Hello,
I hope that this is the right place to post this. I am in need of someone who can help me put together a custom PCB for a project I am working on. I am now in Sheffield, MA but travel to Connecticut frequently. The project is a custom dock. Thanks for any assistance.
Do you have a schematic for the project? Have you tried to sort it out onto a PCB yet?
Hey Digimike, no I really don't have any details other than what I want it to do. That is why I would want someone local so I can have a discussion with and get there feedback as to do-ability. I did notice a couple of CT'ers on the forum, if I don't hear anything I may try and contact on my own. Thanks for your response.
Ok what kind of dock is it? How does it relate to the Arduino?
I take it this is an idea you want to have manufactured and marketed. If thats the case you probably need to start with sketching the idea out. Get the form and physical function of it worked out and outline its purpose. Then have it go threw the patent process. Then you can worry about the technical aspect of it. If your worried the idea will be stole then get it protected before you go about outsourcing the expertise to make it a reality. In some cases you may need to have a prototype on the item. Even if it isn't a working one.
It's a dock for smartphones and mp3 players. I have been working on and off on it for a number of years. I have a prototype that I built for everything less the electronics. I don't expect any IP conflicts with the electronics as there are many on the market that do what I would like to do with this initial version. As to my own prototype/concept, yes you are right I would at some point research existing IP, but right now I would like a fully working prototype so that I can get some better ideas on cost and market feasibility. I have some experience in the patent process and have come to the conclusion that one might be better off establishing a market first and then protect later. Not to say that is the right way though. Thanks for the input.
Besides the actual docking, what would the PCB need on it? Clock? Network? USB? Speakers? How are you managing the form factor and case design?
I'm in Manchester, CT. I don't have a ton of experience, but I've prototyped my own surface-mount PCBs a couple of times, and am developing another one currently. Maybe I can help you work out what you want accomplished, see if there's a cheaper way, etc.
Halley, thanks for responding, seen some of your work and it all looks really great. I am really glad you saw my post!
At first the dock will need the basic function requirements i.e. charging, synching to computer, hooking up to A/V system, maybe some IR/RF... I have some other ideas but would like to bounce them off someone like yourself who has a good knowledge foundation on this kind of stuff. I know zilch about electronics. I would like to PM you with my contact information so that we could talk more about my project, if that is OK with you. [smiley=dankk2.gif]
You're welcome to PM me, but it's probably a good idea to bounce some high-level ideas here in public still. You'll get more answers from people with diverse experiences.
The list of features you mention are a good start. Map out the relationships by connections. For each connection, decide what device(s) need to connect to it. For example, recharging is "phone recharges from dc power" and maybe "dc power comes from ac/dc converter". Then "phone gets commands from ir port" and "ir port gets commands from ir remote control." This is a good way to make a system map of intended features.
I can also help if desired, I live in West Warwick, RI so you drive right by me lol
I dont have too too much experience with arduinos, im kinda learning myself, but I am an Electronics Technician by trade and have built my own circuits since i was a wee tyke lol. Maybe I can help contribute along with the other CT resident that replied earlier. just let me know!
Please email JNPC@live.com if you wish to set a time to meet possibly and maybe i can help you out!
name's Josh btw.
Metalfan1185
thanks for your offer and good to know there's quality help nearby. As you have read Halley has offered his assistance and I am taking him up on it. Still may need your help in the furture but right now I think I may be covered for the time being. I'll keep you in my resource folder. Thanks again.