If
you tinker about with electronics, or if you're undertaking a project
that requires lots of... stuff... there is a place online that will
probably have exactly what you need, and then some. We were asked to
check out RS Online, one
of the world's leader suppliers of electronics, components, and test
equipment that has been keeping both pro and amateur engineers
stocked up for 75 years.
But
we're not engineers. True dat. So when we were asked to pick a few
items from the site's intimidatingly large catalogue, we thought
there wouldn't be anything to snag our interest. We were wrong. Check
out the site and you'll see that as well as supplying circuitry and
all manner of chips and bits that we could never understand, there
are also sections for the likes of computing (laptops, tablets etc.)
and photography.
Seizing
the opportunity to nab some useful items to help in our current
development of our YouTube channel, we selected a compact tripod, a
lavalier microphone, and also a LED lamp – all with the intention
of using them when filming video reviews. From ordering the goods to
having them arrive at Test Pit Towers took about three days all told.
RS
Pro Lavalier Wired Microphone 1000Ω
An
essential bit of kit if you plan on filming outside on a windy day,
the microphone is a finely crafted thing with everything you need to
get recording straight out of the box. The microphone head is small
and discreet, with a detachable tie clip. Further down the long cable
is a battery compartment (batteries included) which can be clipped to
your belt, and which features an on/off switch. After that is the
standard one-ring headphone plug along with a larger adaptor for
attaching to bigger equipment.
It
works excellently well, with the majority of the vocals on this video
being recorded on it.
£26.50
HAMA
Camera & Camcorder Tripod
A
full-sized tripod – one that raises the camera up to at least your
chest level – is also a very handy thing to have... if you can be
bother to lug it about. This one from HAMA is great as not only can
it reach that height, but is folds down small and light enough to
slide into your day pack or clip on the outside of a bag. All three
legs are telescopic, so there is an unlimited amount of adjustment
you can give it, as well as a quick release plate for your camera or
camcorder, and fold out arm. It comes with a carry case (with a
strap), and seems to be strong enough to hold aloft even heavy camera
rigs.
£19.07
RS
Pro LED Desk Lamp
Trust
us, filming indoors can be a pain in the arse – especially in the
winter when very little natural light floods in through the windows.
To that end, you need some lights, and this adjustable LED desk lamp
is both bright and versatile. The unique thing here is that not only
does it feature a touch-sensitive dimmer on the base, but you can
also change the light temperature from warm white to daylight. And of
course the adjustable neck means you can get it right to where you
need it the most. Oh, and it features a USB port on the base, to
charge your phone and that. Nice touch.
£40.45
These
are just a few items we selected with a very targeted project in
mind. If you have a project, from building yourself a computer to
selecting a new lens for your camera, RS Online should be your first
port of call.
Visit
uk.rs-online.com
