component level as built in "BITE" can do most of the work for you! The hobbyist of today is more than likely a CG or phreaker or ham operators!