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--- findingparts:sampling [2013/10/22 04:28]
joen fixored
+++ findingparts:sampling [2014/03/13 16:19]
vaxquis
@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 note: since you can try getting samples from any distributor, to clear things up I'm <del>marking</del> unverified ones, those which require extensive sales team contact or those who just don't have an option to request samples on the webpage; also, I reordered and cleaned the list a bit - vaxquis
-====== Semiconductors ======
+====== Integrated Circuits / Microcontrollers / MOS ======
 [[http://www.maxim-ic.com/samplescart.cfm?Action=Intro&ln=en|Maxim/Dallas Semiconductor]]
-DC-DC converters, serial line drivers, motor control, RF...Maxim specializes in "this part does one thing and does it they way you want it" chip design. If you want something analog, they've probably got it in stock. You'll need to log in first, but they'll send 2 of 8 parts (although I've never been turned down when asking for more) once per 90 days. I've received almost everything within a week.
+DC-DC converters, serial line drivers, motor control, RF...Maxim specializes in "this part does one thing and does it they way you want it" chip design. If you want something analog, they've probably got it in stock. Login required, no hard limits on part amount/value (but be reasonable!).
 >I order samples alot from Maxim and they never turned me down. And I order way more than once per 90 days and they have never turned me down. - koolkat
@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 > They also have a [[https://form.analog.com/Form_Pages/corporate/parts.aspx|college student sampling program]]. -Thrymr
-> currently the limit is 4 parts, 2 pieces of each, every two weeks. Shipped in a week by TNT, everything is in perfect condition. - vaxquis
+> currently the limit is 4 parts, 2 pieces of each, every two weeks. Always shipped in about a week by TNT, everything in perfect condition, no questions asked. (2013-2014) - vaxquis
 [[https://www-a.ti.com/apps/samp/basket.asp|Texas Instruments (National Semi)]]
-Great things come from TI. More analog, of course. DSPs, some logic, battery management. You can sample anything off their [[https://www-a.ti.com/apps/samp/pids.asp|big list]]. 5 different parts per order, with 1 each of the expensive stuff (like DSPs) and up to 3 each of the more common chips (2013). <del>I believe you can order as often as you'd like.</del> Boy, was I wrong: they'll put you on a blacklist if you order more than once per 90 days. eek.
+Great things come from TI. More analog, of course. DSPs, some logic, battery management. You can sample anything off their [[https://www-a.ti.com/apps/samp/pids.asp|big list]]. 5 different parts per order, with 1 each of the expensive stuff (like DSPs) and up to 3 each of the more common chips (as of 2013).
+Note: you can sample MOS from TI without any problem.
 > They shipped everything fast, without questions and absolutely free (2013) - Germanstudent
@@ Line 32: / Line 34: @@
 > I got some samples from TI and I didn't get any calls... They have very fast shipping. - Vaati
-> I didn't get any calls and they don't seem to have any hard limit, either. (Still, don't abuse it.) For shipping, they allow you to pick from FedEx Ground, 2-Day, and Next Day, none of which cost anything to you. Also, I might just be slow at catching on, but a lot of manufacturers (National, TI, ST, etc.) look like they ship a lot of their samples from Thief River Falls, Minnesota. The specific address they ship from matches with Digi-Key's address, so they're probably forwarding the sample requests to Digi-Key for fulfillment. (I think Fairchild forwards to Mouser, if the Mouser box I got is any indication.) Just something to add.
+> I didn't get any calls and they don't seem to have any hard limit for request frequency, either. (Still, don't abuse it.) For shipping, they allow you to pick from FedEx Ground, 2-Day, and Next Day, none of which cost anything to you. Also, I might just be slow at catching on, but a lot of manufacturers (National, TI, ST, etc.) look like they ship a lot of their samples from Thief River Falls, Minnesota. The specific address they ship from matches with Digi-Key's address, so they're probably forwarding the sample requests to Digi-Key for fulfillment. (I think Fairchild forwards to Mouser, if the Mouser box I got is any indication.) Just something to add.
-> For this month I've made 4 sample orders with an avg of 5 different parts with 3 or 4 of each- They seem to be generous for students working on school projects.
+> For this month I've made 4 sample orders with an avg of 5 different parts with 3 or 4 of each.
-> If you are not a company it is possible to get your request denied, this is because TIs help-pages about ordering-information are wrong/lacking. For company name, if you're a student, enter the complete University Name in the company name field. If you're self employed, then use Independent Designer or Independent Consultant in the company name field. - Wody
+> If you are not a company it is possible to get your request denied, this is because TIs help-pages about ordering-information are wrong/lacking. For company name. If you're self employed, then use Independent Designer or Independent Consultant in the company name field. - Wody
-> I seriously doubt the part about 'students' - I've got this rejection explanation reply (May 2013, I *used* a university email),
+> Current stance on students - I've got this rejection explanation reply (May 2013, I *used* a university email),
 >> REVIEWER COMMENTS :We do accept samples delivery for university student project ONLY via hands of university project supervisors (professors), and only USING THE UNIVERSITY EMAIL and DELIVERY ADDRESS. You can also order samples via our catalog distributors Farnell,DigiKey or Mouser
-> I used a company email after that, and received samples successfully after about a week (5 parts max; 3 pcs of common ones, 2 pcs of expensive ones and 1 pc of prototype circuits max), shipped by FedEx International Priority (August 2013) - vaxquis
+> I used a company email after that, and was able to receive samples successfully after about a week of waiting (5 parts max; 3 pcs of common ones, 2 pcs of expensive ones and 1 pc of prototype circuits max), shipped by FedEx International Priority with package tracking [note: I later did that numerous times with different parts; TI never complained, but FedEx once made some trouble with customs on a high value order] (August 2013) - vaxquis
 [[http://www.fairchildsemi.com/samples/index.jsp|Fairchild Semiconductor]]
@@ Line 63: / Line 65: @@
 [[http://sample.microchip.com/|Microchip]]
 The de-facto standard for annoying microcontroller design. Regardless, it's up there with the 8051 and AVR in popularity. It seems like you can get their more popular <$5 microcontrollers sampled. Also, of course, are their little eeprom memory chips, mid-freq RF chips and 'analog glue.' According to their [[http://sample.microchip.com/FAQ.aspx|FAQ]] (link is dead), you can get 3 of 4 different parts, twice a month, shipped via 3-day.
+Note: you can sample MOS from Microchip.
 > "Microchip is so sweet. They always ship without hassle and never send you spam. They don't require a phone and have online ordering."
@@ Line 95: / Line 99: @@
 > "Just got shipping conformation on a few 1284s, 644s, and 328s.  Relatively easy if you fill the forms out like your actually from a company." -CoDLiNK (10/15/2012)
-> "APPROVAL DECLINED". Trying once again - "Order XXX from the Atmel Sample Center was shipped on Aug 16 2013 1:14PM via DHL WW EXPRESS." Got them in couple of days. You definitely CAN get those samples, you just have to be cool about what you request and in what amounts. 1-2 pcs of 1-4 parts seem reasonable. (August 2013) - vaxquis
+> "APPROVAL DECLINED". Trying once again - "Order XXX from the Atmel Sample Center was shipped on Aug 16 2013 1:14PM via DHL WW EXPRESS." Got them in couple of days. You definitely CAN get those samples, you just have to be cool about what you request and in what amounts. I was able to get up to 2 pcs (eg 1 pc of 1284P and 1 pc of 324P) total, they always declined on >2 though. (August 2013) - vaxquis
 [[http://www.linear.com/|Linear Technology]]
@@ Line 110: / Line 113: @@
 > I ordered 2 voltage regulators, and received them in about 1.5 weeks.
-> 5 parts max, 2 pcs each for a sample order. Requested some 10x10$ parts, they arrived 2 weeks later in two separate packages (despite the fact they could easily fit into one), part statement in the first one read '0' on the amount parts that were sent in the other. Despite that, everything in perfect order. Sent from local sales office and arrived by regular international mail package. (August 2013) - vaxquis
+> 5 parts max, 2 pcs each for a sample order. Requested some 10x10$ parts, they arrived 2 weeks later in two separate packages (despite the fact they could easily fit into one), part statement in the first one read '0' on the amount parts that were sent in the other. Everything else in perfect order. Sent from local sales office and arrived by regular international mail package. They *do* reject orders sent too often (I did one by mistake)(August 2013) - vaxquis
-[[http://www.lumex.com/|Lumex]]
+[[http://www.silabs.com|Silicon Laboratories]]
-Lumex has LEDs, high power LEDs, LCDs, backlights, light pipes, and other such.  Just look at their various products, and if you can get a sample, there will be a little shopping cart.  I know they have high power LEDs, light pipes, and backlights available for sampling.  I'm not sure on the specifics of what you can get, and I haven't tried to order anything yet.  From their Product Sample Cart page:
+, ARM3/4, optoisolators and clock generators/PLL/xtals mainly. 4 different parts per order, 2 pcs of a part, and 3 orders in a 30 day period.
+> I just ordered two SIM3U167-B-GQ (ARM Cortex-M3 USB 256KB TQFP80) which are nice ARM processors with two integrated ADCs and it didn't seem to be a problem.
->>It is our practice to offer samples from available stock to our customers' technical staff  for new designs or substitution evaluation and qualification. Products in sample quantities for any other purpose  can be purchased via our distributors. Actual shipment and quantity of  samples is subject to availability and unit price. We reserve the right to decline any sample request that in our opinion does not comply with our standard practice.
+> Same here. Request (ARM3, 8051, optos) fulfilled in a couple of days, shipped by Mouser (March 2014) - vaxquis
->I've been trying to get anything from them for a long time; definitely DON'T sample expensive parts (even if they DO have sample option), DON'T use student/hobby emails, and be prepared for LONG waits and MANY requests before anything happens. I've sent three or four requests throughout last 4 months, and only gotten a single reply (after almost a month), stating that the parts are too expensive to actually sample them, despite the option on the page. No response to my follow-up email at all. (August 2013) - vaxquis
 [[http://www.st.com/|STMicroelectronics]]
@@ Line 132: / Line 133: @@
 >"my arm cortex m4 will be here by end of day Tuesday, according to UPS :)"-gtr_stitch
->Thank you for requesting samples from STMicroelectronics. This message is to inform you that we will not be able to process your request.
+>>Thank you for requesting samples from STMicroelectronics. This message is to inform you that we will not be able to process your request.
-The requested samples are available and can be purchased from our distributor(s). - so no samples anymore; I'll try with different batch, but I won't keep my hopes up. - vaxquis (August 2013)
+>>The requested samples are available and can be purchased from our distributor(s).
+> - so no samples anymore; I'll try with different batch, but I won't keep my hopes up. - vaxquis (August 2013)
-[[http://www.lumileds.com/|Philips Lumileds]]
+[[http://www.onsemi.com/|ON Semiconductor]]
-Apparenly if you call their distributors you can get free samples of their very popular Luxeon superbright (1W+) LEDs
+The other half of Motorola's semiconductor business (see Freescale) they manufacture a broad selection of logic, passive, and interface ICs. Samples incur a $15-20USD handling charge but nearly everything is samplable and they're happy to ship 10 each of 8 items or more.
-(not anymore)
+Samples come 2 days FedEx express, although some samples are shipped "at market lead time" and take up to a month before shipping.
+>An excellent source for weird and special transistors.
-[[http://www.marktechopto.com/|Marktech Optoelectronics]]
+>They certainly do sample.  I've sampled ON motor drivers twice in the last few months.  For example, follow Home >  Products >  Product Taxonomy >  Drivers >  Motor Drivers >  AMIS-30522.  At the bottom of the page for this driver the sample option is present and it does work.  ON samples many, many parts including some very expensive ECL components. - joen
-LED and LED-related electronics products. <del>Will apparently send you 2 of any of their products.
-</del> They aren't that friendly anymore, will only send samples to those doing business with them.
-[[http://www.vcclite.com/SampleRequest|Visual Communications Company]]
-VCC makes LEDs, LED holders, and other accessories for LEDs. Samples can be requested by typing part numbers into the form linked to on the top right of the site. The form allows for up to 3 products, but you can ask for more in the comments box at the bottom.
-> They've been very nice with my samples so far and haven't asked any questions. Sometimes they sent 2 LEDs, sometimes they sent 4. I got everything about a week and a half later through USPS First Class. - wilywyrm
-> They called before 8am in the morning to verify. My gf answered the phone and was confused and asked them to call later. Never heard from them again. OOPS! -Anonymous Coward
+>I was finally able to find samples on ON just to notice I'd have to pay $15.99 for shipping and $5 for handling... ~$21 for an order; it's true you can sample products with value higher than that to offset it, but overall I don't find this price too appealing (2014) - vaxquis
 [[http://www.cirrus.com/dispatch/setlang/en/forms/sup/sreq/sinfo/SinfoController.jpf|Cirrus Logic]]
@@ Line 169: / Line 165: @@
 A smaller manufacturer of mostly DC/DC converters, you can sample from their website. Samples are sent via distributors, and they usually contact you before. (And sometimes refuse)
-[[http://www.semiconductors.philips.com/|Philips Semi]]
+[[http://www.nxp.com/|NXP]]
-Lots of chips many ASICs, you have to call the regional sales office to get parts.
+(no info)
 <del>[[http://www.cypress.com|Cypress]]</del>
 >"To open a credit account, request a sample or for contact information about individual Cypress locations, contact a local sales office." - August 2013. - vaxquis
-[[http://www.us.liteon.com/opto.prdct.form.html|Lite-On]]
+<del>[[http://www.lumex.com/|Lumex]]</del>
+Lumex has LEDs, high power LEDs, LCDs, backlights, light pipes, and other such.  Just look at their various products, and if you can get a sample, there will be a little shopping cart.  I know they have high power LEDs, light pipes, and backlights available for sampling.  I'm not sure on the specifics of what you can get, and I haven't tried to order anything yet.  From their Product Sample Cart page:
-Appears to do samples of LEDs/optoelectronics, I haven't tried yet.
+>>It is our practice to offer samples from available stock to our customers' technical staff  for new designs or substitution evaluation and qualification. Products in sample quantities for any other purpose  can be purchased via our distributors. Actual shipment and quantity of  samples is subject to availability and unit price. We reserve the right to decline any sample request that in our opinion does not comply with our standard practice.
-[[http://www.vishay.com|Vishay]]
+>I've been trying to get anything from them for a long time; definitely DON'T sample expensive parts (even if they DO have sample option), DON'T use student/hobby emails, and be prepared for LONG waits and MANY requests before anything happens. I've sent three or four requests throughout last 4 months, and only gotten a single reply (after almost a month), stating that the parts are too expensive to actually sample them, despite the option on the page. No response to my follow-up email at all. (August 2013) - vaxquis
-Optoelectronics and Diodes
-> I asked for 10 RGB LEDs. They sent me 11: fast, without questions and free (2013) - Germanstudent
-> - Got 10 yellow LEDs for free shipped with UPS Saver - Squeck
-> Nothing from these guys. Every time I try to submit a sample, it goes to a confirmation page with my contact information saying "Your Sample Request can not be processed at this time. Please locate a Sales Contact in your area for further information." - wilywyrm
-> I've gotten a number of samples from Vishay (diodes, LEDs, crystals), but often it takes a long time (weeks and weeks, with no shipment notice or other status) and they come from a (relatively) local sales rep. - foobar
->Got my samples within a week without any hassle(July 2011)-Brosiman
->16 big LEDs weren't a problem for them; you certainly CAN (and SHOULD, if you have any doubts about your order) mail their samples department to get confirmation on it and shipment tracking number. I got my confirmation the next business day after I sent my inquiry. Sent from local sales office, shipped by UPS Express Saver, received them 9 days after requesting. (July 2013) - vaxquis
 [[Http://www.intersil.com|Intersil]]
 > I just got 10 HIP4081AIP chips from Intersil as samples.
-[[http://www.onsemi.com/|ON Semiconductor]]
-The other half of Motorola's semiconductor business (see Freescale) they manufacture a broad selection of logic, passive, and interface ICs. Samples incur a $15-20USD handling charge but nearly everything is samplable and they're happy to ship 10 each of 8 items or more.
-Samples come 2 days FedEx express, although some samples are shipped "at market lead time" and take up to a month before shipping.
->An excellent source for weird and special transistors.
->Above info is possibly inaccurate. I registered and there isn't a single element with 'sample' option, sample search also comes up with nothing... they probably don't sample anymore. (August 2013) - vaxquis
->They certainly do sample.  I've sampled ON motor drivers twice in the last few months.  For example, follow Home >  Products >  Product Taxonomy >  Drivers >  Motor Drivers >  AMIS-30522.  At the bottom of the page for this driver the sample option is present and it does work.  ON samples many, many parts including some very expensive ECL components. - joen
 [[http://www.sensirion.com|Sensirion]]
 Manufacturer of a selection of sensors; occasionally, they offer them for sampling.
-[[http://www.silabs.com|Silicon Laboratories]]
+[[http://centralsemi.com/|Central Semi]]
-They allow you to sample their 8051 MCU's but not other ICs. 4 different parts per order, with 8 parts total, and 3 orders in a 30 day period.
-UPDATE:  They are now allowing samples on their new line of ARM processors.  I just ordered two SIM3U167-B-GQ (ARM Cortex-M3 USB 256KB TQFP80) which are nice ARM processors with two integrated ADCs and it didn't seem to be a problem.
-[[http://centralsemi.com/|Central Semi]]
-Apparently also does samples, but I have no myself with it.
 > Got call from sales rep, had to convince them to send, through local distributor.  Got 10 each of 4 different diodes, though. - foobar
+> Tried to sample, got some follow-up mail but no further actions despite my repeated attempts. I'd call it a no-no, you may have better luck (albeit that's unlikely IMO) (2013) - vaxquis
 [[http://www.zilog.com/|Zilog]]
 Manufactures MCUs, not much selection but they'll send you a lot of stuff.
+> I sampled their Z-8, Z-80, and Z-16 microcontrollers and they were all easy to get worked into projects.  Zilog has a free downloadable IDE for their chips and the Zilog USB Smart Cable programmer is $30 at DigiKey.  It's cheap and easy to use these microcontrollers if you have the inclination. - joen
 [[http://www.austriamicrosystems.com/ICdirect-Buy-Online/Online-Shop/|Austria Microsystems]]
@@ Line 229: / Line 206: @@
 Did another order with them, they are now offering up to 3 on 1 part.  Took three R5F562N8BDFB this time (same controller, 144 pins instead of 100).
-====== Connectors ======
+====== Passives / Opto / Discrete Semi ======
-[[http://www.molex.com/|Molex]]
+Note: for MOS parts, you can try TI or Microchip (see above)
-A full-range supplier of interconnects, sockets, cables, etc. They'll send you 3 or so of almost all their parts, usually very quickly, but sometimes not at all.
->I requested samples and they shipped them the next day via USPS First Class(fancy way to say "standard") - koolkat
+[[http://www.vishay.com|Vishay]]
+Optoelectronics, passives, discrete semiconductors
-> I tried several times, could never get anything sent, or any order confirmation - foobar
+> I asked for 10 RGB LEDs. They sent me 11: fast, without questions and free (2013) - Germanstudent
-[[http://www.tycoelectronics.com/|Tyco Electronics (TE) / AMP]]
+> Got 10 yellow LEDs for free shipped with UPS Saver - Squeck
-A similar range as to Molex's, plus heat shrink tubing, passives, switches, all kinds of things. You can request samples by navigating to the product's page and clicking on the corresponding button.
-> Some parts come from international sampling rooms and will take a couple more days (Through UPS Saver) than domestic samples. Those go through USPS First Class and they don't ask questions. - wilywyrm
+> Nothing from these guys. Every time I try to submit a sample, it goes to a confirmation page with my contact information saying "Your Sample Request can not be processed at this time. Please locate a Sales Contact in your area for further information." - wilywyrm
-> They maintain order history, and send shipping notices.  It can be hard to find samples of certain things, because they have "request sample" links for all products, but samples are not stocked for many products (though they will suggest alternatives). - foobar
+> I've gotten a number of samples from Vishay (diodes, LEDs, crystals), but often it takes a long time (weeks and weeks, with no shipment notice or other status) and they come from a (relatively) local sales rep. - foobar
-> Just got shipping notification for several connectors.  Shipped by FEDEX 3 day.  No hassles, easy registration, but when you are ordering samples, fill out the forms as if you are a company. (10/15/2012) -CoDLiNK
+>Got my samples within a week without any hassle(July 2011)-Brosiman
-> I got 2x6 samples of switches from them; fast shipping (international in a couple of days), great parts - and they deal in passives too (August 2013') - vaxquis
+>16 big LEDs weren't a problem for them; you certainly CAN (and SHOULD, if you have any doubts about your order) mail their samples department to get confirmation on it and shipment tracking number. I got my confirmation the next business day after I sent my inquiry. Sent from local sales office, shipped by UPS Express Saver, received them 9 days after requesting. Sampled numerous passives (resistor networks, precision resistors etc) from them later on, almost all were sent in separate packages and sometimes they sent reduced amounts or different parts - but overall I got everything I requested without much trouble. (July 2013) - vaxquis
-[[http://www.itw-fastex.com/catalog.html|ITW/Fastex]]
+[[http://passives.te.com/|Tyco Electronics (TE) Passives]]
-Sells hardware, some of which may be useful for electronics projects (connectors, clips, etc). Looks like you can sample up to 15 pieces of any part they offer.
->Ordered 2 different PCB standoffs qty of 15 each no problem - mrramsey
+I got the requested parts after a month's wait, without follow-ups - so you definitely *can* get those passives from them (August 2013') - vaxquis
-[[http://www.riaconnect.com/samples.html|RIA connect]]
+[[http://www.bivar.com/|Bivar]]
-Sell various connectors. I've not yet ordered from them but it seams pretty straight forward. The order form has a spot for 6 different samples.
+LED and other similar optos.
-now redirects to http://www.metz-connect.com/en/products/cables-wires ∇
+>I was able to get a handful (4x5pcs) of UV/IR LEDs from them after contacting the local distributor and a couple of polite email/phone reminders. Overall the time wasted on this was about the value of the parts, but you may be more lucky. Note that they redesigned a site in 2014' and I don't know if the sampling is still available (that's quite probable though) (August 2013') - Vaxquis
-[[http://www.keyelco.com/contact.asp|Keystone electronics]]
+[[http://www.us.liteon.com/opto.prdct.form.html|Lite-On]]
-Connectors of all kinds, USB, serial, battery holders (coin cell, AA, N, SMD and through-hole) and more
-No questions asked, FedEx 2-day for free.
->ordered 4 samples shipped next day no questions - mrramsey
+Appears to do samples of LEDs/optoelectronics.
-[[http://www.memoryprotectiondevices.com/morecorp.shtml|Memory Protection Devices]]
+====== Connectors ======
-Connectors and battery holders. Sends by UPS Ground.
-> After I sent off the form, a sales rep emailed me asking what I would be using the samples for. Nothing hard or poky. After answering, I got samples (3 units of each) though UPS a couple days later. - wilywyrm
+[[http://www.tycoelectronics.com/|Tyco Electronics (TE) / AMP]]
+A similar range as to Molex's, plus heat shrink tubing, passives, switches, all kinds of things. You can request samples by navigating to the product's page and clicking on the corresponding button.
+> Some parts come from international sampling rooms and will take a couple more days (Through UPS Saver) than domestic samples. Those go through USPS First Class and they don't ask questions. - wilywyrm
+> They maintain order history, and send shipping notices.  It can be hard to find samples of certain things, because they have "request sample" links for all products, but samples are not stocked for many products (though they will suggest alternatives). - foobar
+> Just got shipping notification for several connectors.  Shipped by FEDEX 3 day.  No hassles, easy registration, but when you are ordering samples, fill out the forms as if you are a company. (10/15/2012) -CoDLiNK
+> I got 2x6 samples of switches from them; fast shipping (international in a couple of days), great parts - and they deal in passives too (see above); note that sometimes (my case) the order was filled only partially, and that not all parts are available for sampling (August 2013') - vaxquis
 [[http://www.samtec.com/|SamTec]]
@@ Line 274: / Line 255: @@
 > These guys are great. I've ordered a couple of connectors and USB cables from them and they all shipped the next day with FedEx next day air. There's apparently some value limit to the items/quantities they'll ship as samples and some parts require "approval" (Special ethernet cables), but nothing unreasonable. - wilywyrm
-> ditto. I got it in 2 days by UPS, without a slightest problem. Note that won't be able to sample some common cables/connectors, but if you find it on their page with sample option, you're 99% getting it ASAP. (May/August 2013') - vaxquis
+> ditto. I got it in 2 days by UPS, without a slightest problem. Note that won't be able to sample some common cables/connectors, but if you find it on their page with sample option, you're 99% getting it ASAP. Sometimes they give the items in bulk amount, sometimes only single ones or two pieces, YMMV (May/August 2013') - vaxquis
 [[http://www.mill-max.com/|Mill-Max]]
@@ Line 292: / Line 273: @@
 >>Thank you for your interest in Mill-Max products. Our authorized distributors currently handle all overseas requests for samples. Please visit http://www.mill-max.com/distribu/search_distributor_main.cfm to search for a distributor in your area.
 >so it seems to be difficult if you're not from North America.
->update: I contacted one of their distributors in Europe (WDI AG) and their representative agreed to broker a sampling request to Mill-Max. I received the samples today. Took a couple of polite mails and about two weeks in total. (August 2013) - vaxquis
+>update: I contacted one of their distributors in Europe (WDI AG) and their representative agreed to broker a sampling request to Mill-Max. I received the samples today. Took a couple of polite mails and about two weeks in total. Not for the faint-hearted. (August 2013) - vaxquis
+[[http://desco.descoindustries.com/|Desco / Charleswater]]
+Grounding/static protection and some simple ESD-proof connectors.
+>received some (dozens of simple alligator clips etc) samples after email verification (December 2014) - vaxquis
+<del>[[http://www.molex.com/|Molex]]</del>
+A full-range supplier of interconnects, sockets, cables, etc. They'll send you 3 or so of almost all their parts, usually very quickly, but sometimes not at all.
+>I requested samples and they shipped them the next day via USPS First Class(fancy way to say "standard") - koolkat
+> I tried several times, could never get anything sent, or any order confirmation - foobar
+>no samples nor reply from them (tried in 2013 and in 2014) - Vaxquis
+[[http://www.itw-fastex.com/catalog.html|ITW/Fastex]]
+Sells hardware, some of which may be useful for electronics projects (connectors, clips, etc). Looks like you can sample up to 15 pieces of any part they offer.
+>Ordered 2 different PCB standoffs qty of 15 each no problem - mrramsey
+[[http://www.keyelco.com/contact.asp|Keystone electronics]]
+Connectors of all kinds, USB, serial, battery holders (coin cell, AA, N, SMD and through-hole) and more
+No questions asked, FedEx 2-day for free.
+>ordered 4 samples shipped next day no questions - mrramsey
+[[https://www.metz-connect.com/us/sample-order|Metz Connect]]
+Sell various connectors. Not checked yet.
+[[http://www.memoryprotectiondevices.com/morecorp.shtml|Memory Protection Devices]]
+Connectors and battery holders. Sends by UPS Ground.
+> After I sent off the form, a sales rep emailed me asking what I would be using the samples for. Nothing hard or poky. After answering, I got samples (3 units of each) though UPS a couple days later. - wilywyrm
 [[http://www.norcomp.net/Navpages/sample.htm|Norcomp]]
@@ Line 320: / Line 335: @@
 > Due to the large number of requests we are unable to send out samples. New Age enclosures has a 250 minimum piece order to cover processing costs.
 > Distributors like Mouser Electronics are capable of shipping out single items.- August 2013, vaxquis
+[[http://www.okwenclosures.com|OKW Enclosures]] - Imports enclosures from [[http://tekoenclosures.com/service/sample_form.html|Teko Enclosures]], which has a bit more selection that you can also sample. OKW's selection is like serpac's, but the enclosures are usually only available in black, gray, or white. Only one unit of up to 6 sample parts can be sampled and the "Get a Sample" link must be present on the left sidebar to be eligible. Ships via UPS Ground.
+>Ordered an enclosure from OKW (Back ordered but was informed it will ship when they come in) I have yet to try the electronics division.
+> They ship next day with a notice, no pestering about annual units, application, anything! They also have an electronics component site called [[http://www.okwelectronics.com|OKW Electronics]] that imports stuff like LEDs, switches, and radio thingies. Still, I haven't gotten anything yet from this division. - wilywyrm
+> They called me and told me that they have shipped the enclosure samples. But I have to pay for them if I want them. -fubar
+> they forwarded the request to local distributor, which (thankfully) sent me (for free) most of the samples requested after a phone call. (August 2013) - vaxquis
 <del>[[http://www.hammfg.com/|Hammond Manufacturing]]</del>
@@ Line 329: / Line 353: @@
 > Serpac is FABULOUS! I ordered one sample late at night. The next morning I received a very friendly and cheerful response. Fast forward a week or two later and a large box with THIRTEEN assorted enclosures showed up! Serpac4Life! -Anonymous Coward
+> no reply from them after repeated attempts; I seriously doubt if the samples are still available from them (2013/2014) - vaxquis
-[[http://www.okwenclosures.com|OKW Enclosures]] - Imports enclosures from [[http://tekoenclosures.com/service/sample_form.html|Teko Enclosures]], which has a bit more selection that you can also sample. OKW's selection is like serpac's, but the enclosures are usually only available in black, gray, or white. Only one unit of up to 6 sample parts can be sampled and the "Get a Sample" link must be present on the left sidebar to be eligible. Ships via UPS Ground.
->Ordered an enclosure from OKW (Back ordered but was informed it will ship when they come in) I have yet to try the electronics division.
-> They ship next day with a notice, no pestering about annual units, application, anything! They also have an electronics component site called [[http://www.okwelectronics.com|OKW Electronics]] that imports stuff like LEDs, switches, and radio thingies. Still, I haven't gotten anything yet from this division. - wilywyrm
-> They called me and told me that they have shipped the enclosure samples. But I have to pay for them if I want them. -fubar
 ====== Switches ======
@@ Line 344: / Line 362: @@
 >Requested samples, but Mouser explained that NKK does not do samples anymore, but you can still get the parts from mouser. ~ stepstools
-> Tyco also sells switches, and they have all different kinds. - foobar
+<del>[[http://www.e-switch.com|E-Switch]]</del>
+>Has plenty of interesting switches but unfortunately want you to buy them through their
+distributor. Note that Lambind.com directs you to the same site.-Brosiman
+>They forwarded me to local distributor, the distributor largely ignored me (phoned me once and then, despite an actual case of needing the samples for a project, ignored me completely after that, even after my further calls/mails). (2013) - vaxquis
-[[http://www.e-switch.com|E-Switch]]-Has plenty of interesting switches but unfortunately want you to buy them through their
-distributor.Note that Lambind.com directs you to the same site.-Brosiman
 ====== Others ======

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