The supply crisis has created obstacle after obstacle for creation of the electronics’ PCB. Simply, there are very few ICs to be found. Whichever PCB fabricator I approach is missing some component or other. Suppliers are out of stock on some major parts of the Minder 1 circuit. What little stock might exist has shot […]
The pre-release of Minder1, the theft deterrent for bicycles, is expected to be January 2022. Though years have been spent on its development, the ‘final’ stages–which comprise productization, behavioural refinements, promotion, parts and purchases–will take months! As well, there is a worldwide supply crisis, affecting electronic components. If you’d like to be kept updated, add […]
One of the unforeseen consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic is the rise in, and the volatility of, the prices of integrated circuit (IC) chips made in China. ICs that were often less than a dollar, are now several dollars; a CPU that used to be $2 is now $15, affecting the base cost of the […]
Updated: Saturday 25 May 2024. I am Ali ‘Arta’ Bahar, the computer/firmware engineer who has invented the M!nder. I have been a firmware engineer, teacher, open source developer, writer (literary fiction, and erotica), salesperson of outdoors gear, ebike mechanic, factory worker, bicycle courier, dishwasher/busser, entrepreneur, picker/packer/shipper/receiver, and likely a few other things. I have over […]
The first release of M!nder, the intelligent theft-deterrent for bicycles, is still expected to be in January 2022. A factor that may affect this is the crisis in the supply of electronic (and other) components. This has been unpredictable, affecting both price and availability.
Due to the crisis in the supply of electronic components, I have had to look for substitute parts. It’s been an endless hunt for vendors/suppliers, and prices. Availability and prices change overnight. Even when I successfully order parts, the vendor cancels on me before shipping! Some parts have become far too expensive. Micro-controllers are a […]
No CPU stock, so a different CPU must be found and ported-to.
