Anyone looking for small or large chips, specific sensors, or simply batteries for a hobby or study project has been able to turn to electronics shop STORES for decades. Since 1970, electrical engineering students have been running the little shop, which has been located in the Educafé for over twenty years.
‘We stock all kinds of things related to electronics,’ says Jelte Martens (25), an electrical engineering student and chair of the committee. Outside, there is an ‘e-waste cabinet’ on wheels, filled with electronic devices and technical components. Anyone who spots something they like can negotiate a price with the staff. ‘We particularly enjoy the bargaining,’ says treasurer Roberto Golia, who also studies electrical engineering. ‘Once December comes around, the proceeds from this cabinet go towards a good cause. One of our colleagues then heads to Action with the bank card at the ready. We buy presents for our annual Sinterklaas drinks reception. The gifts go to first-year students and members who have been the subject of the wildest rumours.’
Mascot undergoes surgery
The mascot, Mister Mu, normally stands outside the shop too. Regular customers may have noticed that the papier-mâché figure, with his big nose and beer belly, has been missing for some time. ‘He has a broken leg,’ Golia explains. ‘One of our staff members will operate on him next month. If the operation is successful, Mister Mu will return to his familiar spot.’
From 3D printers to advice
With 28 members, STORES is the largest of Scintilla’s forty committees. Its staff are known for being enthusiastic tinkerers. ‘We enjoy experimenting with electronics and can indulge our passion in the shop,’ says Martens. Golia gives an example of one such project: ‘I’m currently using a 3D printer to make a chairman’s gavel for PenOS, the committee that brings together all the treasurers of the Organisation of Study Associations (OS).’
‘Sometimes we learn more about practical applications here than we do during our degree’
STORES is open from Monday to Friday, from 12.45 to 13.30. ‘All our colleagues are volunteers. They work their shifts during their lunch break because as soon as the shop closes, they have to rush off to lectures,’ Martens explains.
The work teaches the students a great deal. ‘I’m still learning about all kinds of techniques and components,’ says Golia. Martens adds: ‘Sometimes we learn more about practical applications here than we do during our degree. We’re actually a kind of consultancy service for students, too.’
‘Five thousand units!?’
There are plenty of learning opportunities. Although the staff usually work together like a well-oiled machine, things do occasionally go wrong. Orders, in particular, can sometimes bring unexpected surprises. ‘One buyer thought they had found a great deal, but accidentally ordered five thousand electric motors. It turned out the price was ten cents per unit, not per bag. Since they came in packs of ten, we’re now stuck with thousands of surplus components.’
A chip with a smell of trouble
STORES stocks all kinds of things, from cables and adapters to complete beginner kits. ‘Our bestseller is the ESP32 chip. It’s a must-have if you want to programme,’ says Golia. ‘If you connect them incorrectly or aren’t careful enough, they break easily. Students from Creative Technology and Electrical Engineering are particularly likely to come to STORES, but all students are welcome.’
‘Our bestseller is the ESP32 chip. It’s a must-have if you want to programme’
‘If we don’t have something in stock, we’ll order it for you,’ says the chair. However, some requests leave the buyers rather surprised. ‘Recently, we received a request for a special chip. Since we didn’t have it in stock, we ordered it online. It turned out to be subject to export restrictions, which meant quite a bit of paperwork. Apparently, the component is used for military purposes,’ Martens explains. ‘So we decided not to go ahead with it. We haven’t seen that person at the counter since,’ the treasurer adds.
A shop with musical talent
STORES is not allowed to make a profit. That is why the proceeds, including the tip jar on the counter, go towards activities for the staff, such as the annual barbecue. They also made themselves heard during Scintilla’s lustrum celebrations. They recorded a cover of Danny's Autopaleis and performed at the lustrum and end-of-year party of Inter-Actief with their song STORES Transistorpaleis. Selling electronics is clearly far from the only talent to be found behind the counter.
