I just started on the power supply board for my Aleph J build, and these are the resistors that showed up (for the LEDs). The ones on the BOM were out of stock, and these were equivalents. The main issue is the 'coating' (not sure what it's called) goes way down one lead, and goes so far down it goes through the hole on the PCB. I am sure I could make it work (I could stand them up, but would rather not).
Question is, how can I avoid ordering resistors packaged like this in the future? I want them flat/straight as normal. I knew they were cut tape, but was expecting them flat, not like this. Does 'Reel' under packaging have a significance? Thanks!
Here is the link to the specific part I ordered: CFS1/4CVTR103J KOA Speer | Mouser
What I got:
Question is, how can I avoid ordering resistors packaged like this in the future? I want them flat/straight as normal. I knew they were cut tape, but was expecting them flat, not like this. Does 'Reel' under packaging have a significance? Thanks!
Here is the link to the specific part I ordered: CFS1/4CVTR103J KOA Speer | Mouser
What I got:

Just thinking aloud.
reading the datasheet offered by Mouser https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/219/CF-6922.pdf which admittedly is obscure, 2 possibilities are:
or, they talk about "forming"
I would write Mouser with a picture of a normal axial one and what they sent, side by side, and ask them to solve the puzzle.
In principle I guess they will send a new batch, proper shape,on their dime, but main point is solving the code.
Please post their answer, it will help others.
reading the datasheet offered by Mouser https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/219/CF-6922.pdf which admittedly is obscure, 2 possibilities are:
so maybe you should order NON CFS/CFPS types* Reduced body size (specify “CFS/CFPS”)
or, they talk about "forming"
Axial: T26, T52, L52
Radial: VT, MT, MHT, VTP, VTE
U Forming: U, UCL
M Forming: M5, M10, M12.5
L Forming: L10, L12.5
S Forming: S
I would write Mouser with a picture of a normal axial one and what they sent, side by side, and ask them to solve the puzzle.
In principle I guess they will send a new batch, proper shape,on their dime, but main point is solving the code.
Please post their answer, it will help others.
It's definitely the forming - the part number you ordered is CFS1/4CVTR103J - the VT indicated radial forming (as JMFahey listed). In future, check the part number and go for one that has T26, T52 or L52 instead of VT.
Mouser did make an error here, as the product page lists termination style as axial, but always read the data sheet.
Different manufacturers and parts will have different codes for this sort of thing,
Mouser did make an error here, as the product page lists termination style as axial, but always read the data sheet.
Different manufacturers and parts will have different codes for this sort of thing,
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The main issue is the 'coating' (not sure what it's called) goes way down one lead, and goes so far down it goes through the hole on the PCB. I am sure I could make it work (I could stand them up, but would rather not).
Just trash them and use resistors with normal leads. It's insulating paint to avoid shorts.
Sometimes you have to read the data sheet carefully to be sure of getting what you want.
The lead configuration will likely be coded by a suffix on the mfr part number.
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Thanks! Yes I see the error, but was not aware this package style was even a 'thing' for a standard 1/4 watt resistor. The replacement part cost is not a worry, just the $8 for shipping 😀 I e-mailed them and see if they want to make it right, if not nothing personal I will likely need to order some more stuff.
I assume Radial means exactly what I got? What about the U/M/L/S Forming...what is what?
I assume Radial means exactly what I got? What about the U/M/L/S Forming...what is what?

You can order parts from Digikey and get FREE shipping. (Not from Mouser, though.)
This goes for any size order and any weight of package, even a pallet.
Just mail in a check for the parts and your state sales tax.
They will pay for the shipping (their choice of method).
I do this often when needing just a couple of parts.
Axial = both leads are in line with the body of the resistor (colinear).
Radial = both leads are bent in a right angle with respect to the axis of resistor.
Resistor Lead Bending Tool - TOL-13114 - SparkFun Electronics
This goes for any size order and any weight of package, even a pallet.
Just mail in a check for the parts and your state sales tax.
They will pay for the shipping (their choice of method).
I do this often when needing just a couple of parts.
Axial = both leads are in line with the body of the resistor (colinear).
Radial = both leads are bent in a right angle with respect to the axis of resistor.
Resistor Lead Bending Tool - TOL-13114 - SparkFun Electronics
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Wait, how do you do that, how are you actually placing the order?
FWIW, I did see they charge $4.99 for <14 oz. Also I live in Minneapolis so when I order I get stuff next day usually!
FWIW, I did see they charge $4.99 for <14 oz. Also I live in Minneapolis so when I order I get stuff next day usually!
Wait, how do you do that, how are you actually placing the order?
FWIW, I did see they charge $4.99 for <14 oz. Also I live in Minneapolis
so when I order I get stuff next day usually!
Just print out a sheet of paper with:
name, address, email, phone, customer number;
digikey part numbers, quantities, line item prices;
subtotal, YOUR state sales tax, grand total;
enclose a check/money order for the grand total and mail to:
digikey, 701 brooks ave s, thief river falls, mn 56701
Order may come via either USPS, UPS, or FedEx, their choice.
This is the ONLY way to get their free shipping. No phone calls,
no web site. It may take a couple of extra days this way, though.
The $4.99 is for USPS "first class mail package".
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I assume Radial means exactly what I got?
I would not call that radial. Radial leads are at right angles to the axis of the part body
(whether by the construction of the part, or by bending).
I could be misunderstanding but I get free shipping from both Mouser and Digikey for any order above 330 DKR, which is around €50, and likely around the same in yankee dollar. This is of course using online ordering.
I tell Mouser's parametric search engine that I am ONLY interested in viewing resistors which
Images below.
_
- are in stock today
- are rated 250, 400, 500, or 600 mW
- are the standard length and diameter for 1/4 watt resistors -- NOT those overgrown monstrosities that KOA Speer sells thru Mouser
- are packaged in cut tape or loose in plastic bags ("bulk") but not Ammo Pack like the picture in post #1 of this thread
Images below.
_
Attachments
I would not call that radial. Radial leads are at right angles to the axis of the part body
(whether by the construction of the part, or by bending).
If you look at radial capacitors, and the vertical-style of mounting to conserve space, you'll see that those resistors are also vertical style, with two leads pointing down in a parallel fashion to the board as well.
So yes, they are designated as radial (style).
I tell Mouser's parametric search engine that I am ONLY interested in viewing resistors which
- are in stock today
- are rated 250, 400, 500, or 600 mW
- are the standard length and diameter for 1/4 watt resistors -- NOT those overgrown monstrosities that KOA Speer sells thru Mouser
- are packaged in cut tape or loose in plastic bags ("bulk") but not Ammo Pack like the picture in post #1 of this thread._
Thankfully, I brought home the KOA cabinet of drawers with the 1/2w 5% standard length axial leads - 4 values of 500 each per drawer in plastic bags.
Although eventually it'll be time to restock some.
Update! Mouser was awesome! I e-mailed them, person replied, asked for a photo, offered some suggested replacements, and sent them as soon as I confirmed.
Very classy! The parts were cheap (for them to replace), but shipping is more expensive.
I am a new customer with them and have only spent $300 total dollars, so not like I am a commercial customer who is worth tens or hundreds of thousands per year in business.
Very classy! The parts were cheap (for them to replace), but shipping is more expensive.
I am a new customer with them and have only spent $300 total dollars, so not like I am a commercial customer who is worth tens or hundreds of thousands per year in business.
DigiKey some years ago mixed a bunch of someone else's order in with mine and missed a few of my parts. They not only apologized for the error but sent the correct parts and told me to keep the parts they shipped in error - which were useful parts to me in fact.
Both Mouser and DigiKey have great customer service in my experience.
I would also recommend TEM in Poland, surprisingly competitive on shipping, parts pricing and service generally. Shipping to the U.S. is quick and cheap for small parts - a couple of days.
Both Mouser and DigiKey have great customer service in my experience.
I would also recommend TEM in Poland, surprisingly competitive on shipping, parts pricing and service generally. Shipping to the U.S. is quick and cheap for small parts - a couple of days.
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