When timing is the project, lead time matters. Communica keeps a wide selection of crystals, MEMS oscillators, ceramic resonators and clock modules in South African stock so your prototype, classroom build or production run doesn't wait weeks for import. Local stock reduces shipping delays, simplifies invoicing for tertiary and institutional purchases, and lets technicians collect from a branch when needed.
We focus on practical choices for makers, students and engineers: pick parts with specifications that match your microcontroller clock, radio module or DSP, and avoid rework later. Below you'll find a concise selection guide, compatibility notes, and a clear spec comparison to speed decisions.
Communica's Samrand warehouse and branch network carry components from leading brands used in hobby and education environments - from standard HC-49/U crystals and 8 MHz ceramic resonators for AVR/ARM projects, to packaged SMD oscillators for compact boards. Check branch collection and hours to plan same-day pickup at the Pretoria or Cape Town branches.
Learn about our company and stock philosophy on our About Us page and confirm branch hours on Branches & Trading Hours.
- Frequency: match the MCU or radio reference frequency (common: 4 MHz, 8 MHz, 12 MHz, 16 MHz, 32.768 kHz for RTC).
- Package & Mounting: through-hole HC-49 vs SMD (SOT-23, 2-pad) - choose SMD for compact PCBs, through-hole for breadboards and labs.
- Stability & Load Capacitance: select a crystal with the specified load capacitance for clean oscillation; for tight timing, choose a higher stability oscillator.
- Output Type: CMOS/TTL vs sine - microcontrollers generally accept CMOS/TTL square outputs or crystals (with MCU's internal oscillator). External oscillators provide ready-to-use square wave outputs for peripherals.
- Voltage & Current: ensure the oscillator's supply voltage matches your design (1.8V, 3.3V, 5V) and check drive current for battery projects.
Browse our categories to filter by package and frequency on the crystals-oscillators-resonators page or view all available stock on the buy-crystals-oscillators-resonators-south-africa index.
If you're a student or lecturer, request VAT invoices and part lists against your department account. For class kits, choose through-hole crystals and ceramic resonators for easier soldering and breadboard use. For PCB labs, stock a mix of standard crystal frequencies plus a few MEMS oscillators for compact, low-drift timing solutions.
