It would be useful to indicate what is the best way though. For example, in Australia we can order direct from the USA, and it arrives reasonably quickly. But sometimes the minimum shipping charge is something like $35. Now we might order from an Australia supplier for more per item but a lower shipping charge.
I think the "worst" suppliers are those that refuse to use the mail, and opt for "courier" shipping. That can make a difference between $10 for a parcel, sent airmail, and $30 to $40. And when you want a $20 device, $40 shipping makes it pretty expensive.
That can make a difference between $10 for a parcel, sent airmail, and $30 to $40. And when you want a $20 device, $40 shipping makes it pretty expensive.
That is true for me, The distributors here can't be expected to have each and every item that sparkFun may make and sell.
However Seeedunio people are good in this case just order above $50 USD and get all stuff that you may want.no shipping there.
Grumpy_Mike:
What is worst are the morons that think resistors on LEDs are unnecessary.
Resistors aren't really much used for power LEDs.
If a component is neccessary isn't defined by what someone thinks, but by the circuit, and the component specifications.
If arduino has constant current supply it would not need a resistor either but it has a constant (to certain limit) voltage supply instead. You are totally mixing up these two situations. The arduino is the constant voltage situation and a resistor is always needed.
Good idea NI$HANT, the more specific hardware will depend on local suppliers too so I wish there were lists for parts suggestions say USA/UK/Australia/India/... where lots are playing with Arduino.
I did not write "resistors are not needed", or, "resistors are not needed for connecting LEDs to Arduino". I wrote it's defined by the component specification/circuit.
Actually, I will try now, connect one LED without resistor (to ATMega328), and measure the current. Of course using precaution, at first setting the port bit high, then carefully tapping the LED lead to the PCB.
You are only getting one data point. I think it's safer to have that LED on a variable power supply that displays both voltage and current. We call that I-V characteristic lab
