[sdiy] using off the shelf pcbs in a commercial project

[Tom Bugs]

Two-pence---

If you're making use of pre-made PCBs then all you're charging for is 
your time to construct them - perfectly legit.
I'd say especially not to worry if this is just a one off.
Of course, if you then posted pictures/details around the place saying 
that it was all your own work then that would be a nasty fib!
But, also, it never hurts to ask the makers of the pcbs.

I'd also say, while trying not to piss on your project, that this sounds 
like quite a big first ((semi-)commercial) project!

Remember to think MODULAR - even if the end is going to be pre-patched.
One great thing about the modular approach (just as in software 
development) is that you have distinct building blocks which can each be 
tested and confirmed before putting them all together.
If you try to make it all at once then you're (probably) lining yourself 
up for headaches!

Good luck!
Tom


Dan Snazelle wrote:
> ok
>
>
> my project has a simple but i thought good lm566 vco
> an lfo (of which i could buy ken stones utility lfo)
> a great sample and hold with smooth and stepped (which pcb for this one...hmmm)
> tons of routing (i think) for  basically a super super powerful guitar effect (no pcb for my routing. thats just going to be a ton of wires isnt it? with tons of buffers-that sounds like a nightmare to figure out. but i will figure it out. it will be easier once the panel is done and in front of me to put the pots on.
> a decent a/r
> tons and tons  of dividers
> an audio to gate module with cv out (env follower)
> a lag
>
> a solid vca (lm13700)
> i am working on a vclfo for it (of which i guess i could buy wilsons vclfo)
>
> and on and on
>
> its a serious project with about 60 panel controls.
>
> 25 toggles, 30 pots 10 rotary pots 6 leds
>
>
> so my concerns with using other peoples pcbs are this:
>
> 1. what if the device has enough demand where more than one person wants it (i doubt this will happen but it might happen that more than one person will want one based on seeing this one) then i have to order boards all over again from 3 or 4 places instead of having all the boards myself
>
>
> wouldnt it be harder but better to use app notes stuff that i know no one will get mad at me for using ,    all tied together on boards that are meant for the project?
>
>
> these are some things i need to start asking
>
> that soundlab could really do some utility stuff for me. i could use my own vco, my own ssm2044 filter, my own f to v/divider nonsense, and my own routing.
>
> BUT what are the long term implications of such a thing? seriously. i dont know what legal rights the purchaser of a pcb or the seller of one has.
>
> if i put ken stone pcbs in a commercial project will it mean ken stone has a right to a percentage of my company? seriously how does all that work
>
>
>
>
> thanks
>
> --------------------------------------------check out various dan music at:http://www.myspace.com/lossnyc
> http://www.soundclick.com/lossnyc.htm
> http://www.indie911.com/dan-snazelle
> (or for techno) http://www.myspace.com/snazelle
>
>   
>> From: pfperry at melbpc.org.au
>> To: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
>> Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:41:27 +1000
>> Subject: [sdiy] ] Should I use REAL PCBS or ETCHED
>>
>> Well, however you make the boards, here is some advice:
>> Don't try to make just one big board.
>> Break it into logical bits, eg the VCO part, the VCF part etc etc.
>>
>> And if there already exist boards for some sections -
>> feel free to use them! ;D
>>
>> paul perry Melbourne Australia
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Synth-diy mailing list
>> Synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
>> http://dropmix.xs4all.nl/mailman/listinfo/synth-diy
>>     
>
> _______________________________________________
> Synth-diy mailing list
> Synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> http://dropmix.xs4all.nl/mailman/listinfo/synth-diy
>
>