As the units needed to be modified to version 1a standard, we had to test the units as received from the assembly house, before doing the rework and then retesting. If you want to see why we did the mods, see the pictures on the wiki at https://wiki.batc.tv/Filter_Modulator_V ... ifications
Unfortunately during this first test we discovered that 12 out of the 50 have faulty or damaged 82 millihenry chokes which severally affected the MER performance at 2 Msymbols. We suspect they were a faulty batch of coils which were damaged by the heat during the solder reflow process and we will have to return these boards for re-work.
As result we only have a potential of 38 units - today, we have managed to initially test and rework these units but only managed to final test 16 units before running out of time.
So we have 16 units to sell and no matter how I do it, people will miss out and probably complain. So I'm going to put my tin hat on and put them in shop at 9am tomorrow and run....
I will attempt to test another batch and release them on Sunday afternoon but I do have another life besides BATC and I'm being hassled to write CQ-TV articles as well....
There will then be another batch to release - perhaps at 9:15pm on Monday whilst you are all watching Broadchurch! And then there will be the remaining 12 when they return from the assembly house. And if we sell out, we will be making some more
Re pricing - they are in the shop at £115 including signed for delivery. This is only slightly more than rolling your own, which would cost you around £92, and still makes Portsdown a very attractive full featured 5 band DATV system for under £250 - by comparison have you seen how much a fancy HF rig will cost you? Each board comes with an individual test report and instructions on what to do next - see https://wiki.batc.tv/File:FM_Check_Sheet_v2a.pdf
So remember, if you don't get one please don't shoot or shout at the volunteer or there might not be any more - and please don't email / PM me asking when / how as you now know as much as I do!
Have a good weekend
Noel - G8GTZ