We all like getting free stuff, and as any electronics geek can tell you, you can usually get free IC samples from most vendors. But you may not be aware that you can sometimes get other free components too, such as LEDs, switches, project boxes, and other parts, if you’re a qualifying entity (business, student, etc.) and know where to look. Over at HacknMod, they’ve compiled a list of some of the freebie sources they’re aware of.
If you’ve had success getting free component and hardware samples from other vendors, tell us about it in the Comments.
I try not to over-use this resource. Mainly, I’ve stuck to ordering samples of parts that I actually plan to buy more of in the near future, if the samples work – in short, the intended purpose of samples. The occasional freebie is not a big deal, but companies have already started clamping down. Already, you will have to lie to most semiconductor companies if you don’t have a business. Maybe that makes me more uncomfortable than usual, but I end up sticking to samples that often do make it into products at my day job.
Yeah, it’s right, but, considering
Maxim let you order alot of parts for free, and no shipping, i gave it a try. Just said my intension to use this parts were for ‘research, school project and hobby’
I don’t know if i will receive them, but it’s free.
Freescale let you order up to 3 sample part with free shipping, so I gave this a try too. You need a valid email (ie: no hotmail) but i used my school one, and it wasn’t .edu. just use your ISP email and it should be enough.
Try Texas Instruments and Analog Devices. I’ve received several packages from them.
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