In case you missed it, I was Bill Marsden

Of course I know that. I'm neutral
It's just that I don't like 555 timers or 741 opamps.

 

Considering that the 555 timer is the most widely produced and sold chip that puts you in the minority...

 

Considering that the 555 timer is the most widely produced and sold chip that puts you in the minority...

But spot on the 741

 

Its never been about liking the 741, I was in college in late 1970 their weren't a lot of choices back then. I was impressed by how tough the little chippie was, my classmates and I destroyed our share they are also relatively cheap too. Like all components they have their place, as a teaching tool they are good precisely because of their limitations.

Due to my poor eye sight I've been smoking a lot of 555s lately. Hey, cheaper than cigarettes. Healthier too.

 

In case you missed it, I was Bill Marsden.

A confession and an Outing

I know, I read not long after I joined.

 

A man's life is dyed in the color of his conveyance of both wisdom and knowledge to those who seek it.
- Delta prime
And I'm still learning from you so what color would you like I got a whole box of crayons
And thanks for not calling me Shirley

Well my favorite from the box of 64 is Burnt Sienna. That will do for now.

 

The 741 does what it was designed to do, warts and all, not the best of the litter but can still bark.

 

Well my favorite from the box of 64 is Burnt Sienna. That will do for now.

I think a better example would be “Flesh” rather than “Burnt Sienna” if you want to talk Crayola.

 

The 741 does what it was designed to do, warts and all, not the best of the litter but can still bark.

I think that's what makes the 555 story and longevity all the more amazing. The 741 had obvious room for improvement and evolved into a family tree of op-amps with no particular, overall winner. A broad family. In aggregate, op-amps are probably a far larger market than the timer. But the 555 does what it does so very well.

 

5/16/21 Just got off the phone w/ jpanhalt, he is busy on his farm and doing well.