IMDL Home
Ron Brown runs a machine shop in MAEA 103. He is a real nice guy and will let you work
in his shop as long as you follow his instructions. Treat him well. Ron is a great resource!
Below is a list of manufacturers and suppliers of parts that IMDL
students have found useful as sources of information and parts for their projects.
Click here for datasheets for some commonly used parts.
| Samples (free parts) |
|---|
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Texas Instruments (TI) |
Processors, op amps, electronics (digital and analog), motor controllers [Select "Get Samples"]
(May have to pay for shipping.)
Link after first time
|
|
Maxim |
Assorted chips |
|
National Semiconductor |
Electronics, Motor Drivers, etc.
(National Semiconductor was purchased by TI in 2011)
|
|
MaxBotix |
Ultrasonic Rangefinders (sonars) |
|
STMicroelectronics |
Sensors, accelerometers |
|
Freescale |
Accelerometers, assorted chips [Select "Order Samples"]
|
|
Analog Devices |
Gyros, assorted chips. May need to call for certain samples [Select "Order Samples"]
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Atmel |
Microcontrollers, memory, ...
|
|
Cypress |
Various (wireless, memory) [Select "Get Samples"]
|
| Robot Kits & Parts |
|---|
| Out of the Box |
Supplier of EpiphanyDIY, an embedded computer board specially designed for IMDL. |
| Acroname |
Supplier of Robot kits and parts for robots. |
| RoadNarrows Robotics |
Supplier of Robot kits and parts for robots. |
Pololu |
Supplier of Robot kits and parts for robots. |
Parallax |
Microcontrollers, sensors, etc. |
Trossen Robotics |
Microcontrollers, sensors, etc. |
Solutions-Cubed.com |
Motor controllers, motor-wheel-mount assemblies, etc. |
Lynxmotion |
Motor controllers, motor-wheel-mount assemblies, etc. |
The Robot MarketPlace |
Supplier of Robot kits and parts for robots. Near Tampa in Bradenton, FL. |
RobotShop |
Supplier of Robot kits and parts for robots. They sell CMUCam4 |
(Jameco) Robot Store |
Supplier of Robot kits and parts for robots, Microcontrollers, sensors, etc. |
| Sparkfun |
Small Atmel Development Boards |
| Mark III Robot Store |
Supplier of Robot kits and parts for robots. |
| NPC Robotics |
Supplier of Robot kits and parts for robots. |
| PCB Fabrication |
|---|
|
Advanced Circuits, $33 Student Special for PCB
|
$33 Student specail for PCB (real cost ~$50, incuding shipping). You
will get a 2-layer board, with silk screen on both sides, solder mask, and
through-hole plating. The lead time is 5 days, which may mean 5-10 days. |
|
BareBones PCB Special, shipped in 1-Day from Advanced Circuits!
|
These boards do NOT have solder mask or silk screen, but
can be shipped in ***1 DAY***. The cost is still pretty low,
about $50 before shipping for a 4inx4in board. You get 2-layer
boards and through-hole plating. |
| Cameras |
|---|
| CMUcam 1, 2, 2+ |
Simple cameras for use with microcontrollers, ~$109, ~$179, ~$169 |
| CMUcam 3 |
Open source software camera for use with microcontrollers, ~$239 |
| All-Purpose Surplus Houses |
|---|
| HobbyTown USA | In Gainesville! Go in and look around.
Good for ideas. 7420 West Newberry Rd, Suite B, 352-333-2929.
|
| SkyCraft | In Winter Park, FL, Skycraft Parts & Surplus
is the largest electronic surplus store in the southeast. You can find great deals there or shop on-line.
|
| McMaster | Excellent for
most hardware/mechnical needs. Get ground delivery, it's fast. |
| All Electronics
Corporation |
Many electrical components at good prices. |
| Electronics
Goldmine |
Good source for surplus parts. Their inventory is always changing so
check often for things you could use. It has a "robot parts" section.
No gaurentees, though. Usually they have gears, however. |
| Herbach and
Rademan |
As well as electircal, also a good source for Surplus Motors,
Mechanical Componenets, and
Magnetics |
| B.G.
Micro |
Good source for surplus parts at good prices. |
| Special Sensor Sites |
|---|
| Rentron |
RF communication, GPS kits, temprature sensors |
| RC Systems |
Text to Voice and Voice Synthesis Products |
| TAOS Inc |
Color detection, various light sensors. Possible samples. |
| Transducer Techniques |
Load Cells, Torque sensors, and Force Sensors
(call and ask about
educational
discounts) |
| Wood, Body & Building Materials |
|---|
| Balsa USA |
Model Airplane plywood. Internet. |
| Front Panel Express
|
Get robot bodies cut with ingraved printing (with color infill), holes, etc. Can get alumnium (anodized, if desired) or plexiglas. |
| Local Sources for Parts |
|---|
|
Hobbytown USA |
7420 West Newberry Road, Suite B
352-333-2929
|
| Radio
Shack |
3315 SW Archer Rd: 352-375-2426
2 NW 16th Ave: 352-375-2336
Oaks Mall: 352-331-7217
|
| Zell's Hardware |
3727 W. University Ave: 352-378-4650
|
| BatteriesPlus
| 3318 S.W. 35h Bldv.: 352-872-5922 |
| Lowes |
3500 S.W. Archer Rd: 352-376-9900
2564 N.W. 13th St: 352-367-8900
|
| Home Depot |
13th St: 5150 NW 13th St: 352-371-8459
Tower Rd: 7107 NW 4th Blvd: 352-332-7440 |
Dr. Schwartz's
address for
campus shipping |
Dr. Eric M. Schwartz
UF, c/o YOUR NAME
Mechanical Aero, Building 183
Gainesville, FL 32611 |
This page maintained by
A. Antonio Arroyo and
Eric M. Schwartz
Last Modified
|