> I'm a bit confused here. Are these going to be offered as assembled
> modules using analogue SMT?
Yes.
>
> While I do not like that kits are being discontinued, it's way better
> than going out of business. What I don't understand, if the modules
> that were previously available as kits that are going to continue to
> be available assembled use their original through-hole designs, then
> aren't the parts that Synthesis Technology would need to buy, and the
> cost of those parts, the same as before?
Yes. But realize that there are 2 kinds of "parts". The parts that most people
think of are what is on the pc board (resistors, diodes, caps, IC, etc). For the
majority of modules, this cost of these (even including the pc board) is only
25% of the ∗total∗ cost. The pots/jacks/knobs/panel/bracket is the other 75%.
But even that isn't the 'real' problem.
The real problem is that I have minimum ordering requirements from my pc board
and panel supplier. The minimum is 50 pieces. Not, lets look at a typical module
on the discontinued list, the MOTM-850.
I have sold 5 of these in the last ∗year∗. If the current panels/pc boards run
out, I have to order ∗50 more∗. See the problem? :)
The selection of modules to discontinue is ∗solely based on sales∗. I am willing
to keep inventory in stock if I think I can sell ALL of it in 2 years. Most
businesses will tell you 12 ∗weeks∗ is pushing it.
Paul S.
Paul S.