Getting started in DIY in Vancouver

[Clutz]

Hello everyone,

I have considered getting started in DIY on and off for about two years now. I have some limited electronics experience (I took a course in basic electronics in high school- about ten or so years ago), so I know how to use a DMM, do soldering, and I have a vague recollection of how to read schematics.

I have not lived in Vancouver long, and one of the difficulties I am encountering is trying to find a store where I can buy the basics that I'd need to get started (breadboard, protoboards, acceptable-decent soldering iron), and where to buy good quality resistors, capacitors, ICs, etc. I have a car so I can get around, but I just don't know where to go.

I will be going back to Toronto shortly (my home town), and I know where I can buy some of these parts in Toronto- but I have no idea where to get these things in Vancouver.

Any suggestions, thoughts, helpful comments?

THanks,

Clutz

 

[aos]

Search the forums on Headwize and perhaps even here, a list was posted several times though it's been a while. To begin with, you have Lee's electronics and Future Active, find them in Yellow pages if you can't find the posts (make sure you search forum from the very beginning).

 

[Demolition]

As aos mentioned, there's Lee's Electronics (on 4522 Main St. -- no website that I know of) and Active. You might also try RP Electronics, MRO Electronics, Main Electronics, and SMI (out in Langley).

D.

 

[CingKrab]

If you're willing to order stuff online, Digikey takes Canadian dollars.

 

[Clutz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CingKrab If you're willing to order stuff online, Digikey takes Canadian dollars.

Thanks CingKrab and everyone for your help.

I think I'll get working on this once I get back from Toronto!

 

[aos]

Digikey service to Vancouver is about as good as it gets - overnight delivery, I can get stuff in about 15 hours, and only for $8 for shipping. But I strongly encourage browsing local shops, for many reasons (e.g. you can find Alps Blue, WBT connectors, tubes and so on, support local economy etc.).

 

[vbmechanic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demolition As aos mentioned, there's Lee's Electronics (on 4522 Main St. -- no website that I know of) and Active. You might also try RP Electronics, MRO Electronics, Main Electronics, and SMI (out in Langley). D.

Bump for Lee's now with the worst website ever.

 

[CingKrab]

Wow I just reread this thread. You can get Alps Blue locally in Vancouver?

 

[myhui]

I personally spent some months working behind the counter serving customers in Active Electronics in Vancouver, Canada, way, way back in the early 1980's.

They're a good shop, and their parent company Future Electronics is still going strong after all these years.

 

[Edwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vbmechanic Bump for Lee's now with the worst website ever.

LOL, yes. Horrid website.

Why even bother?

-Ed

 

[vbmechanic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edwood LOL, yes. Horrid website. Why even bother? -Ed

My theory is that the web designer was actually blind and the site was designed for braille readers. I can't imagine why it would be so bad if the designer could actually see what he was doing.

BTW, Lee does have a good deal up there.. Hakko knock off soldering station for $55 CAD. I might drop by and look at it; closest price for the real Hakko I could find is $104.

 

[tangent]

<meta name="GENERATOR" content="Microsoft FrontPage 4.0">

That's all you needed to know.

 

[Natsuiro]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vbmechanic Bump for Lee's now with the worst website ever.

lol I can imagine Lee (that's his name?) typing that webpage up