Plastic Enclosures

If you need plastic enclosure for your project you can try to request samples from OKW enclosures.

http://www.okw.co.uk/

I requested one from them and it arrived in about 4 weeks.

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Sample LED's

Yes, LED's!

I have requested LED samples MARL and have pictures to show it.

Visit the link below and click the "sample" button in the lower left part of the web page.
http://www.leds.co.uk/contact

You will receive the LEDs in about 3 weeks or so.

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Op Amps from Texas Instruments

www.ti.com

TI is currently one of the biggest IC manufacturers.
And the fastest in providing free samples at that. Samples are shipped out immediately via Fed-Ex without you being pestered by phone calls.

I have listed below few of TI op amps that I recommend . Try requesting samples for evaluation. All of these are available in DIP package.

OPA137P
OPA2336PA
OPA4137PA
TLC252CP
TLC272CP

Based on my experience, TI is very reliable in providing samples quickly.
But do not abuse this sample service as you might get banned!

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Austria MicroSystems

I just received free IC samples from a new company Austria Microsystems.
Thanks guys!
http://www.austriamicrosystems.com

They have a few selection of parts but most of them are available for samples.
Click below for the the product pages. A "sample" button can be seen on the right of each part number available.

Audio Amplifier ICs
Op-Amps
ADC's and DAC's
Comparators
DC-DC Converters
Low Drop Out Regulators

You will be asked to register prior to sample check out. The process is not tedious and I only registered with my gmail account. I was surprised to receive the samples in less than 2 weeks!

However , all their parts as of writing are surface mounted components.

Post a comment when you find a thru hole part from their selection.

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National Semi LM60 temperature Sensor

National Semiconductor will provide free samples of LM60 temperature sensor with free shipment if you register with a corporate or educational email account.

Click here.
http://www.national.com/mpf/LM/LM60.html

There are 2 packages available ; SOT23 and TO 92. Choose LM60CIZ for TO-92 packaged part.

A variant LM61 is also available for samples.

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Microcontroller - Maxim

Although Maxim is not well known for MCUs , they do provide samples for 8051 compatible units.

I just ordered 2pcs of DS89C450 FREE samples in DIP package!

The delivery time is not as quick as when you order analog IC samples from Maxim. Nevertheless, it is still better than other manufacturer's sample programs.

This is probably the reason why most engineers specify Maxim analog ICs no matter how cheap the competition is.

Order Maxim MCU samples here:

http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/4078/t/or

Click on the "Sample" button. You might be asked to register first.

Watch out for the package type. Maxim is the best in providing sample parts in DIP so that you can use them in your projects.

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Pressure Sensors - Freescale

Freescale (ex Motorola Semicon)will provide samples for many parts including free shipment if you register with a corporate or educational email address such as professor@university.edu.

I just ordered 3 pcs of MPX999D pressure sensor and they are on the way as confirmed by Fed-ex.

http://www.freescale.com/files/sensors/doc/data_sheet/MPX5999D.pdf?pspll=1

If you register with email addresses such as you@yahoo.com or me@gmail.com
you will be asked to pay some amount for "handling" and "shipping".

Order the samples from Freescale here.

https://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/overview.jsp?nodeId=010984007869597059286929489

Note you will need to register first.

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Connectors - Samtec

You can get connector samples from Samtec.

http://www.samtec.com/sudden_service/samples_sql/sample_form.aspx

They will ship it quickly without bothering you with a lot pf phone calls.
Just remember never to abuse this service.

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