i understand very well whats involved having been involved in several. one of which actually ran quite behind due to a the massive undertaking to transconductance match all the mosfets for everyone, for which i wasnt even close to breaking even on my time/monetary investment and involved buying and building quite a bit of equipment for the task. also we had the largest flood in living memory here in brisbane where more than 70% of the state was under water, many people died and the country is still recovering. but all through that i tried to keep everyone informed and never dodged a request for an update or information, which by itself is often enough to put people's mind at ease. unfortunately there was no way to get help with it either due to the complex matching rig and equipment needed
that was my first GB effort and the first time i had matched to such a level of accuracy in situ, so there was a lot that i just didnt realise and i wouldnt do it again, but the thing is, this is not the first time BF has attempted such a thing and last times didnt go well either; at least this time he at least appears to have bought the parts, the panel machining on the other hand?
and yes as AnclientWisdom has pointed out, there have been numerous offers of help to get this done.
that was my first GB effort and the first time i had matched to such a level of accuracy in situ, so there was a lot that i just didnt realise and i wouldnt do it again, but the thing is, this is not the first time BF has attempted such a thing and last times didnt go well either; at least this time he at least appears to have bought the parts, the panel machining on the other hand?
and yes as AnclientWisdom has pointed out, there have been numerous offers of help to get this done.
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not sure, given the parts do appear to have been bought, i'm not quite sure how you would go with a fraud charge, although until he makes delivery thats still an option, it would just force him to take it seriously. i'll leave that discussion to those involved though. but yes if its going to be done it should be soon. someone could however go and take possession of the parts and finish the job?
perhaps that ultimatum should be put to BF now in an official capacity by way of a letter or official email, show that the panels are finished, or if not, tell why not and who is doing them, with company details so this can be confirmed. its funny, i seem to remember at least one letter about lasers to this effect, perhaps you could use it as a template; i believe it was addressed to his parents.
if they are finished, start sending out the kits now, or allow a responsible forum member to take possession of the whole lot of paid for kits to distribute, along with the flat rate postal boxes
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I think he got his reason for doing all these (avoiding, not log on, no update). But if he doesn't tell us what is bugging him, he expect us to tolerate his behavior? I got my priority, for me this priority now, to get the amp deliver to me before Xmas. This is driving me nuts.
I believe if someone in Australia report this to the authority, some action will be taken. If anyone ready to do that, I am ready to provide the support (emails, PM, paypal).
I believe if someone in Australia report this to the authority, some action will be taken. If anyone ready to do that, I am ready to provide the support (emails, PM, paypal).
Even though I have received boards and parts, I am still hugely frustrated with the whole experience. Despite several public and private offers of help from me and from others, BF has mostly ignored these offers and gone it alone. Those of us who have run a GB know how much effort is involved, and knew well that to pull off a GB of this size would require reasonable level of organisational skill and a fair smattering of financial and communication competence.
I still need to send BF some money, and sent him a PM several days ago asking for his bank details, but have not yet had a response.
I still need to send BF some money, and sent him a PM several days ago asking for his bank details, but have not yet had a response.
This is time I join GB in diyaudio. For now, I am really disappointed. I don't mind the slowness, because it is a huge job for this GB. The thing annoys me is no reply, no log on. BF, come on, put it together and ship it to someone that can handle it.
I've often noticed a guest active in this thread when things kick off a bit ... interesting.
Anyway, BF, if you honestly cannot put the time to this at the moment, I will help find a way to get all of the gear to someone who is able to pack and distribute the items. If this is to happen everyone involved will need to reach consensus on how this is to work as the agreement currently stands between BF and each individual.
Just tell us what is going on. Be honest about where things are at and what you haven't done yet and we will try to sort it out somehow.
The important information I think most people would like to know about is:
1. What parts are you still waiting to receive.
2. What do you know about the front panels.
3. How far are you through sorting. (An indication like say having sorted all of the resistors and nothing else or whatever it is.)
4. When do you next have time to spend working on this, be realistic about how long the close out of this will take, the final stages of any project are always more challenging than you anticipate!
It can't be that hard to post more than once a fortnight. You were quite capable of posting VERY regularly before you had taken funds for the GB from everyone.
A month ago you had numerous offers of assistance and you assured us it was all good and that things were happening, that it would all come together and that it was far too costly to contemplate posting to anyone and that it would take just as much time on your behalf to post all to one person or to everyone individually. Alas, the same situation has continued since and now you're giving us comments to the effect that your work load is increasing still. Do you really have the time to get this finished? Is there some other problem that we don't know about (other than your time) that's holding this up?
Anyway, BF, if you honestly cannot put the time to this at the moment, I will help find a way to get all of the gear to someone who is able to pack and distribute the items. If this is to happen everyone involved will need to reach consensus on how this is to work as the agreement currently stands between BF and each individual.
Just tell us what is going on. Be honest about where things are at and what you haven't done yet and we will try to sort it out somehow.
The important information I think most people would like to know about is:
1. What parts are you still waiting to receive.
2. What do you know about the front panels.
3. How far are you through sorting. (An indication like say having sorted all of the resistors and nothing else or whatever it is.)
4. When do you next have time to spend working on this, be realistic about how long the close out of this will take, the final stages of any project are always more challenging than you anticipate!
It can't be that hard to post more than once a fortnight. You were quite capable of posting VERY regularly before you had taken funds for the GB from everyone.
A month ago you had numerous offers of assistance and you assured us it was all good and that things were happening, that it would all come together and that it was far too costly to contemplate posting to anyone and that it would take just as much time on your behalf to post all to one person or to everyone individually. Alas, the same situation has continued since and now you're giving us comments to the effect that your work load is increasing still. Do you really have the time to get this finished? Is there some other problem that we don't know about (other than your time) that's holding this up?
I just finished 2 of these amps, and it's worth the wait 🙂
just need BF to communicate, and get this on track so you guys can all enjoy this top little amp
just need BF to communicate, and get this on track so you guys can all enjoy this top little amp
it also makes me a bit ashamed/embarrassed on an international level as an Australian and for DIYA in general, because this is not limited to domestic and it is not limited to forum regulars, many joined the forum in order to participate in this GB. i have participated in many GBs on here and i have never had a problem with ANY of them and you come in as a new member volunteering to do the work instead of other more seasoned trusted members and look what happened. so i want to make it clear, this is not an indication of how things go down here, in general the level of effort put in my organisers such as salas, opc, EUVL, pchw, horio, teabag etc is MASSIVE and unlike GBs i have experienced elsewhere. These people like Rocketscientist, often industry professionals put in their time to design and support projects at a great loss of time and in some cases income to do such a professional job to allow members to build projects that compete with high dollar commercial products, while learning in the process and you Bluefusion, do them a massive disservice in particular RS as you have taken this highly organised project and made it a painful experience for many people.
the unwillingness to accept offers of help is and has always been suspicious. 1 or 2 dollars from each member would cover postage of everything to another party, tbh I feel this responsibility/cost lies with you, if it is work commitments that are stopping you from doing it, this would imply you are being paid and that lining your pockets this way is preferable to meeting your responsibilities to all these people. BUT i'm sure that in order to get this done, people will throw in.
the unwillingness to accept offers of help is and has always been suspicious. 1 or 2 dollars from each member would cover postage of everything to another party, tbh I feel this responsibility/cost lies with you, if it is work commitments that are stopping you from doing it, this would imply you are being paid and that lining your pockets this way is preferable to meeting your responsibilities to all these people. BUT i'm sure that in order to get this done, people will throw in.
Like others here I ordered an extra kit as a Christmas present but I'm still holding out hope.
I would like an honest appraisal of where the project is at. The only things I know with any certainty is that the parts, enclosures and batteries should be ready. I'm skeptical about the front panels and power supplies because of the vagueness in BF's posts.
It's a big job, and I'm not out to skewer BF here. But the difference in response times from before the money was collected and after is conspicuous.
Please answer hochopeper's questions for all of us:
1. What parts are you still waiting to receive?
2. What do you know about the front panels? (Have they been sent to a machinist, and if so what is the quoted turnaround?)
3. How far are you through sorting? (An indication like say having sorted all of the resistors and nothing else or whatever it is.)
4. When do you next have time to spend working on this, be realistic about how long the close out of this will take, the final stages of any project are always more challenging than you anticipate!
BlueFusion, if you are behind where you reported to us or the job is too big for you then just come clean! Hiding is not the solution. Some of us might not care about getting the front panels or wall-warts from you if the timeline is just going to drag on as it has. Or maybe a transfer of parts to someone with more free time is possible. There are options open to you, you just have to resume communications.
Up to now we've been patient and you've had our support - if Christmas comes around with no progress you'll have lost mine.
PS: thank you to the fellow group-buyers who have been following up this thread for the past few months (!)
I would like an honest appraisal of where the project is at. The only things I know with any certainty is that the parts, enclosures and batteries should be ready. I'm skeptical about the front panels and power supplies because of the vagueness in BF's posts.
It's a big job, and I'm not out to skewer BF here. But the difference in response times from before the money was collected and after is conspicuous.
Please answer hochopeper's questions for all of us:
1. What parts are you still waiting to receive?
2. What do you know about the front panels? (Have they been sent to a machinist, and if so what is the quoted turnaround?)
3. How far are you through sorting? (An indication like say having sorted all of the resistors and nothing else or whatever it is.)
4. When do you next have time to spend working on this, be realistic about how long the close out of this will take, the final stages of any project are always more challenging than you anticipate!
BlueFusion, if you are behind where you reported to us or the job is too big for you then just come clean! Hiding is not the solution. Some of us might not care about getting the front panels or wall-warts from you if the timeline is just going to drag on as it has. Or maybe a transfer of parts to someone with more free time is possible. There are options open to you, you just have to resume communications.
Up to now we've been patient and you've had our support - if Christmas comes around with no progress you'll have lost mine.
PS: thank you to the fellow group-buyers who have been following up this thread for the past few months (!)
Still not replied yet? Could someone in AU call him? or drop a txt to let him know we are not so happy with this?
I have sent text last night.
Apparently this show of BF's had opening night last night. I don't know if that is a good/bad thing in terms of time BF will have to communicate. Depends how long this show of his runs I suppose.
Conversation went like this
BF: 'lots of news but as per my last post it got lost. There's also a faster option'
me: Yeah? What's the faster option?
BF: 'lasercut acrylic panels. Details later just finished opening night.'
I then ask for more info on how long these lasercut panels will take, no more responses.
....
About 2hrs later he was logged on to diyAudio surfing some other threads, we've still got no more info.
To me the vagueness of 'lots of news' and the change of plans for the front panels are concerning.
About an 45mins ago I sent him a message asking when he'll have a chance to update this thread, no word as yet.
So, we will as ever, await some news from BF.
Apparently this show of BF's had opening night last night. I don't know if that is a good/bad thing in terms of time BF will have to communicate. Depends how long this show of his runs I suppose.
Conversation went like this
BF: 'lots of news but as per my last post it got lost. There's also a faster option'
me: Yeah? What's the faster option?
BF: 'lasercut acrylic panels. Details later just finished opening night.'
I then ask for more info on how long these lasercut panels will take, no more responses.
....
About 2hrs later he was logged on to diyAudio surfing some other threads, we've still got no more info.
To me the vagueness of 'lots of news' and the change of plans for the front panels are concerning.
About an 45mins ago I sent him a message asking when he'll have a chance to update this thread, no word as yet.
So, we will as ever, await some news from BF.
Its not looking good for our young hero's!
The most noble intentions aren't worth anything if they are not followed through to completion.
I'm in Adelaide and for those who don't mind spending an extra $10 (at most I'm guessing for a 500g express post satchel) I will volunteer to do the following:
1. Get in contact with BF one way or the other and pick up the kits minus the enclosure, front panel, and wallwart for those who want it now.
2. Post the PCB's and parts that way people can start to build the amp and use it in some form.
3. So you know I'm not dodgy, I will cover the cost of postage until you receive it and then give you my bank details for reimbursement.
4. BF will post the enclosure, panels and wallwarts using the express post bags he has already got (?) once the machining is complete.
5. The not so good news is this won't start until Tuesday as I have spent 3 weeks away with work and will be spending a few days away with my girls at the shack.
6. The plan will be to pick everything up Tuesday after work (I have no idea where BF lives, but it only take an hour to get from once side of the city to the other) and get it in the post Wednesday morning.
If people are keen and it's a go-er I will put a drop dead time of 8:30pm Adelaide Time, (+10.5 UTC) Monday. Responses will be to an email address I'll post later.
For overseas members postage will be via the means you request - I can get a quote or if you give me a max figure you're willing to pay I will tell you if it's possible.
Thoughts?
The most noble intentions aren't worth anything if they are not followed through to completion.
I'm in Adelaide and for those who don't mind spending an extra $10 (at most I'm guessing for a 500g express post satchel) I will volunteer to do the following:
1. Get in contact with BF one way or the other and pick up the kits minus the enclosure, front panel, and wallwart for those who want it now.
2. Post the PCB's and parts that way people can start to build the amp and use it in some form.
3. So you know I'm not dodgy, I will cover the cost of postage until you receive it and then give you my bank details for reimbursement.
4. BF will post the enclosure, panels and wallwarts using the express post bags he has already got (?) once the machining is complete.
5. The not so good news is this won't start until Tuesday as I have spent 3 weeks away with work and will be spending a few days away with my girls at the shack.
6. The plan will be to pick everything up Tuesday after work (I have no idea where BF lives, but it only take an hour to get from once side of the city to the other) and get it in the post Wednesday morning.
If people are keen and it's a go-er I will put a drop dead time of 8:30pm Adelaide Time, (+10.5 UTC) Monday. Responses will be to an email address I'll post later.
For overseas members postage will be via the means you request - I can get a quote or if you give me a max figure you're willing to pay I will tell you if it's possible.
Thoughts?
A great offer you've made there!!
I'd give yourself some extra time to sort/pack the kits though, may not be a 1 night only job!
The kits are already sorted into plastic bags from what I understand, and if they aren't I will let everyone know as soon as I pick them up and advise the revised shipping date.
Same goes for the updated info on the front panels - Are they really at the machinist? If they're not I will post the complete kit and people can sort out their own engraving.
Same goes for the updated info on the front panels - Are they really at the machinist? If they're not I will post the complete kit and people can sort out their own engraving.
talk of a new cheaper panel option says one thing, they never really got sent to the machinist, who was supposed to have them and be finished already nearly 2 weeks ago. a machinist of any standard would not accept a job of this size and then at the last minute just bail saying, oh sorry alas i havent finished your work. that coupled with BF continued excuses and no contact to explain this, says it all. sorry but ive totally run out of charity for this guy. he needs to refund everyone the cost of the front panels, which is what 1200, how many in this GB these days?
having to organise machining on panels as a piece by piece basis locally will multiply the cost by 4-5 at least, so the GB panels internationally might be best. the acrylic ones are ok and all, but metal is imo a much better look, doing it yourself with board mounted components that need to match is not something that everyone is ready for.
most important is getting the kits though i agree
having to organise machining on panels as a piece by piece basis locally will multiply the cost by 4-5 at least, so the GB panels internationally might be best. the acrylic ones are ok and all, but metal is imo a much better look, doing it yourself with board mounted components that need to match is not something that everyone is ready for.
most important is getting the kits though i agree
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I'm trying to come up with a way to get the ball rolling in the right direction.
For those who don't want to wait and want what they have already paid for as soon as practicable and deal with the inconvience of the front panel later, there is an option.
I'm pretty sure there are a few people like myself who have been patient and acknowledge the work and intent of BF but it's time to write it off and move on.
For those who don't want to wait and want what they have already paid for as soon as practicable and deal with the inconvience of the front panel later, there is an option.
I'm pretty sure there are a few people like myself who have been patient and acknowledge the work and intent of BF but it's time to write it off and move on.
If someone could help me get my order from BF, I would feel very grateful.
I don't care anymore with the front panel. I will make a hole in it with a nail and hammer if i have to.
If there is a problem with shipping or anything, you can contact me.
Thank you in advance ...
I don't care anymore with the front panel. I will make a hole in it with a nail and hammer if i have to.
If there is a problem with shipping or anything, you can contact me.
Thank you in advance ...
dontdiewondering: I agree completely. Thank you for the offer, it's very generous of you. Paying a little extra postage would be preferable to dragging this out.
From hochopeper's message it sounds like the panels haven't been started yet. If transferring to dontdiewondering means I'll get the parts before Christmas I think I'm willing to forego them and find a solution myself.
Apart from the panels I'm hopeful everything else is ready. Just waiting on BF for an update now.
From hochopeper's message it sounds like the panels haven't been started yet. If transferring to dontdiewondering means I'll get the parts before Christmas I think I'm willing to forego them and find a solution myself.
Apart from the panels I'm hopeful everything else is ready. Just waiting on BF for an update now.
OK - I can't find all the questions I had answered in my previous lost post so I'll try to summarise as much as possible here.
The off-sized resistors - an unfortunate problem but I hope the replacements will be much better. I unfortunately had a choice of getting those or delaying the order further. I did realise they were larger but was unaware of how huge they really are compared to the others.
The slow shipping - I do apologise, Australia Post had led me to believe that these were something in between regular parcel post and expresspost - alas it seems they are regular post only.
As for what I was mentioning about the panels,
My machinist does have them and is working on them now - however re-machining pre cut panels is harder than cutting them to start with and he can only align and cut one or two at a time.
To clear up some confusion - I'm not having a commercial machine shop do this as it would be extraordinarily expensive - simply put I have a good friend who has access to a workshop and the appropriate equipment. He has a life too - which is why they aren't all done in a day or two. I do apologize for making this unclear.
The option of lasercut acyrlic panels would be much, much faster as he can do the whole batch simultaneously. There would still be metal panels available.
I had thought of shipping off orders now and posting panels in simple envelopes later, which sounds like an option you'd all enjoy (on my dime of course). It is also much cheaper to ship only a panel than it would be to ship wallwarts + panels + enclosures. (assuming, see below, that the wallwarts arrive soon)
The only hurdle thus far is that my wallwarts - ordered I admit 27th Nov - have not yet arrived despite RS Components saying they were in stock and would ship Next Day on teh 28th. I'm about to place a phone call to them and will let you know shortly of the outcome.
I'm rather pissed off at RS about this - and yes, the irony is very obvious.
I'll be online for the next half hour or so while I call RS and to follow up any further questions I've missed!
The off-sized resistors - an unfortunate problem but I hope the replacements will be much better. I unfortunately had a choice of getting those or delaying the order further. I did realise they were larger but was unaware of how huge they really are compared to the others.
The slow shipping - I do apologise, Australia Post had led me to believe that these were something in between regular parcel post and expresspost - alas it seems they are regular post only.
As for what I was mentioning about the panels,
My machinist does have them and is working on them now - however re-machining pre cut panels is harder than cutting them to start with and he can only align and cut one or two at a time.
To clear up some confusion - I'm not having a commercial machine shop do this as it would be extraordinarily expensive - simply put I have a good friend who has access to a workshop and the appropriate equipment. He has a life too - which is why they aren't all done in a day or two. I do apologize for making this unclear.
The option of lasercut acyrlic panels would be much, much faster as he can do the whole batch simultaneously. There would still be metal panels available.
I had thought of shipping off orders now and posting panels in simple envelopes later, which sounds like an option you'd all enjoy (on my dime of course). It is also much cheaper to ship only a panel than it would be to ship wallwarts + panels + enclosures. (assuming, see below, that the wallwarts arrive soon)
The only hurdle thus far is that my wallwarts - ordered I admit 27th Nov - have not yet arrived despite RS Components saying they were in stock and would ship Next Day on teh 28th. I'm about to place a phone call to them and will let you know shortly of the outcome.
I'm rather pissed off at RS about this - and yes, the irony is very obvious.
I'll be online for the next half hour or so while I call RS and to follow up any further questions I've missed!
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