(Perhaps) Free eval boards/Arduino shields/sensor boards etc. from Maxim

[MadTux]

Just got an (spam) email from EEweb and saw that Maxim is apparently handing out free sample boards.
https://www.maximintegrated.com/en/design/customer-testimonials.html/tb_we-love-startups

Just "tested" it with my private address and gmx mail and it seem to have worked.

Perhaps someone else is interested in free goodies to play with (I have choosen the 24bit ADC board, btw)

[thm_w]

Looks like maxim is doing micros now: https://www.maximintegrated.com/en/products/digital/microcontrollers/MAX32630FTHR.html

LED matrix display is interesting, comes with a bunch of LEDs. The touch force sensors is also cool but only 0.1g resolution stated. Didn't request one, but thanks for posting.

[Avacee]

For info here's the list of items you can select from:
Went for the 24bit ADC as well.

MAXREFDES38 - ECT/EPT Current Fault Sensor
MAXREFDES61 - 16-Bit Four-Channel Analog Input Micro PLC Card
MAXREFDES67 - Universal Input Micro PLC
MAXREFDES82 - Smart Force Sensor
MAXREFDES99 - MAX7219 Display Driver Shield
MAXREFDES117 - Heart-Rate and Pulse-Oximetry Monitor
MAXREFDES130 - Building Automation Shield
DS1086LPMB1 - Pmod for DS1086L 3.3V Spread-Spectrum EconOscillator™
DS3231MPMB1 - Pmod for DS3231MPM Real-Time Clock (RTC)
MAX11205PMB1 - Pmod for MAX11205 16-Bit ADC
MAX14001PMB - EV Kit for MAX14001 Isolated ADC
MAX31723PMB1 - Pmod for MAX31723 Digital Thermometer and Thermostat
MAX31855PMB1 - Pmod for MAX31855 Cold-Junction Compensated Thermocouple-to-Digital Converter
MAX3232PMB1 - Pmod for MAX3232E True RS-232 Transceiver
MAX11410EVKIT - EV Kit for MAX11410 24-Bit Multi-Channel Low-Power Delta-Sigma ADC
MAX17201GEVKIT - stand-alone ModelGauge™ m5 pack-side fuel-gauge ICs for single-cell applications
MAX17205GEVKIT - stand-alone ModelGauge™ m5 pack-side fuel-gauge ICs for multicell applications
MAX8808EVKIT - EV Kit for MAX8808 linear battery chargers for single-cell lithium-ion batteries
MAX8903AEVKIT - EV Kit for MAX8903A 2A, 1-cell Li+ DC-DC battery charger
MAX32630FTHR - Rapid Development Platform for MAX32630 ARM® Cortex®-M4F Microcontroller
MAXREFDES72 - Pmod Adapter for Arduino Platform
MAXREFDES77 - Dual-Channel Current Sense Peripheral Module

[kalel]

This is only for businesses?

[MK14]

This is only for businesses?

If you think about it from their point of view. They want to send these "free" boards out to customers, who are MOST likely to potentially give Maxim, (hopefully), large orders for these products, in the coming future.

If they supplied these things (which obviously cost fair amounts of money to produce and shipment costs), to all hobbyists who want them, for free. It would tend to give them a huge bill, and yet not that much return in the immediate future.

Looking at the information they require on the form, they do seem to want to make fairly sure it is a proper business, they are sending these things to.

"There is no such thing as a free lunch".

EDIT: On the other hand. Some companies realize that, upcoming Electronics students/hobbyists, are going to be the future and current, Electronics workforce and business people. So by giving them free samples of your products, to help them with their studies and/or hobby. They can help promote their make/products.

Sadly in this case (a quick look at the form), this does NOT seem to be the case.
But they MIGHT accept hobbyist/student orders (free). You could give the form a quick try, you never know.

[bingo600]

My past experience with Maxim dictates me to say no, i wouldn't even touch free stuff.
I'd take TI/LT/Analog anytime 

But then that's just my personal experience.

/Bingo

[bitseeker]

Did anyone receive whichever eval board you selected?

[firehopper]

not me, not yet anyway

[Ian.M]

They are likely to be trying to capture another generation of suckers.
See https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/maxim-love-%27em-or-hate-%27em/ for why, historically, designing in a Maxim chip for volume production is a *really* bad idea.

[_Wim_]

Me also not. Ordered on 28th of september, but nothing received so far. This way they will not convince many new start-ups... 

[MadTux]

Also nothing here 

[bitseeker]

Contact info harvesting! Just kidding ... or maybe not.

[Mr.B]

Nothing on my side of the planet...

[TiN]

Nothing here.
Meh.. 

[s8548a]

Nothing here too  ¯\_(?)_/¯

[Magnum]

Nothing here. Not even a reply to a email I sent them, as I really need one of their modules (MAXREFDES67).

I'd like to avoid Maxim now. Does someone know a nice reference board to measure 10V, 20mA, RTD and TC Type K?

[_Wim_]

I do not understand what the point of their action is. I do not think you can gain customers by doing this (only frustrated ones maybe), so contact harvesting seems pointless...

[bitseeker]

...only frustrated ones maybe...

Yes. They did a good job with that and with getting other frustrated users to comment here so that more people know not to deal with Maxim.

Good for us. Bad for them.

[Mr.B]

NEWS FLASH!
Email shipment notification received this morning.
It looks like we might get our 'sample' after all.

[bitseeker]

That's a nice news flash. I haven't received such good news, yet. Good to know it's still possible. Thanks for the update.

[CJay]

I've had a text message notification of a DHL delivery from Maxim this morning so it looks like they've sent me a Christmas present.

Sadly I've not got a use for the board now, I found an alternative but I'll play with it anyway.

Always liked their chips but their supply line has always been terrible unless it's for something 'jellybean' like the MAX232 and similar.

[sainter]

MAXREFDES82 Sound very interesting. Chose this eval board.

[MadTux]

Look what Santa Claus Maxim sent me today. 24bit ADC board, a bunch of croc clips, and a couple other unrelated things such as notebook and pencil. Now, lets see wether the software runs in wine. 8 multiplexed inputs is kinda nice, epecially for data logging/diagnosis. No input protection however, so maybe I'll design something simple to give it at least a litte protection

[s8548a]

I too got a shipping notification from Maxim.

[kalel]

Just curious, for those that did receive a confirmation, do you all have a registered company that you filled out in the application form? Or, is someone just a hobbyist. I did not apply because of that, but I guessed they would not send it out.

[bitseeker]

Look what Santa Claus Maxim sent me today. 24bit ADC board, a bunch of croc clips, and a couple other unrelated things such as notebook and pencil. Now, lets see wether the software runs in wine. 8 multiplexed inputs is kinda nice, epecially for data logging/diagnosis. No input protection however, so maybe I'll design something simple to give it at least a litte protection

A 24-bit data logger sounds like a cool project. Are you going to start a project thread on it?

Yeah, having some kind of front end with input protection would be prudent, especially for logging experimental stuff.

[Oldtestgear]

Saw this today & tried the link. Received a reply within seconds to say I should get a free kit in 6-8 weeks. Now I just have to wait & see if it actually arrives.

Phil

[bitseeker]

Yeah, it seems they are going out, slowly but surely. I ordered mine in late September. Nothing, yet.

Update: Got shipment notification.

[CJay]

Mine are in the East Midlands DHL depot and I *think* should be out for delivery to me tomorrow.

Looking forward to receiving them, it's got a bunch of Maxim goodies in it too.

[_Wim_]

I also got a shipping notification. Should arrive tomorrow. A bit late however for what I wanted (ordered end of september), but still should be nice to evaluate it...

[nicalitz]

Just curious, for those that did receive a confirmation, do you all have a registered company that you filled out in the application form? Or, is someone just a hobbyist. I did not apply because of that, but I guessed they would not send it out.

Registered company here. I think they reject applications from personal email addresses (gmail, outlook, etc.), haven't tried though.

[_Wim_]

Just curious, for those that did receive a confirmation, do you all have a registered company that you filled out in the application form? Or, is someone just a hobbyist. I did not apply because of that, but I guessed they would not send it out.

Registered company here. I think they reject applications from personal email addresses (gmail, outlook, etc.), haven't tried though.

Also company here...

[CJay]

Mine arrived today, it's a *really* nice promo bundle, a Maxim branded Moleskine notebook, the board which looks excellent, a nice pen, bag of Adafruit croc clip leads and some nice colourful leaflets/paperwork.


Lots of reading to do and some tinkering too.

[MadTux]

Had some time today and installed the Maxim software on old laptop. Works great. 2.5V MAX6072 reference is also quite accurate (at least good enough to check cheap china DMMs), also prooves that my "cheap" secondhand Keithley 2010/2015 are still in quite good calibration 

[Macbeth]

Looks great MadTux! Did you not get a free buck converter module too? Just ordered the 24 bit ADC and also got a "Select a free module to start a quick implementation" with 5 buck converter modules to choose from...

[bitseeker]

Mine arrived today, it's a *really* nice promo bundle, a Maxim branded Moleskine notebook, the board which looks excellent, a nice pen, bag of Adafruit croc clip leads and some nice colourful leaflets/paperwork.

Yeah, funny that the extras were packaged in separate static shield bags. You don't want to accidentally zap your Moleskine notebook. It might scramble your notes. I don't mind, though, as the bags are nice for reuse.

[Macbeth]

Yeah, funny that the extras were packaged in separate static shield bags. You don't want to accidentally zap your Moleskine notebook. It might scramble your notes. I don't mind, though, as the bags are nice for reuse.

Oh, come on... Look at Adafruit with their new machine



You know you would use it to bag everything possible for at least the first week! 

[bitseeker]

LOL! Yep, new machines are fun. So, are you implying Maxim's shipping department got some new toys?

[ez24]

Just ordered a ADC board using my company name "Self".  The fine print says 6-8 weeks delivery time  ]]

Thanks OP

[kalel]

Just ordered a ADC board using my company name "Self".  The fine print says 6-8 weeks delivery time  ]]

Thanks OP

Hmm, good luck. I guess I missed out as I don't have a company, Self or other. Not only that, but I'm not sure what module is the best for a beginner to have fun with (the most I've used is simple coding with Arduino and Digispark Attiny variant both in Arduino IDE). If it's still ongoing (and possible without a company), any ideas?

[ez24]

Hmm, good luck. I guess I missed out as I don't have a company, Self or other.

You do have a company called "Self", same as me.  In other words you can type in any name you like including your real name.

[The Soulman]

Thanks for the tip MadTux.
I've also ordered the 24 bit adc (MAX11410EVKIT).
Wondering how noise and linearity is, not expecting miracles but would be nice if I could build a 6 or 7 digit volt meter around it.

[TiN]

Just got notification for MAX31855 EVM  .

[nidlaX]

Just got notification for my MAX11410 eval and a nice welcome kit! They definitely seem to be following through with samples.

[TiN]

Mine arrived yesterday. Will try it on weekend with RPI.

[ez24]

Just ordered a ADC board using my company name "Self".  The fine print says 6-8 weeks delivery time  ]]

Thanks OP

Forgot about this - I think my 8 weeks is over - will wait until I forget again

[bozidarms]

I also got a shipping notification. Should arrive on 30.1.2018

[Oldtestgear]

Shipping notification from Maxim arrived this morning. Kit should be delivered on Monday. Definitely a result.
Thanks for the heads up.

Phil

[Brumby]

Well, I've just put in for the 24 bit ADC eval kit.

Will it come?  If so, will I get it before or after Easter?

[Ysjoelfir]

I got a mail this week from them, asking to sign a end user statement that I don't plan to use the kit (I chose the MAXREFDES130#: BUILDING AUTOMATION SHIELD) to build nuclear, biological, chemical or other weapons of mass destruction with it, to build missile controll systems or to sell it to any country the US doesn't like. I thought I ordered an arduino shield, not a nuclear warhead?
Oh, and I ordered around october. pretty slow those guys. Don't know if I would like to use anything of them in my designs if the lead times are also that long for the parts they sell...

[sainter]

Got notification that MAXREFDES82# was shipped. Should receive it tomorrow  .

[The Soulman]

My order just shipped from the Philippines, ETA 

[Ysjoelfir]

Got an E-Mail that they wish that I had great success using my eval board, which didn't arrive at all (neither did I get a shipping notification...) yet. Answered to that automated mail and got a copie of a forwarded message where someone asked someone other to "inform the customer". 

[bitwelder]

I was looking for one of the kits that apparently has some secret sauce inside, so after a long wait I've got an email request to print an US export regulation form, fill it, sign it in bloodwith finest fountain pen, re-scan it and send it back.

 

[Neuromodulator]

I was looking for one of the kits that apparently has some secret sauce inside, so after a long wait I've got an email request to print an US export regulation form, fill it, sign it in bloodwith finest fountain pen, re-scan it and send it back.

 

Also received that email a 4 days ago or so

[beenosam]

Well, I hope this works for me. I'm surprised they don't check these things out with a bit more scrutiny.

[The Soulman]

Got an E-Mail that they wish that I had great success using my eval board, which didn't arrive at all (neither did I get a shipping notification...) yet. Answered to that automated mail and got a copie of a forwarded message where someone asked someone other to "inform the customer". 

Yeah same story here, I also replied to that generic maxim email (adress), a day later I did get a polite response, and another day later a message from DHL.

I wonder if you've payed 100+ bucks for a board would it also take over two months with slim to no communication?
Not spending 100 bucks with them in the near future to find out..

[nidlaX]

I wonder if you've payed 100+ bucks for a board would it also take over two months with slim to no communication?
Not spending 100 bucks with them in the near future to find out..

You would expect the same level of service getting something for free as if you'd paid them $100?

[Ysjoelfir]

Actually I would expect that too. If someone is advertising his product to me it doesn't really matter if it is for free or paid since he wants me as his customer.

[mairo]

I think I got my board in around 3 weeks.

[jasonbrent]

Never got mine. Guess I'll fill it out again if it's still live.

EDIT: Doesnt appear live anymore. Oh well.

[Brumby]

I just tried the link - and I was given the form to fill out.  No problems.

Didn't go any further as I don't want to jeopardise my first submission.


No updates about that original submission, though.  That's 5 weeks today.

[The Soulman]

It has arrived!! 

Nicely packaged and as expected some other merchandise stuff as well, including a pen, notebook and cheapo adafruit crocodile cables.

And the MAX11410EVKIT (24bit adc) and MAXM17503EVKIT (dc-dc stepdown).


In total it took over two months, still don't understand why it has taken so long.

[PlainName]

Did you notice that the pen very cleverly makes the business end a stylus too (which, amazingly, works on a phone)?

[Po6ept]

FedEx threw me a tiny surprise party today with a surprise gift.  After almost 3 months, I had forgotten about it!   

I am impressed with what Maxim sent and the extra freebies (notebook, pen, test leads) are a nice addition. 

[sainter]

The packaging was overkill, but It shows the commitment to quality About a long shipping time, I see few reasons why they are doing this:
1. If you need it fast, you will buy it, if you are a start up, you will wait for a free sample.
2. They can produce these kits at a more economic schedule  (if you order one, they won't run a full production run) and they don't have to keep inventory for it (sales inventory would be separate i guess).

All in all very happy with a good development platform, just a bummer that I managed to put my finger at the wrong place and did something to force the board to use extra 100 mA (witch puts LDO to thermal shutdown). Fixed with a brute force of putting a beefier linear regulator. 

[PlainName]

if you are a start up, you will wait for a free sample

Not sure that follows. It assumes that startups are strapped for cash and/or ideas. I would expect startups to be time-poor in that they have no income stream so every minute spent on developing is debt to be repaid later. If anyone needs fast delivery, it should be them.

Also, startups don't typically get all the infrastructure and funding in place and then look around for something to do. I imagine they start with an idea (that is, knowing what they want to produce) and then get going with the aim of doing exactly that.

[Mr. Scram]

Not sure that follows. It assumes that startups are strapped for cash and/or ideas. I would expect startups to be time-poor in that they have no income stream so every minute spent on developing is debt to be repaid later. If anyone needs fast delivery, it should be them.

Also, startups don't typically get all the infrastructure and funding in place and then look around for something to do. I imagine they start with an idea (that is, knowing what they want to produce) and then get going with the aim of doing exactly that.

Judging by the other comments here, having to wait for your parts is just preparing you for the proper Maxim experience later on.

[PlainName]

 

[Brumby]

Judging by the other comments here, having to wait for your parts is just preparing you for the proper Maxim experience later on.

That's a comforting thought .... not.

[Ysjoelfir]

Got an E-Mail that they wish that I had great success using my eval board, which didn't arrive at all (neither did I get a shipping notification...) yet. Answered to that automated mail and got a copie of a forwarded message where someone asked someone other to "inform the customer". 

The "customer" wasn't informed at all until now so I wrote back to the person. Told me that she will ask the production office where the problem is. The support seems to be great if you write to the correct person, but overall speed is definitely lacking...

[Neuromodulator]

Well I cant say support is great, no response from them at all... gonna resend them the email I suppose...

[Ysjoelfir]

I got a message from said person that she spoke to the shipping department and that they will send the order from the philipines tomorrow - few hours later a message from samples department - order was shipped. 

[Neuromodulator]

Got an E-Mail that they wish that I had great success using my eval board, which didn't arrive at all (neither did I get a shipping notification...) yet. Answered to that automated mail and got a copie of a forwarded message where someone asked someone other to "inform the customer". 

The "customer" wasn't informed at all until now so I wrote back to the person. Told me that she will ask the production office where the problem is. The support seems to be great if you write to the correct person, but overall speed is definitely lacking...

So did you answer to the "maxim@maximintegrated.com" email? 3 days and they haven't responded the email...

[Ysjoelfir]

nope. I already deletet that mail but IIRC there was something like "dont answer to that mail, it is not monitored". I wrote directly to sales-europe@maximintegrated.com. I guess you should correct that for the region you are located in.

[Damianos]

Got an E-Mail that they wish that I had great success using my eval board, which didn't arrive at all (neither did I get a shipping notification...) yet. Answered to that automated mail and got a copie of a forwarded message where someone asked someone other to "inform the customer". 

I replied also to this "hoping" e-mail, they responded with apologies for the delay and after a week the package arrived without any further notice.
Total time less than six weeks, not bad, if I remember well they stated about six to eight weeks.
I think that if the first automated message is sent (that verifies the request), it just needs patience.

[zii]

Hi all.

I filled the form on 20th of December and forgot about it.

And just today DHL delivered them to me. Seems like a pretty long time to arrive, but who cares when it's for free.

Everything was neatly packaged and all, pretty nice notebook they sent.
Coincidently just a few days ago I was thinking that I need to make some alligator clip wires for myself, so those were a really nice surprise.

The tiny thing in the center is MAXREFDES117 (Heart-Rate and Pulse-Oximetry Monitor).

Cheers,
Zigmars

[amitchell]

I think this is the source of my suspicious DHL text message.

My smart force sensor should be here tomorrow, it looks like it will make a nice small sized scale. 

[sainter]

Smart force sensor would be a good tool for RC plain builders, because I shows the center of mass. But this system can be scaled UP to manage balancing the load for a semi-truck or a real plane.

[ez24]

It turns out that I liked the delay     I had forgotten and this morning FedEx handed me a package that I was not expecting so it was like a Christmas present 


After months they sent it Priority Overnight (that is very very expensive)

I will send them a thank you and suggestion to use regular methods of sending.  Will open later because my dog is giving me a dirty look - he wants his breakfast.

Edit: I got the 24 bit ADC board.  How much would something like this cost?

[bitseeker]

Edit: I got the 24 bit ADC board.  How much would something like this cost?

$54.98 at DigiKey

[Brumby]

I got the "We hope you're making productive use ..." email too.  I just smiled and said to myself "Maybe, if and when it gets here" and I left it, without reading any more.

I received another email today about some events - and I looked back at the previous email when I noticed the invitation to get a free sample of the MAX11410.  After I checked out the datasheet for it, I thought I just might take them up on that.

Went to the website ... I had to register.  OK.  Did that using the same email address I used for the startup pack.  Tried for the free sample but was rejected because the email address wasn't "business" or "educational" enough for them.  While understandable, it is annoying.  I can sort out a solution to this speed hump if I am so inclined - but it's just another one of those things that I couldn't be bothered doing at the moment.

However, it makes me wonder if my original startup pack request is actually going to be fulfilled.

Think I'll do what ez24 did ... forget about it - and if it does turn up, it will be a lovely surprise.

[jasonbrent]

When you register on their website, it says they exclude "public" emails like google/yahoo/etc. from this.

A few days ago I searched through my email and found a "thank you for signing up for the kit...", then a "we hope you are making a productive use" about a month later, and that same invitation email for the max11410. I registered and filled that out this past Monday.... as of now, Fedex shows a delivery this coming Monday from Maxim.

I don't know if it'll be the original kit or just the max11410... I tried putting the kit part number at the same link as that invitation email but it said no stock/not available.

If it's just the 11410 by itself monday, I'm hoping there's contact information and I'll remind them I never got the original kit and see what happens.

-j

[Brumby]

When you register on their website, it says they exclude "public" emails like google/yahoo/etc. from this.

Where?

I don't remember seeing this - and I've just gone through their 4 T&C documents for customers.

[jasonbrent]

When you register on their website, it says they exclude "public" emails like google/yahoo/etc. from this.

Where?

I don't remember seeing this - and I've just gone through their 4 T&C documents for customers.

I can look in a bit, but I seem to remember it was some text near the email address field when I registered.

[ez24]

When you register on their website, it says they exclude "public" emails like google/yahoo/etc. from this.

FYI  I only have a Yahoo account that I used and I got a ADC kit with a lot of goodies 

Edit:  My company name is : "Self"

[jasonbrent]

The text in this screenshot near "Free Sample Search".... I never received the first eval kit, never received a response to the gmail registration I originally tried.

[Brumby]

In my travels, I never encountered that particular page.  I went straight to the search result page that follows it.

You would think it would be commented as such during the registration process - but it's not.  Flaming well should be.

[jasonbrent]

Agreed.. it's definitely non-obvious. It took me more than a couple of minutes to find it again and screenshot. I think I only found that page because I tried to go back and order the sample for the whole kit I never received.... =)

-j

[soubitos]

I used a friends "company" email but it seems i was not lucky.
Its couple of months if not more since i applied and no response.....

[Ysjoelfir]

Well, I have to admit that I am impressed now. one day after they told me that they shipped the saple from the philipines (mail received around 17 in the evening) it arrived around 10 in the morning the next day! wow, that was fast! And as you allready know, well packed and with lots of goodies. That made me a happy customer and I will potentially use some products in future designs.

[Vgkid]

My pizza box from Maxim arrived yesterday.

[bitseeker]

LOL, it is kind of a pizza box isn't it? Didn't occur to me 'til you mentioned it.

[Brumby]

Still waiting on my medium Supreme with extra cheese.

[jasonbrent]

A teeny tiny IC (MAX11410ATI) arrived this am with nothing else, including contact information. I guess I'm going to have to figure out how to contact them for the rest of the kit... this is impossibly small otherwise.

-j

[jasonbrent]

This gets better...

"samples-admin@maximintegrated.com" just responded to let me know that they don't sample EVkits, only sell them....

I've now forwarded them the list of emails they sent me acknowledging the "free" EVkit that never came.

I think marketing and "samples" are confused @ Maxim.

-j

[Brumby]

I think you'll find that the products on offer under the "Startup Pack" heading (which I see as a specific marketing campaign) will have come from a different avenue to the "Free sample" system, which is a normal part of the business.

The comment you cited sounds exactly what I would expect from one of the "Free sample" people.

[Elasia]

I think you'll find that the products on offer under the "Startup Pack" heading (which I see as a specific marketing campaign) will have come from a different avenue to the "Free sample" system, which is a normal part of the business.

The comment you cited sounds exactly what I would expect from one of the "Free sample" people.

Free samples if you got a site rep that ventures over once and awhile  

I registered for the 24bit toy as well

[Neuromodulator]

Maybe we could start a project to create a DAQ with the 24 bit ADC? Would there be interest in such project?

[Brumby]

I know I would be interested - mainly because I've not delved into ADC circuitry much, let alone with a 24 bit chip and I would be setting myself up for every rookie mistake possible.

Selecting the ADC eval board probably wasn't the smartest choice - but there is something seductive about having 24 bit resolution on the bench that you can play with.  I just hope it doesn't lead into voltnuttery.

That is ... if it turns up.

[The Soulman]

Whoohoo! today I received a shipping notification from maxim! 
Although the parts already arrived, a week ago... 

[The Soulman]

Maybe we could start a project to create a DAQ with the 24 bit ADC? Would there be interest in such project?

Yeah sounds neat, but first a thread to provide some documentation and some basic input (protection) circuitry.
And then, more advanced software to setup easy data logging over the multiple inputs with some half decent resolution.
A dac sounds useful as well as a accurate signal source from dc to 1KHz?

Anyone care to start such a thread?
My adc has to live in the pizza box a bit longer before I get some other projects off the bench..

Pre post edit:  DAQ as in data acquisition, not DAC as in digital to analog converter... never mind..

[jasonbrent]

I received an email from them apologizing for the delay earlier today. Mine is apparenty now in the queue for shipment. Perhaps they are just wayyyy behind.

[Cloud]

Anyone else received Civil end-user statment to fill out?

[Ysjoelfir]

Anyone else received Civil end-user statment to fill out?

Sure. And since you live in one of those evil eastern states which are located geographicaly close to russia you are a potential danger for the poor US economy!
(Meaning: sure, just write that you don't intend to sell that stuff to anyone and everything is fine.)

[bitwelder]

Do they *require* a company/business address, or any humble hobbyist private address would be ok?

[The Soulman]

Do they *require* a company/business address, or any humble hobbyist private address would be ok?

You only have to think of a imaginary company name, address and such can be your personal.

[bitwelder]

You only have to think of a imaginary company name, address and such can be your personal.

Thanks. I think "Acme Bomb Inc." would do it 

[Brumby]

Been meaning to post this for a bit ....  I recently received an SMS from DHL notifying of a shipment from MAXIM PHIL OPERATING.

Delivery is estimated for Friday 13th.  I Hope that's not an omen.

[CJay]

I managed to lay my hands on one of the LED Matrix demo boards (traded with a friend) in addition to the 24 bit isolated ADC board I ordered and received.

It's, umm, not fantastic shall we say.

The demo is uninspiring and it doesn't seem to be a particularly useful board at all but, worse, it's now dead.

I loaded the code into an Arduino, it ran, I reset it after making a few changes to get a feel for how it works, it ran and worked how I expected it to.

Then it died, I've not been able to bring it back to life at all, reloaded the original sketch, reset, tried a different Arduino, checked power supplies etc.

It's dead Jim.

Not impressed, so that's one for the bin.

[Brumby]

Received a tracking update over my morning cuppa - scheduled for delivery today!!

Checked the tracking and saw it was in the hands of the delivery driver at 7:37.  It was delivered exactly one hour later ... just a few minutes ago!


Have to clear a spot before I can open it...!

[soubitos]

Received a tracking update over my morning cuppa - scheduled for delivery today!!

Checked the tracking and saw it was in the hands of the delivery driver at 7:37.  It was delivered exactly one hour later ... just a few minutes ago!


Have to clear a spot before I can open it...!

When did you apply for this?

[Brumby]

I recorded that here in this thread.

Here it is...

Well, I've just put in for the 24 bit ADC eval kit.

Will it come?  If so, will I get it before or after Easter?

So, 72 days by my reckoning - and only 3 of those days were for transit.

[soubitos]

I recorded that here in this thread.

Here it is...

Well, I've just put in for the 24 bit ADC eval kit.

Will it come?  If so, will I get it before or after Easter?

So, 72 days by my reckoning - and only 3 of those days were for transit.

Well then... i might just have a chance to get something after all.. although i am sure i placed my order about a month earlier well.. anyway...

[Brumby]

Still haven't opened the box yet.

It patiently sits behind me ... just beckoning ... teasingly.

[jasonbrent]

Still haven't opened the box yet.

It patiently sits behind me ... just beckoning ... teasingly.

Make it wait as long as you did....

[Brumby]

Twice tortured!

(It's still skulking in the shadows, but I shall prevail - tomorrow maybe.)

[Brumby]

It is done.

Neat boards - with rubber feet, no less - 24 bit ADC evaluation board and a 5.5V 5A power modules evaluation kit.  (I just know I'm going to have fun with finding out just how noisy things are around my bench...)

Also included was a very nice 192 page notebook with 5mm grid; a silicone credit card pouch you can stick on something (they suggest your mobile device); a black pen with Maxim logo - which stares at you if you are right-handed (southpaws are spared this); a 1.8m micro USB cable and a pack of 12 alligator clip cables from Adafruit.

Took its time getting here - but you can't argue for the price.

[Macbeth]

Blimey - I ordered this last year and got nothing, but then an email from Maxim congratulating me on my EV kit (not received) and telling me how I must have had so much productive use with it that I should go and ask for a free MAX11410 EV kit. Which is exactly what I ordered back in December and not received... 

That was February. I sent a mildly snarky email back and had no response and wrote of Maxim.

I've just got a DHL notification that my kit is coming from the Philippines. Tracked. Priority Airmail. WTF? 

[nidlaX]

Again, it takes a long time, but I think you can't complain given the amount of goodies they actually send you. It's above and beyond what you can get from most component manufacturers these days.

[stevelup]

I got my shipping notice yesterday (and hadn’t sent any snarky e-mails) so I guess they’re just working through them slowly.

[timelessbeing]

I got my Maxim stuff today. First impression is disappointment.

The output cap on the 17503 DC-DC board came pre-exploded. Is it a used module or something?

Then there's the 7219 LED array. The pins were bent up, and they didn't line up the emitters, which would have kept the spacing between LEDs consistent. So instead there's an ugly cross-shapped gap in the middle. There's a switch on the back with no marking showing what is on or off. There is what looks like an indicator LED, but it stays on in both switch positions. Do I have to read a manual to find out how to turn it on?

I know it's free, and it's rude to look a gift horse in the mouth. But these kits are supposed to get people excited about using your product. People will be evaluating them (and Maxim).

[Brumby]

Nice crack in the top of that cap.

As for the LED modules, those tabs and slots are meant to link the modules, so there is no gap.  As they are, the emitters are not equally spaced between the modules (as they are within each module).

Fitted properly, they should look something more like this:

[timelessbeing]

Nice crack in the top of that cap.

And what's that gob of solder doing underneath it?

those tabs and slots are meant to link the modules, so there is no gap.  As they are, the emitters are not equally spaced

That's exactly what I said. They should have made it look nice.

[Brumby]

Nice crack in the top of that cap.

And what's that gob of solder doing underneath it?

An excess of solder paste.  I doubt it would do anything to affect operation ... but it isn't pretty.

those tabs and slots are meant to link the modules, so there is no gap.  As they are, the emitters are not equally spaced

That's exactly what I said. They should have made it look nice.

Sorry - I didn't quite read it that way.  Besides, there are always going to be joints between any sort of modular display - but it is normal for these to be behind a covering panel, which will hide this - especially if there is any sort of tint.

[Spirit532]

Just received a warm letter from my customs office asking something along the lines of "what is this and how did you get it", as well as "why is it addressed to a nonexistant company at a residential place".
No shipping notice, signed up months ago. This was a rather scary surprise. Thanks, Maxim, now I have to pay an exorbitant amount to receive my free stuff.

[Kalin]

Just received a warm letter from my customs office asking something along the lines of "what is this and how did you get it", as well as "why is it addressed to a nonexistant company at a residential place".
No shipping notice, signed up months ago. This was a rather scary surprise. Thanks, Maxim, now I have to pay an exorbitant amount to receive my free stuff.

You filled out a form with a nonexistent company at a residential address and then blame them for the import charges? Do you see how that is ridiculous?

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[Macbeth]

Just received a warm letter from my customs office asking something along the lines of "what is this and how did you get it", as well as "why is it addressed to a nonexistant company at a residential place".
No shipping notice, signed up months ago. This was a rather scary surprise. Thanks, Maxim, now I have to pay an exorbitant amount to receive my free stuff.

Mine arrived clearly stating on the outside of the parcel: "Engineering Samples. No Commercial Value. Not for re-sale".

How do customs assess the import charges?

I can't see how Maxim is at fault here.

[Macbeth]

You filled out a form with a nonexistent company at a residential address and then blame them for the import charges? Do you see how that is ridiculous?

How do we know this business is non-existent? All businesses have to start somewhere. Also I don't see why people can't run a business from a residential address?

Maxims promotion is clearly aimed at "start-ups" don't forget. 

[medical-nerd]

Just received a warm letter from my customs office asking something along the lines of "what is this and how did you get it", as well as "why is it addressed to a nonexistant company at a residential place".
No shipping notice, signed up months ago. This was a rather scary surprise. Thanks, Maxim, now I have to pay an exorbitant amount to receive my free stuff.

Mine arrived clearly stating on the outside of the parcel: "Engineering Samples. No Commercial Value. Not for re-sale".

How do customs assess the import charges?

I can't see how Maxim is at fault here.

I received mine today - labelled exactly the same with no customs charges.

Cheers

[Kalin]

[quote/]

How do we know this business is non-existent? All businesses have to start somewhere. Also I don't see why people can't run a business from a residential address?

Maxims promotion is clearly aimed at "start-ups" don't forget. 

I agree. I have a business at a residential address, But he clearly stated that it is a nonexistent business. How can you blame someone else at that point?

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[Brumby]

I just used "Independent Designer" in place of a business/company name.  Both TI and Maxim were happy enough to use that.

Mine arrived clearly stating on the outside of the parcel: "Engineering Samples. No Commercial Value. Not for re-sale".

Same

How do customs assess the import charges?

Mine had a "Commercial Invoice" included, stating a total value of USD$115.28 for the contents - so if Customs wanted a number, that's one place they could get it.

[Spirit532]

You filled out a form with a nonexistent company at a residential address and then blame them for the import charges? Do you see how that is ridiculous?

They'd let it through, but DHL doesn't operate well within our country(Belarus), so they sent it to customs instead.
It's not the business part they care about, it's the declared value. I can easily explain away that I sent it to my own nickname online(which is what I did, but with legitimate purposes of evaluating the part's use in a product I hope to market and sell).

I was expecting a much lower value package though, there's over $110 of parts in there, ha. A nice gesture from Maxim though.

[Macbeth]

Mine had a "Commercial Invoice" included, stating a total value of USD$115.28 for the contents - so if Customs wanted a number, that's one place they could get it.

No invoice with mine, just some packing notes. Thankfully, as we have a pathetically low customs allowance in the EU.

[timelessbeing]

it is normal for these to be behind a covering panel, which will hide this

When the LEDs are on, there is nothing that will hide that uneven spacing running right through the middle, making it look like 4 panels rather than one. I thought that was pretty clear. 

[Brumby]

it is normal for these to be behind a covering panel, which will hide this

When the LEDs are on, there is nothing that will hide that uneven spacing running right through the middle, making it look like 4 panels rather than one. I thought that was pretty clear. 

I find that hard (but not impossible) to believe.  The very concept of these modules being designed as they are is to allow for building up the array size you want by fitting multiple modules together.

If you've fitted them together properly (which they haven't been in your original photo) and they don't line up, then that's a big fail, IMHO.

[timelessbeing]

Obviously it would look fine if it was assembled properly.

But you said, "... a covering panel, which will hide this" , which I took to mean this panel that I possess, which has been the subject of conversation.

Ambiguous pronoun reference I guess.

[timelessbeing]

And what's that gob of solder doing underneath it?

An excess of solder paste.  I doubt it would do anything to affect operation ... but it isn't pretty.

What kind of solder paste exerts enough force to bend a solid pad of plastic?

To me it looks like there a was a blob of solid solder already on the PCB when the pick&place machine whacked the cap on there. Possibly damaging it in the process.

[bitseeker]

What kind of solder paste exerts enough force to bend a solid pad of plastic?

To me it looks like there a was a blob of solid solder already on the PCB when the pick&place machine whacked the cap on there. Possibly damaging it in the process.

I concur. First I've seen something like that happen. Of course, the cap being blown already is pretty weird too.

[CJay]

Well that's two for two.

The  MAXREFDES99 LED board died and now I'm trying to bring up the 62630FTHR ARM Cortex board.

Following the excruciatingly patronising video here:


The DAP programmer contains a HTML file which links to the wrong board on the MBED site so it looks like you need to choose the right one, not difficult but selecting the correct board on MBED is a waste of time.

The examples compile correctly but copying the BIN file to the DAP in exactly the same way as I copy the BIN to my original LPC1768 MBED board just doesn't work, the file copies, the device pauses then disappears only to reappear with a file named 'FAIL' that says the transfer timed out.


Definitely a FAIL as far as I'm concerned.

****EDIT****

MAXIM are innocent, at least mostly, lesson I should have learned long ago, RTFM, never take anything for granted and always verify for yourself, the MBED page references the DAPLink board needing a firmware image to match the board

https://os.mbed.com/platforms/MAX32630FTHR/

which leads you to here for the images needed:

https://os.mbed.com/teams/MaximIntegrated/wiki/MAXREFDES100HDK

Pressing and holding the reset button on the DAPLink board when plugging it in will put it in Maintenance mode, then you can drag and drop the correct firmware to it and it will program itself.

Once that's done it works nicely.

Be aware though, the pinout of the DAP connector in the pin diagram on the first page is wrong, that lead me astray for a little time as there are two GND connections on it where the pinout says there should be a USB connection and the SWCLK connection so I am wary of trusting the rest of the pinout information.

The pinout in the schematic is correct.

[timelessbeing]

I just used "Independent Designer" in place of a business/company name.  Both TI and Maxim were happy enough to use that.

I think TI is cracking down on free samples since they've launched their online "TI Store". I've been getting free samples from them for some time. But my latest one, a few weeks ago, was declined and I was told to buy them from their store.

[Mr. Scram]

I think TI is cracking down on free samples since they've launched their online "TI Store". I've been getting free samples from them for some time. But my latest one, a few weeks ago, was declined and I was told to buy them from their store.

They're just shooting themselves in the foot. I've had trouble buying MSP430 boards from TI to give those a whirl. Not getting for free, buying. I gave up jumping through their hoops. Not having toyed with their chips means those aren't on any shortlist for potential parts for my projects. I'd rather pick parts I have some experience with. It's their loss.

[W2DML]

It looks like they are still doing this promotion. I applied months ago and finally received my 24 bit adc kit today, can't wait to mess around with it.

[rrinker]

 I forget when I actually signed up - some time after I happened to discover this thread, a couple of months ago I would guess. Just got my stuff yesterday. I got the power module one and the PLC Arduino shield one. Haven't had a chance to actually apply power to anything, just took them out and looked over the boards.
 I can think of a few things to use the PLC board for. But the extra swag might be the most useful - that notebook is fantastic.

[CJay]

Notebook is a win, lovely piece of swag and the pen writes quite nicely too but the card holder rubber thingy? WTF?

[KaneTW]

Got my boards without any issues, addressed to myself. Haven't tested them, but might be useful for some stuff.

[Ysjoelfir]

Notebook is a win, lovely piece of swag and the pen writes quite nicely too but the card holder rubber thingy? WTF?

That cardholder thing is actually quite usefull. I threw mine in the trash but a friend gave me his one (as well as some other stuff along with it, meaning "here is your electronic....things you made me order"  ) and I thought I should give it a try. It graps on cards really well and when you are just on the go somewhere it is very usefull when you just want your ID card and a public transportation ticket with you, instead of carrying around a bag or your purse.

[maxwell3e10]

I also got the free MAX11410 EV KIT 24-bit ADC with this promotion. Its a very nice board with galvanic isolation and I am starting to think about how to turn it into a logging platform.
They provide the firmware code for the MAXQ622 processor that controls the ADC. So it should not be too hard  to modify it so it can stream the measurements continuously. But I thought I would ask if someone has done it already before I start playing with the IAR Embedded Workbench that I have no experience with.

[Vgkid]

The one problem with the 11410EVK is that sometimes it will freeze every time while trying to make a measurement , then close , time after time.

[metrologist]

Maybe we could start a project to create a DAQ with the 24 bit ADC? Would there be interest in such project?

What's anyone got?

[maxwell3e10]

Mine MAX11410 EV KIT is working fine.
I've looked a bit into USB traffic, looks like all the raw commands are coming from the Windows program, MAXQ622 is just a USB-SPI interface. So one approach is to make a python program to talk to USB HID port.

Another approach is to put all register addresses into MAXQ622 program and make a serial interface with some ascii configuration commands following by continuous streaming of data back.