Hey all...
I'm just getting back to this after reading the thread when it started and not reading every post since, but it does seem that there's been a little friction growing here, I'd like to put my $0.02 in and inject a few thoughts.
This board is constantly evolving and still remains one growing from largely collaborative instruction/assistance.
There are a number of people who wouldn't make a pico compressor, 1176, 9K mic pre or whatever without pre-made printed circuit boards... thus PCBs should be viewed as an enabling service. -People make a modest amount from this (it takes time and considerable financial investment, so I doubt that it is begrudged) but it does allow commerce in.
Rowan is often a man of few words and also often a man of significant claims. -When he first arrived on the forum, his perceived character rubbed a good many people the wrong way -including myself... however, I have grown to appreciate that he really is an extremely creative and perceptive individual with a particularly impressive creative output. He also seems to be able to discern quality, and I've yet to build one of his designs, but I've looked at several, and always intended to do so. -It is with this in mind that I too elected to join the ranks of the PM660 builders.
It has struck me that if you look at the number of posts since last visit, it used to be that the LAB generated the greatest number of updated threads, occasionally the brewery. -Now I often observe that the greatest number of new or updated threads is in the Black Market... and this makes me somewhat nervously aware that this forum is also a breeding ground for commerce.
Commerce doesn't necessarily have to be bad, but it can certainly modify the collaborative ethic somewhat, so I'm a little torn.
I should declare -in the interests of full disclosure- that I too have designed a PCB which is sold here (the Turbo), and I do hope that people appreciate that I am sensitive to BOTH sides however...
Like Rowan (analag), I've contributed designs which I have given away for free (the OB-1 output buffer, the ±18V & 48V PCB, the SSL 9K preamp, the "Crush-n-Blend" etc.) and I regularly provide assistance. When I shared them I took the conscious decision to make them available for all to enjoy, with ZERO financial reward for myself. I am happy that I did, and have never regretted this for one moment.
The Turbo is the ONLY one which has been made available as a PCB for sale, and at under $10 each, trust me, nobody is getting rich, but already some number over a hundred DIY-ers seem to be delighted as a result.
It pangs my conscience to become part of the commerce, but obviously there has to be a cost for PCBs.
Rowan has elected not to make this available. He has that right. He even had the right to keep the WHOLE project to himself.
Rowan has also disclosed that he doesn't want the schematics shared, because he'd like at least a small reward for his input. I believe that this is perfectly fair. -Right now the PCB sellers are making a small profit which I hope NOBODY begrudges them. They fully deserve to make something, since THEY'RE the ones laying out hundreds of dollars up-front to fund the production runs, and THEY have to make dozens upon dozens of trips to the post office, and figure out postage, frequently at international rates.
So a couple of PCB manufacturers in other countries are making a small profit from my layouts... I am perfectly happy with that... they deserve it. -Rowan's design seems to go WAY beyond what I've contributed, and it is my take that he is MORE than entitled to be compensated. I am delighted that he'll be getting a small consideration from my build... I know that without his considerable input I probably wouldn't be building it... he's expanding the scope of my understanding and interaction with this sort of design also.
I also fully understand that Rowan wants his design kept close to his chest. It makes the group a little more 'closed' for sure, and perhaps heightens the sense of 'elitism' to those outside the group project, but I can't see another way to make the project go ahead without the risk of some lesser QC'd 'versions'. -Rowan appears to be taking a keen part in making sure that nobody cuts corners... again an interesting approach.
For those who miss a cutoff for something like this, it can indeed be frustrating, but deadlines can't be extended forever... eventually the order has to be placed or nobody will get any boards! :wink:
But perhaps the moderators should get our heads together and see if there needs to be a 'fifth' forum beyond the Lab, Brewery, Drawing board and Black Market... one for defined group projects, perhaps?
Am I way off base with any of my thinking? -I'm aware that I see it from a creator's side, so I'll willingly recuse myself if anyone thinks that I'm in any way biased.
But my take is this: I think that this is a fascinating experiment. There's been some discussion up-front about the potential tribulations (the "should I...?" thread) and hopefully those taking part are all in agreement.
Personally I'd like to see how this all works out, and I'm eagerly looking forward to the build!
Keith