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#292870 - 20/03/2007 07:17 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: pca]
brabax22
new poster

Registered: 15/02/2002
Posts: 27
Can i get it ? Then i dont need to wait for the 2nd batch (number 9 in list)...

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#292871 - 20/03/2007 10:49 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: maczrool]
maczrool
pooh-bah

Registered: 13/01/2002
Posts: 1649
Loc: Louisiana, USA
Some of you have not replied to my e-mails about this, so consider yourself bumped to the bottom. Sorry about this if you really did want one, but in the interest of fairness I had to do it.

Stu


1-Mach (2)
2-caseyse (2)
3-music (1)
4-JimHogan (1)
5-pgrzelak (2)
6-gbeer (1)
7-iank (1)
8-thirdeyevision (1?)
9-julf (1)
10-mtempsch (1)
11-andy (1)
12-matthew_k (1)
13-caseyse (1)
14-EtN (1)
15-juenk (1)


Edited by maczrool (21/03/2007 10:08)
_________________________
If you want it to break, buy Sony!

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#292872 - 21/03/2007 04:51 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: maczrool]
MarkM
stranger

Registered: 11/12/2000
Posts: 105
Loc: Seattle, WA USA
I took my name off the list today, so that should move a couple of people up on the list.

Cheers!

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#292873 - 21/03/2007 19:39 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: MarkM]
matthew_k
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/02/2002
Posts: 2298
Loc: Berkeley, California
Quote:
I took my name off the list today

Off, or just moved yourself to the bottom? If you want some you should definitly get some... I'd love to get more information about who exactly you work for. Visteon would be the obvious guess, but it doesn't seem likely, as they've moved on by now I suspect. Who else does secret car audio installations?

Perhaps we need a new category - I definitely want one, but I don't care when I get it. I'm buying one on the assumption that my next car won't have a DIN slot. However, I plan to get at least another 80k miles out of my current car before I go shopping for any new car.

Matthew

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#292874 - 22/03/2007 03:08 Re: We Have Lights! *DELETED* [Re: matthew_k]
MarkM
stranger

Registered: 11/12/2000
Posts: 105
Loc: Seattle, WA USA
Post deleted by MarkM

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#292875 - 22/03/2007 11:26 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: MarkM]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14472
Loc: Canada
So does the world's xxxth richest individual have them installed in more than one of his cars?

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#292876 - 22/03/2007 15:48 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: maczrool]
maczrool
pooh-bah

Registered: 13/01/2002
Posts: 1649
Loc: Louisiana, USA
Up to date list:


1-Mach (2)
2-caseyse (2)
3-music (1)
4-JimHogan (1)
5-pgrzelak (2)
6-gbeer (1)
7-thirdeyevision (1?)
8-julf (1)
9-mtempsch (1)
10-andy (1)
11-matthew_k (1)
12-caseyse (1)
13-LittleBlueThing (1)
14-EtN (1)
15-juenk (1)
16-iank (1)


Stu


Edited by maczrool (22/03/2007 20:39)
_________________________
If you want it to break, buy Sony!

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#292877 - 22/03/2007 17:02 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: MarkM]
JBjorgen
carpal tunnel

Registered: 19/01/2002
Posts: 3582
Loc: Columbus, OH
Fascinating. I always speculated Branson, but [MESSAGE REDACTED] definitely makes sense. I can also see why he would be a bit standoffish about letting people know what OS his car stereo runs


Edited by tfabris (22/03/2007 20:16)

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#292878 - 22/03/2007 18:33 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: maczrool]
LittleBlueThing
addict

Registered: 11/01/2002
Posts: 612
Loc: Reading, UK
How did I miss this!!

I'm very interested

The OEM head unit in the new car controls the satnav somehow so this may be the only option.

If I understand this right then if I just buy a board and cable then I can (somehow) get it made it up using stock parts in the future?

If that's right then put me down for one and I'll pay as soon as anyone asks - sounds like a great insurance plan for a non-empeg compatible car in 10 years time

If not then put me down anyway - I'm 90%+ sure I have a non-trivial empeg install coming up that this may be the answer to...
_________________________
LittleBlueThing Running twin 30's

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#292879 - 22/03/2007 20:14 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: JBjorgen]
MarkM
stranger

Registered: 11/12/2000
Posts: 105
Loc: Seattle, WA USA
It's just technology. At the time the empeg came out, the only thing that compared was a slow booting, power hogging laptop. Pass the jumper cables please...

The OS doesn't make a difference whether it's a set top box, TiVO, HD-DVD player, MP3 player, game console, etc. - it's just a consumer device and you purchase it for it's features.

Thanks

Mark

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#292880 - 22/03/2007 20:17 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: MarkM]
tfabris
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31563
Loc: Seattle, WA
Done.
_________________________
Tony Fabris

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#292881 - 22/03/2007 20:38 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: LittleBlueThing]
maczrool
pooh-bah

Registered: 13/01/2002
Posts: 1649
Loc: Louisiana, USA
Quote:
If I understand this right then if I just buy a board and cable then I can (somehow) get it made it up using stock parts in the future?

If that's right then put me down for one and I'll pay as soon as anyone asks - sounds like a great insurance plan for a non-empeg compatible car in 10 years time


You are correct. I've put you on the list.

Stu
_________________________
If you want it to break, buy Sony!

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#292882 - 23/03/2007 00:37 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: matthew_k]
FireFox31
pooh-bah

Registered: 19/09/2002
Posts: 2494
Loc: East Coast, USA
Bit of history: I just found this 2001 post* while looking for Hugo's mini remote VFD install in the Noble (image saved 5/22/03). What ever happened to that?

I'd love to buy one of the current remote displays, but suction cup mounting it may be bulky. A little tiny VFD controled by a stalk would be so much..... cuter.

I've read talk of installing the remote display in the dash, but isn't this supposed to be an alternative to that? In other words, isn't an external housing the only way to go?


* I knew I saw that picture before...


Attachments
296511-altman\'sexternalVFD-1.jpg (701 downloads)



Edited by FireFox31 (23/03/2007 00:43)
_________________________
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FireFox31
110gig MKIIa (30+80), Eutronix lights, 32 meg stacked RAM, Filener orange gel lens, Greenlights Lit Buttons green set

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#292883 - 23/03/2007 01:02 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: FireFox31]
MarkM
stranger

Registered: 11/12/2000
Posts: 105
Loc: Seattle, WA USA
That thread brings back memories.

I don't remember seeing Hugo's mini VFD install - that's cool.

The extender in this thread allows for the extension of the full display with controls via a ribbon cable. Once you get a housing around this package, it might be a little bulky for suction cup mounting.

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#292884 - 23/03/2007 08:46 Mini-displays [Re: MarkM]
pgrzelak
carpal tunnel

Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Greetings!

I think you are thinking about this thread. As far as I know, this project is defunct. I have not heard anything about it for years. This project is one of the reasons I personally applaud Stu's request for payment in advance on the extenders, and feel sympathy for other hardware projects out there...
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs

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#292885 - 23/03/2007 11:37 Re: Mini-displays [Re: pgrzelak]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Hugo almost gave the parts away to the mini-display project at his garden party last summer. I was quick to try and snatch them, but then Hugo thought it would be best if he kept them to himself. Although he no longer has the Noble, maybe it's something he would want to resume work on in the future?

I think the mini display is something I personally would be more interested in. I never use visuals on the empeg, so those wouldn't be missed. Finding somewhere to stick a mini display in a modern car is much easier to find than space for a display that is standard DIN width and height.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#292886 - 23/03/2007 12:33 Re: Mini-displays [Re: robricc]
maczrool
pooh-bah

Registered: 13/01/2002
Posts: 1649
Loc: Louisiana, USA
Is there a mini VFD pin compatible with the Empeg's? It might be possible to make a new PCB with a smaller profile using the Empeg's original display design and a receiver from the extender design incorporated into it. That is if the rights to produce it could be obtained...

Stu
_________________________
If you want it to break, buy Sony!

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#292887 - 23/03/2007 17:28 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: matthew_k]
canuckInOR
carpal tunnel

Registered: 13/02/2002
Posts: 3212
Loc: Portland, OR
Quote:
Perhaps we need a new category - I definitely want one, but I don't care when I get it. I'm buying one on the assumption that my next car won't have a DIN slot. However, I plan to get at least another 80k miles out of my current car before I go shopping for any new car.

I'm in the same boat. I want one for the future, but I only have 45K miles on my '02 vehicle, and I figure I should be able to get at least another 200K miles out of it before I need something new. Of course, at 18MPG, that's gas prices depending, of course.

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#292888 - 23/03/2007 21:45 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: JBjorgen]
Jehovah
new poster

Registered: 04/02/2007
Posts: 21
Quote:
Fascinating. I always speculated Branson, but [MESSAGE REDACTED] definitely makes sense. I can also see why he would be a bit standoffish about letting people know what OS his car stereo runs

Yes, I'd be more open about these things, but it always starts a religious war.

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#292889 - 23/03/2007 23:42 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: Jehovah]
Shonky
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/01/2002
Posts: 2009
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
Been out of the office for a while. This is very cool it's now available. However I have to say that $260 seems a bit exy for what it is (not what it does!). Where does the expense come in?

I only see the Maxim parts contributing any major expense if they are hard to get. Most of the other bits are fairly easy to get parts aren't they from a quick scan of the parts list.
_________________________
Christian
#40104192 120Gb (no longer in my E36 M3, won't fit the E46 M3)

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#292890 - 23/03/2007 23:53 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: Shonky]
jimhogan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 06/10/1999
Posts: 2591
Loc: Seattle, WA, U.S.A.
Quote:
Been out of the office for a while. This is very cool it's now available. However I have to say that $260 seems a bit exy for what it is (not what it does!). Where does the expense come in?

I only see the Maxim parts contributing any major expense if they are hard to get. Most of the other bits are fairly easy to get parts aren't they from a quick scan of the parts list.

I was thrilled to send Stuart my $260. It is just unbelievable to me that folks like Stuart and Mark have jumped into the gap to provide this uber-cool extension to our Empegs. If I had more scratch, I'd buy two. But I don't know much about electronics or component costs so I suspect you are asking out of academic interest. Certainly, if I *were* an electronics guru and the price seemed a tad high, I would wander off and build my own.

But I'm not some Patrick, just a normal Empeg guy. And I'm happy. I mean, really, it looks like the only other Empeg fan who has this is *God*.
_________________________
Jim


'Tis the exceptional fellow who lies awake at night thinking of his successes.

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#292891 - 24/03/2007 00:01 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: jimhogan]
Shonky
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/01/2002
Posts: 2009
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
Quote:
Quote:
Been out of the office for a while. This is very cool it's now available. However I have to say that $260 seems a bit exy for what it is (not what it does!). Where does the expense come in?

I only see the Maxim parts contributing any major expense if they are hard to get. Most of the other bits are fairly easy to get parts aren't they from a quick scan of the parts list.

I was thrilled to send Stuart my $260. It is just unbelievable to me that folks like Stuart and Mark have jumped into the gap to provide this uber-cool extension to our Empegs. If I had more scratch, I'd buy two. But I don't know much about electronics or component costs so I suspect you are asking out of academic interest. Certainly, if I *were* an electronics guru and the price seemed a tad high, I would wander off and build my own.

But I'm not some Patrick, just a normal Empeg guy. And I'm happy. I mean, really, it looks like the only other Empeg fan who has this is *God*.


I do intend to get one of my own done. As an EE it's a fairly simple design really. Like I said, it just seems expensive - I realise there is a manufacturing component in there of at least an hour I'd guess.

I started looking at doing my own for my M3 but ended up just replacing the factory stereo completely since I didn't have tons of time and I couldn't get all the info I needed like which pins where bidirectional etc.

That said I applaud the guys for getting units out for everyday Joe to have.
_________________________
Christian
#40104192 120Gb (no longer in my E36 M3, won't fit the E46 M3)

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#292892 - 24/03/2007 00:12 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: Shonky]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14472
Loc: Canada
Quote:
Where does the expense come in?


Tiny quantities. High-tech is normally cheap, but only when mass-produced.

EDIT: Mmm.. actually, Shonky has a point. I'm betting that the PCBs are probably quite pricey in quantity 10 though. And we know the ribbon cable is likely about $1.50 a foot or so. And each kit has *two* PCBs.. Mmm...

-ml


Edited by mlord (24/03/2007 00:15)

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#292893 - 24/03/2007 00:29 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: Shonky]
jimhogan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 06/10/1999
Posts: 2591
Loc: Seattle, WA, U.S.A.
Quote:
I do intend to get one of my own done. As an EE it's a fairly simple design really. Like I said, it just seems expensive - I realise there is a manufacturing component in there of at least an hour I'd guess.

Excellent (I think). If when you get your kit done you want to offer one for less than $260, I will be the first in line... assuming all the lights blink, of course

In the meantime, if Stuart is able to squeeze 1, 2, or 3 Prime Rib dinners out of my modest Paypal payment, all I can say is that I hope the Prime Rib wasn't overcooked. I mean, of what use is Prime Rib if not rare?

Quote:
I started looking at doing my own for my M3 but ended up just replacing the factory stereo completely since I didn't have tons of time and I couldn't get all the info I needed like which pins where bidirectional etc.

Well, I am pleased to report that I know what "bidirectional" means. In an abstract sense anyway.

Quote:
That said I applaud the guys for getting units out for everyday Joe to have.

"everyday Joe". Hmmm, if my name were Joe I might be inclined to go off and sulk. Like I say, though, I am no EE electronics guru. On the other hand, if things ever go really *really* bad...and the fucking intern can't get the arterial line in, give me a call.

A-lines? Just like riding a bicycle.
_________________________
Jim


'Tis the exceptional fellow who lies awake at night thinking of his successes.

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#292894 - 24/03/2007 00:55 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: maczrool]
maczrool
pooh-bah

Registered: 13/01/2002
Posts: 1649
Loc: Louisiana, USA
The first batch is all spoken for now. Here is the list for the second batch.


1-thirdeyevision (2)
2-julf (1)
3-mtempsch (1)
4-andy (1)
5-matthew_k (1)
5-caseyse (1)
6-LittleBlueThing (1)
7-EtN (1)
8-juenk (1)
9-thirdeyevision's friend (1)


Stu


Edited by maczrool (24/03/2007 17:48)
_________________________
If you want it to break, buy Sony!

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#292895 - 24/03/2007 01:16 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: Shonky]
maczrool
pooh-bah

Registered: 13/01/2002
Posts: 1649
Loc: Louisiana, USA
Quote:
Where does the expense come in?

I only see the Maxim parts contributing any major expense if they are hard to get. Most of the other bits are fairly easy to get parts aren't they from a quick scan of the parts list.


You know, I was thinking the same thing the other day. For what they are, they sure are expensive! But first let me say that easy to get does not necessarily mean cheap. The transceivers are not cheap parts even if they are easy to get. The connectors are also unbelievably expensive. And yes the PCBs are the most expensive component due to the low volume. Are there cheaper sources for the parts? Possibly, but rather than try to squeeze out every last dime from the list, I went for readily available and easy to find to get this project underway as quickly as possible.

I am admittedly charging some for my time to assemble these, but it like all the other elements that make up this are worth something. Do I let the clock run for every minute I spend on these? No. I've posted the parts list with supplier part numbers, so it's up to you to decide if it's worth what the asking price is. Since profit is not the object here, you are more than welcome to purchase the PCBs at cost and source everything yourself. If you can make them for less than $260, please do! I may join Jim and buy one from you.

The Empeg stuff is becoming a smaller and smaller portion of what we do here, so really that I found the time at all is fairly remarkable.

Stu


Edited by maczrool (24/03/2007 01:35)
_________________________
If you want it to break, buy Sony!

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#292896 - 24/03/2007 01:27 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: maczrool]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14472
Loc: Canada
Quote:
I am admittedly charging some for my time to assemble these


What? Gasp!

Oh, wait a minute.. I do that, too. Mmm..

Cheers!

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#292897 - 24/03/2007 02:23 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: mlord]
Shonky
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/01/2002
Posts: 2009
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
Quote:
Quote:
I am admittedly charging some for my time to assemble these


What? Gasp!

Oh, wait a minute.. I do that, too. Mmm..

Cheers!


And so you should. I wasn't intending to mass manufacture. I knew my first post might start something like this. As much as anything it was an enquiry as to what bits made it expensive since nothing on the board looked super expensive. I'll go back in my hole now.

I'm just fighting to get something useful out of this silly Ranger PCB/schematic program that I can use i.e. probably gerbers since Ranger seems unknown to every CAD/PCB package I have.
_________________________
Christian
#40104192 120Gb (no longer in my E36 M3, won't fit the E46 M3)

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#292898 - 24/03/2007 10:04 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: Shonky]
maczrool
pooh-bah

Registered: 13/01/2002
Posts: 1649
Loc: Louisiana, USA
Quote:
I'm just fighting to get something useful out of this silly Ranger PCB/schematic program that I can use i.e. probably gerbers since Ranger seems unknown to every CAD/PCB package I have.



I didn't mean to sound defensive .

I spent several hours wrestling the gerbers from the Ranger files. I ended up having to talk to tech support at Seetrax before getting it to give me something I could use. It helped a lot to use Ranger XL by the way. Patrick sent us the RS-274D files, but since what we really needed were extended gerbers, I ended up extracted them myself. If you'd like the files that Alvin used to have these made, just PM me and I'll send them your way. That Ranger app was just no fun and if I can help someone avoid using it I will .

Stu
_________________________
If you want it to break, buy Sony!

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#292899 - 24/03/2007 10:54 Re: We Have Lights! [Re: maczrool]
julf
veteran

Registered: 01/10/2001
Posts: 1307
Loc: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Quote:
The first batch is all spoken for now. Here is the list for the second batch.


2-julf (1)


Are you sending payment instructions, or have I possibly missed the info? No chance of getting 2 more of the first batch people to change their mind?

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