I wrote some desktop software in Python.
I tested circuits with Arduino / Breadboard.
Then I packaged up the Arduino board w/o breadboard into an encasement for better testing.
I like what I have setup so far and now want to move forward; figuring out the manufacturing requirements for the circuit. An Arduino Uno was used in the prototype, but I'm quite sure I don't need all of the extra features it offers.
My prototype communicates with Python via USB Serial and uses a pretty simple button / LED indicator setup, and that's basically it. It powers itself from the USB (no batteries). What I want to do now is learn the best way to reduce down what I have built into the parts I actually need (as per manufacturing my own boards specifically for this purpose).
I watched the manufacturing video on here, which was fantastic! I'm aware of the pricing involved and will probably be looking to do a short run of ~5,000 after it's tested.
Anyway, question time:
I have this working prototype. I need to clean up my manufacturing projections and want to find the most inexpensive parts required to do the job (5k, 10k, 100k orders). What direction should I be walking in?
Is this a forum where I could ask people to help?
Should I hire someone? (seems like such a relatively small job to do)
Are there articles or software that will help tell me what parts I should look for?
Requirements (just incase):
USB serial communication / power
No internal storage
Simple button that reports on/off (or maybe soft potentiometer)
LED (for indicating state)
Thanks guys and gals!