Oneslowz28
06-27-2010, 10:58 PM
Some of you may have seen the project I have been working on. For those of you who have not, here is a short introduction.
I wanted to build a project with my Arduino that would teach me the basics of using a micro controller to control a set number of devices and display feedback from them also. So after some thought, I decided to build an Arduino Controlled Water Cooling Information Center.
It started out small and my initial goals were to read Fan RPM, Pump RPM, Water Temperature and display the data on an LCD screen. Since that first concept I have added several features and now am at the point I am going to have a custom PCB made for it. So I thought why not sell a few and share my cool new toy with everyone. So what I want to know, is does the price seem reasonable for the features you get?
The final design will be able to display information on 2 water loops. It will include:
3 Temp sensor inputs
2 Pump RPM inputs
2 Flow Meter inputs
3 Fan RPM input Plus PWM speed control
1 16x2 LCD
1 Alarm System to warn of flow stop. (Blinking LED and Buzzer)
I can code in an "opening sequence" to say anything you would like as long as it fits on 2 lines with 16 characters each. So it could be tailored to fit your theme.
I do plan on selling these as a complete working device. I will be creating a custom PCB for this project which will have an on-board ATMEGA328 micro controller. This will allow me to use as little space as possible as well as save some $$ on the production run. Total PCB size is 5cm x 5cm max. It may wind up being about 1/3 smaller. It will be able to be programmed by anyone with an USBASP programmer ($10 on ebay) so updating the firmware will able to be done by the user. The ACLCIC will ship with the most up to date firmware installed. I have not worked out what else will be included but as it sits right now I will be able to sell these for $99.00 USD and still turn a very small profit.
I think I may offer a few options like:
5.25 bay adapter (fan controls would be moved here as well.)
2 or 3 bits power temp stop fittings
1 or 3 temp probes
Different Color LCDs (Maybe RGB)
This still wont be ready for production for another month or so and then I will have to get at least a pre-order of 10 before I can manufacture and sell them at the $99.00 price. This is because it is much cheaper to buy components in bulk than single items. Think like 45% cheaper.
So just out of curiosity, If I were to list these at $99 would you consider buying one with a lead time of 2-3 weeks?
Note: No orders are being accepted at this time. So your answer is not a commitment, I am just curious if the demand is there.
I wanted to build a project with my Arduino that would teach me the basics of using a micro controller to control a set number of devices and display feedback from them also. So after some thought, I decided to build an Arduino Controlled Water Cooling Information Center.
It started out small and my initial goals were to read Fan RPM, Pump RPM, Water Temperature and display the data on an LCD screen. Since that first concept I have added several features and now am at the point I am going to have a custom PCB made for it. So I thought why not sell a few and share my cool new toy with everyone. So what I want to know, is does the price seem reasonable for the features you get?
The final design will be able to display information on 2 water loops. It will include:
3 Temp sensor inputs
2 Pump RPM inputs
2 Flow Meter inputs
3 Fan RPM input Plus PWM speed control
1 16x2 LCD
1 Alarm System to warn of flow stop. (Blinking LED and Buzzer)
I can code in an "opening sequence" to say anything you would like as long as it fits on 2 lines with 16 characters each. So it could be tailored to fit your theme.
I do plan on selling these as a complete working device. I will be creating a custom PCB for this project which will have an on-board ATMEGA328 micro controller. This will allow me to use as little space as possible as well as save some $$ on the production run. Total PCB size is 5cm x 5cm max. It may wind up being about 1/3 smaller. It will be able to be programmed by anyone with an USBASP programmer ($10 on ebay) so updating the firmware will able to be done by the user. The ACLCIC will ship with the most up to date firmware installed. I have not worked out what else will be included but as it sits right now I will be able to sell these for $99.00 USD and still turn a very small profit.
I think I may offer a few options like:
5.25 bay adapter (fan controls would be moved here as well.)
2 or 3 bits power temp stop fittings
1 or 3 temp probes
Different Color LCDs (Maybe RGB)
This still wont be ready for production for another month or so and then I will have to get at least a pre-order of 10 before I can manufacture and sell them at the $99.00 price. This is because it is much cheaper to buy components in bulk than single items. Think like 45% cheaper.
So just out of curiosity, If I were to list these at $99 would you consider buying one with a lead time of 2-3 weeks?
Note: No orders are being accepted at this time. So your answer is not a commitment, I am just curious if the demand is there.