USB-to-Serial Module based coders cable

[Chaotis]

Maybe talk to lik-sang about selling them. Not sure what kind of agreement you could come to so that you still get something in return for the work you've done but I bet they could produce it in greater amounts and take care of selling them and stuff. Just an idea.

[semicolo]

You would have 2 (maybe 3) clients in france for now. They are willing to pay 45 euros maximum, the $ is relatively low today so it sould be ok with shipping included.

[pboese]

This odd world economy right now is favoring some American manufacturers. The Canadian goverment is threatening to apply 100% tarriffs to yachts and boats made here in the states. :

FYI, I'm in talks with online merchants right now to sell the USB Coders Cables. Nothing to report right now. No deals, no bytes, but no bad news yet either

[Alexvrb]

Hopefully you can work something out with a major vendor. You can call it the Axlen DC Coder's Cable Pro Plus Ultra.

[84TAVeRT]

have you thought about a paypal site for preorders
i am planning to get my dremcast back and start playing with it again...

later,
Chris

[pboese]

[quote author=84TAVeRT link=board=hardware;num=1093196907;start=75#84 date=12/08/04 at 14:58:17]have you thought about a paypal site for preorders
i am planning to get my dremcast back and start playing with it again...

later,
Chris[/quote]
I'll take a look at what they have to offer if my talks with other sites don't work out. Thanks.

[pboese]

As promised, here's the schematic to the USB Coders Cable. This is the final version. Click on it to view the full size image.


Updated schematic revision to "F": Changed resistor on RX2 line from pull-down to pull-up. Prevents spurious activiity on RX2 line when the USB bus is off-line (PC turned off or USB cable unplugged)

[pboese]

The PayPal route seems like an easy way to get the ball rolling. I've used PayPal once a few years ago for an EBay purchase; my Dreamcast. Basically I would accept orders via email. This would be PayPal transactions only. No credit cards. I will add an alias to my email account and post that address when I'm ready to start taking pre-orders (soon). I need to finish up a webpage that will provide you with all the details about the USB Coders Cable features, software links, pics, etc.

The 49 $US plus shipping for each unit still stands. I have not seen a need to change it providing I can keep all my costs down. Not having to fork 2-4% to PayPal per transaction for a merchant account that accepts credit cards is one way. Getting 100+ orders would be another way I don't know if that much interest exists. For all I know this forum topic is visited by one or two real users... 2 VeRy neurotic users and myself ;D

That said, does anyone have a problem with PayPal?

[pboese]

Here's a picture of the populated Rev D pcb. It works great! No leakage issues. This baby is in compliance with USB standards for bus powered devices. As soon as I get the case machined I'll post another picture.

[pboese]

Here is the First completed USB Coders Cable.


Glowing in the dark...


Another view...