Here is the BOM for the 6-channel MOTM-750 Interpolating Scanner:
http://www.synthtech.com/misc/m750.txtJust a DOS text file (opens in Notepad/Wordpad, etc).
Even though this is a 3U wide module (if you don't know what it is, look at JH's pages on
oldcrows.net),
http://www.oldcrows.net/~jhaible/tonline_stuff/jh_ipscan.html this module has:
99 resistors
12 jacks
6 LEDs (yellow this time)
16 discrete transistors
8 matched pairs
25 caps
11 (!!) panel pots and 1 switch (not really 2 as the BOM says)
12 dual op amps
15 diodes
or about ∗230∗ individual parts.
Now, the though of soldering this beast I'm sure has several folks drooling already. However, on
my end, assuming I sell 50 kits (about average for a new model), that's about ∗12,000∗ total
parts to be bought, counted bagged and shipped.
There is 1 thing I can to to GREATLY speed up the process (and reduce errors!), and that it to
sequence all the axial parts (resistors, most caps, diodes) on tape. This is done by machine by
an outside contractor. The downside: it's more expensive, roughly 12 cents/part. So, that's
99+20+15 = 134 or $16 labor (plus cost of the parts, not much maybe $8).
The other thing is that I have a 100 "set minimum", or I have to run 100 sets. That's $1900 for
labor + parts.
So, I don't mind doing this, but here is what I'm thinking: asking for a $50 'deposit' via PayPal
or money order. This is to offset this cost. The module kit cost is not yet calculated, but it
WILL be over $300 but less than $500. So, as a %, the deposit is small. But it does greatly
assist my cash flow :)
The alternative: 100% SMT, no kits.
Paul S.