Alternative Parts for Seq V4+

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Hello,

I just ordered a Seq v4+, and I’m looking forward to making it and playing it!

I noticed a few parts on the BOM are not available, and some had lead times over a year. I’m in the UK, but stock levels seems similar elsewhere.

This in particular was not available through any big suppliers, and I had to source from eBay:
Mfr. No: BC818-40LT1G Mfr.: ON Semiconductor

This was also very difficult to find:
Mfr. No: SN74HC165DR Mfr.:Texas Instruments

Farnell suggested this as an ‘exact alternative’, so I bought it instead:
https://uk.farnell.com/texas-instruments/sn74hc165d/ic-shift-register-smd-74hc165/dp/3120853?CMP=i-ddd7-00001003

Also, some of the ribbon cable IDCs were out of stock at Mouser, but these were easy to find generic alternatives for.

My first question is whether my alternative choice ofthe sn74hc165d (as opposed to the sn74hc165dr) was OK.

I’m also wondering if there is some alternative especially for the BC818-40LT1G.

Somewhat relatedly, I’m wondering about alternative buttons for Seq V4+ - I’ve seen people using 909 style keycaps, and also small black buttons similiar to these:

https://www.manikin-electronic.com/Products/Schrittmacher/

Any idea where to find these?

All the best,

Jeremy

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Hi Jeremy, thanks for ordering!

I had updated the BOM late on Friday night, maybe there are some alternatives to what you note? Basically alternative parts should work but I can’t guarantee as I am not able to test each iteration. Any feedback is welcome!

UnUnUnium My first question is whether my alternative choice ofthe sn74hc165d (as opposed to the sn74hc165dr) was OK.

Should be fine! As long as it is SOIC and the same logic family (74HC) should work well. Nice if you found a TI one 🙂. The R suffix probably refers to reel packaging, so it might come in a tube or tray.

UnUnUnium I’m also wondering if there is some alternative especially for the BC818-40LT1G.

BC817 seems to be okay. I even found another one earlier but transistors and all silicon are seemingly going out of stock all over the place. Anyway it is a very generic transistor. My guess is that most types of NPN with the same pinout would work just fine.

Some people have used different button caps; it is DIY so please feel free to customise to your tastes.

Best regards,
Andy

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Thank you Andy,

Indeed, I did order on Friday afternoon, so likely before you updated the BOM!

Shouldn’t be a problem - the alternative shift registers were TI indeed, and I already picked up the BC817 which is easier to find - specs are very similar but I just wanted to check.

I will report back once I build!

All the best, Jeremy