Hacking Sensor Interfaces - MSc Sound Design

Electronics SuppliersUnless specified otherwise these are UK suppliers. Ordering from the USA ismuch slower and can incur extra charges through excise duty, but issometimes the only way of getting hold of specialist parts.Maplin http://www.maplin.co.ukIncreasingly focused on consumer goods and toys these days, but still useful.The Edinburgh shop is in Dalry, next to Somerfield’s supermarket.Omni Electronics. 174 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 5DX tel. 0131 667-2611Small specialist Edinburgh shop with knowledgeable staff.Farnell http://uk.farnell.comRS http://rswww.comRS and Farnell are the two main professional electronics suppliers in the UK.Not always the cheapest, but they carry a huge range of stuff and delivery isfast. Farnell has a minimum order of £20.Rapid Electronics http://www.rapidonline.com/Smaller range than RS and Farnell but often better prices. More educationoriented.Sparkfun http://www.sparkfun.com (USA)The hacker's favourite. Lots of very cool bits and pieces, including breakoutboards they make and produce themselves.Robot Electronics http://www.robot-electronics.co.uk/Operated by Devantech who make great ultrasonic distance sensors (most, ifnot all have digital not analogue outputs).Active Robots http://www.active-robots.comMuch the same range of sensors as Robot Electronics, plus Lego and othereducational stuff. Sharp range of IR sensors, Devantech ultrasonic sensors,uMP3 playback module. Also sell the Phidgets range.Digikey http://www.digikey.com (USA)Not cheap, and US-based so delivery is slow, but sometimes they have stuffyou can't find anywhere else.Images Scientific Instruments http://www.imagesco.com/ (USA)Flex sensors (hard to find) and Force-Sensing Resistors.Conrad http://www.conrad-direct.co.ukGermany's equivalent of Maplin’s. They have Force-Sensing Resistors(search for “FSR”)Gremlin Solutions http://www.gremlinsolutions.co.uk/UK supplier of arcade machine controls and parts. Good for large , robustbuttons.Coinop Express http://www.coinopexpress.com/Another supplier of arcade machine parts, including coin mechanisms. Basedin Hong Kong.Chris Hand 28/1/10 10/10