Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: MOTM

The prototype of the VC Pulse Divider has been sitting here on my bench for about 14 months.

It uses 2 PIC MPUs: one does the dividing and one is a display driver/key scanner.

One reason it was delayed was I cound not find a 'snap-in' bezel. I ∗finally∗ found them, they
are on the uSeq.

Next: it has like 19 jacks. I looked at all sorts of ways to do the wiring, but decided to use
pcb mounted jacks. Then, I had to find GOOD pc mounted jacks. Ones with mechanical support. I
did, and they are also on the uSeq and the MIDI-CV converter.

I was going to include it in this 'batch': it was between it and the MIDI-CV converter. I called
Tony K. at Encore and flat-out asked him if the Expressionist II was 'real' or not. We concluded
that due to his schedule, it was not. So, I decided to delay the Pulse Divider for a MIDI-CV in a
MOTM format.

The reason THIS decision was made is to attract ∗new∗ customers. I figure 95% of current
customers have a MIDI-CV or CV out keyboard. In fact, I commented to the SW team that "I'll be
lucky to sell 20" to existing customers. Knowing FULL WELL that I could easily sell 50 VC Pulse
dividers to existing customers. An the design is 5X easier.

Lastly, I have been blessed with a loyal customer base this year, through layoffs and downturn. I
still have to occasionally ∗ship something∗ and thats the "work" part. Sure, it's all fun to sit
at the bench and play with the Audio Precision. But that, folks, is LESS THAN 5% of the total
'job'. Like Paul H. said: I spend hours and hours doing exciting things like yelling at Newark
for sending 2500 jacks ∗individually bagged∗, Atmel sending samples of 8051 MPUs that no one can
program (and their "lab-certified" code doesn't work and their comment is.."interesting! We'll
investigate!" and my favorite, paying an average of 18 invoices a week.

I have said this 10 times, and here is 11: I rely soley on the fact my customers are willing to
wait for my product. I am slow. I sometimes promise X and deliver Y and by mistake Z.

It's not as simple as 'just hire more'. You have to find very smart, vert reliable people. Then,
you get to pay wages, unemployment, FICA, and Medicare. Then you pray they don't screw up and I
get 35 email about a missing cap.

I am VERY LUCKY to have such an understanding customer base. This very moment, there are close to
470 modules on back order. It beats having 4 modules on back order :)

Check back later tomight for a Status Update. As you were.

Paul S.