Free electronic components and hardware

apemSwitch061708.jpg

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.

How to Get Free Stuff for your Projects


Recent Entries

Comments

Oldest comments listed first.

Posted by: macetech.com on June 17, 2008 at 11:22 PM

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.


Posted by: Vincent on June 18, 2008 at 9:09 AM

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.


Posted by: Anonymous on April 6, 2009 at 11:49 AM

Try Texas Instruments and Analog Devices. I've received several packages from them.


Leave a comment


Subscribe to MAKE!Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

Subscribe today, save 42% and get web access to MAKE free. MAKE Digital Edition is available only to subscribers.

$34.95 / 1 year
(4 Quarterly Issues)

Subscribe now


Void your warranty, violate a user agreement, fry a circuit, blow a fuse, poke an eye out. Make: The risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things... Welcome to Make: Online!


CRAFT Maker Shed Maker Faire MAKE television
Holiday Gift Guides from MAKE
Gifts for Dads
Science and Chemistry
Gifts Under $20
More guides: Santa Claus Machines, Geek Toys for Grown Up Girls & Boys


Check out all of the episodes of Make: television

Alex Rider Dream Gadget Contest
Make: Science Room

Connect with MAKE

Be a MAKE fan on Facebook MAKE on Facebook
Visit our Facebook page and become a fan of MAKE!
MAKE on Twitter MAKE on Twitter
Follow our MAKE tweets!
MAKE Flickr Pool MAKE on Flickr
Join our MAKE Flickr Pool!
    make_tips on Twitter




    Maker SHED

    Advertise here with FM.

    Why advertise on MAKE?
    Read what folks are saying about us!

    Click here to advertise on MAKE!



    Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

    Make: Online authors!

    Gareth BranwynGareth Branwyn
    Senior Editor


    Phillip TorronePhillip Torrone
    Senior Editor
    | AIM | Twitter


    Becky SternBecky Stern
    Associate Editor
    | AIM | Twitter


    Marc de VinckMarc de Vinck
    Contributing Writer
    | AIM | Twitter


    John ParkJohn Park
    Contributing Writer
    | Twitter


    Sean RaganSean Ragan
    Contributing Writer
    | Twitter


    Matt MetsMatt Mets
    Contributing Writer
    | AIM | Twitter


    Dale DoughertyDale Dougherty
    Editor & Publisher
    | Twitter


    Shawn ConnallyShawn Connally
    Managing Editor
    | Twitter


    Goli MohammadiGoli Mohammadi
    Associate Managing Editor

    Kip KayKip Kay
    Weekend Projects
    | AIM | Twitter


    Collin CunninghamCollin Cunningham
    Contributing Writer
    | AIM | Twitter

    Adam FlahertyAdam Flaherty
    Contributing Writer
    | AIM | Twitter



    More contributors: Mark Frauenfelder (Editor-in-Chief, MAKE magazine), Kipp Bradford (Technical Consultant/Writer), Chris Connors (Education), Diana Eng (Guest Author), Peter Horvath (Intern), Brian Jepson (O'Reilly Media), Robert Bruce Thompson (Science Room)

    Suggest a Site!

    Current Podcast

    itunesdl.gif Weekend Project: Beetlebot Simple robot from your parts bin that avoids obstacles. Thanks go to Jerome Demers for the original article in MAKE, Volume 12. To download the Beetlebot video, click here or subscribe in iTunes. Check out the complete Beetlebot article... More...

    Get the Make: Online sent via email
    Enter your email to receive Make: Online each day:



    MAKE Fascination video series brought to you by Dow

    Make: Education
    MAKE: en EspaƱol MAKE: Japan
    Important please read


    Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

    Recent Posts from the Craft: Blog