Help! Samples? Mass confusion...

[MadmanMacguyver]

I have seen in a few posts on the mod forum about people ordering "samples?" for IC components. As I have been doing the mod work I am remembering more from my Electronics classes and could probably build most of the devices sans the IC (build the circuits macro style) but why if you can order parts for free? Would someone Kindly instruct me in the process or direct me to a thread that shows what to do?
I personally don't usually do free (prefer to work for what I have) but in this case I AM working on a testbed mod to examine the pros and cons of all the different designs so I can start building mods to sell myself and am discovering that other than using a breadboard things start to get expensive buying parts and materials. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

 

[ZoSo15]

I've gotten a handful of free samples from Texas Instruments. I can't remember the name of the regulator but the booster chip is PTN04050C if I remember correctly.

Just go to their website and have a look. You have to fill out some basic information when you order them like the application and your company and stuff. Just bs it. And while they do offer free air shipping I wouldn't opt for it under the circumstances.

Btw, I have no problem getting a couple cheap things from them for free considering the amount of money I've spent on their calculators.

 

[breaktru]

Yes free is good. But for every dollar I got for free I spent at least 10 dollars in additionals.

 

[MadmanMacguyver]

thats kinda the point I figure I cant afford to spend 200 or more bucks just on test parts I wont use in my final design.I have money for startup once I need to begin final production just not for being nickle and dimed to death on initial design.I even have friends at a machine shop to build final prototypes just not anyone w electronics expertise.Thats me and I'm no expert I'm just a good mechanic w fast diagnostic skills and specialize in auto electrics...lol Heck all the wiring I have been doing was w my trusty old(antique But hey it works better than anything I've ever had)Snapon 250 w soldering gun!!! I've never toasted a cir w it yet. Have used it to repair cell phones and one agp vid card w a bad cap...rofl things so old its case appears to be Bakelite...

 

[breaktru]

Hey Madman, your not going to solder an IC with a 250w gun, "R" ya!

 

[MadmanMacguyver]

Hey Madman, your not going to solder an IC with a 250w gun, "R" ya!

ROFL I could however no I have a little adjustable 15-50 watt adjustable one.thing is I used to repair chrysler PCM modules the gun just gotta be REAL CAREFUL!!! I have made 6 diff tips to use w it and have a surgeons hands when it comes to working on delicate stuff. one thing I have my Aspergers to thank for I guess as long as nothing is stressing me I'm an expert w a soldering gun or iron.

 

[breaktru]

Glad to hear that you have a smaller iron on hand. Wait to you get your hands on a uMax package chip. Like I said in a post here on ECF, it's like tying shoe laces on a mosquito. I gave up on using them.

 

[MadmanMacguyver]

Glad to hear that you have a smaller iron on hand. Wait to you get your hands on a uMax package chip. Like I said in a post here on ECF, it's like tying shoe laces on a mosquito. I gave up on using them.

uMax? Haven't read that one yet...Well I'll find it sooner or later.Something to watch for I guess.