Are PIL-Boxes still available?

[toml_12953]

I'd like a PIL box, too!

[Karel]

Yes, both Peter and I are working hard on in.

[PeterP]

Quick update.

We had received prototype PCbs which required some white wires but worked well. I believe Karel had shared earlier this amazing 3D printed enclosure with integrated HP-Il connectors.

We then did a 2.0 spin of the board and loaded it to our PCB assembler. However, they ran out of a few components which had to be ordered, one of which only came in last weekend. I had kicked off the order when they said they went on holiday and have issue with a different part now.

In the meantime I have done the prototype of a pre-order web-site (not functioning yet) which I hope to bring life later this week. People will be able to make reservations for a smdPIL box and enclosure for $10. Once I know for sure that our PCB assembler is fully set up and how many boxes will be needed in the first spin, and when they will be in our hands for shipment, we will add a full order option to the web-site. Those that have made reservations already will be served first.

My expectation is the following time-line:
Web-site up for reservations: This week (I am out on meditation retreat next week)
PCB assembler set up: Mid October
Web-site for firm orders up: around the same time
Receive boxes: starting by end of October
Start shipment: early November.
First batch all delivered: End of November, baring supply change shortages.

[MaxQ]

MOST excellent!! Thanks for the update. I'll be ordering a couple myself!

[gadgetaccess]

Looking forward to them!

[Karel]

Here is the final version of the printed box. It fits better beside the HP-IL then the previous version.

Karel

   

   

   

[MeindertKuipers]

Good work Karel and Peter!

[polbit]

Fantastic news, thank you!

[rprosperi]

Thanks for the photos Karel, I didn't realize PB2 (there, I said it!) was going to be so small, nor certain that the HP-IL sockets were built-in, so this is a doubly nice surprise.

Keep the good news coming Peter and launch the reservation page, you can't leave for the meditation trip with all this noisy, pent-up demand for new toys clawing at you, you'll simply be unable to concentrate.

[aurelio]

(10-03-2024 11:24 AM)Karel Wrote:  Here is the final version of the printed box. It fits better beside the HP-IL then the previous version.

Karel

Whow, Compliments!!

[Karel]

Thank you, guys!

[Raymond Del Tondo]

(10-03-2024 11:24 AM)Karel Wrote:  Here is the final version of the printed box. It fits better beside the HP-IL then the previous version.

From an ergonomic point of view, I'd prefer the plugs flat side by side, as in all other HP-IL peripherals available so far.

The reason is simple: You can grab the plugs much easier and with a better hold,
when holding the wider sides of them.

As a side effect, your 3D printed case could be somewhat smaller.

[Karel]

Believe me, I checked how easily the connectors are grabed in this configuration. There is enough room between connectors for your index finger to grab them on their flat side.

When I presented pics of the first iteration of the box someone said he would prefere the connectors on the small side of the box. Which makes sense because the USB is on the back this way and not on the adjacent side.

   

   

You are right, the box is now 15 mm longer. But it is also more sleek.
Either way, I had to make decision.

Karel

[Raymond Del Tondo]

Is there a reason why the plugs are 90 degrees off?

I had something like this mockup in mind:    

It would make the box considerable slimmer,
if physical constraints don't prevent this.

[Karel]

Yes. There is a reason. You have to attach the connector block inside the box somehow and also the lid. You need some meat to put the screws in. Also there are pin headers on the board. They are almost touching the top of the box now.

K.

[dbrothers]

(10-01-2024 02:06 PM)PeterP Wrote:  My expectation is the following time-line:
Web-site up for reservations: This week (I am out on meditation retreat next week)
PCB assembler set up: Mid October
Web-site for firm orders up: around the same time
Receive boxes: starting by end of October
Start shipment: early November.
First batch all delivered: End of November, baring supply change shortages.

What is the URL for the website?

[Dave Frederickson]

The original PIL-Box has an LED that's useful when reprogramming the PIC or observing performance speed.

Does the new PIL-Box have an LED?

[Karel]

Yes.

Here is a pic from Peter of working prototype:

woking smdPil-box

[PeterP]

Sorry for the delay, a family member decided to derail my meditation plans by getting ICU-level sick, where I am camped out since last week.

Apologies for a slight delay in the website going up.

[rprosperi]

No worries Peter...

Family first, then job, then friends, then hobbies...

We'll be here....