The Arduino certainly is a very nifty little thing and one can't go wrong with Atmel, I feel.
I tend to work with purpose-built boards and have a fairly extensive setup for "tinkering" as it's my trade, but this is something I'd get my nephew or something.
Bad thing about Atmel is their lead times yo-yo around like crazy. One minute there is stock, next time you inquire the parts or on 10 to 12 weeks delivery. Been burnt like this before. At least Microchip has predictable lead times.Originally Posted by Messugga
Who is your supplier? I agree the lead times can be annoying at times (Only ever really had issues with programmers being out of stock) but they're so much cheaper than Microchip that it's worth it for me.
A few weeks back when we quoted there was stock on ATTiny13A's at EBV and AAD, land the order and stock cleaned out, new delivery date mid Oct
Had to source through a buying house in Europe and pay the associated price
I buy through Arrow Altech. Who are AAD?
Same place, AAD = Arrow Altech Distributers
We had the design registered through EBV, so theoretically should get a better price through them.
DIP ATMegas??
If anyone knows where to get DIP ATMega168 or 328 or 644s (for use on Arduino or Sanguino) anywhere in SA please drop me a pm? The only one I can find is ATMega8 from Mantech.
Did you try Arrow Altech? Check the link I gave for their contact numbers.
Other places to try are Communica in Pretoria, and RS Conponents in Midrand.
http://za.rs-online.com/web/search/s...ATmega&x=0&y=0
Another option would be to put in a sample request from either of the two distributors I mentioned in previous posts.
Where are you based?
Last edited by kayvee; 20-08-2009 at 06:17 AM.
Does anyone actually get samples from Atmel? I got Freescale, TI, microchip, maxim, even NXP despite being completely honest about the volumes. But never Atmel. Even contacted some distributor offering to pay for a few devices. No cigar.
If you got paypal try and use www.ebay.com.
I have used http://www.sureelectronics.net & http://www.futurlec.com/ICAtmel.shtml & www.lcdmodkit.com (website not working properly now, although they still have ebay presence). Shipping times 3weeks+. Futerlec shipping is $5 (R40) on orders under $30 & for LCDModkit i paid $1 or $2 processing and $2 per ATmega88. Last week I missed out an ebay auction Atmega168 @ $10 for 5 (+ $1 shipping) from sure-electronics - was saving up for my 2333SW monitor.
ATmega328 & ATmega644 are harder to get though.
Last edited by Vis1/0N; 20-08-2009 at 01:16 PM.
Sure, I received some Atmel samples just two weeks back. Granted they weren't ATmega's but yes, they do supply, at least I didn't have a problem.
Another reason why I prefer the Microchip route, never hassles getting samples, and once your design hits production, never issues with long lead times or having to wheel and deal to get your hands on them.
Arrow Altech was completely unhelpful and don't stock DIP models and just umm and aahh about stocking them. I tried Communica and RS also no joy. Importing a +- R30 chip is rather uneconomical. BTW, insofar international suppliers are concerned try seeedstudio.com. They got a great arduino clone and great service. I will be ordering their version of the Arduino Mega soon!
Agreed. Arrow Altech are only concerned about the group companies, and everyone else is inconsequential, at least that's how it appears. Even if your business potential is reasonably large.
I've had relatively good dealings with them in the past. That being said, I speak to the product manager for Atmel, and him alone, and always use the same sales rep.
They even sent me 5 Atmega 88's on their cost, as samples the other day, because I was interested in them - didn't have to ask, they just offered.
Messugga, would you mind asking your guy about these chips? Just for my peace of mind ..
Last edited by JakesSA; 20-08-2009 at 02:29 PM. Reason: Oops spelling
I'll send him an email, tonight, sure.
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