Where did you find those? Educational, to say the least.

 

Where did you find those? Educational, to say the least.

LOL. Of course from the "victim" themselves. They post these on their BBS to warn others.

 

The absolute lowest point was reached by Radio Shack back in the 1970's. If you recall flat packs - they were integrated circuits in a form that had the leads all stick straight out away from the case, unlike a DIP. They were shipped in plastic forms to keep the leads from getting bent.

The Shack was selling packs of 10 empty flat pack holders as DIP sockets.

 

To the old hands Radio Shack never has quite recovered their reputation. I remember stories about how they got their 7400 series parts (and other semiconductors), which I still believe, sold at premium prices. I think they've improved a lot, but you still wonder sometimes.

Last word I've heard is it is their components keeping them in business. Wonder if they meant stereo stuff or parts?

 

I was desperate enough a couple of years ago to hit them up for some toggle switches. They had a reasonable selection, considering that none of the store clerks know anything about components.

Lately, I think I recall hearing that they have discontinued their line of small electronic components.