Well I've just been down to maplins again and this time it's the last time I will ever go to them for parts

I went down with two items I needed one was a simple bd140 and do you think they had it NO not even listed in their book (am I glad I haven't bought one yet)
they even didn't try and sell me one that was equivalent to the one I asked for.

the second item I needed was a set of cables or clips for a item i bought of ebay
a dc to dc power reducer this is the item in question http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-To-DC-Converter-Buck-Step-down-Voltage-LED-Power-Module-3A-12V-To-5V-3-3V-UK-/290741304877?nma=true&si=%252Fmq3d75npfRcDs9gGtw6FAtUlWI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

I still would like the connectors identifying what are the parts I need as I haven't a clue what I'm looking for plus all Maplin's said was "If it's not in our connector over their we don't stock it or words to that affect" maplins are a waste of time this is the third time I've been in and come out with nothing

GreenJames

 

Personally I wouldn't bother with them at all. I have tried to get the simplest of things from them like 4000 ICs and the likes and they don't stock them. You go in for some LEDs because you can't be bothered to wait for the postage from Rapid Online and you find out they are literally 10 times the price and they only stock 2 of 3 of each one? How stupid is that? They should IMHO have at least 10 of everything. What use is 2 or 3 LEDs?

They are over priced, under stocked and have a very limited range. They seem more intent on selling other things like disco equipment and remote control helicopters than they do electronic components... and they called themselves "an electronics specialist" is it?

 

Keep in mind that sales staff at retail outlets don't know the diff between a resistor and a capacitor.
Don't bother to ask them any technical questions.

 

Forget high street retailers for specialist electronic parts - they are just fancy toy shops! There is so much choice online these days that you are bound to find what you're looking for, cheaply and with a next day service too.

Header connectors come in such a variety of makes, sizes and types that you can spend a lot of time trying to get the exact mating connector. This can be achieved with a vernier caliper and datasheet obtained from one of the larger company's catalogues (such as RS, Farnell, Digikey etc...) but as I said it will take time.
Alternatively you can ask the supplier who the manufacturer is OR look for any significant markings and part numbers on the board to assess where / who made it etc... and then contact them. It becomes a bit of a sleuth investigation but I have done this myself b4, with success all thanks to the internet.