RadioShack: No Isolation Transformers Available

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AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the search for an isolation transformer and the decline of RadioShack as a reliable source for electronic components. The original poster expresses disappointment in RadioShack's limited inventory, reminiscing about its past utility. There are humorous exchanges about the challenges of finding specific items like antennas and transformers, with references to personal experiences and frustrations with store staff's lack of knowledge. Participants mention alternative suppliers like Mouser and Digikey, highlighting a preference for local shopping despite the dwindling options. The conversation reflects a sense of nostalgia for better days in electronics retail and the ongoing struggle to find specialized components.
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I wanted to try using an isolation transformer for a test and didn't need anything special, so I figured that RadioShack might still stock something that I could use.

When I searched "transformer" at the RS site, I got this.

http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-3799482t98.jpg

:cry::cry::cry: They used to be so handy.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Ehh, my dad had roughly the opposite problem when I told him I wanted one for Christmas 20 years ago.
 
Ivan Seeking said:
I wanted to try using an isolation transformer for a test and didn't need anything special, so I figured that RadioShack might still stock something that I could use.

When I searched "transformer" at the RS site, I got this.

http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-3799482t98.jpg

:cry::cry::cry: They used to be so handy.

What? So you wanted the red one?
 
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russ_watters said:
Ehh, my dad had roughly the opposite problem when I told him I wanted one for Christmas 20 years ago.

:smile: That's the sort of thing my parents would have done too! My Christmas gifts were more often "sounds like" whatever was actually on my wish list than what I actually requested.
 
I was looking for the HP 50G graphing calculator lately (thanks again to you who recommented it) and thanks to some awesome search-engines I got about a hundred results of dozens of different 50g-tubes of some sort of pastes.
 
Ivan Seeking said:
I wanted to try using an isolation transformer for a test and didn't need anything special, so I figured that RadioShack might still stock something that I could use.

When I searched "transformer" at the RS site, I got this.

http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-3799482t98.jpg

:cry::cry::cry: They used to be so handy.

Not long ago, I bought a HDTV and found my trusty rabbit ears were no longer OK (I'm way too cheap to buy cable). So, I went off to RS to buy a proper amplified antenna to put in the attic. I went in and said I wanted an omnidirectional TV antenna (When I'm recording one show and watching another, how would I know where to turn a directional one?). The store manager assured me that all TV antennas were omnidirectional. I said "What about a Yagi?" The guy said he had never heard of a Yagi. :cry: me too
 
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BTW, you can probably get what you want at
www.mcmaster.com
except you pay for UPS.
 
Wait a minute TVP45 - Yagi was the little alien muppet guy in Star Wars. What does he have to do with ancient Japanese antennas from 1935?
 
jim mcnamara said:
Wait a minute TVP45 - Yagi was the little alien muppet guy in Star Wars. What does he have to do with ancient Japanese antennas from 1935?

I think that they used one for the armature to build the puppet on.
 
  • #10
When I wanted to build a coil gun some time ago, I wanted a nice transformer to get some high voltage. All I could find were sites about the new movie, the toys and other merchandise. :(
 
  • #11
TVP45 said:
BTW, you can probably get what you want at
www.mcmaster.com
except you pay for UPS.

Yeah, I have accounts with Mouser, Digikey, and Allied, but I was hoping for something local. I guess those days are gone. The other day I had to red-label in a part from S Carolina - a stinking DIN 8 connector!

RS is down to a selection of about 4 transistors.
 
  • #12
Did you ahve to give them your phone number when you used their search engine? :rolleyes:
 
  • #13
No, I always check for the item as general stock before checking local stock. If I know they carry it, then I call and check the shelf.

Or do you mean for the connector? That was a stock issue. And that was from Alllied, not RS. :smile:
 
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  • #14
Moonbear said:
:smile: That's the sort of thing my parents would have done too! My Christmas gifts were more often "sounds like" whatever was actually on my wish list than what I actually requested.
No, it worked out ok. He asked for a clarification. I think it was something like "what's wrong with the one we have?" He had a nice old electric train set.
 
  • #15
Danger said:
I think that they used one for the armature to build the puppet on.

I guess I should have been glad he didn't tell me bears don't watch TV.:rolleyes:
 

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