Microzed closed - other PICAXE sources?

[VK4GHZ]

Hi all

Have just noticed that Microzed Computer's domain name is for sale.
This generally means the business has closed down.

Microzed were the official Aussie dealers for PICAXE and other related components.
Does anyone know of any other Aussie dealers for PICAXE?

I'd prefer to avoid ordering from overseas, if that's possible.

[VK4GHZ]

Have just dug a little bit deeper!
It seems this is a recent development, in the last four weeks.

Alternatives found are;
Little Bird Electronics http://littlebirdelectronics.com/collec ... ontrollers
Most items are "in 7 days". Appears to be a smaller middleman operation ordering in on an as required basis.

Robot Gear http://www.robotgear.com.au/Category.aspx/Category/45

Altronics http://www.altronics.com.au/index.asp?a ... rch=picaxe (More expensive!)

and...
Wiltronics http://www.wiltronics.com.au/catalogue/ ... caxe-chips


It looks like Wiltronics are the official Australian distributor now.
http://www.picaxe.com/distributors#tAustralasia

PRESS RELEASE: 05-9-2012

PICAXE – APPOINTS NEW AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR

Revolution Education Ltd. Bath UK, the developer and distributor of PICAXE®products, has appointed Wiltronics Research Pty Ltd as an Australian Distributor for their range of PICAXE® products.

Wiltronics, based in Ballarat Victoria, has been in business for 38 years and is a major supplier in the education sector, distributing a large range of science and technology products Australia wide.
Wiltronics operates under an ISO9000 accredited Quality Management System and is focused on a high level of customer service.

The company has an extensive range of products, all available online at http://www.wiltronics.com.au including a large range of PICAXE®product.
For more information contact sales on 03 5334 2513 or email sales@wiltronics.com.au.

[VK5ZD]

Hi all

Have just noticed that Microzed Computer's domain name is for sale.
This generally means the business has closed down.

Microzed were the official Aussie dealers for PICAXE and other related components.
Does anyone know of any other Aussie dealers for PICAXE?

I'd prefer to avoid ordering from overseas, if that's possible.

Hardly surprising given that Australian distributors for almost anything seem to be significantly more expensive than buying from overseas.
For example, say I want to buy 2 x PICAXE-08M2 chips. The price, inluding postage is:
From Wiltronics (Australia) - $13.80
From Techsupplies (UK) - £5.50 (~$8.60)

It's interesting to note that the postage from UK (~$3.90) is about half that in Australia ($7.50 from Wiltronics)

Iain

[VK3ZFS]

PICAXE is restricted source monoploy..whereas Arduino is open source and multiple hardware sources, I find Arduino has better support as well.