This is an alert that there is going to be a recall on the HoneyDripper PCBs. A mistake in the power supply portion of the circuit has been found. Unfortunately, it is not at all an easy fix, and it looks like the best course of action is to go ahead and have the boards re-done.
So, here's what I'm going to do. Anyone who purchased the board and just wants a refund, please email me at brian@madbeanpedals.com and provide your original Paypal transaction ID with your refund request. I will get that refund done for you right away.
If you still want to build the project, I will be sending out the corrected PCB ASAP. Don't worry about sending the original PCB back. Keep it, or toss it. I estimate that it will be about three weeks before I can send replacements.
If you've already started populating the PCB and therefore have used some parts up in the process let me know. I will try to figure out something to compensate for the loss of parts, whether it's a small store credit or replacements....something to that effect.
I am really sorry about this. It's time for me to eat a little crow here as it seems I rushed some of this last batch through and was not as careful as I have been in the past. This, along with the mistake on the Road Rage silkscreen, and the distortion issue with the DirtBag clearly shows that I've been careless and that is a real problem when you are trying to run a business and maintain a reputation. Therefore, I am temporarily cancelling the planned releases for the end of this month so I can thoroughly review all designs before having anything else manufactured. I'm pretty upset right now, but I know if I just take a step back and re-evaluate the production process for project releases, I will figure out a way to ensure this event is not repeated.
I'll keep everyone posted on the development of the replacement PCBs as soon as I can.
Brian
Quote from: madbean on December 17, 2011, 06:56:34 AM
I'm pretty upset right now, but I know if I just take a step back and re-evaluate the production process for project releases, I will figure out a way to ensure this event is not repeated.
Hey Brian, dont worry about it. With the complexity of these projects, there are bound to be a few bugs. Youre just one man after all. Being that we are in in the diy realm, figuring out how to fix things is part of the fun. We all know if there is a major problem you will fix it. No one else has the balls to even attempt the kinds of stuff youre doing with these projects, and without someone like you around, i would never have been able to build the stuff ive built, so a few issues here or there are o.k. by me.
Quote from: dwstanford on December 17, 2011, 11:38:38 AM
Quote from: madbean on December 17, 2011, 06:56:34 AM
I'm pretty upset right now, but I know if I just take a step back and re-evaluate the production process for project releases, I will figure out a way to ensure this event is not repeated.
Hey Brian, dont worry about it. With the complexity of these projects, there are bound to be a few bugs. Youre just one man after all. Being that we are in in the diy realm, figuring out how to fix things is part of the fun. We all know if there is a major problem you will fix it. No one else has the balls to even attempt the kinds of stuff youre doing with these projects, and without someone like you around, i would never have been able to build the stuff ive built, so a few issues here or there are o.k. by me.
OK by me too. This is about learning as much as building and playing from my point of view. From a financial standpoint I hope this doesn't put you in a position where the future of madbeanpedals is threatened. We all are indebted to you for the PCBs you provide, top notch quality and awesome support beyond any other DIY FX PCB maker. Synopsis: You DA Man!
I thing I can do to make this as painless as possible for everyone:
Anyone who has populated their PCB already and still wants to build the project on the revised board: send me the populated PCB (sans ICs). In return, I'll desolder your pots and switch, and send them back with the new board plus all new resistors, caps, diodes, IC sockets, etc. It's a snap to do that since I have a pro desoldering station. Since the total number of PCBs sold is less than 50 I can reasonably manage doing a few dozen of these.
If this is helpful to anyone, just shoot me an email and we'll work out the details.
Thats a bummer, I was looking forward to getting a Boneyard soon.
BUT, I am impressed by your efforts to rectify the situation. Ive not been here long, but it is obvious that you care about your customers.
It's no problem. The schematic is more than a little lacking when it comes to the power side of the circuit. It's just one of those things.
As for the PCB's, these things happen. I can't see any of your regulars being anything but cool about it. We all know how it goes with these circuits, certainly the complex stuff like this! On the plus side, when it is sorted, it will kick arse massively.
Don't fret Brian... you're still the best around.
(Was about to buy one, will obviously wait)
From my perspective this doesn't phase me a bit Bean. I think it's a great idea to just take a deep breathe and focus forward. It will all work out fine.
+1 to the complex project thing and your effort and willingness to take these on.
Don't beat yourself up man.
Seriously good on you man. I will be a long time customer ;D
madbeanpeals has integrity, for anyone who hasn't noticed. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v343/cr9245/Squidoo/SquidU/worthy.gif)
Like most if not all people on the board, this will have no affect on my future purchases. You have the most complete diy projects around, without exception. On top of that you are willing to attempt project that other people wont even touch. And most of all your customer service is truly second to none, never have i seen service to level which you provide. None of us are perfect and prone to mistakes as it is human nature. You my friend make way less mistakes than most of us. Thanks for doing what you do.
Wow, major respect for coming clean about this and going to all the hassle of refunding everyone's spent components. Kudos!
It's totally cool by me as well...Brian is a stand up guy (and I only know him from dealing with him in here).
Plus he's got mad geetar skills!
This whole thing could be the inspiration for a project called The Cluster#uck!
Merry Christmas Everybody, Brian, go be with your fam!!
Oh bummer... thats a shame Brian! :(
Its a huge decision to do a recall... hopefully you can find solutions without too much grief.
Thanks everyone. It'll get sorted out soon. A fellow forum member actually gave me some feedback from their build on the FSB project and was able to confirm the changes that need to be made. All I have to do is butcher up my build a bit and confirm it. The revision PCB is already done (assuming all the changes are what I think they are).
::)
It's a bummer but not too surprising for the complexity of these projects. You gotta look at the other side, no one else has a DIY DMM project available, or a lot of the stuff your providing. You'll get it all figured out, I'm sure of it! :)
You could be like Microsoft and just call it HoneyDripper Vista... :D
Way to man up! Truly I have always felt that it is best and easiest to admit when one makes mistake, fess up to it, accept responsibility, make it right and move on. It shows integrity and honesty and is what will make customers life long. Take a breath, step back relax. It will all be OK. Kudos to the Madbean for this action. I know it must hurt but you'll be better for it in the long run. That's why we love the bean, the great designs, the pcbs, and this forum. Rock on!
As a guy having problems with the Dirtbag I can tell you that these problems will NOT effect my future business with you, Brian. These are NEW, COMPLEX projects. I'm certain that all will be perfect in the end.
Thanx for all the hard work. It has to be so trying to be rushed to release new products.
Thanks again. I have finished reviewing the needed changes and I'm going to test them out today. I also completed a single sided layout which I will release once the project documentation has been revised. It's based on the original FSB layout but smaller and will fit in a 1590BB. The revised fabbed board will still have the exact same pots and switch placement for 125B. It will actually be slightly smaller than the first layout (due to eliminating the regulator).
Anyway, I'll have the final updates on the Honey Dripper and DirtBag tonight (finished tracing out the portions I needed from the Memory Boy yesterday).
I appreciate the customer focus and integrity - will definitely continue to support your business.
Just received the new PCB. Thanks a lot for the customer support Bean!