Blog Update #7: Alpha Prototype Development Challenges
- Jared Simon
- Feb 11, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: May 15, 2022
When it comes to building new technology, not everything will go according to plan. Whether an idea can be understood, constructed, or succeed in its market, challenges will arise along the way; Melodi is no exception.
Throughout the past few months, LA NPDT has been hard at work outsourcing components, constructing and securing the chassis, and putting together all the parts to produce the first Melodi. To see Melodi's internal layout for the alpha prototype, please refer to the following link:
Note: This model's design is subject to change as tweaks are often made.
They recently gathered everything, and one of the last steps for developing this unit was to program the internal MIDI Controller. Attached are how the boards came out:
However, there is one problem: the PCB fabricator incorrectly installed one of the board's chips. With this, LA NPDT's engineers could not program the MIDI Controller to perform as expected. Therefore, a new batch of boards is needed, which could take an additional 3 - 6 weeks to fabricate and receive.
However, it is best to remain optimistic about the situation, as LA NPDT continuously improves upon Melodi's internal design each day. The engineers will also adjust the boards for enhanced communications. Soon, Melodi will get to a bootable state.
Although not definitive, Melodi's alpha prototype is expected to be ready between March-May 2022. Sadly, other problems can arise during development, so this is subject to change.
If you have any questions, want to share feedback, or inquire about the prototype, feel free to reach me at 845-671-1062 or e-mail me at simonjared24@gmail.com. Stay tuned for further progress!
May 15, 2022 UPDATE: At the time of writing, nearly all aspects of Melodi's alpha prototype development are finalized, including its internal design. However, the availability of the chips needed for the device's PCB boards remains scarce. Without these chips, Melodi's internal MIDI Controller will be non-functional. LA NPDT is unsure of when the chips will be available for use, so, for now, both they and I are seeking alternative suppliers. Sadly, due to substantial uncertainties with the global computer chip shortage, I cannot accurately provide a new timeline; it will be ready when it is ready.
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