Tayda?

Hey rik,

I've placed about 3 orders from Tayda (each about $30 or less) and my experience is generally good.  They have low prices and good shipping rates -- After ordering from Mouser or others, you'll be surprised how small and compact the packages are.  Components are in small bags, styrofoam is used instead of the ESD-safe black stuff normally used to ship ICs, and plastic bags are used instead of ESD bags.  (an ATMEGA168 was a casualty of ESD or my own incompetance... more details on request, but I'm pretty sure it's my fault). I suppose I should withold judgement on the ESD until I fully test my ST L298 and ST L297 driver/chopper ICs from Tayda and confirm that they are all working.

Also, my latest order was shipped with the wrong resistors -- the label said "1.1kohm" but the resistors inside were about 4kohm.  For 1¢/pc and a $5 order I'm not too ticked off -- I'm glad I could order $5 worth of stuff.  I've sent a little "คุณขอบคุณ" or "ขออภัยสำหรับการสั่งซื้อชิ้นส่วนขนาดเล็กจำนวนมาก" note with the small or complicated orders (e.g. when I ordered 5 each of about 40 different inductors).  The 1/4 watt resistors are a bit smaller and cheaper-feeling than the ones I got from RadioShack.  The little bags with each component are taped together so they fit in a small envelope.

I'm happy with my Tayda orders, and the only fault I can find is with what they do not have -- some 805 capacitors would be nice (they have SMD resistors, but not capacitors).  Also, complete power ratings or data sheets are not available for some of the components.  In summary, I've gotten the components I've ordered -- no extra charges or shady practices, and they take PayPal.

-John