RE: New project...PCI based servo control board

["Craig Edwards" <cedwards-at-ceinetworks.com>]

Well, sure I hope so...:) 

Honestly, I really can't comment intelligently on "price" at this stage,
because I'm not even sure that I can afford to offer this as a "product".
My plans are to get a spec together, cost out the BOM, assembly, etc, then
see how many are interested.  Like all electronic products, everything
depends on volume.  This will obviously be a niche product, but the cost
difference for even small quantities (say qty 10 vs. 100) is significant
(typically almost 2:1).  Another hurdle I have to work through are the NRE
costs associated with a PCI card design.  It's not so much the cost of
getting the boards fab'ed or assembled, it's the cost of the IP associated
with PCI interfaces (hardware and software)... but again I really have to
work through all the details.

I will say that I think it has to priced under $500.... and perhaps much
lower.  Actually, if anyone has input as to a key target price or
competitive product I'd much appreciate it. (email me privately if you
like).  There is no sense wasting a lot of effort "re-inventing" something
already available....(unless of course it's half the price..:)

Oh... One last comment on price... I would plan to offer the first run of X
number of boards to members of this list at a reduced price, just enough to
cover parts and assembly. I think this is fair for two reasons; first, a
product of this complexity will need lots of "beta" testers (and I know I
always expect a "discount" in that mode....), and secondly, the success of
this type of "open ended" project always depends on the willingness and
generosity of people to participate in the definition (and perhaps creation)
of the product.  So hopefully..... We'll have a win-win.

-Craig

-----Original Message-----
From: emc-at-nist.gov [emc-at-nist.gov] On Behalf Of alex
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 3:30 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: Re: New project...PCI based servo control board



Craig,
will this card be price competetive to existing products?
Alex
----- Original Message -----
From: Craig Edwards <cedwards-at-ceinetworks.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <emc-at-nist.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 2:42 PM
Subject: RE: New project...PCI based servo control board


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