1) I have received some wire from a local supplier. They were out of gray
wire so expect to see the short orange/white/gray bundle to be more like
orange/white/black. People with MOTM-800 kits on order will get this most
likely.
I have bids back from several US/overseas wire suppliers that is more
in-line with what I was expecting to pay (in 1 or 2 case slightly cheaper).
I am ordering a year's supply of wire for all the 5U modules. At least this
issue is (more or less) resolved. Unlike.......
2) My attempts to get overseas suppliers for the MOTM-19A rails has failed
miserably. These people can't read a simple blueprint. I asked for samples
first and 2 out of 2 suppliers failed to even get ∗close∗ to the correct
part. So, it appears I will have to stick with my current US, high-$$$
supplier. I tried to bribe BrideChamber, he's not falling for my evil
tricks. :(
I don't expect to have rails available now until the end of July. But, I am
going to buy 50prs of them.
3) this coming week I will make more MOTM-800 kits and finish up the
MOTM-300 kits (might be 2 short on the '300 due to wire). I still need time
to look at more '480 kits/assembled, but that has to take a backseat to
other goings on. Finishing the 800/300 kits will allow me to reduce the kit
backlog to almost 0. I won't have time to get to the '480s until the end of
July.
4) people that have RR Edition E350s: the wire for that did arrive. Once I
finish the 800/300 kitting I will start on these. These are ∗slow going∗ so
it will take time to get all 10 shipped out.
Here are 2 videos where Robert discusses them in use on his tour:
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch6TYazAhwsPart 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLVDvqtUGKsEven though I am still jobless I spend time bouncing back-and-forth looking
for jobs and MOTM. I have lots to do this summer to get caught up and to
plan ahead if this job search goes.....errr...badly. One possibility is
having Shane make up more kits in the 'background' and then place all at
once in the cart in say September. Another possibility is moving Frac
designs into Euro, or moving MOTM designs into MU (.com panels). I have to
"follow the money" if I intend to have MOTM at least break-even (by that I
mean it pays my salary that I give myself which is a staggering $38,000/yr
and the rest is for parts/labor). I appreciate any orders that can come my
way the next 3 months or so, especially the pc boards/parts orders (quick to
ship and they add up). If I can maintain the business at the $38K rate, then
that will allow me as a whole to 'treed water' financially family-wise until
I can find another job.
Back to work!
Paul S.