Operation Manual
Two of the largest retailers of electronic components and tools in the world are RS Components and Farnell. Both operate
offices and warehouses across the world, and both have a substantial selection of hardware from which to choose. Chances are
you’re familiar with at least one of the two retailers. At the time of this writing RS Components and Farnell were the only two
companies licensed to produce the Raspberry Pi hardware by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, so unless you’re reading this book
while considering the purchase of a Raspberry Pi, you’ll have ordered the device from one of the two.
Both RS Components and Farnell focus on business-to-business transactions, meaning that their main source of income is from
electronics companies buying large quantities of components. However, both will happily allow consumers to register with their
respective web stores and place orders as small as individual components.
When you’re placing small orders, be aware that there may be additional charges incurred. RS Components charges for its next-
day delivery service, and while the charge is quite reasonable for larger orders, it can cost significantly more than the components
being purchased for smaller orders. On the other hand, Farnell doesn’t charge for next-day delivery but does mandate a
minimum total value for orders placed through its website.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to reserve items for collection at one of RS Components’ or Farnell’s trade
counters. This saves on the cost of postage and gets you the goods faster, but it may not be an option at your location. The
websites for both retailers can be found here:
RS Components: http://www.rs-online.com
Farnell: http://www.farnell.com
Offline Sources
You may find that you need a component immediately, and even next-day delivery would not be soon enough. Or you may only
need a single resistor or a small length of wire and can’t justify a high delivery cost or minimum order value for one of the online
retailers. Thankfully, there are brick-and-mortar stores that specialise in electronic components. Although there are not as many
of these types of stores as in previous decades, most major towns and cities will include at least one physical shop that stocks the
most commonly required tools and components.
In the UK, the most popular chain of electronic component shops is Maplin Electronics. Established in Essex in 1972, the
company has grown from a small mail-order outlet to include 187 stores across the UK. Inhabitants of most cities will find
themselves within reach of a Maplin Electronics store, which can be a handy source of hardware if you’re running low on
common parts.
Maplin Electronics also offers a mail-order and click-and-reserve service through its website, but beware its business-to-
consumer focus. Many components are significantly more expensive when ordered from Maplin than from RS Components or
Premier Farnell, because the company relies on mark-up rather than high-volume trade to make a profit.
In the US and other countries, Radio Shack remains the most popular chain of electronics stores. Founded in 1921 and boasting
over 7,150 stores across the world, the company stocks a wide selection of common electronic components and tools that can
be purchased in person or ordered for delivery through its website.
As with Maplin Electronics in the UK, Radio Shack is a business-to-consumer operation. As a result, buyers can expect to pay
more for components purchased at Radio Shack than the same parts ordered from RS Components or Farnell. However, the
large number of Radio Shack stores make it a convenient choice for buyers who are in a hurry or who are looking for one-off
items.
Both Maplin and Radio Shack also have the advantage of being staffed by people to whom you can speak. Many employees of
both companies have significant knowledge in electronics, and are happy to offer advice and assistance if you’re unsure of what
parts you need for a given project. The websites for both retailers can be found here:
Maplin Electronics: http://www.maplin.co.ukhttp://www.maplin.co.uk
Radio Shack: http://www.radioshack.com
Hobby Specialists
In addition to the major chains, there are smaller companies that specialise in working with hobbyists. Although their selection is
dwarfed by those of the larger chains, it’s typically hand-picked and comes with the personal recommendation of the people
behind the company.