Radio Shack in the U.S. needs to redefine itself. The
employees and store managers have very little (f any)
saavy except as cellular phone salesman. At the 4 RS outlets near me,
it's near impossible
to get any REAL help. Most store
are poorly stocked (inluding employees) that
have to real interest in their work. Luckily I found
an independant Electronics Parts store where you can actually go in
with a parts list and schematic and ANY of the peope there will pull
the parts for youand substitute if possible with something equivalent.
The owners (2 Hams) have been there 25 years and they will actually
order
almost anything for you with a small deposit. When it arrives, they
test itand make sure it's operation in order. If not THET either return
it or repair it under warantee. Their prices are about 10% over
discount mailorder places, but if it is something that you don't want a
problem with it's well worth it. Batteries I do buy online in bulk and
if they are fresh will last
for 2 or more years.

Charlie