Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

Haven't thought it through to be honest, but the idea would be that people would pledge a reasonable amount (let's say as an example $25). Once enough people pledge, the project would be funded and you'd get the payment. 

That would do a few things:

- it would make people committed and more likely to actually purchase a board when they are available. For those who seeded the project, you could offer a discount on the full price. 

- you'd get some idea of how many boards you could sell. Truth be told, this is likely a niche market with relatively small quantities. I could be wrong of course. 

- you'd get some "seed money" to help defray your risk so it's not entirely out of your pocket. 

- you can even formulate "stretch goals" so you can factor in lower cost at higher quantities. 

Just something to think about. 

—Erik


On Jul 11, 2013, at 21:06, Jack Pratt <woodsworth1@yahoo.com> wrote:

> How do you figure that might work?
> 
> I need to build the development board to read existing ROMs
> I need to build FLASH SIMMs
> I don't expect anyone to be able to solder surface mount parts or procure the parts for any reasonable cost so I don't see how anyone benefits
> 
> There are no project intermediates (ie I can't do a cut down version for less cost)
> 
> Anyone can do the OS disassembly any time they like, and then create an altered version to do whatever they like. If I do it it just takes up more time.
> 
> I'm guessing that If I can make and sell 50 it will have cost me in parts, board manufacture, consumables and labour around $5000. SO if I can sell 50 I would probably break even at around $100 each... but If I only sell 25 I get stuck with $2500 worth of stuff that I can't do anything with. If I can sell 100 I might be able to do it for $65 each. So I sell them at a price to cover costs. And I still don't get compensated for time and effort.
> 
> If there is enough interest I can sell them cheaper because the fixed costs are amortised over a larger number of product, otherwise...
> 
> 
> What do you think such a board is worth? If you can make it cheaper please do so!!
> 
> 
> From: Erik van de Pol <vandepol.erik@gmail.com>
> To: "xl7@yahoogroups.com" <xl7@yahoogroups.com> 
> Cc: "xl7@yahoogroups.com" <xl7@yahoogroups.com> 
> Sent: Friday, 12 July 2013 10:35 AM
> Subject: Re: [xl7] Re: [p2k] Any interest remaining in a self-programming FLASH SIMM?
> 
>  
> Cool project!
> 
> Have you considered doing this as a kickstarter project with a realistic funding goal? 
> 
> You could defray some of your development coats that way. 
> 
> —Erik
> 
> 
> On Jul 11, 2013, at 19:44, Jack Pratt <woodsworth1@...> wrote:
>>  
>> 
>> The error was sooo basic that I was embarrassed to continue the project (and it cost me plenty of $$ that fueled the annoyance).
>> 
>> 
>> (Snip)
>> 
>> 
>> Cost... broad estimate $100-$200 probably closer to $200, but depends on the number I think I can sell (buying in bulk reduces the costs, but buying too many means I get stuck with a large inventory of parts)
> 
> 
>