Steps for obtaining parts

1. The first option (the one that you will use 9 times out of 10) is to check them out from the Parts Shop located on the 2nd floor. To do this you must follow the steps below:
   • Look up the parts in the ECE Shop Parts Catalog.
     Note the drawer number, especially for small components.
   • Request parts by walking to the parts shop and filling out a green half sheet of paper.
   • Parts should be available for pickup within a few working hours.
   • There will be some items in the Shop such as transformers which are not in the catalog.
     You will need to have an instructor check those out.
     It is suggested that for large, unusual parts you inquire in person.
   • Any major parts provided by the department must be returned at the end of the semester.
   
   
2. ECE Stores: The second option is to have the parts ordered from a catalog or the ECE stores (located in the basement). You need the permission of your TA for this option (forms are available on the TA desk or from ECE Stores). Alternatively, you can charge the parts to your student ID if you need to pay for them yourself.
   
   
3. Orders that the Parts Shop and ECE Stores cannot help you with can be special ordered from a number of companies available through your my.ece web page parts order form. This will require TA approval before the order is processed. Since many part orders are usually placed with Digi-key, these orders will be grouped into bulk orders placed on Wednesday and Friday. Part orders must be in by noon on Wednesday and 3pm on Friday.
   
   
4. If all of these methods fail, your order will need to go through the Business Office with the help of your TA.
   
   
5. Of course, it is always possible and encouraged to purchase your own parts from a local store (Radio Shack, Best Buy, etc.). Be warned that unless you receive TA approval to be reimbursed for these parts before you purchase them, you will not be reimbursed!

Note: Each group has a budget of around $40 that can be spent on parts and resources. If small parts are needed, it is strongly encouraged that you just buy it yourself. Since there is no required textbook for the course, we figure the small monetary payout is more than offset by the savings in time and hassle for your group. Also, if you intend to keep your project when you're finished, we ask that you purchase the parts yourself.

Details on obtaining parts

There are four main methods, varying widely in the cost incurred to the course and the waiting time. They are listed here, most desirable first.

The Electronics Shop (aka Parts Shop), room 265 EL

This is the Department's electronic service facility. They maintain a large stock of standard components which may be used without charge for student projects in this and other courses.

The shop's available stock may be examined on-line via the shop's web site. The parts request is submitted by filling out a green form in the entrance of the Parts Shop.

These orders are filled in one day or less and placed in a tray on the desk in 265 EL. In cases of special need, the professor or a TA is able to fill the order directly, but this obviously can't be done in every case since it is time-consuming. Shop policy does not allow students to access the parts drawers or fill orders themselves.

ECE Stores

ECE Stores, in the east basement of EL, has a wider range of parts and carries other things such as small pieces of test equipment, computer cables, office supplies, etc. It is run as a self-supporting retail operation, however, so that these parts are not free.

ECE Stores sells directly to students for personal purchases at any time. No authorization slips are needed.

The ECE Stores catalog is available on-line.

To order from ECE Stores, figure out your order and fill out one of the order forms (on the TA desk). The authorization form must be signed by your TA, as it involves transfer of funds from the course account. The orders are filled immediately over the counter, once authorized.

my.ece.uiuc.edu

Items not available directly from either the Electronics Shop or ECE Stores may usually be specially ordered through the parts ordering form on your my.ece page.

These requests must be approved by your TA, so it is your responsibility to notify your TA once the order has been requested online. It is generally recommended that you discuss the order with your TA beforehand to ascertain if it is truly necessary. Delivery for most companies varies from two to seven business days, and your order will be delivered to the lab. Ask your TA if you're uncertain where it has been placed.

Orders from Digi-key will be grouped together and placed Wednesday and Friday. Please have orders in by noon Wednesday and 3pm Friday.

Free Samples from Companies

It should be mentioned that companies many times are willing to provide small quantities of their products to students engaged in design projects. You might consider approaching the manufacturer directly, particularly regarding their newer products which they are interested in promoting. Don't count on success with this, but it has often been very useful.

Personal Purchases

Personal purchases can be made through local merchants or mail-order.

It is sometimes expedient or desirable to make a personal purchase, even when the project is not being built to keep as personal property.

Subject to prior approval from your TA, reimbursements can be made. The Department will need the original copy of your itemized store receipt or invoice in order to make the refund. Purchases made without prior approval will not be refunded, in any case.