towson@AMSAA.ARPA (SECAD) (08/15/85)
Fellow hardware hackers - I was interested in some recent postings concerning
Microprocessors Unlimited in Beggs, Oklahoma, (918) 267-4961. Several readers
have reported very favorably concerning their dealings with this company, and
since I needed some parts, I decided to give them a try. I telephoned my
order on Friday 9 August, and the parts arrived via UPS Blue on Tuesday the
13th.
Just placing the order on the phone was a pleasant experience. The lady
with whom I spoke explained carefully who made each chip, its rated speed, its
price, and what optional parts were available. After I had made my selection,
she took the shipping and billing information, and then read-back ABSOLUTELY
EVERYTHING concerning the order to verify that she had the correct infor-
mation. The company prefers to take a credit-card number for their own
protection, but to be paid by check when the merchandise is received. Thus,
an invoice accompanies the package; and if prompt payment is made, no billing
is submitted to the credit-card company.
The chips were packed in anti-static carriers, and the group of carriers
were then wrapped in aluminum foil. A label cautioning the user about static
damage had been affixed to the foil package. A stout shipping box with
adequate shock-absorbant packing was used.
Along with the parts, there was a nine-page "newsletter" written by John
Gilchrist, who I presume is the proprietor. Some of the interesting items:
1. Several portions dealing with static electricity damage to IC's , and how
to prevent it. (Microprocessors Unlimited shipping personnel work barefoot
on a conductive floor mat!)
2. A discussion of the disadvantages of doing circuit development work using
surplus IC's.
3. A statement that the author believes three Japanese companies - NEC, Hitachi
and Fujitsu - make the best quality IC's.
4. A brief description of a Mitsubishi 64K DRAM having on-chip refresh.
5. A warning that to avoid damage, 2732A EPROMS must be programmed with 21
volts rather than the 25 volts used for non-suffix 2732's.
6. Several items dealing with the company's business policies.
So far, I have not tested any of the material I received. If I discover
anything further of interest concerning this company, I will post another
message.
Dave
towson@amsaa.arpajfm@security.UUCP (Jerome F Myers) (08/22/85)
The fine folks at Microprocessors Unlimited do make mistakes. However, the way they deal with their mistakes is just as impressive as their initial service. I have placed several orders with them. On one occasion they sent the wrong chips. I phoned them and they sent out replacements that same day. The correct chips arrived the following day by Federal Express. In addition, I was told to reduce my payment by an amount adequate to cover my expenses for correcting the order and returning the unwanted chips.