BBD Blues

[smallbearelec]

The regulars here know that I have attempted to secure long-term stock of many of the obsolete MN3xxx ICs. I recently received from sources in the Orient two lots of MN3005 that turned out to be defective, and I am posting as a warning to others who may seek to buy this part.

I tested samples using an E-H Stereo Memory Man, and, yes, I did run the bias trimmer through its full range. One lot of parts turned out to be completely dead. The other lot did produce delay, but the slowest echo I could get seemed to me far too rapid. I spent an evening testing some parts with Howard Davis, designer of the Stereo Memory Man, and he confirmed what I feared: these ICs were actually 2K delays (MN3008) that were re-labeled as the scarce--and more expensive--MN3005.

The seller was honest in this case: I returned the chips and have been able to get my money out. However, others looking for the MN3005 should be aware of possible ripoffs. Know your seller, insist on testing samples before committing funds, and be sure that the chips really do provide 4,096 stages of delay.

My existing stock is gone, and I have little hope of securing more. If any of the ones I have sold turn out to have been mis-labeled, I will make good.

Regards, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Steve D

[ExpAnonColin]

That's terribly sad.

However, I was about to message you and tell you about these 2 auctions (I didn't because I thought you were on vacation):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38071&item=2576461212
and
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=47076&item=2576456177
The second isn't that cheap, and the shipping on both are outrageous, however, I thought they might be a little cheaper and the sources for these are petering out.  The chips aren't 5's, but hey.

-Colin

[Ed Rembold]

"Re-labled" MN3008's-
That's un-believable, Steve.
You are very lucky to get your money back!
IMHO.....

Ed R.

[Dan N]

I wonder if someone could design a retro kit using 2 2048 chips. Like they do with the MM5823.

[smallbearelec]

Colin--

Thanks for the reference. However, I have good stock of the MN3207, and recall that the Shanghai Belling work-alike of the chip is still available; neither will be scarce anytime soon.

I think the Alpha stomp switch is going to be a big hit, may steal market share from Carling. We'll know when they start shipping mid-December.

Dan--

Check out Scott Swartz's AD3208 at GGG. That is what you are talking about. I have the chips, so do try it out!

SD

[ExpAnonColin]

Colin--

Thanks for the reference. However, I have good stock of the MN3207, and recall that the Shanghai Belling work-alike of the chip is still available; neither will be scarce anytime soon.

I think the Alpha stomp switch is going to be a big hit, may steal market share from Carling. We'll know when they start shipping mid-December.

I can imagine that ---5's would be more desireable.

I haven't heard of these alpha's, where'd you learn about them?

-Colin

[Brian Marshall]

I'm glad i dont have any plans for analog delays.  I was never much of a fan anyways.  I actually love my boss DD3.  Mostly i am just not a fan of short delay times.

[smallbearelec]

Mouser actually has them in their most recent catalog, P/N SF-12020-L. I have seen a sample; they are nicely made and SMALL. But neither I nor Mouser has stock yet.

[ExpAnonColin]

Mouser actually has them in their most recent catalog, P/N SF-12020-L. I have seen a sample; they are nicely made and SMALL. But neither I nor Mouser has stock yet.

They also seem quite cheap for stomp swithces...

Mark your calendars:

Delivery dates for Mouser Part# 107-SF12020-L:

Delivery Date 2003-12-05                                
Quantity 883

Do they have plans for 3pdts too?  Are the carling ones on mouser?  I looked a little while back to no avail.

-Colin