Don't stress about the guy going missing. There are mongrels everywhere - I hope he got nothing from you.
I'd suggest that you keep the updates happening (on the Crowd Funding page). Some of the stuff you have been talking about with jbb may be a good starting point - he drinks, so he can't be all bad. The updates will show that this is a product for the future and not a dead end.
What other modules are you looking at - other than power supplies? A self contained generator/meter for complete frequency responses - or other module combinations for designer/maker small production runs would keep interest going.
And then there are your early birds. It appears that as most of your clients want "one with the lot" and are prepared to pay for it. You have 80-odd potential product ambassadors who should promote the unit in order to ensure that they get theirs. Best of luck.
One more thought. How about a demo of a computer controlled test scenario/s where information is fed back to the operator for decision making?
I used a H24005 to test some Chinese vibration motors to destruction before I committed to buy more. I'm not aware of any other power supply family that can do the work of the products in the Envox family AT THEIR PRICE POINT.
I have had quite some time now to think around your project. I was not sure where to post this, but I think it fits a bit better here than in the announcement post.
The points I am going to outline all are related to the mechanical design. I am also aware that, for the running campaign, not much (if anything) can be changed. Also, I am referencing the open box picture on Crowdsupply.
1. The wiring harness.
Is the harness routed as it is in the picture, or is that pic more of a showcase of the harness? I would be afraid if the harness could be pinched between the divider and the lid when something heavy is placed on top of the BB3. I would prefer the harness to be routed through the divider. Also, a minor point, looking at the lowest module, it seems that the harness is a tad too short, flexing the board.
2. The Aux Power Board.
Actually my biggest critique of the design. By the looks of it, I would have to open the BB3 to unplug it. Would it not make much more sense to have a power jack on the back panel and run wires to the AUX board, instead of having that deeply recessed power jack? In the process I would also make the fuse accessible without opening the box
3. The Ethernet port.
I have read you explaining somewhere here that the ethernet port is where it is, mainly for routing issues. I get that, looking at the gerbers, moving the port to the other side may be a major issue. One suggestion that should be possible without major changes: Use a "top loading" RJ45 jack. Maybe even keep the LED indicators on the front panel. Then use a small patch cord with a clip-in coupling to route the network to the back of the unit.
4. The backplane.
Last point, and the biggest. I'm sure you have explained it somewhere: Why not an actual, well, backplane?
That would of course be a major change. Something that would require a re-spin of almost everything. But the ability of changing modules without opening the box would be a major benefit in my opinion, especially once more modules become available. And I'm sure a backplane could be designed to allow enough airflow.
But of course proper backplane connectors are expensive, and additional mechanical features like guide rails and stable mounting of the backplane would also increase cost.
Nothing of this will be stopping my pledge (which I may still upgrade). Some of these (the harness, Aux board and maybe the network) will be things that I will try to implement with the kit.
I just wanted to present my ideas. I'm sure you had good reasons to design the BB3 as you did.
Maybe some of that can be used for an eventual BB4
4. I was not aware that you could swap modules while only having access to the front. See point 1 why I though that this was not possible . I can see the flexibility advantage of having less limitations for the board size.
1. I've backed the Early Bird 2x Channel + extra DCM220 module for 4x channels... however say I wanted more channels, maybe the same again:
What options, if any, are there for tracking between multiple units? I obviously don't want to combine voltages/currents in any combination between 2x BB3's, but is it possible to turn all outputs on and off of both BB3's from one unit? Can I safely combine multiple BB3's to have one single common GND? [Say set each unit to common GND mode, and link both units with a lead?]
Many of my projects have many voltage rails, so looking for a good solution. [e.g. typically use simultaneously up to: -24V, +24V, +3.3V, +5V, +2.5V, +6.0V, +7.5V +12V], often less.
Are there any other clever features that you can think of having multiple BB3's "talk" to each other, to provide a nice scaleable solution?
2. Could a BB3 be configured with 3x DCP405 (Full) or is it limited to 2x - any other caveats running 3x DCP405 modules?
3. How future proof is the BB3 chassis? I see you made the H24005, which I'm unfamiliar with, but how long is the BB3 likely to stick around, or will there likely be a new chassis in a year or two?
4. Do you have a timeline on any new modules // roadmap?
Keep up the excellent work! I really hope you make the 100% target; the level of detail you've put in to this is really excellent.
All the best,
Dan
Yes, triggering is already supported, if we need more "magic" we'll add it