The AC drive L I V E S ! ! !

[Martin Jackson <mjackson@vcn.bc.ca>]

  Jim Weir writes: 
   
Also: how hard would it be to replicate the controller as 
a home hobbyist for a similar sized output to your test bed
model? Maybe sell the parts list/instructions to Radio
Shack? Just a thought, it might be a fun project, if the
logic part doesn't cost a fortune... 

  In theory, kits make a lot of sense. Educationally, what could be 
  better than to have glued the controller together yourself. I know one 
  vendor has considered it and it would be a big plus for his product 
  (even if it cost as much as the assembled unit). He wants a profit and 
  the instructions would have to be pretty good. On the other hand, he 
  already has to create kits for his slaves to put together although 
  they are more knowlegable than most of us. It's ordering the just 
  right-just in time selection of parts that is going to be an ongoing 
  job. But, more sales means larger purchased lots at hopefully lower 
  unit cost. 

  Lack of quality control over the customer means he's crazy to provide 
  a warranty. And the cost at 10 per year would have to be = or > the 
  assembled unit. My old company sold kits for $ 280,000 engines for 
  $ 300,000. The customer was happy because his people were pre-trained
  for overhaul (and we held their hand very tightly).

  Radio Shack is a high markup outfit due to size and a marketing 
  orientation. A good controller is out of their price bracket & not a
  volume item. What little I know comes from EICO & Heath Kits. Where
  are they now.......?   How much extra are you willing to pay ?

  Contract to use a bench & kit at your favorite vendors shop at $ 60 an
  hour. If your assembly works at final test, $30 / hour, but you buy 
  the beer.
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