Thanks for the links, Bruce.
I took a look around OctoPart and was very impressed. You can even use bash shell scripts to search for parts from the command line, using the 'curl' utility. But there are other scripting languages available as well, including Python, Ruby, JavaScript, and more. . An authentication key key is required, but no username or password is needed.
The Categories page is also useful.
What I really need to do is organize my 'junk box' here at home. I can no longer find things that I think I have. Sometimes I spend more time looking for parts than the actual time it takes to build the circuit. I am thinking of modifying a C program that I used to inventory my books, to inventory my electronics components. I just want to keep it simple, with output to a comma delimited flat text file that can be searched with 'cat' and 'grep'. Maybe something like: reference designator, value, power, tolerance, smd/tht (footprint?), # on-hand, and so forth.... I haven't quite figured it out yet.
C,0.01uF,104,25V,10%,SMD1206,25,
D,1N4004,50V,,THT,10, and so on.
R,100K,1/4W,5%,THT,33,
The task seems overwhelming when I look at all the boxes on the shelves that are full of components. I use cut down cardboard boxes, with envelopes for the components. A typical box is 10.5Lx8Wx4H (inches). The envelopes are 6.5x3.5 postal envelopes. A piece of 4x8 foot plywood yielded five four foot long shelves that fit five boxes per shelf, plus the top shelf. The top shelf has old office file folder IN/OUT trays stacked up with stuff in each of the trays. I also have aluminum baking trays that I use for projects. And those are stacked up on shelves. Welp, you can see why I need to get organized. ;-D
Then there is KiCad, and trying to find component symbols and footprints in that database. Where are the transistors? PACKAGES. Okay..... But it doesn't help to find a component that can no longer be ordered from a distributor, so we're back to OctoPart, and finding components that are Active, as compared to Obsolete, or Discontinued. And how many should be ordered when the part is labeled EOF (End Of Life)? Will I need that part for something else after the Stock reads '0'?? ;-D?
Life's conundrums. Isn't this Hobby FUN?
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Regards,
Ken, KM4NFQ "Not Fully Qualified"
/g/w8bhMorseTutor
Ken KM4NFQ