The components needed to put together your project must be contained in the inventory. In general, hobbyists should only be expected to self-source components that are in the title of your project. A few examples;
C64 - Nintendo converter (Hobbyists would get their Nintendo & C64 elsewhere)
Laser rangefinder (Hobbyists would bring their own laser, or a laser that you specify)
Perfect Guitar Hero kit (Hobbyists would bring their own guitar hero, guitar, console, etc)
3D printing kit (Hobbyists would bring their own printer)
Take a close look at the inventory; No sending hobbyists off on a goose chase for capacitors! Hobbyists won't like it and they'll give your kit a bad review.
I know the inventory is weakest in inductors. Let me know what I'm missing, or what else you'd need to submit a project. Now, Before I buy inventory, is the time!!!. Once I have 500 40 row PCB breadboards in stock, It will awfully hard to convince me to stock 45 row breadboards.
If you'd like to add a component, can you include a link (either a datasheet or a link from digikey/mouser/jameco/etc)? That will help me to include it.
Thanks guys! If I can lock down the inventory in the next week or two, we'll be well positioned to begin sales thru the holiday season.
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- Adjustable voltage regulators (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=527)
- Board of Education
- Motor controller (Digital)
- 3 wire cable and headers
- Batteries (beyond the AA and AAA, something rechargable with 2000 mAh or more...)
- speaker (in addition to piezo)
These are just some more generic parts to consider. One additional thing: it seems likely that you will have to stock at least one "custom" part for each project. If it was generic, then what is the point of building it?
Good call on the speaker. I'll have to add cables, too. For the pin headers, I'm thinking of just carrying long strips, and the hobbyist can use their dikes to cut down to the # of pins they need. I figure that the 4 pin header will be a more popular size.
I did put an H-bridge in the inventory, I'll poke around for a more sophisticated controller. Any suggestions?
I'll see what other battery options are available. A nice flat li-ion would be nice.
That's the catch - most projects will require an item or two that I won't stock (laser beam, C64, fog machine, whatever). I can't stock random stuff that would only be useful for a single project. So it's okay to say in your instructions, "Pick up a DVD-Writer (HP 1234 is a nice model) and disassemble it to grab the laser diode".
What I'd like to avoid is, "pick up 4x15.5uF capacitors, 1x 11Mhz crystal, 1x 555 timer, 3x 800 ohm resistors from digikey, 1xRS232 converter from Jameco..." A pain in the hobby is chasing down parts. I don't want hobbyists to buy your kit and feel like they've only bought half of it.
So - a kit to modify your boebot is cool if the only additional materials necessary are a boebot, a BB gun, and BB's (in addition to the materials in the kit, of course).
Does that make sense? It's a guideline, not a rule. You'll be free to put up any project, but hobbyists will probably prefer kits that don't require a bunch of additional parts from different vendors.
Only using the generic inventory, though, you could do some pretty cool things. I hope that 75% of projects will only require a single / trivial item.
Anything else I'm missing?
Capacitor sizes? Resistors? DC motors? Transformer? What inductors do you need? Solenoids? Wheels? LED displays? Tell me what you need now, and you'll be able to make money with your project later!
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@Nick,
Pretty generic list you got going there. Hope it won't be too hard to liquidate.
Some other things to consider while you're in the mood:
6.??? MHZ oscillators for better Propeller video ... OBC ordered some this year; look for the thread.
LM386 +5V only op-amp.
Dual row header male and female 2x10 for Protoboard can also serve as DIN connectors (can't tell if these are listed).
InfraRed RX Transistors and Detectors
DIP resistor networks 220,470,1K,2K for Propeller pin current limiting.
I2C digital potentiometer.
Suitcase Jumpers (2x0.1in shorting bar).
4x40m standoffs, screws, nuts, washers, etc... 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 inch standoffs.
SX28 and SX48 controllers are great for small, power and cost sensitive designs.
@SRLM,
One of the reasons to use generic parts in a design is to have multiple sources so you can ship many products ... forever.
A Boe-Bot with a BB gun... Sounds like the terror of the office: Coworkers hiding in their cubicles, managers calling security and one deranged engineer laughing above it all...
I purchased the pololu motor controller from parallax a while ago, and still haven't found a use for it. It's too small for the kind of motors that I like to use, although I suppose that it would work for a really small robot.
Just stocking some 4 wire cables would be nice, I always seem to have to use two 3 wire cables when I want one 4 wire...
If you do stock batteries, be sure to get a charging station, preferably one that can do multiple types, voltages, and output currents.
I noticed that the Xbee is the only radio type option available. Perhaps you have the components to build a custom radio analog type device, but if not another option might be appreciated.
On the basic component side, what about fuses?
Finally, will the potential designer be able to order individual components from your site? It seems like it would be difficult to design something using "virtual" parts and with no debugging. On the subject of special pieces, perhaps you could set a threshold of, say 300 kits. If you sell more than 300 then you can look into getting the special part and having two versions of the kit. That way, you know the kit sells and you can provide the full service.
boebot with a bb-gun... LOL.. I'm just deranged enough to really enjoy that..
Here's my list..
Male & Female pin headers (can't get enough of them in my shop.)
MAX3232/MAX232 chips for communication
chip sockets 40pin, etc. (better for safe assembly)
RCA connectors
All good stuff!!! I think I've got you covered some requests already;
RCA connectors (female)
MAX3232 chip
Pin Headers (got em'. I need to source some cables)
Digital pot - got it.
Chip sockets - 8pin & 40pin. Yep.
I don't plan on selling individual components. But I'll put together 'Builders kits' with component bundles. That will help you prototype.
I'll include the SX. Other stuff, I gotta look into.
Keep it comin! Thanks!
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My suggestion would be to let the customer add additional components as they see fit. Don't sell individual components alone but do sell them with a kit. Ie, If i were using your site I sure wouldn't want just 1 of everything in the kit. It would totally suck to order some really cool project and then burn up the 1 important IC and then not be able to get another. It sure would be simple to allow me to buy an extra IC when I buy the kit. Kind of a 'Not sure your going to get everything right the first time? Click here to add a few backups components for this kit in your cart!'
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Current Projects:
Robot Control Via Skype API - Dev Stage(50% Complete) - Total(25%)
Robot Localization Via Xbee's - Research Stage
IR Tracking with Propeller - Research Stage
That's a good suggestion. I don't want to be in the business of mailing out a single resistor & I don't want to charge a minimum order fee. But I (& many hobbyists) may want an extra doodad to try running with a different crystal, for instance. It's easy to drop in an extra component to a kit.
Just a matter of messaging. Don't want to say "This project is so hard, you better get extras because your probably going to mess it up".
If the PropGFX folks are reading - let me know if you want any help distributing! If it's thru-hole, I'll probably have all the components and I'll just need the PCB. I can still help with distribution if it's SMD. Just drop me a PM if you'd like help.
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Phil Pilgrim put this up on another thread - but it's relevant to Gadget Gangster - last week there was the Soldering Championships in NYC. Almost 1,000 people showed up.
I've never been to a solder-off before, but if you watch the video, you'll notice most of the folks there are mid 30's hipsters.
The kit everyone put together? TV-B-Gone from Ladyada.
Parallax folks do self balancing robots, GPS trackers, shape-shifting putting greens, and synchronized water fountain displays while all the other hobbyists in the world are stuck with a homemade remote control? Ugh...
jazzed said...
OBC, What's the source vendor/part number/description for the 6MHz xtal you found ?
I found them at digikey, (can't remember the part#) but was disgusted with the price+shipping+handling
so I bought 100 of them off Ebay for about the same price as 10 from anywhere else..
Been a while - just wanted to drop a line & review progress so far.
A buddy of mine (my former college roommate) runs a software development company out of Pakistan Xyon, and he's been work on the site with me. So far, the site flow is pretty straightforward;
Home
- find a project
-By Designer
-View Designer's Profile
-By Type
-Project Details
-Project Resources
- Submit Project
-Signup
-View Profile
-Submit Project
-View Component Inventory
- Project idea
-Submit Project idea
-View Project ideas
- Tools & Equipment
- Builders Notebook
Most of the site is completed to an alpha state & will need further testing before it goes live. The few remaining pieces are 'Submit your project' page (where you select the inventory necessary, upload the how-to, etc), and actually completing the inventory. I'm shopping around for enclosures, too.
For a timeline; I'll offer the site just to designers - let them put up projects & kick the site around to see what falls apart. Once I get enough projects posted (I'm thinking it will take about a month), I'll push the site to hobbyists.
When I finish the inventory, I'll offer 'builders kits' which are collections of the inventory to help you design projects. Of course, these won't be necessary to design / list a project, but you might find them helpful.
On the business end; Here are my thoughts
- All projects submitted would be reviewed before being posted. They'll be reviewed to make sure they aren't a straight copy of another project, that they're sufficiently documented (sourcecode & howto), & that they comply with FCC & regulatory guidelines. Review should take a day or two.
- Designers would receive 25% of the sales price. If they offer a custom PCB, they'll receive 75% of the sale price of that custom component. As I build volume, I'll be able to improve the share for designers.
- Forums would be available for each project submitted for customer support. Designers are not required to provide support. GG will not provide support beyond shipping issues.
- Projects would be posted under GNU/GPL unless a portion of the code cannot be released under that license.
- GG claims no rights to your project. GG & designer are free to remove their project from listing at any time. Designers would agree to let GG market their projects (like the banner ads I've put up before) while their projects are for sale on GG.
Any of the business stuff obtrusive / painful / lame?
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I hope that your search engine is good.·There is nothing worse than a site that returns every piece of information on a querry. Parallax does a good job: they limit the search to the store part, and they display results in their mini-bio form, not pure text.
The background on the banner looks pretty good. I'd hate to cross paths with that gangsta...
Question: are you going to build each kit youself? I think you should. That way you could go step by step through the dirrections, check for errors and ommissions. Then you could test the claims given by the builder and make sure that it really does work, and wasn't messed up somewhere. I doubt that anybody will submit a project that doesn't work, but they may make a mistake in the parts listing or the like. Plus, if you ever get a store front, you'll have something to display.
SRLM has a point. It does seem that some Q/A is in order. At least one person besides the designer should be able to successfully build and use a kit. Having the designer on the hook for support can be an asset (will also help the designer learn a new aspect of productization).
Imagine the hobbyist; he's stretched his skills to build this awesome project, but he took his time, followed directions closely, and has it right. He flips the switch & nothing. No problem - probably a bad solder. He spends the next 1 1/2 hours testing every single joint, no luck. Looks at the code - looks fine. Maybe he flipped a cap. Nope. $50 wasted just for frustration. "Never getting one of those again".
I'll have to build them & make sure they work. I was hoping to avoid it, but you're right, the experience would be miserable.
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I've been thinking about makeing a modification for rc cars allowing them to shoot airsoft bb's. Would you be able to sell things like the rc car and airsoft gun? Also, I think this was mentioned already before, but can they be pre-made and sent to you to sell?
Sort of like that BOE-BOT with a BB gun that was mentioned earlier. I think your version is much safer though. However, I think Nick answered this question quite clearly (at least the first part).
Nick said...
That's the catch - most projects will require an item or two that I won't stock (laser beam, C64, fog machine, whatever). I can't stock random stuff that would only be useful for a single project. So it's okay to say in your instructions, "Pick up a DVD-Writer (HP 1234 is a nice model) and disassemble it to grab the laser diode".
What I'd like to avoid is, "pick up 4x15.5uF capacitors, 1x 11Mhz crystal, 1x 555 timer, 3x 800 ohm resistors from digikey, 1xRS232 converter from Jameco..." A pain in the hobby is chasing down parts. I don't want hobbyists to buy your kit and feel like they've only bought half of it.
So - a kit to modify your boebot is cool if the only additional materials necessary are a boebot, a BB gun, and BB's (in addition to the materials in the kit, of course).
Almost exactly like what your design calls for. However, your second point is valid. Can the designer send completed kits to you (Nick)? This presents some new problems. First, the designer would have to keep financial records of the stuff that he buys to build the kit, second he'd have to provide a steady stream/ reasonable amount to sell. Third, he'd have to make sure the design was *very* robust. Anybody who buys a completed project expects it to work perfectly.
Perhaps you could do some sort of deal where the first x number of people to built the kit and give you a detailed report about the pitfalls could get a 50% discount or something. I think it is much better to lose a bit at the begining to build a more robust product than to sell a bad product for constant income. Once the word gets out that there is a bad project on the site, it will taint all the other projects (good or bad). My guess is that the products must be very reliable to sell well...
I've been thinking about it and I decided I'll just sell a kit to be able to modify the rc car. Even then I think I'll have some trouble (like if I tell them how to modify the airsoft gun and they decide to use one they already have wich dosn't work as well, or the rc car can't hold the electronics). I'll try and solve these problems before the due date (I'm gettin' excited!). Well, off to the worktable...
I don’t want to take anything away from Nick’s idea…I like the concept of community support, even if there’s money being made. But in the interest of helping the same community support their projects, there is another avenue of possible revenue to support your projects…publish them in one of the hobbyist magazines such as Nuts & Volts, Servo or even Circuit Cellar. Several forum members have dine this very thing and been paid for well written articles about projects they have made. This could be done in addition to Nick’s idea, since often articles will also refer to a website where materials of even the finished product could be purchased. Take care all.
But why don't you try and do this for your entire website, and not just for each item? In the PopSci magazine I get I see projects put up all the time that would be great for your website. Infact, it might just allow your website to start up much faster with extra people adding projects to your collection AND it helps with advertising. Just an idea though.
That's a perfect example of how I think most projects would turn out. I wouldn't sell an airsoft gun or RC car, but you would provide a link to the RC car / gun you suggest.
@SRLM - yeah, non-functional projects is a problem. I don't want to discourage anyone from listing a project - the project just has to do what you say it will when it's put together.
I'm actually expecting that there will be 3 classes of designers.
1 - The designer who is known for providing useful support on the forums & excellent projects that are well documented. His projects are 'sought out' by hobbyists & they get excited when he releases a new project.
2 - The designer who wrote a magazine article and just wants to make it easier for readers to acquire the BOM (He'd still need to provide a howto).
3 - Everyone else. Hobbyists will probably check out the howto very carefully before deciding to buy - they'll probably peek at the support forum to see if the designer is active.
Of course, I could be totally wrong.
Re: support - Customers will vote with their dollars - projects from designers who are active in the support forums will sell better than projects without support. Even if I could hold designers accountable for support, I couldn't make that commitment to customers & I wouldn't want to arbitrate what adequate support is.
Not sure if I follow you on the article comment. But every designer has a 'designer' page with a list of their projects. Every project has a project number & a simple url to go directly to that project. If you wrote an article for PopSci, you could include the project number & allow the reader to order your project.
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There will be two size PCB's, 4"x2.75" (full), and 2"x2.75" (half). The full size PCB is the same dimensions as the Propeller Protoboard. There will also be a patterned perfboard with same dimensions - the boards can be sandwiched together for a 2 board project, held together with spacers, hopefully also allowing press-fitting headers (put pins on the bottom of the top board, SIP sockets on the top of the bottom board). You could also add a half board on top off a full board. The Propeller protoboard will be in inventory, of course.
Enclosures would be available in 4 sizes - single full sized board, stacked full size, single half size, and stacked half size. The enclosure will have a flange, and will probably be clear. The side of the enclosure will have holes drilled where the barrel connector & VGA/PS2 is for the protoboard. Possibly another hole for additional wire pass thru. This will allow you to pass cables thru the case via the VGA/PS2 port.
Of course, your project wouldn't require an enclosure, or even a PCB. But an enclosure will provide for the most professional presentation. Looking forward, I'll be able to add additional options, but this seems to be the best place to start.
I don't have a protoboard, but do the mounting holes for the VGA/PS2 block put it flush with the PCB?
Thoughts / complaints?
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Propeller Protoboard is 4.0" x 3.05" with mounting hole center separation at 3.7" x 2.75" (Propeller Protoboard pdf Pg.4). These·are the same dimensions as for the Basic Stamp Board of Education.
I've been working with the idea of having M/F 10x2 header connections between boards, and that is workable; however, it eats a large section of real-estate. It would be so much nicer to have one long header on one side close to the voltage requlators assuming standoffs can be used on the 4 corners. For now, we use what's available I guess. The spin-studio board could be used with more convenient interconnect components, but would make a full sandwich assembly taller.
Comments
The components needed to put together your project must be contained in the inventory. In general, hobbyists should only be expected to self-source components that are in the title of your project. A few examples;
C64 - Nintendo converter (Hobbyists would get their Nintendo & C64 elsewhere)
Laser rangefinder (Hobbyists would bring their own laser, or a laser that you specify)
Perfect Guitar Hero kit (Hobbyists would bring their own guitar hero, guitar, console, etc)
3D printing kit (Hobbyists would bring their own printer)
Take a close look at the inventory; No sending hobbyists off on a goose chase for capacitors! Hobbyists won't like it and they'll give your kit a bad review.
I know the inventory is weakest in inductors. Let me know what I'm missing, or what else you'd need to submit a project. Now, Before I buy inventory, is the time!!!. Once I have 500 40 row PCB breadboards in stock, It will awfully hard to convince me to stock 45 row breadboards.
If you'd like to add a component, can you include a link (either a datasheet or a link from digikey/mouser/jameco/etc)? That will help me to include it.
Thanks guys! If I can lock down the inventory in the next week or two, we'll be well positioned to begin sales thru the holiday season.
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Concentrate on understanding the problem, not applying the tool
- Adjustable voltage regulators (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=527)
- Board of Education
- Motor controller (Digital)
- 3 wire cable and headers
- Batteries (beyond the AA and AAA, something rechargable with 2000 mAh or more...)
- speaker (in addition to piezo)
These are just some more generic parts to consider. One additional thing: it seems likely that you will have to stock at least one "custom" part for each project. If it was generic, then what is the point of building it?
I did put an H-bridge in the inventory, I'll poke around for a more sophisticated controller. Any suggestions?
I'll see what other battery options are available. A nice flat li-ion would be nice.
That's the catch - most projects will require an item or two that I won't stock (laser beam, C64, fog machine, whatever). I can't stock random stuff that would only be useful for a single project. So it's okay to say in your instructions, "Pick up a DVD-Writer (HP 1234 is a nice model) and disassemble it to grab the laser diode".
What I'd like to avoid is, "pick up 4x15.5uF capacitors, 1x 11Mhz crystal, 1x 555 timer, 3x 800 ohm resistors from digikey, 1xRS232 converter from Jameco..." A pain in the hobby is chasing down parts. I don't want hobbyists to buy your kit and feel like they've only bought half of it.
So - a kit to modify your boebot is cool if the only additional materials necessary are a boebot, a BB gun, and BB's (in addition to the materials in the kit, of course).
Does that make sense? It's a guideline, not a rule. You'll be free to put up any project, but hobbyists will probably prefer kits that don't require a bunch of additional parts from different vendors.
Only using the generic inventory, though, you could do some pretty cool things. I hope that 75% of projects will only require a single / trivial item.
Anything else I'm missing?
Capacitor sizes? Resistors? DC motors? Transformer? What inductors do you need? Solenoids? Wheels? LED displays? Tell me what you need now, and you'll be able to make money with your project later!
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Concentrate on understanding the problem, not applying the tool
Pretty generic list you got going there. Hope it won't be too hard to liquidate.
Some other things to consider while you're in the mood:
6.??? MHZ oscillators for better Propeller video ... OBC ordered some this year; look for the thread.
LM386 +5V only op-amp.
Dual row header male and female 2x10 for Protoboard can also serve as DIN connectors (can't tell if these are listed).
InfraRed RX Transistors and Detectors
DIP resistor networks 220,470,1K,2K for Propeller pin current limiting.
I2C digital potentiometer.
Suitcase Jumpers (2x0.1in shorting bar).
4x40m standoffs, screws, nuts, washers, etc... 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 inch standoffs.
SX28 and SX48 controllers are great for small, power and cost sensitive designs.
@SRLM,
One of the reasons to use generic parts in a design is to have multiple sources so you can ship many products ... forever.
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I purchased the pololu motor controller from parallax a while ago, and still haven't found a use for it. It's too small for the kind of motors that I like to use, although I suppose that it would work for a really small robot.
Just stocking some 4 wire cables would be nice, I always seem to have to use two 3 wire cables when I want one 4 wire...
If you do stock batteries, be sure to get a charging station, preferably one that can do multiple types, voltages, and output currents.
I noticed that the Xbee is the only radio type option available. Perhaps you have the components to build a custom radio analog type device, but if not another option might be appreciated.
On the basic component side, what about fuses?
Finally, will the potential designer be able to order individual components from your site? It seems like it would be difficult to design something using "virtual" parts and with no debugging. On the subject of special pieces, perhaps you could set a threshold of, say 300 kits. If you sell more than 300 then you can look into getting the special part and having two versions of the kit. That way, you know the kit sells and you can provide the full service.
Well, that's my collection of thoughts.
Here's my list..
Male & Female pin headers (can't get enough of them in my shop.)
MAX3232/MAX232 chips for communication
chip sockets 40pin, etc. (better for safe assembly)
RCA connectors
(I'm sure I'll have to edit and add more...)
OBC
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New to the Propeller?
Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS
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RCA connectors (female)
MAX3232 chip
Pin Headers (got em'. I need to source some cables)
Digital pot - got it.
Chip sockets - 8pin & 40pin. Yep.
I don't plan on selling individual components. But I'll put together 'Builders kits' with component bundles. That will help you prototype.
I'll include the SX. Other stuff, I gotta look into.
Keep it comin! Thanks!
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Current Projects:
Robot Control Via Skype API - Dev Stage(50% Complete) - Total(25%)
Robot Localization Via Xbee's - Research Stage
IR Tracking with Propeller - Research Stage
This is the featured item banner that would go on the left hand nav;
This is a generic 250x300 that would run on google / Popsci / etc. I'd also run banners for top selling projects
They're looped for preview, but would normally hang on the subhead for the top banner and the BUY NOW for the bottom banner.
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Post Edited (Nick McClick) : 8/6/2008 10:37:52 AM GMT
Just a matter of messaging. Don't want to say "This project is so hard, you better get extras because your probably going to mess it up".
If the PropGFX folks are reading - let me know if you want any help distributing! If it's thru-hole, I'll probably have all the components and I'll just need the PCB. I can still help with distribution if it's SMD. Just drop me a PM if you'd like help.
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I've never been to a solder-off before, but if you watch the video, you'll notice most of the folks there are mid 30's hipsters.
The kit everyone put together? TV-B-Gone from Ladyada.
Parallax folks do self balancing robots, GPS trackers, shape-shifting putting greens, and synchronized water fountain displays while all the other hobbyists in the world are stuck with a homemade remote control? Ugh...
YouTube
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I found them at digikey, (can't remember the part#) but was disgusted with the price+shipping+handling
so I bought 100 of them off Ebay for about the same price as 10 from anywhere else..
OBC
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New to the Propeller?
Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS
Ya, digikey and all those other catalog folks make enough margin when they actually sell something [noparse]:)[/noparse]
Was the frequency 6MHz exactly or something else ?
What was the impedence?
If you have a vendor/part number, that would be very helpful.
I can't find the original thread.
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cgi.ebay.com/PACK100-6MHz-6-000MHZ-Crystal-Oscillators-HC-49S_W0QQitemZ220265861075QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220265861075&_trkparms=72%3A635%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A4%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1318
OBC
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New to the Propeller?
Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS
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Concentrate on understanding the problem, not applying the tool
Been a while - just wanted to drop a line & review progress so far.
A buddy of mine (my former college roommate) runs a software development company out of Pakistan Xyon, and he's been work on the site with me. So far, the site flow is pretty straightforward;
Home
- find a project
-By Designer
-View Designer's Profile
-By Type
-Project Details
-Project Resources
- Submit Project
-Signup
-View Profile
-Submit Project
-View Component Inventory
- Project idea
-Submit Project idea
-View Project ideas
- Tools & Equipment
- Builders Notebook
Most of the site is completed to an alpha state & will need further testing before it goes live. The few remaining pieces are 'Submit your project' page (where you select the inventory necessary, upload the how-to, etc), and actually completing the inventory. I'm shopping around for enclosures, too.
For a timeline; I'll offer the site just to designers - let them put up projects & kick the site around to see what falls apart. Once I get enough projects posted (I'm thinking it will take about a month), I'll push the site to hobbyists.
When I finish the inventory, I'll offer 'builders kits' which are collections of the inventory to help you design projects. Of course, these won't be necessary to design / list a project, but you might find them helpful.
On the business end; Here are my thoughts
- All projects submitted would be reviewed before being posted. They'll be reviewed to make sure they aren't a straight copy of another project, that they're sufficiently documented (sourcecode & howto), & that they comply with FCC & regulatory guidelines. Review should take a day or two.
- Designers would receive 25% of the sales price. If they offer a custom PCB, they'll receive 75% of the sale price of that custom component. As I build volume, I'll be able to improve the share for designers.
- Forums would be available for each project submitted for customer support. Designers are not required to provide support. GG will not provide support beyond shipping issues.
- Projects would be posted under GNU/GPL unless a portion of the code cannot be released under that license.
- GG claims no rights to your project. GG & designer are free to remove their project from listing at any time. Designers would agree to let GG market their projects (like the banner ads I've put up before) while their projects are for sale on GG.
Any of the business stuff obtrusive / painful / lame?
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Concentrate on understanding the problem, not applying the tool
The background on the banner looks pretty good. I'd hate to cross paths with that gangsta...
Post Edited (SRLM) : 8/12/2008 1:11:01 AM GMT
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I'll have to build them & make sure they work. I was hoping to avoid it, but you're right, the experience would be miserable.
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Concentrate on understanding the problem, not applying the tool
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The Pi Guy
Almost exactly like what your design calls for. However, your second point is valid. Can the designer send completed kits to you (Nick)? This presents some new problems. First, the designer would have to keep financial records of the stuff that he buys to build the kit, second he'd have to provide a steady stream/ reasonable amount to sell. Third, he'd have to make sure the design was *very* robust. Anybody who buys a completed project expects it to work perfectly.
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The Pi Guy
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The Pi Guy
@SRLM - yeah, non-functional projects is a problem. I don't want to discourage anyone from listing a project - the project just has to do what you say it will when it's put together.
I'm actually expecting that there will be 3 classes of designers.
1 - The designer who is known for providing useful support on the forums & excellent projects that are well documented. His projects are 'sought out' by hobbyists & they get excited when he releases a new project.
2 - The designer who wrote a magazine article and just wants to make it easier for readers to acquire the BOM (He'd still need to provide a howto).
3 - Everyone else. Hobbyists will probably check out the howto very carefully before deciding to buy - they'll probably peek at the support forum to see if the designer is active.
Of course, I could be totally wrong.
Re: support - Customers will vote with their dollars - projects from designers who are active in the support forums will sell better than projects without support. Even if I could hold designers accountable for support, I couldn't make that commitment to customers & I wouldn't want to arbitrate what adequate support is.
Not sure if I follow you on the article comment. But every designer has a 'designer' page with a list of their projects. Every project has a project number & a simple url to go directly to that project. If you wrote an article for PopSci, you could include the project number & allow the reader to order your project.
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Concentrate on understanding the problem, not applying the tool
Here's what I've come up with so far;
There will be two size PCB's, 4"x2.75" (full), and 2"x2.75" (half). The full size PCB is the same dimensions as the Propeller Protoboard. There will also be a patterned perfboard with same dimensions - the boards can be sandwiched together for a 2 board project, held together with spacers, hopefully also allowing press-fitting headers (put pins on the bottom of the top board, SIP sockets on the top of the bottom board). You could also add a half board on top off a full board. The Propeller protoboard will be in inventory, of course.
Enclosures would be available in 4 sizes - single full sized board, stacked full size, single half size, and stacked half size. The enclosure will have a flange, and will probably be clear. The side of the enclosure will have holes drilled where the barrel connector & VGA/PS2 is for the protoboard. Possibly another hole for additional wire pass thru. This will allow you to pass cables thru the case via the VGA/PS2 port.
Of course, your project wouldn't require an enclosure, or even a PCB. But an enclosure will provide for the most professional presentation. Looking forward, I'll be able to add additional options, but this seems to be the best place to start.
I don't have a protoboard, but do the mounting holes for the VGA/PS2 block put it flush with the PCB?
Thoughts / complaints?
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Concentrate on understanding the problem, not applying the tool
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