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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

New Boost Driver in Dev

Joined
May 31, 2009
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Hey guys,

I have been in exchange with a friend of mine from the USA gathering and developing my own driver that should far exceed the drivers on the market today.

We are aiming for a 0-2000mA current range, this could go up or down depending on pricing for parts and other factors, but this is what we are aiming.

I also want to reformat the layout for many parts of the driver, including the pads for easy soldering straight to the pins as well as an option for wire mounts.

I am also aiming for a size no bigger then 9x12mm which is the current size of a flexdrive. I have also taken into account that this driver will be used by experts and beginners alike, so layout and soldering areas will be made for easy use and quick solder and desoldering, which is hard with the flexdrive, because of its small surface area of its soldering pads.

Lastly the price! The current flexdrive is on sale for $24 each plus $3 shipping. THAT'S ALMOST $30! I am aiming for around $15 - $20 shipped.

What other features would you like to see on the new driver? and how much interest would this bring from the LPF community?

UPDATE: 22/08/2011

Hey guys, so I just got some quotes for making the drivers, that's R&D plus first batch creation and I'm looking at a $1,100 bill to get this all up and running. Which is an acceptable figure, but being a university student, I don't have money flying at me and to save up that much money can take months. Instead I propose an investment opportunity.

I was wondering if any members here would like to invest a small chunk of the start up costs to the project. They will get back their contribution once the drivers go up for sale. This way I'm not disadvantaged at university, for example can't afford to buy text books / uni fees. Once the drivers go up for sale I can afford to payback the contributors, then the sales of the drivers will keep money coming in, which will ultimately pay its self off.

Of course members will be paid for their contribution BEFORE sales of the driver. It not like I don't have the money, its that I can't take the 1k+ hit all at once with out expecting a fast return.

I hope that all made sense, if anyone is interested in a partnership please PM me.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions, comments and hopefully investments.

UPDATE: 05/09/2011

Just tying up loose ends... trying to get the contract finalized. I should be contacting everyone soon for their investments.

UPDATE: 08/09/2011

Final contract is signed and ready to go. Payment will be made tomorrow. I have got some funding from family and friends, so my money will be used at this point. I do still have a list of investors, so in the case that more money is needed you will be contacted.

Thanks everyone for helping make this happen.

UPDATE: 10/09/2011

Payment has been sent to the engineer. Will be in contact with investors if additional funds are needed... but so far looks to be fine.

UPDATE: 23/10/2011

NEW UPDATE... We have finished all lab work now... it will start board work tomorrow and hopefully by the end of the week we will have a working prototype!

-Adrian
 
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Joined
Aug 30, 2008
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Everyone is talking about drivers "in the works."

I'll believe it when I see it.

Since we're on the subject, how about hi/low modes that are both adjustable.
 

rhd

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Everyone is talking about drivers "in the works."

I'll believe it when I see it.

Since we're on the subject, how about hi/low modes that are both adjustable.

Ditto on the "believe it when I see it".

It's a brilliant endeavor, and I don't think you even need to ask whether such a thing would draw interest. It would - plain and simple - be a huge seller at $15.

My advice:
- If it means making this materialize faster, forget the bells and whistles, don't worry about extras.
- Make a boost, that can really hit 0-2000mA (or at least hit the high end of 1.8A), and is thin enough to fit inside a 12mm diameter heatsink. You're gold.

Just get it out there, make it a real shipping product, and add extras in a future revision :)
 
Joined
May 31, 2009
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Good point... But whats the rush?

I can safely say this product will hit the market in the upcoming months. It is already in it's R&D stage in a class 4 clean room lab.

As far as modes are concerned... do you think the majority of people would use / want this? Or is it a niche market?

As I said before I am aiming for 9x12mm. I can't imagine it being that much larger, if at all.
 
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Jun 12, 2011
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Yep Plenty of us would love to be able to have a low pointer and a high burner, at least I know I'd buy one, another option that would be nice would be to include a LVC set to around... 3.1-3.3V, since I think draining Li-ions below 3V shortens their lifespan.
 
Joined
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Re: New Boost Driver in Dev *Asking for investors*

Bump, added investor information to the OP.
 

Cam453

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Re: New Boost Driver in Dev *Asking for investors*

If you theoretically can produce these for $15-20 then how come other boost drivers come at such a high cost :thinking:
 
Joined
Aug 19, 2011
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Re: New Boost Driver in Dev *Asking for investors*

Same here. It sounds amazing!

And it has a pot somewhere to adjust the output right? Not desoldering resistors?
 
Joined
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Re: New Boost Driver in Dev *Asking for investors*

I will explain it further over PM. It'll depend on how many investors I get and how much you invested. Everyone will get their money back on the donation + a percentage. Also for sure, everyone that invests will get a free review unit.

For more info please PM me.

And it has a pot somewhere to adjust the output right? Not desoldering resistors?

Of course not. It will have a pot adjustment for ease of use.
 
Joined
Aug 19, 2011
Messages
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Re: New Boost Driver in Dev *Asking for investors*

A low voltage cut off would be nice, if it doesn't make it cost more. If it does then no big deal.
 
Joined
Oct 6, 2009
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Re: New Boost Driver in Dev *Asking for investors*

Just a question..

With a range of 0-2000ma will you also use jumpers? like on the flex/microboost?
id imagine if you used just the pot to go from 0 to 2000 it would be kinda hard to hit lets say 425ma. ( pots do just go 360° right? )
Also will you use the somewhat "sturdy" pots?
 
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Joined
Aug 19, 2011
Messages
185
Points
18
Re: New Boost Driver in Dev *Asking for investors*

What if it was a multi turn pot? Though I don't know if they make them that tiny. Hm.

Or a course and fine pot? But once again, limited space.. Jumpers sounds like a good idea now that you put it that way, lol..
 




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