SynthModules

Andrew,

I can't wait to see your latest programs.  Your previous efforts have
been incredible.  Do you have any MP3's of completed works we can
listen to yet?  As far as the PSIM-1's go, I miscounted before.  There
are a total of 24 "In The Wild", plus 2 that were completed months ago
I've been using as templates (so two of you out there are going to get
earlier dated modules), and 30 more (12 of which are partials) that
are getting ready to ship.  That will make a total of 56 total with
six more following shortly as I'll be doing two prototype runs of
three modules to try out some new ideas for improving and cutting down
manufacturing time.  Next time I design a module and do a layout with
all vertically mounted resistors... someone please kick me in my head!
 ;) 

* Yes Grant... I know... next time I'll listen!  :) * 

Mistakes I've made so far include using all (except the DAC)
through-hole parts, all vertically mounted individual resistors (could
have used a few resistor networks and reduced the parts count a lot),
screwed up the spacing on all the diodes (each had to be hand-formed -
don't trust PCB layout software!), and most importantly... back up all
the files as I go.  As most of you know, I had some computer problems
that caused some set-backs.  Well, what only a couple of you know is
to what extent.  My primary computer died.  That you know.  What you
probably didn't know was it actually died twice.  First, the mainboard
fried itself.  So, I built a new computer and trasferred the files
over.  No problem.  But then, the new computer did something I had
never expected.  It died too!  I lost ALL my emails, files, design
notes, PCB files, panel files, layout files, shipping addresses, parts
orders, etc.  I was running a RAID 1 array (mirrored drives) and
thought things were "safe".  However, the RAID controller took a dive
and wiped the partition table.  Basic recovery utilities didn't do a
thing.  Even on a Linux box (which easily can see and do data recovery
on about 99% of "lost" NTFS drives/files) saw nothing but completely
blank SATA drives.  A good friend of mine does data recovery for a
living.  Using about $40k worth of equipment and software, he
recovered 100% of my files.  I got it ALL back (and now burned to
DVD).  I had to build a new computer *again* and am doing regular
backups.  Can you imagine what I felt like when I thought I had lost
ALL the PSIM-1 files???  

Anyway, the six "new" modules have not be sold or spoken for yet...
but more details will be released once ALL these remaining modules
have shipped.  Until then, I'm not even thinking about anything else.

The remaining modules are sitting here next to me.  The PSIM-1 PCB's
are completely populated, and resting neatly in an anti-static drive
tray (the kind hard drives are shipped in).  It's quite an awesome
site to see all those boards completed (except the soldering).

More later... another update soon...

Take care,
Brice


--- In SynthModules@yahoogroups.com, "Andrew Scheidler"
<xpandrew@p...> wrote:
> Hey Brice -
> 
> Good to hear that things are going well!  There will be a lot of
*really
> happy* people soon :)
> 
> I'll try to get a few of my newer programs cleaned up and
nice-looking,
> then post them for Psimian Consumption.
> 
> So how many PSIMs are on the planet now?  And how many are in this
new
> batch?
> 
> Andrew
> 
> http://www.ph.k12.in.us/~drew/noise/psim/
> 
> >>> synthmodules@s... 05/12/05 9:12 AM >>>
> Just a quick update... I met my goals for yesterday.  ALL the
> remaining PSIM-1 boards are fully populated.  I'm on track for
> soldering on Sunday.  :)
> 
> More later...
> - Brice
> http://www.SynthModules.com 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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> http://www.SynthModules.com
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