Invitation to indicate interest in next batch of GTA04A5 boards

Dr. H. Nikolaus Schaller hns at goldelico.com
Tue Mar 26 11:22:39 CET 2013


Am 04.10.2012 um 14:50 schrieb Dr. H. Nikolaus Schaller:

> We have started to plan the production of the next GTA04 batch.
> This will include a minor board layout update (therefore the name
> GTA04A5). For some details what will change, please see [1].
> 
> It is very important that we can estimate the real demand and
> depending on that set the right price. Therefore, please use the
> wishlist function to state that you are interested and what your
> favourite price would be.
> 
> Please note that if you choose a high price, likelihood will increase
> that we can produce earlier and in smaller batches. If you choose a
> lower price this is fine as well, but it may not become available at
> your preferred price. I.e. we are trying to find an optimum between
> price and number of units.
> 
> Anyways, a wishlist entry is not binding - it just gives us a picture
> what our community is interested in.
> 
> So please start voting:
> 
> 	<http://www.handheld-linux.com/wiki.php?page=GTA04>
> 
> The more votes we get, the better the picture will be.
> 
> [1]: http://lists.goldelico.com/pipermail/community/2012-October/000103.html

Am 18.12.2012 um 21:36 schrieb Dr. H. Nikolaus Schaller:

> +++ GTA04A5 preorders +++
> 
> Now as we have finally learned everything about mass production
> and the adventure of the first group tour is finished, it is time
> to kick-start the next one.
> 
> As with any major version increment, this time it should run much
> smoother... And if not, we will do Version A6 :)
> 
> So we plan to produce up to 200 more GTA05A5 units at a price of
> 555.55 EUR [3].
> 
> Production can start after we have really finalized the PCB layout.
> Work on the layout had been slowed down while fixing the GTA04A4
> boards.
> 
> The reason why we need a redesign is that we have to solve some
> minor production issues, replace obsolete components and to add
> some small features.
> 
> But before we can start production, we need some money upfront
> and finally decide how many units we will build this time.
> 
> Therefore, we immediately start to collect pre-orders [3] for approx. 2
> months and then start production. Please expect delivery by end of March.
> I will keep you updated on the status.
> 
> [3]: http://www.handheld-linux.com/wiki.php?page=GTA04

Hi all,
end of march is coming closer which was the original date scheduled
for shipment and some of you are waiting for a status information.

But to be frank and open: there are not many of you waiting. Just
a handful.

To be precise:

4 prepaid orders
11 entries in the wishlist (if we combine GTA04 + 2804 wishes)

This is simply not enough to start production without loosing
a lot of money that is nowhere available.

Because people sometimes believe that we want to rip off
everybody by the high price [2] (555 EUR for the planned GTA04A5 board),
let me give some facts about component prices (you can also research
yourself at www.Mouser.com):

OMAP3530CBP100:	34-37 EUR
Memory chip:	12-15 EUR
UMTS module:	60-90 EUR
WLAN+BT+GPS:	40 EUR
PCB:		40 EUR + 2000 EUR one-time cost (machine setup)
Production:	45 EUR + 1000 EUR one-time cost (machine setup and stencil)
Other components:	100 EUR (there are approx. 200 positions on the BOM!)
WEEE, CE, etc:	10 EUR
Factor for Repairs and Warranty:	110%

Please note that these component prices are a fact if we buy 1-100 units
without any room for negotiations.

So this makes more than 350 EUR for the components. Plus setup cost.
Plus warranties.

And there is not yet a margin for anyone involved in the process. E.g.
development of (new) features (e.g. OMAP4/5, LTE, better display,
new case) costs time&money and must be covered by sales of the existing
GTA04.

Now, if we want to let's say build 10 units, the setup cost distributes to 300 EUR
per unit and even at 100 we still have to expect at least 30 EUR. And, you
have to consider that the BOM cost does not even include VAT.

From this calculation it becomes obvious that nobody wants to rip off
anyone and a comparison to cheap devices built in Asia is neither fair
nor showing knowledge about economical mechanisms.

The key to open the GTA04 door is getting more units into one production
batch. But without demand (for the only free and open smart handheld that
really is available) it does not work.

So we unfortunately have to postpone the production of GTA04A5 boards,
until someone manages to create more demand.

This is a little sad, since we now have solved all technological problems
and could start production anytime (well the longer we wait the more
components will become EOL and have to be substituted).

Anyways we will continue to support the existing GTA04A3/A4 by improving
the kernel, boot loader etc.

If you have ideas how to stimulate demand, please do!

Nikolaus Schaller

[2] e.g. http://us.generation-nt.com/answer/golden-delicious-now-shipping-hackable-openmoko-gta04-help-206389182.html


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