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This isn't fun anymore. All my projects are on hold.
rx8pilot:
I love electronics and do it for fun and for a living.
The sad part is that the current state of the supply chain is so draining that I am dreading any electronics work. Of the three major professional projects I have been working on for over a year - all on indefinite hold. At first I tried part substitutions. Then altering the design based on parts I could get. At some point, I just figured that I was chasing my tail with zero guarantee production quantities. Kills the bottom line and destroys my interest.
How many small businesses are turning into dust with these problems?
Anyone looking for a career change right now?
pqass:
Don't be too hasty on that career change. The current situation won't last; another year at most?
Professionally, yeah, you have a short-term problem.
Can you split your design such that a daughter board has the more volatile components?
It might cost you an extra connector pair but gives you the opportunity to solidify most of your design.
I'm only a hobbyist so my lack of supply really doesn't matter. I'll just buy a few new parts (whatever I can get) and experiment with those. For example, I just bought a few ESP32-VROOM boards for my USBBluetooth keyboard design.
rx8pilot:
--- Quote from: pqass on July 19, 2021, 12:33:32 am ---Don't be too hasty on that career change. The current situation won't last; another year at most?
--- End quote ---
If I 100% relied on electronics, I would not last a year of not selling anything. It has already been months that I have not been able to build anything new. A small handful of products are being delivered from the remaining stock of parts.
I do have the ability to pursue some projects that are purely mechanical, but it will take a few months to get any of those to where I can sell them (at least). Definitely do NOT want a career change but this kind of pain is getting intense.
georges80:
Use the time to dream up new designs and hunt for new projects/customers. It's also a time to rethink life choices and future goals. Potentially it is also an opportunity to think of new niche areas that are safe havens. Take some time to also study and learn about new products and technologies.
It's not just the component supply problem, even when components are available the prices continue to creep up. Some components I use have nearly doubled in cost.
And yes, redesign for available components can be a losing battle as others do the same and those available components disappear overnight. I've seen that happen a few times.
We're going to see some killer inflation over the next year or so.
cheers,
george.
pqass:
--- Quote from: rx8pilot on July 19, 2021, 12:49:04 am ---
--- Quote from: pqass on July 19, 2021, 12:33:32 am ---Don't be too hasty on that career change. The current situation won't last; another year at most?
--- End quote ---
If I 100% relied on electronics, I would not last a year of not selling anything. It has already been months that I have not been able to build anything new. A small handful of products are being delivered from the remaining stock of parts.
I do have the ability to pursue some projects that are purely mechanical, but it will take a few months to get any of those to where I can sell them (at least). Definitely do NOT want a career change but this kind of pain is getting intense.
--- End quote ---
I thought you meant a more permanent career change.
If you can't sell anything because of lack of supply, then you might have to (figuratively) sweep floors for a few months to get by.
Do what artists are doing. Can't play gigs so write songs in the meantime.
ie. Buy small quantities and finalize your design now then go into production when quantities are available.
If you're a contract designer, then convey same to your clients. Everyone is the same boat WRT shortages. I'm sure the need for your product will still be there when supply returns.
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