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How to Get a Handy Board
Component Vendors
Please be aware that usually it is not economical to buy components yourself to build just one Handy Board. Since you cannot order all of the parts from any one company, after you pay for minimum order and shipping charges, your financial savings will be nil or negative. (Please see the FAQ entry on this topic.)
This said, here is information for buying parts to build Handy Boards from scratch.
Recommended Component Suppliers
The following people and companies have been known to provide good service to the academic and hobbyist robotic community. If you have any comments regarding an experience with any of these companies (be it good or bad!), please let me know.
Wirz Electronics sells the Unitrode
version of the L293D, the Polaroid ultrasonic ranging system, custom
high-current motor driver boards, and other robotics goodies.
Richard Hughes sells the
SGS-Thomson L293D motor driver chip in unit quantities.
B.G. Micro, a large discount/surplus
electronics dealer, often stocks the 68HC11A1FN chip at excellent unit
prices. Contact info: B.G. Micro, P.O. Box 280298, Dallas, TX 75228.
Phone: (972) 271-5546; fax (972) 271-2462.
Mr. Robot, a robotics dealer that
specializes in the Talrik robot, also carries a variety of
supplies and kits, including 68HC11 A1 processors for just $5.95
each. Contact info: Mr. Robot, 8822 Trevillian Road, Richmond, VA
23235 USA.
Additional Component suppliers list, useful
if you are buying all of the Handy Board components yourself.