By October this year I expect to travel to Liverpool UK - then Rotterdam, Iserlohn (Germany) and finally Frankfurt. About two working days in each place.

My questions:

a) Shops within reach in those places, that you know are selling electronic components on the counter so I could visit if time (not much available) allows. Just names so I can Google.

Ordering in advance is out of question.

b) Most practical way, other than plane to go from L'pool to R'dam. Not esential. Just to enjoy if I am not going to add more stress to the whole thing.

c) Mobile phone. For me, anything like roamming would be insane. I have no idea what could be a reasonable solution. A number where I could be called anytime and from where to call my office is what I need.

Buying, renting? Something that could serve at the four places.

Thanks in advance.

 

a) I don't know about Liverpool as such, but the UK seems pretty bad for component stores. There might be a Maplin (big chain like radioshack)
b) You can get a ferry from Hull to Rotterdam, the ferry takes 12 hours overnight. I suppose you could get the channel tunnel and do it all by train, but that would probably take even longer.
c) You can pick up a UK SIM card for basically the price of the credit on it in most phone shops, just looked at Vodaphone and you can get a card for free, top it up with £10 and get 60 free international minutes. This is assuming your phone is unlocked.

 

I know you said Liverpool, but you should also try merseyside when googling, as this is the area.

There are several Maplin stores on merseyside.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=....0.11.1063.i3FSaKWJ4Xohttp://cpc.farnell.com/

I know you said you do not want mail order, but also look at CPC-Farnell. They claim to be Europe's largest component supplier and their warehouse is in that area.

http://cpc.farnell.com/

These are not near Liverpool, but may be worth a look

http://www.rapidonline.com/

http://www.langrex.co.uk/

http://www.cricklewoodelectronics.com/Cricklewood/home.php

Welcome to England.

 

if you go through wichita, ks, not only will you find almost no component stores, but you will be a long way off your path.

 

I have family contacts in Liverpool (actually visiting this week in Liverpool also) and have asked to report back on walk-in electronic stores.

 

The only place I can find via a google search is Maplin but it is located away from the downtown area.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/store/liverpool-edge-lane

Edit: Found a Maplin in town:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/store/liverpool-central

 

how about Farnell? not too sure about where they are located though.

 

Just because they have an address doesn't mean they have a walk-in sales counter. Have you ever been to AMAZON? Seriously, my son was in Fort Worth and he needed some parts ASAP. He went to Allied Electronics and there was no door for customers! Employees or invited visitors only!

 

Rotor electronics in Amsterdam. About 1 hour away with walkin address
http://www.rotor.eu/

Look for the Conrad Electronics in Frankfurt.
http://www.conrad.de/ce/de/category/SHOP_AREA_268309/Entwicklungskits-Entwicklungssysteme

Conrad is a chain that sells everything from appliances to audio equipment but they also have a hobby section.

 

Maplins are terrible, they never stock more than, say 3 LEDs of each colour and 10 resistors of each value. I would consider (if where you're staying allows deliveries) ordering from Farnell.

If you spend over £20, and order before 8pm (check this) you get free next day delivery.

Regards,

Sparky

 

...

I know you said you do not want mail order, but also look at CPC-Farnell. They claim to be Europe's largest component supplier and their warehouse is in that area.

http://cpc.farnell.com/

...

Welcome to England.

The CPC trade counter is in Preston - about an hour from Liverpool and pretty close to Junction 32 on the M6 Motorway but it could be a bit of a hassle to get to by public transport. It is well worth a visit if you are in the area, they call it a "trade counter" but it is a decent sized store with lots of goodies on racks to tempt you to part with money. You also get to browse the big fat print catalog and prices are pretty good.