MOTM

Since several folks specifically asked.......

HW: I haven't had much time the last 2 months to work on it. The front panel 
prototype had some issues with parts fitting properly/lining up. Nothing major, 
just nudging stuff around.

The physical hardware is prototyped and debugged. I'm adding a small "safety" 
RAM for future features, and I have to get that added and then the production pc 
boards into CAD.

The HW (me) is the pacing item. And the only issue is devoting time. I am 
getting to that point: I can pay off the bills (which the kits and CEMs provide 
for) shortly and crank it out. Like Stooge Larry, I have to find time 'in the 
cracks' of real work + family stuff.

As of right now, I'd guess that actual shipping is in August. That takes into 
account:

a) front panel lead times
b) pcb lead times
c) SMT leadtime (making solder paste screen and programming the pick-and-place 
machines)
d) testing/writing the manual

SW: I'd say 98% done. A few bugs left but nothing to panic over. Not the pacing 
item (if Robert Rich can make 2 CDs with the code, then it's in pretty good 
shape). Finishing up the Mac version of the SW Updater over MIDI (PC version 
done).

I agree that this is a crucial, missing piece that many are waiting on. I will 
have the CAD stuff done by the end of June (I will probably take vacation days 
from work and hole up in the library, which is how I've done several modules 
like the '480 pcb layout).

Paul S.