Total posts : 45366
Thanks for your input. (you are the right Neil). My decision is veering towards a kit and then if this is successful, maybe certification and a ready built offering. I also have ideas for some add on units. I am also concerned (as you have posted) if the LPAM movement gets going – the airwaves will shrivel up for us Part 15ers. Also concerned with the FCC changing the rules as they now stand, e.g: field strengths.
BTW, I have been in this Part 15 business for a number of years having designed the TalkingSign unit (www.talkingsign.com) intended for realtors. This was a tough slog because these guys seem to be a cheap bunch and prefer their trusted method of sending out flyers and key fobs with their picture on etc. This unit was certified with the FCC and Industry Canada at considerable expense and I’m leery of paying this tax again! It’s a great transmitter, but because it has digital message storage, people think it does not have the range (wrong) – it’s a 100mW transmitter. Some of the best bargains around are realtor units often for sale on Ebay.
Also, what is the size of this Part 15 market? – there does seem to be a lot of activity on this board. Because this type of equipment is for a low quantity niche market, the price cannot be too low otherwise it’s not worth doing – product support can eat into a lot of your time with all sorts of questions asked even if you put FAQ on the web site. Phil’s AMT3000 is an absolute bargain at $89 (I think it’s too cheap!). Rangemaster is at the other end of the price range. There seems to be nothing in between – this is where I would like to aim for.
Enough rambling 🙂
Gerry
