Message-Id: <9504282210.AA19311@media.mit.edu>
To: handyboard@media.mit.edu
Subject: Hany Board status update
Date: Fri, 28 Apr 95 18:10:07 -0400
From: "Fred G. Martin" <fredm@media.mit.edu>

[If you would like to be removed from this list, please let me know -- fredm]

Hi everyone,

Here's the current deal.  There is enough demand that I am afraid to
"alpha test" this design by printing up ~20 of a brand-new board (also
with a PCB manufacturer and software PCB translations I haven't tested
before).

So I have decided to print a debug run of the design before
distributing it to all of you---i.e., do the alpha test myself.  I'll
send an initial order for just two boards, fix any wiring errors, and
then do the group order.  Since the PCB maker has a 2-day turnaround,
this should only result in a short delay in everyone getting their
boards, and there will be a chance that the design will be error-free,
at least of dumb mistakes, in its second printing.

I hope there are no terrible objections to this.  If so, please let me
know.


OTHER UPDATE #1.

Ordering technicalities.  There was some ambiguity in my earlier
message about ordering/paying/receiving boards sequence.  Here is how
I envision the transaction:

* You tell me how many boards you want.

* When I have confirmed with the correct number, you send me (1) a
check for $35 per board set and (2) a self-addressed, stamped envelope
(55 cents postage) for returning the boards.  Check made out to Fred
Martin, check and envelope sent to me at 220 Massachusetts Avenue,
Arlington, MA 02174.

* I will have the boards made for you even if I haven't yet received
your check, but I won't mail them to you until I do receive it.

* When I receive the boards, I will cash your check and mail you your
order, along with an invoice indicating PAID.

Does this sound okay to everyone?


OTHER UPDATE #2.

One person has indicated that he is considering doing a group parts
buy.  I won't reveal his name in case he changes his mind, but I would
like to publicly encourage this.


OTHER UPDATE #3.

Mark Reeves has expressed an interest in distributing the Handy Board
design like he did the Mini Board, hopefully with fewer problems since
the HB isn't based on the spottily available 'E2 chip.

I've asked Mark to wait until we go through this beta run and work out
any design flaws, but I'm encouraged by his interest.

 
OTHER UPDATE #4.

Here is the current order list.  Please advise me of any additions or
changes.

E-MAIL					QTY

Rick.Wagoner@Ebay.Sun.COM		2
dutta@cis.ohio-state.edu		2
scott@pasta.enet.dec.com		1
catena@arrcee.enet.dec.com		1
patrick@harpo.aaec.com			1
rybskip@uwwvax.uww.edu			2
tullia@guam.nadn.navy.mil		3
aws@cs.brown.edu			3
BurkeS@eworld.com			1


I guess that's it!  Let me know if there are any questions or
concerns.

	-Fred