MOTM

a) the next batch of 'Indiana kits' will be shipping over the next 2 weeks. I 
hope to get some '420 front panels in this week, as they lead the way in "where 
is my stuff" department. As Stooge Larry will testify, dealing with sheet metal 
shops is 180 degrees from dealing with say, Mouser or Digikey. Although I have 
no direct experience, something tells me it's a lot like dealing with an 
ex-wife.

b) I spent most of today going through the kit backlog and looking for all 
MOTM-510 and *prior* modules that are pending, and placing them on the 'Ship 
List'. I think I have 80% of them logged in (still some VCO orders remaining). 
Hint: if you see a new charge on your credit card, that means you are ON the 
ship list.

c) this coming week is 100% assembled backlog (on my end). The remaining 2 weeks 
before my 'vacation' will be VCO & power supply shipping (my end) and getting 
the first 30 MOTM-480 kits out the door. In order to do this, I will send the 
folks that sent the "ship it now" email first, then what's left to the backlog. 
Future '480 kits will be from Indiana in Jan. I doubt I will be able to ship and 
'485s this year, just ran out of time :(

d) I will have an *additional* 50 MOTM-480s available. I have an OEM deal in 
place (hope to announce this soon) and as a result, 50 more pc boards will 
become available in about 2 weeks. So, the limited run will be 150 instead of 
100 :)

e) Credit card issues: it is *very common* for VISA to flag purchases over $400 
this time of year as 'Potential Internet Fraud'. This means on my credit card 
verification software, I 'see' a denial of payment'. I have no way of knowing 
*why*: it could be this OR you closed that card OR you are broke or any number 
of reasons. So....PLEASE check your emails for a plea from me to call your VISA 
card and OK the charge. This is *very common* for EU customers! I had *4* today 
alone.

Also, PLEASE be sure I have updated card info! 3 people did NOT make the ship 
list because of expired cards. This gives me fits and slows down the shipping 
process for everyone.

OK, that's all for now. The end-of-the-year push is on, we will ship all that's 
possible over the next few weeks. I'll apologize in advance if your kit(s) don't 
arrive in 2004. This year was a huge personal challenge for me the first half of 
the year (new job and daughter's schooling) but I feel MOTM is positioned going 
forward to kick serious a** in 2005. I'm predicting module #6000 to ship in May. 
Maybe paint it metallic red or something :)

Paul S.