Each individual robot cost me around 1/3 of the proce of a boe-bot (including the shield from fritzing): https://www.robotshop.com/letsmakerobots/node/36080 Not to mention it outperformed many kits early this year =)
I would like to kit it. Instead of hot-glue, I plan on adding holes for screws. I would also like to add a mount for an ultrasonic sensor. That and I would like to have the shield come pre-assembled.
So, where do I start? I tried club jameco, but since I bought my electronics elseware it was a no go. I would like to be able to go through a bigger company, but if that is not possible I could start a small e-store. If I will go the latter route I need reliable places to buy my parts (ie not ebay), and a place that can assemble my shields.
Any suggestions? And do you think this robot has potential as a kit?
I’m not a PCB designer and my skills in electronics are primitive at best but your PCB layout is probably the worst I have ever seen.
I understand that you might be just a kid but still, -put some effort in to learning PCB design before you approach big professional companies like Jameco, Seed or Sparkfun. First of all start with a better PCB layout program like Eagle or even better DipTrace and learn how others are laying out their boards.
From your question you would like to get the shields assembled, -then you should move over to SMD as the parts are cheaper and assembly can be automated. Through hole component are expensive to use in a pick and place machine. So if you’re selling your shield as a hobbyist blank shield or as a kit, then through hole is ok, but for production no.
Then look at your design. What does it have to offer compared to other shields out there? As far as I can tell, -nothing at all. If you’re making a robot with just 4 bumper switches, then it’s great, but most of the other shields offer more than that.
So back to your questions. Any suggestions? See above. And do you think this robot has potential as a kit? NO
It is the worst PCB layout I have ever seen and the physical PCB board hurts my eyes.
In one point I disagree with Geir. Using Eagle or DipTrace will not improve your PCB layout. The opposite will be the case. Stick with Fritzing. It is very easy to use. Even with Fritzing you can layout a high end PCB. Get the basics of PCB design first. This is impotant. There are many tutorial out there.
