The prototype is currently 1" by 2" and is highly populated with components, both front and back. All components are low profile surface mount devices which makes it is possible to do so much more in the same standard area. We're flexible in either dimension, but in the end 2 square inches seems most appropriate.
To cut costs, we've been fabricating the PCBs in house. However due to the fine pitch (spacing between traces) on some of the runs it wasn't possible using the standard cheap methods, such as the resist method using an inkjet or laser printer. Instead we came up with what I consider a novel method of creating circuit boards directly with a DVD burner. By simply machining a round PCB disc and inserting it into a highly modified DVD drive, it is possible to etch the circuit tracks precisely even in micro dimensions. It's an experimental approach, but hopefully interesting to read about.
On to some more news... project funding is looking good. Two guys, in two totally unrelated fields, have expressed interest in the LSD-X4 project and are considering backing this project with a lot of money and executive support. This could be the push that propels our project into production! Additionally, with the members we have already, I have considered offering presale to boost our budget. Still, with the anticipation of another 3 months until release, I feel it is best to hold back on this. Unless some of you out there are completely determined to reserve your quantity, then please be my guest and pre-order! Just send payment of $160.00 USD and prepare for delivery ;-)
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Two square inches wouldnt work for anyone. They wouldnt fit into any TCSS, Force FX or any other current sabers. it has to be 1" by whatever, like other competing soundboards.
ReplyDelete2 square inches is total area. This could be any two dimensional measurements multiplied to equal 2. Such as, 1" by 2" (standard) .5" by 4", .75" by 2.666", etc. I see this could have been mistaken for 2 inches squared, which is what I think you thought I meant... =)
ReplyDeleteI would prefer a longer but narrower board.
ReplyDeleteI will support this project as long as those 50 first followers (I'm one of them) gets their free boards. Otherwise Im just fine if someone wants to buy a prototype board..
But will it really be 160 $ even when It's done?
That's nearly the price of Crystal Focus, and in the very first blog update you said something close to ".. Sure, this device packs a lot of power, but you woudn't know it by its price...".
Is there a YouTube video prototyping this board? If not, there should be. I would definitely like to see this in action. Even if it's one being worked on on the bench and connected to a speaker and led so we can see that when tapped, it makes a clash sound, or when turned is changes pitch, etc. Would be pretty sweet. Getting very excited!
ReplyDeleteDon't let those corporate guys change anything for the worse!
Retain control of this for maximum success.
This is looking awesome! A video is in order!
ReplyDeleteHow many of the features do you have at the moment?
I think that you are considering highly innovative ideas. As for the price seems high but I understand the effort and cost of materials. Still be interested in buying a unit as soon as you have.
ReplyDeleteGood job and good luck!!
Hi Jesse.
ReplyDeleteI haven't made any measurements and don't want to complain at this stage, but I agree with Jason that a narrower board would make high-fidelity replicas of smaller diameter sabers (i.e. Obi EP I/II or Dooku) a real possibility. Maybe Parks would finally be able to do sabers with sound. Something like .75" - .8" would be nice, but I understand this may not be possible. Thanks for the updates, and good luck with capital. Post pictures!
I really think that 1" by 2" is fine. It fits perfectly on top of a 2 AA pack of trustfires. The only reason the new hasbro obiwan board is so thin is because there is less to fit on there.
ReplyDeleteJesse,
ReplyDeleteSorry, you misunderstood. I didn't say 0.75 "x" 0.8, I said 0.75 "-" (to) 0.8, and I meant in width only. 0.75 x 2.7 would be OK, as long as the length doesn't create more problems than it would solve. I think we need more feedback before you head off in that direction. You can't please everyone, but do the best you can.
Thanks...