Jeff,
I seem to recall there was a way to see all the names of the people who registered for an event.
I didn't see anything on the registration page to be able to do that.
Maybe I am thinking of something else ???
First off, I'm sorry to hear that Chip won't be there.
(But, I am looking forward to seeing the Propeller II, so I understand... <grin>)
But, no matter who comes, ***PLEASE*** bring along a few of the key
Parallax "Propeller oriented" parts and boards with you this time, to
sell to the crowd, at a "Parallax Shop"! It's not often you get that many
"Propeller customers" all in one place, and it would be REALLY CONVENIENT
to come with at least one little suitcase full of things like:
1) LOTS of the raw Propeller chips (both SMD, AND the DIP versions)
2) Some of the various Prop processor boards (like the 4 packs of
Prop USB CPU board, 5 packs of the prop plug version, the Propeller BOE, etc...)
3) A wide selection of the various sensors (ping, MEMS accel/gyros, etc.)
4) MOST of the expansion packs, accessories, or proto boards, that work
with the basic cpu boards. For example, we definitely could use a few
of the PropPlugs, to program raw CPUs put on breadboards.
5) ... and since we're often "robot-centric" at these things, lots of the
"robot oriented" little parts, like LOTS of the continuous rotation servos,
a few sets of sumo wheels, a few raw BOEBOT chassis and ball
wheel combos, etc...
Sure,t would be NICE to see a FEW of the bigger things (like 1 or 2 of the
Propeller quad copter kits, or a bigger motor/wheel sets), but IMO that's
not really necessary. It may cost too much to ship. For THOSE items,
I'd suggest simply offering a "special show price" (or forgo shipping costs)
if they buy it at the show. That's what many "show vendors" do.
(Ditto with anything else in the catalog, that you don't have with you...)
I'm just envisioning for shipping efficiency having a single box, with LOTS
and LOTS of the "little", VERY "common things" in it, like chips,
CPU boards, sensors, servos, etc. One box of that shouldn't cost
Parallax much to bring or ship, and it would be VERY handy to have on site.
For example: Since you often give away the Propeller Professional
Development Board as a door prize, it does NOT come with the needed
DIP Propeller chip, to wake it up. So, having even just a few of the
DIP Propeller chips available right there on the spot to buy would
allow us take home a fully WORKING professional development board.
(Ditto with any other "door prize" that still needs "something else",
just to get it up and running... :-)
Thoughts?
BTW... Assuming that Parallax WERE to agree to bring a few items
to sell to the crowd, WHAT OTHER "small and light" parts, should
definitely be brought to UPENE, that I have not yet mentioned?
First off, I'm sorry to hear that Chip won't be there.
(But, I am looking forward to seeing the Propeller II, so I understand... <grin>)
But, no matter who comes, ***PLEASE*** bring along a few of the key
Parallax "Propeller oriented" parts and boards with you this time, to
sell to the crowd, at a "Parallax Shop"! It's not often you get that many
"Propeller customers" all in one place, and it would be REALLY CONVENIENT
to come with at least one little suitcase full of things like:
...
- Keith Mc.
I am registered! See you guys there.
I also want to second the sentiment of wanting a Parallax Shop. I mentioned this to (I believe that it was) Chip at one of the expos. Having a load of Parallax products handy would be great for those of us who do experimenting/prototyping.
If no one from Parallax can make it this year, could you deputize someone to represent you at the expo? I know that Parallax has a good working relationship with Nick (Gadget Gangster) and maybe Nick could fill in...? I am willing to take delivery and offer some Parallax products at my table if needed.
I know that it isn't practical for Parallax to run a table at the Ohio show.
Would you settle for a Gadget Gangster/Propellerpowered Table? I believe I can make that happen (GG/PP stock permitting)
PP is a reseller of Parallax products. Give me an idea of what you guys want.
Jeff
Oh, I didn't think of that. Why would it be impractical? Is it because of them travelling by air and the extra baggage costs? If that is the case, they could ship a (or several) box(es) to someone nearby (yes, I will volunteer) and that person could bring it in by car/van.
Or did I miss it completely? If we bring it to the attention of the group, then maybe someone who would like to see a Parallax shop may come up with an idea to get around the troubles. Of course, if the difficulties cannot be resolved, or cannot be resolved in time (only three weeks,) then we'll have to live without - although your idea of you and Nick setting up a PropellerPowered table would be nice too. Thanks for that offer.
I don't know if Nick can make it this year or not, but since I handle shipping for GG and working Propellerpowered, I think we can definitely get something going for the expo. I'll talk it over with Nick and see what GG can do, and I'll plan ahead a little.
I think the tricky part of a "Parallax" store in Norwalk/Chicago has more to do with logistics in both moving materials as well as the paper trail required to do this. Perhaps Ken will pipe in with an idea or two. I'm open to all.
BTW, anyone who wants to bring "loosely related" Propeller/Robotics related items to sell on their tables is more than welcome to do so!!
Don't forget to start loading up the boxes of FREEBIES for the FREEBIE TABLE! It's time to clean out the shop!
Bring your "good" "used" "junk" that you KNOW you'll NEVER get around to using.
Dump it on the table, then come back in about an hour and box up a box of someone else's "junk" and take it home!!
Who's got the pink static bag of parts that keeps reappearing on the FREEBIE table every year this time?
Motel information (verified rates and corresponding Google map) added to top thread.
Jeff
Last year, my son (Peter) and I stayed at the Econo Lodge (342 Milan Avenue, Norwalk, OH, (419) 668-5656) it's the closest motel at 0.4 mi from the expo. While it's not the Ritz, it wasn't bad at all, especially considering the great price. We enjoyed the night, and the breakfast was pretty good.
I stayed at the Econo Lodge too.
That is where I will try to book this year too.
You can walk to the expo if you want.
There is several resturants right next door.
Jeff, if you want to offer discounted Parallax hardware to the UPENE folks you should get your list into me on Monday. We're busy, short on time, and I don't want to use UPS Red if we don't have to.
We'll provide a 20% discount for UPENE attendees if they buy the hardware at the EXPO.
Jeff, if you want to offer discounted Parallax hardware to the UPENE folks you should get your list into me on Monday. We're busy, short on time, and I don't want to use UPS Red if we don't have to.
We'll provide a 20% discount for UPENE attendees if they buy the hardware at the EXPO.
Ken
Thanks, Ken!
To clarify: Are you saying that even if a part is not present, we can just order
it there to gain the discount, and have them sent to us later?
How will shipping costs work, on this deal?
PLEASE look at my previous post on this thread, about what the kinds of items
I'd like to see at UPENE. AFAICD, the entire thing should take up less than
one carry-on bag.
To recap though, the highest priority items are (IMHO):
***** MPU CHIPS (esp DIP Propellers), and Crystals! (and maybe some PropPlugs)
This is to allow us to whip up our own Propeller based boards, populate the
Professional Devel Boards that are often awarded as prizes with an MPU, etc.;
*** Processor Prototyping related items, like the Propeller cpu-prototype boards
(eg LOTS of the 4-packs of PropUSBs which seems to be the workhorse here),
a FEW of the daughter boards to work with them, and some of the new ones,
like the new Prop version of the BOE.
*** a few of the SMALL robotic related items, like lots of the continuous rotation
servos, and some key sensor items (MEMS accelerometers, gyro chips, etc).
** ... and maybe a few of the "new" (yet still small) items in the catalog,
to give us a shot at them.
Forget dragging around big things, like the big motor-gearboxes, etc.
That can be drop shipped later, if bought there.
The key to making this economical is to bring a good wad of the TINY, yet
"hot" or "new" Propeller related items, that aren't normally available locally.
Ex: a standard servo can be bought anywhere so should be skipped.
But, Parallax continuous rotation servo is rarer and the workhorse for most
mini-robotic projects, so (IMO) having a decent number of them on hand
would be wise.
If items are chosen wisely (high value, rarity, yet low size & weight), a huge
selection could be done yet should fit into a single box, carry-on bag, or suitcase.
That should not cost much for whomsoever is representing Parallax to bring
along with them on the plane, or to ship to Jeff.
Oh yea... To Gadget Gangster (and other Propeller vendors):
You guys should definitely have YOUR version of the above around as well.
IMO, the GG equivalent would be offering a lot of your Quickstart boards,
the various module-daughter boards for them (like the Quick Adapter),
and some of the cool parts like a goodly wad of your stackable headers
and other stuff that is shown in places like:
... http://gadgetgangster.com/find-a-project?subcat=52
I'm not going to be able to make it in person this year, the travel distance is just too far and costly. Jeff, would you be willing to sell a few of my items on your table?
IMO, the GG equivalent would be offering a lot of your Quickstart boards,
the various module-daughter boards for them (like the Quick Adapter),
and some of the cool parts like a goodly wad of your stackable headers
Anything that lets us whip up projects quickly...
- Keith Mc.
I got caught in Chicago trying to find a single BLASTED LED so I could test something...
This WON'T happen in Norwalk. I'll bring my parts boxes and put Matt in charge of keeping score.
If you need a part. It'll be there.
Just wanted to chime in... I'll be there! While I don't have anything new or cool to show off, I'm certainly looking forward to hanging out and chatting with everyone. And I've still gotta dig through boxes around here to bring a bag for the freebie table... hopefully I can find some good stuff.
Jeff,
Looking forward to seeing everyone again at this year's expo! Any special arrangements necessary to get an extra table or two for a monorail layout?
-Mike
Jeff,
Looking forward to seeing everyone again at this year's expo! Any special arrangements necessary to get an extra table or two for a monorail layout?
-Mike
Comments
OBC
I seem to recall there was a way to see all the names of the people who registered for an event.
I didn't see anything on the registration page to be able to do that.
Maybe I am thinking of something else ???
Bean
I don't have a Propeller project to take. :-( But I'm working on one, hopefully I can get it done for next year.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!
First off, I'm sorry to hear that Chip won't be there.
(But, I am looking forward to seeing the Propeller II, so I understand... <grin>)
But, no matter who comes, ***PLEASE*** bring along a few of the key
Parallax "Propeller oriented" parts and boards with you this time, to
sell to the crowd, at a "Parallax Shop"! It's not often you get that many
"Propeller customers" all in one place, and it would be REALLY CONVENIENT
to come with at least one little suitcase full of things like:
1) LOTS of the raw Propeller chips (both SMD, AND the DIP versions)
2) Some of the various Prop processor boards (like the 4 packs of
Prop USB CPU board, 5 packs of the prop plug version, the Propeller BOE, etc...)
3) A wide selection of the various sensors (ping, MEMS accel/gyros, etc.)
4) MOST of the expansion packs, accessories, or proto boards, that work
with the basic cpu boards. For example, we definitely could use a few
of the PropPlugs, to program raw CPUs put on breadboards.
5) ... and since we're often "robot-centric" at these things, lots of the
"robot oriented" little parts, like LOTS of the continuous rotation servos,
a few sets of sumo wheels, a few raw BOEBOT chassis and ball
wheel combos, etc...
Sure,t would be NICE to see a FEW of the bigger things (like 1 or 2 of the
Propeller quad copter kits, or a bigger motor/wheel sets), but IMO that's
not really necessary. It may cost too much to ship. For THOSE items,
I'd suggest simply offering a "special show price" (or forgo shipping costs)
if they buy it at the show. That's what many "show vendors" do.
(Ditto with anything else in the catalog, that you don't have with you...)
I'm just envisioning for shipping efficiency having a single box, with LOTS
and LOTS of the "little", VERY "common things" in it, like chips,
CPU boards, sensors, servos, etc. One box of that shouldn't cost
Parallax much to bring or ship, and it would be VERY handy to have on site.
For example: Since you often give away the Propeller Professional
Development Board as a door prize, it does NOT come with the needed
DIP Propeller chip, to wake it up. So, having even just a few of the
DIP Propeller chips available right there on the spot to buy would
allow us take home a fully WORKING professional development board.
(Ditto with any other "door prize" that still needs "something else",
just to get it up and running... :-)
Thoughts?
BTW... Assuming that Parallax WERE to agree to bring a few items
to sell to the crowd, WHAT OTHER "small and light" parts, should
definitely be brought to UPENE, that I have not yet mentioned?
- Keith Mc.
I am registered! See you guys there.
I also want to second the sentiment of wanting a Parallax Shop. I mentioned this to (I believe that it was) Chip at one of the expos. Having a load of Parallax products handy would be great for those of us who do experimenting/prototyping.
If no one from Parallax can make it this year, could you deputize someone to represent you at the expo? I know that Parallax has a good working relationship with Nick (Gadget Gangster) and maybe Nick could fill in...? I am willing to take delivery and offer some Parallax products at my table if needed.
I know that it isn't practical for Parallax to run a table at the Ohio show.
Would you settle for a Gadget Gangster/Propellerpowered Table? I believe I can make that happen (GG/PP stock permitting)
PP is a reseller of Parallax products. Give me an idea of what you guys want.
Jeff
Oh, I didn't think of that. Why would it be impractical? Is it because of them travelling by air and the extra baggage costs? If that is the case, they could ship a (or several) box(es) to someone nearby (yes, I will volunteer) and that person could bring it in by car/van.
Or did I miss it completely? If we bring it to the attention of the group, then maybe someone who would like to see a Parallax shop may come up with an idea to get around the troubles. Of course, if the difficulties cannot be resolved, or cannot be resolved in time (only three weeks,) then we'll have to live without - although your idea of you and Nick setting up a PropellerPowered table would be nice too. Thanks for that offer.
I think the tricky part of a "Parallax" store in Norwalk/Chicago has more to do with logistics in both moving materials as well as the paper trail required to do this. Perhaps Ken will pipe in with an idea or two. I'm open to all.
BTW, anyone who wants to bring "loosely related" Propeller/Robotics related items to sell on their tables is more than welcome to do so!!
Jeff
Don't forget to start loading up the boxes of FREEBIES for the FREEBIE TABLE! It's time to clean out the shop!
Bring your "good" "used" "junk" that you KNOW you'll NEVER get around to using.
Dump it on the table, then come back in about an hour and box up a box of someone else's "junk" and take it home!!
Who's got the pink static bag of parts that keeps reappearing on the FREEBIE table every year this time?
Jeff
Jeff
Last year, my son (Peter) and I stayed at the Econo Lodge (342 Milan Avenue, Norwalk, OH, (419) 668-5656) it's the closest motel at 0.4 mi from the expo. While it's not the Ritz, it wasn't bad at all, especially considering the great price. We enjoyed the night, and the breakfast was pretty good.
That is where I will try to book this year too.
You can walk to the expo if you want.
There is several resturants right next door.
Bean
We'll provide a 20% discount for UPENE attendees if they buy the hardware at the EXPO.
Ken
Thanks for the heads up! I'll chat with you Monday about this..
Jeff
Bob
The total with taxes was $167.23
Bean
We'll see you there then. I am also booked there (for Friday only, though.)
This year will be a first! I was finally able to talk my wife into joining Peter and myself. This will be great.
Also, I posted a short entry about the UPENE in my blog - projects.granzeier.com.
To clarify: Are you saying that even if a part is not present, we can just order
it there to gain the discount, and have them sent to us later?
How will shipping costs work, on this deal?
PLEASE look at my previous post on this thread, about what the kinds of items
I'd like to see at UPENE. AFAICD, the entire thing should take up less than
one carry-on bag.
To recap though, the highest priority items are (IMHO):
***** MPU CHIPS (esp DIP Propellers), and Crystals! (and maybe some PropPlugs)
This is to allow us to whip up our own Propeller based boards, populate the
Professional Devel Boards that are often awarded as prizes with an MPU, etc.;
*** Processor Prototyping related items, like the Propeller cpu-prototype boards
(eg LOTS of the 4-packs of PropUSBs which seems to be the workhorse here),
a FEW of the daughter boards to work with them, and some of the new ones,
like the new Prop version of the BOE.
*** a few of the SMALL robotic related items, like lots of the continuous rotation
servos, and some key sensor items (MEMS accelerometers, gyro chips, etc).
** ... and maybe a few of the "new" (yet still small) items in the catalog,
to give us a shot at them.
Forget dragging around big things, like the big motor-gearboxes, etc.
That can be drop shipped later, if bought there.
The key to making this economical is to bring a good wad of the TINY, yet
"hot" or "new" Propeller related items, that aren't normally available locally.
Ex: a standard servo can be bought anywhere so should be skipped.
But, Parallax continuous rotation servo is rarer and the workhorse for most
mini-robotic projects, so (IMO) having a decent number of them on hand
would be wise.
If items are chosen wisely (high value, rarity, yet low size & weight), a huge
selection could be done yet should fit into a single box, carry-on bag, or suitcase.
That should not cost much for whomsoever is representing Parallax to bring
along with them on the plane, or to ship to Jeff.
Thanks!
- Keith Mc.
You guys should definitely have YOUR version of the above around as well.
IMO, the GG equivalent would be offering a lot of your Quickstart boards,
the various module-daughter boards for them (like the Quick Adapter),
and some of the cool parts like a goodly wad of your stackable headers
and other stuff that is shown in places like:
... http://gadgetgangster.com/find-a-project?subcat=52
Anything that lets us whip up projects quickly...
- Keith Mc.
Jeff
I got caught in Chicago trying to find a single BLASTED LED so I could test something...
This WON'T happen in Norwalk. I'll bring my parts boxes and put Matt in charge of keeping score.
If you need a part. It'll be there.
Jeff
DogP
Looking forward to seeing everyone again at this year's expo! Any special arrangements necessary to get an extra table or two for a monorail layout?
-Mike
Jeff
Jeff
Looking forward to seeing the layout.
Roger.