[AnAmericanMother]

Or, as my husband always says,

"You've got questions, we've got dumb looks."

He used to buy all his homebrew components at RS. Now it's easier just to mail order them, because if you go into one of the stores and ask for, say, a 100 pF capacitor, they look at you like you have two heads.

They don't even know the Resistor Color Code any more. Shoot, even I know that. My husband did an entire EE lab that way - professor sent him round to check everyone else's answers . . . serves him right!

[mylife]

BBROYGBVGW BVGW

[Professional Engineer]

He used to buy all his homebrew components at RS. Now it's easier just to mail order them, because if you go into one of the stores and ask for, say, a 100 pF capacitor, they look at you like you have two heads.

RS has dumped nearly everything of use to Hams and other hobbyists. It was a nice windfall when they were doing it. I got several CB antennas for $0.97. I figure they'll make decent 10m antennas.

Fortunately, we have a couple of surplus places locally to buy some stuff. Mail order otherwise.

[steveo]

He used to buy all his homebrew components at RS.

Last Octember, I visited my local store to see if they had any of their two meter handie talkies left (on close out). I quote the clerk: "Two meter radios? I have no idea what you are talking about"

[Skywarner]

"You've got questions, we've got dumb looks." He used to buy all his homebrew components at RS. Now it's easier just to mail order them, because if you go into one of the stores and ask for, say, a 100 pF capacitor, they look at you like you have two heads.

As an Amateur Radio Operator, I avoid Radio Shack like the plague for any components. I wouldn't even by a cell phone from there these days. Unless an item is on sale or clearance, it is always cheaper someplace else. Dealing with the spiff-induced, sales quota achieving cell phone salepeople just isn't worth my time anymore. Those that actually have a clue about what they sell left a long time ago.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

if you go into one of the stores and ask for, say, a 100 pF capacitor, they look at you like you have two heads.

I know! It freaked me out the first time I got that "deer in the headlights" look when I asked where the BNC connectors were located after their remodeling.

Fortunately, I've discovered a beautiful little Mom and Pop electronics parts store in my town that has quite a selection of goodies at really good prices. And, they'll order me anything I want if they don't have it. I buy from them exclusively and I've told them why. I want them to stay in business.