[sdiy] Beginners project questions

[Paul Maddox]

Todd,

> The problem with using Oakley for your first module is that you have to do
> almost everything on your own (much worse if you just have schematics, no
> documentation and no printed circuit board (PCB)).

Really?
Every module I have came with a user guide and assembly instructions and a
LOT of info about setting it up.
I'm working on the PolyDAC documentation, and I have to say Tonys standards
are VERY high for this, its giving me more greif than the OS for the thing!

> If you are not experienced
> with electronics, speccing your own parts the first time can be a daunting
> experience to say the least.

That is the hard part, but if you want to get into designing your own
modules, then you'll need to be able to find a supplier at some point.

> Then you have to worry about fabricating the front panels and such.

huh?
You download the free software, download The Panel design from tonys
webpage, and hit 'ORDER'.
A week or so later, the panel arrives at your door.

> MOTM includes front panels, all mounting hardware and
> even SOLDER!

For me, my biggest problem with MOTM is the cost.
I accept they are high quality units, but the cost for me is just
prohibitive.
If you're a beginner, you may not have this kind of money to spend on a
single module.

> There are lots of avenues to get started, and everyone will have their own
> opinion on this topic.

hehe, yep... thats the fun of it, everyone has their own opinion, so
everyone makes their own modules.

> Oakley and Blacet both make some pretty cool modules.  MOTM, Oakley and
Blacet
> also play well together since they have almost identical power
requirements and
> power connectors.

yep, another big plus for choosing modules by those guys.
Also if you design a module that no-one has done yet, and you use the
MOTM/Oakley standard then you have a ready built customer base :-)

Paul