My original impetus for creating the Pinscape AIO product was to provide a ready-made, guaranteed tested Pinscape solution that allowed people to get up and running fast and to provide a "gold standard" solution that was much better than any competition. I have now sold 60 Pinscape AIO boards. Some people have even upgraded their older systems to the AIO.
Not satisfied with just the AIO, I created several other products, the success of which has actually astonished me. Everything from the innovative Rotary encoder to the Flipper RGB boards and clear buttons that filled a gap with a ready-made solution. I recently got started with a 3D printer, initially for my own cabinet, and then to make products. I introduced the Plunger kit a month ago and have already sold more than 30 which is essentially one a day since the announcement. Who knew there was such a demand? And I use all my products in my own wide-body Pinball cabinet.
I strive for quality products that are thoroughly tested. Where possible my products are integrated so there is very little for you to do except install, configure, and play pinball. For example the plunger kit comes with #10 screws for the cabinet and a lighter spring to replace the usual heavier spring used to move a steel ball.
While I will sometimes take pre-orders, I usually only allow people to purchase from stock and my page is very clear about my policies and what products I have, their user guides, number sold, and number in stock.
I started in this hobby barely 18 months ago. I knew almost straightaway that I wanted to use the Pinscape software in my cabinet. I even wrote-up my rationale.
Like many new users, I wanted to start small and experiment. After playing on my PC and dual monitors, I initiated the build of my Mikrocontroller cabinet using the KL25Z with Pinscape. I experienced the “joys” of plugging Dupont jumper cables into header pins and crimping. After creating a MOSFET power board with fuses, I realized I really needed a way to physically mount the KL25Z and provide other types of outputs and so I created my own version of the Pinscape main board.
I have had several people approach me who weren’t ready for the Pinscape AIO; they just needed a way to use the KL25Z to provide button inputs, nudge, plunger, and perhaps light some LED buttons. Many people have used a bare KL25Z and wired in their own stuff such as MOSFET boards etc. Some people will be quite happy with this and never need more.
This got me thinking about a concept I'm calling "Pinscape Lite". It would allow people to get started quicker in this hobby with a smaller initial cost. The Pinscape Lite fits on a 4” square board (100mm x 100mm) and has the following features:
- Integrated KL25Z controller with Pinscape software and nudge capability
- 24 button inputs
- Plunger controller options (all Pinscape supported variations)
- 16 small LED/opto 20mA PWM LED outputs (flipper RGB LEDs, other LED buttons)
- 4 opto-isolated PWM outputs for motors (speed control), large LED devices like beacons and strobes as well as all other kinds of devices such as solenoids and contractors
- 8 opto-isolated digital outputs (on/off) for solenoids and contactors
- Pluggable screw connectors (as used in my other products)
- Input and Plunger buttons in the same layout as the Pinscape AIO
The Pinscape Lite is not expandable. Instead I am thinking about a “trade-up” solution where you return your Pinscape Lite to me (USA only) and I give you a discount on a new Pinscape AIO. Some people will never want or need to do this. The trade-up discount will not apply if you return a non-functioning board.
The pricing is still provisional. I am thinking that the Pinscape Lite will be $80. A returned and functional Pinscape Lite has a discount of $25 on the price of a new Pinscape AIO. I will carry over the KL25Z from the returned Pinscape Lite board to the Pinscape AIO and update the configuration.
Let me know what you think about this idea and any suggestions. I am also open to other product ideas.
Edit: Clarification on PWM capable outputs (20 total) and opto-isolated outputs.
Edited by MikePinball, 11 August 2020 - 04:13 AM.
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