@PropGuy2 said:
I have said this before, but y'all not listening...
It's no big deal to redo a PCB layout when parts discontinue. There's nearly always an alternative equivalent. The big headache is when software has to be rewritten afresh for a new architecture.
As a bit of an example, during the pandemic, with all the hoarding and shipping issues, I was very limited in what stepper driver chips I could choose from. The only part I could still source, that had current limiting, was restricted to using a 24 Volt supply, yet the motors were all just 5 Volt rated. I wouldn't have chosen that chip if I had a choice.
But it turned into a blessing. The end result was a simpler overall design because the machine, being industrial, runs on 24 Volts as its general control voltage and the motors are actually fine on 24 Volts because of the current limiting feature.
Comments
VonSzarvas,
Ideally there should be several classes of boards like there were with the BASIC Stamp and Propeller-1.
Basic/Simple board
Demo Board
Student Board
Developer Board
Other?
As someone suggested maybe there's a basic board and then you add parts or modules to upgrade it.
The Propeller Demo Board is my favorite but the QuickStart was a nice starter board.
It's no big deal to redo a PCB layout when parts discontinue. There's nearly always an alternative equivalent. The big headache is when software has to be rewritten afresh for a new architecture.
As a bit of an example, during the pandemic, with all the hoarding and shipping issues, I was very limited in what stepper driver chips I could choose from. The only part I could still source, that had current limiting, was restricted to using a 24 Volt supply, yet the motors were all just 5 Volt rated. I wouldn't have chosen that chip if I had a choice.
But it turned into a blessing. The end result was a simpler overall design because the machine, being industrial, runs on 24 Volts as its general control voltage and the motors are actually fine on 24 Volts because of the current limiting feature.