Gaussmeter Kit Group-Buy

[Dave Kerr]

Originally Posted by Bruce Johnson

Now, if some of us were sly enterprising types, we could order several kits. Then we could build them up and sell them as functioning units, or hoard them and sell them for a higher price to late-comers.

... or like me take a flyer on yet another mini-project realizing that it may be a couple months before even opening the box from RH, while thinking that there may very well be a late-comer to forward it on to.

[RedHouse]

Originally Posted by -Elepro-

i think that connector for probe could be better.... in the future if you want can have two probe: one with a1302 for alnico ceramic etc... and another one with ad22151 for neodimium and other stong magnet....

I was under the impression we had that with the current design, is this not the case?.

On mine, my thought was to have a connector on the outside of the enclosure so the probe could be changed or removed when not in use.

[RedHouse]

Originally Posted by Bruce Johnson

Now, if some of us were sly enterprising types, we could order several kits. Then we could build them up and sell them as functioning units, or hoard them and sell them for a higher price to late-comers. Just a suggestion.....

I'm tempted, but I'm swamped with projects right now.

Right before I volunteered to coordinate this group-buy, I contemplated that very scenario and it seemed like a good idea ...for a minute.

But as I considered the market for these, which is a very small niche market (forum pickup winders) and a very narrow customer path (mainly this forum), and realized that to make up like for instance 10 units I'd be into it like $336 in PIC's and $130 in LCD's not to mention enclosures between $15-$50 plus the personal time to etch, stuff, assemble, and test the units I realized I'd be laying out $500-$600 in parts and need to tack-on too big an assembly charge, nobody (here) would be wanting to buy them and I'd waiting around to recoup the cash. Times being what they are, I can't have long-green tied up in a narrow low-yield prospect right now but maybe when the economy picks up I might be something to reconsider.

Yep, I realised a group-buy scenario was a better solution to everyone into a gauss meter for a decent price.

[spy]

Originally Posted by RedHouse

On mine, my thought was to have a connector on the outside of the enclosure so the probe could be changed or removed when not in use.

Great idea, Brad!

[-Elepro-]

Originally Posted by RedHouse

I was under the impression we had that with the current design, is this not the case?.

On mine, my thought was to have a connector on the outside of the enclosure so the probe could be changed or removed when not in use.

perfect solution....

[David Schwab]

Originally Posted by -Elepro-

i think that connector for probe could be better.... in the future if you want can have two probe: one with a1302 for alnico ceramic etc... and another one with ad22151 for neodimium and other stong magnet....

Is that simply a matter of switching probes with the different sensor?

I use a lot of neo magnets, so would want to be able to use it with them.

Originally Posted by RedHouse

On mine, my thought was to have a connector on the outside of the enclosure so the probe could be changed or removed when not in use.

That was my thought also.

[Bruce Johnson]

Originally Posted by RedHouse

..... and it seemed like a good idea ...for a minute.

I was partly joking....I've been through the same thing with my coil winder. I often get inquiries about building replicas or kits of my machine. But when you actually add up the numbers, it's unlikely that I would ever sell any of them at a price that would break even on my cost and labor. Luthiers and pickup makers don't have any money and aren't going to pay for someone else's labor. We try to deny it, but this is a hobby, not a rational business.

[RedHouse]

Originally Posted by Bruce Johnson

I was partly joking....I've been through the same thing with my coil winder. I often get inquiries about building replicas or kits of my machine. But when you actually add up the numbers, it's unlikely that I would ever sell any of them at a price that would break even on my cost and labor. Luthiers and pickup makers don't have any money and aren't going to pay for someone else's labor. We try to deny it, but this is a hobby, not a rational business.

Yes Bruce, and I'd like to add this to what you said:

IMHO not so much because we're cheap or broke, but we're do'ers, we wind because we can, we build pickups, guitars, effects, amps etc....because we can, and because we like to.

What I meant to convey in my verbiage was that IMHO by the time a pre-built gauss meter became a purchase'able item, the cost would out-weigh the sweat-equity we all normally apply to our craft.

[-Elepro-]

Originally Posted by David Schwab

Is that simply a matter of switching probes with the different sensor?.....

...this version of firmware has probe selection and calibration for each one.....

bye

[David Schwab]

Originally Posted by -Elepro-

...this version of firmware has probe selection and calibration for each one.....

Yay! I'm liking this more and more.

Elepro, you are a wiz! Thanks for sharing this with us.

Anyone have any ideas for a nice connector for the probes?

[David King]

Hi Folks,
I'm so glad to see that this is coming together like this, Thanks Red House!
I've been away from 'puters for a week or two but I'm most definitely IN!!

I haven't had time to read through the 4 preceeding pages but I'll got to them . I implicitly trust the great minds that have been working this out so far so will just be happy to go along with group-think.

[JasonG]

Now I don't mean to raise a stink but, what arrangements have been made with elepro about a demo modal? He has a lot to gain in this transaction and we are all gambling on his expertise. We are talking about a chip that goes for 2 bucks so I don't think it would be unreasonable to have him send the appropriate member a chip. If the project passes the member could buy the chip from him everyone wins.
If this is ends up being the best tool for this crowed his project could be added to the supplies list as a form of forum endorsement which would cost the forum nothing and boost his sales. Just a thought.

[David Schwab]

That's not a bad idea Jason.

[Arndawg56]

Originally Posted by JasonG

Now I don't mean to raise a stink but, what arrangements have been made with elepro about a demo modal? He has a lot to gain in this transaction and we are all gambling on his expertise. We are talking about a chip that goes for 2 bucks so I don't think it would be unreasonable to have him send the appropriate member a chip. If the project passes the member could buy the chip from him everyone wins.
If this is ends up being the best tool for this crowed his project could be added to the supplies list as a form of forum endorsement which would cost the forum nothing and boost his sales. Just a thought.

Hey Red House, if Elepro is on the "up and up", and he seems to be an allright guy to me, He shouldn't mind shipping his completed unit to you so you could test it out for the rest of us on this side of the pond. We could all chip in to pay for the round trip shipping costs. After all, he does stand to gain quite a bit.

What do you say Elepro? We are trusting you, can you trust us?

What does everybody else think?

Maybe Red House can even get with the guy who has the commercial guassmeter, and can test it.

Win-Win

[RedHouse]

Originally Posted by David King

Hi Folks,
I'm so glad to see that this is coming together like this, Thanks Red House!
I've been away from 'puters for a week or two but I'm most definitely IN!!

I haven't had time to read through the 4 preceeding pages but I'll got to them . I implicitly trust the great minds that have been working this out so far so will just be happy to go along with group-think.

David, I read your post on the other thread:

....I wouldn't mind being in on the group buy but also have the capability to create my own pcb the old fashioned way and probably have all the passive components in my collection. I think we'd need at least 10 folks to make it worthwhile and then the savings would be mostly in time.. I'll check out the other thread....

I'm not understanding you.

Are you wanting to be in on this ...but... make your own PCB?, or are you offering to make PCB's for the group?.

[RedHouse]

Ok it seems we have enough interest in some assurance that we should put the last call on hold until we decide about assurance.

Elepro, what would you say to any of these ideas, either sending a chip or sending a working unit to test? (shipping paid for of course) offering a money-back guarantee?

As you can see, the group is on the verge of buying your PIC and I think it would be good to work out some agreement on assurance so we can move forward, what do you say?

[mickmutante]

Originally Posted by Arndawg56

Hey Red House, if Elepro is on the "up and up", and he seems to be an allright guy to me, He shouldn't mind shipping his completed unit to you so you could test it out for the rest of us on this side of the pond. We could all chip in to pay for the round trip shipping costs. After all, he does stand to gain quite a bit.

What do you say Elepro? We are trusting you, can you trust us?

What does everybody else think?

Maybe Red House can even get with the guy who has the commercial guassmeter, and can test it.

Win-Win

I agree..... +1

[-Elepro-]

i did not understand all well ....but i can send to Brad a programmed pic in advance so he can test project....

Brad, say me your address by PM

bye

[David King]

Originally Posted by RedHouse

David, I read your post on the other thread:



I'm not understanding you.

Are you wanting to be in on this ...but... make your own PCB?, or are you offering to make PCB's for the group?.

Brad, I wasn't sure where we were headed until I saw this fine thread developing. I have no interest in doing my own PCB if someone else is willing to spin those out. Passive components are dirt cheap so really not a consideration either. Just tell me where and how to send my $ when the time comes I take what you have accumulated. About a month ago I did track down all the parts for this on my Mouser Project manager thing too so I could have saved you a few minutes if I had been following the thread sooner, Sorry about that.

[RedHouse]

Originally Posted by David King

Brad, I wasn't sure where we were headed until I saw this fine thread developing. I have no interest in doing my own PCB if someone else is willing to spin those out. Passive components are dirt cheap so really not a consideration either. Just tell me where and how to send my $ when the time comes I take what you have accumulated. About a month ago I did track down all the parts for this on my Mouser Project manager thing too so I could have saved you a few minutes if I had been following the thread sooner, Sorry about that.

Ok David, I'll put you on the list.

The parts list was modified slightly so not a big deal, it's got the proper socket for the PIC now, 1% MF resistors, a Phier trimpot and a decent C&K toggle switch.

[RedHouse]

Originally Posted by -Elepro-

i did not understand all well ....but i can send to Brad a programmed pic in advance so he can test project....

Brad, say me your address by PM

bye

Ok Elepro, a PM is on the away.

Will this do for the group?, if I put together one first and verify it works well for our purposes, will that be considered validation enough to move forward with the group-buy and get us into gauss meters?.

[RedHouse]

Ok here is the most current Who's In List:


16 Definate Participants:
Redhouse
David Schwab
JasonG
spy
firewire
Bruce Johnson
Arndawg56
LtKojak
mkat
automan
Dave Kerr
John H
defaced
David King
StarryNight
mickmutante


Updates:
We made the 15+ level to get the next price break from Elepro on the PIC's.

Saturday (July 11th) we were going to do last call, but in light of the recent assurance issue we'll pause the group-buy temporarily.

If there are no objections, we will delay the Last Call until I recieve the PIC and I can validate the build for us, are we all on board for this new step?

I will ask Elepro to ship it as fast as he can so it doesn't delay us too long.

Here is the finalized parts and costs list:
(note: we are getting quantity discounts on the PIC and the LCD)

R1.....10k trim.....531-PT6KV-10K.....$0.41/ea
R2.....5.6K 1/4w 1%-MF.....271-5.6K-RC.....$0.13/ea
R3.....47ohm 1/4w 1%-MF.....271-47-RC.....$0.13/ea
C1.....330nF polyester.....505-MKS20.33/63/5.....$0.49/ea
C2.....100nF polyester.....505-MKS2.1/63/5T.....$0.27/ea
C3.....100nF polyester.....505-MKS2.1/63/5T.....$0.27/ea
C4.....100nF polyester.....505-MKS02.1/63/10.....$0.45/ea
D1....1N4001.....625-1N4001-E3/54.....$0.04/ea
IC1.....7805T.....863-MC7805BTG.....$0.55/ea
(2) N.O. MOM switch.....506-MSPS103C0.....$1.51/ea
(2) SPST mini toggle.....611-7101-064.....$4.29/ea
DIP28 (for IC3).....517-4828-6004-CP.....$0.31/ea
9v batt clip.....534-84-6.....$0.44/ea
Header.....517-929834-01-16.....$0.58/ea
Socket.....517-974-01-16.....$1.76/ea
IC2.....A1302 (hall sensor).....$1.50/ea
LCD Display.....763-0216K1Z-FSW-FBW.....$9.60/ea
(at the 10+ price break from Mouser)
IC3.....PIC16F883 pre-programmed by Elepro.....20-euro/$27.87
(at the 15+ price break from Elepro)
PCB.....$9
Mouser shipping ($10 divided by 15 participants).....$0.67
USPS Priority shipping to USA participants.....$4.95

Total (w/o terminals) ----------------- $70.86
Total if paying with Credit Card ---------- $72.96

Note: LtKojack and Spy will have an additional shipping charge for their international shipping from USA, which will need to be determined when I get their addresses and know the weight of the shipping packages.


Status:
Even though we're temporarily on hold, would everyone on the list please start PM'ing me your shipping addresses so we can get that part out of the way?

We are curently waiting on Elepro to send a PIC.

[RedHouse]

Originally Posted by -Elepro-

...
Brad, say me your address by PM
...

PM sent.

[spy]

Originally Posted by RedHouse

Ok here is the most current Who's In List:


14 Definate Participants:
Redhouse
David Schwab
JasonG
spy
firewire
Bruce Johnson
Arndawg56
LtKojak
mkat
automan
Dave Kerr
John H
defaced
David King

Note: One more participant and we can get the next price break from Elepro

Brad, what about StarryNight? We are 15 with StarryNight!

[RedHouse]

Originally Posted by spy

Brad, what about StarryNight? We are 15 with StarryNight!

Good catch Spy! I'm glag you are helping me watch this thread, I had missed StarryNight's post.


We have enough participants in now to get 15+ level price break of 20-euro/$27.87

(I've edited the above post to reflect this proper count)

[mickmutante]

I'm really interested to participate on the project... But I can only pay with credit card...
As Bruce, I could buy some components for the kit @ mouser or any place that accept international credit card, and sent them to Brad's place... or the place you need them to be.

If this is possible... I'm in..!

Thanks..!

[David Schwab]

Mick, if we end up using PayPal, you can use a credit card.

[RedHouse]

Originally Posted by mickmutante

I'm really interested to participate on the project... But I can only pay with credit card...
As Bruce, I could buy some components for the kit @ mouser or any place that accept international credit card, and sent them to Brad's place... or the place you need them to be.

If this is possible... I'm in..!

Thanks..!

Yes mickmutante, I'm set up to be able to take credit card payments through my Paypal account, can you pay with your credit card through Paypal?

Let me know and I'll put you on the list if you are "in".

[spy]

Emmm, maybe we must ask Elepro if there's another break in price.
Who knows, maybe the group buy will exceed 20 participants!

[spy]

Originally Posted by RedHouse

Saturday (July 11th) we were going to do last call, but in light of the recent assurance issue we'll pause the group-buy temporarily.

If there are no objections, we will delay the Last Call until I recieve the PIC and I can validate the build for us, are we all on board for this new step?

I will ask Elepro to ship it as fast as he can so it doesn't delay us too long.

No problem!

[mickmutante]

Originally Posted by RedHouse

Yes mickmutante, I'm set up to be able to take credit card payments through my Paypal account, can you pay with your credit card through Paypal?

Let me know and I'll put you on the list if you are "in".

I just created my Paypal account.. I'm waiting for a code... I think after that I can do the transaction without problem....
So I think I'm in the group..!

Thanks.!

[defaced]

If there are no objections, we will delay the Last Call until I recieve the PIC and I can validate the build for us, are we all on board for this new step?

Sounds good to me.

[RedHouse]

Originally Posted by spy

Emmm, maybe we must ask Elepro if there's another break in price.
Who knows, maybe the group buy will exceed 20 participants!

What say you Elepro, would you offer an additional price break at 20+ units?

[mkat]

Originally Posted by RedHouse

If there are no objections, we will delay the Last Call until I recieve the PIC and I can validate the build for us, are we all on board for this new step?

Yes, definitely.

[mickmutante]

Originally Posted by RedHouse

If there are no objections, we will delay the Last Call until I recieve the PIC and I can validate the build for us, are we all on board for this new step?

No problem...