Getting help from the manufacturer

[jsi]

Following on to my question about bigger projects, I've come to a sticky place and I'm in over my head.  When I google the chip that is the heart of the project I only get the manufactures web site and the various parts houses that sell it. To be fair it is a very niche product that isn't something a typical home player let alone a young player is going to use.  Being both a home and young (at heart) player I am a little timid about talking to the manufacturer. 

I know every manufacturer is going to be different, but is there a general rule about how much help to expect from them?


 https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/bigger-project-design/msg995522/#msg995522

[danadak]

Never hesitate to ask, worst that can happen is you get no support.

FAE (Field Application Engineer) is usually an excellent point of contact. Contact
local sales office or the manufacturers rep for contact info. Some, but in my
experience a small number, will not give you the time of day if you are not attached
to a company. But many will try to help, withing reason. They have many tasks
assigned to them and goals, so support can be limited.

Regards, Dana.

[singapol]

Put it this way, a field application engineer will only talk to you if you are working in a company that could possibly use it's products of which if the company is already a customer then this technical help is rendered
as seller wants to increase sales. I'm sure if you have ever ask for free samples one of the questions asked is
what is the expected quantity of said product's use. Other than that the datasheet is your only point of reference and whatever forum discussion by people's experience who have used such product.