Looking for a special know-how - step 1: trade expert

[yeppie]

I'd like to bring an idea to your attention which I have been thinking about for a long time now. Lots of us have thought about what the ideal recorder for our favorite recordings (you know, in motels or appartment complexes) should be like. So did I and there are some preferences in my mind which we might talk about later (in a specialised subforum).

As we probably won't ever have the chance to buy the dream-device in a shop, a solution might be to have it built just for us. To check if there is a way to get the job done, we need someone who is able to negotiate with suplliers who usually are located somewhere in Asia, mostly China. I think we might be able to sell up to 500 devices to the Community members over some time which could be an amount to start with.

I have tried to start a buying at alibaba.com a year ago or so but realized that I am not able to manage that on my own. So if you who read this message are an expert for such kind of tradejob, please send a pm or reply to this thread. Please don't expect to get paid for your expertise as I do not plan this project to be more than cost-covering (for the hardware and the handling costs).
Everything else will be discussed later ...

yeppie

[gr82bme]

Wow, I have been having a similar thought myself. I have experience at product managing hardware development. But not with sourcing - I will see if I can check my network.

Mmmmm - something very flat, no lights, long battery life, unidirectional microphone - disposable (i.e. if lost, not out a lot of money.) Could be a winner.

[yeppie]

Wow, I have been having a similar thought myself. I have experience at product managing hardware development. But not with sourcing - I will see if I can check my network.
Mmmmm - something very flat, no lights, long battery life, unidirectional microphone - disposable (i.e. if lost, not out a lot of money.) Could be a winner.

That sounds very similar to what I have in mind. Plus USB and that no one else but the owner needs to know about the functions - no need for labelled buttons.

[yeppie]

The discussion continues ... but to keep this special background-thread where it belongs (in the background), I have opened a new forum which is only accessible for those few who have the expertise needed.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the discussion and if you have the skills to help, please let me know. You could do so in writing a message on your thoughts here and you might get added.

Mark and gr82bme your latest messages have been moved to the new subforum which you will find in the "About this Community" forum. You will be able to access the Engineer's Lounge.

[PetaJ]

Wow, I have been having a similar thought myself. I have experience at product managing hardware development. But not with sourcing - I will see if I can check my network.
Mmmmm - something very flat, no lights, long battery life, unidirectional microphone - disposable (i.e. if lost, not out a lot of money.) Could be a winner.

That sounds very similar to what I have in mind. Plus USB and that no one else but the owner needs to know about the functions - no need for labelled buttons.

This sounds like my kind of forum.

My background is Electronics Engineering with 30 years in radio communications and the odd journey to the very dark side of what we all do here for fun and entertainment, I did for a living. I am only too glad to put my two shillings worth in, and help where I can.

Thanks

Petaj

[yeppie]

You have been added to the group of "Engineers" so you can join the beginning discussion in the subforum now. Thanks for asking.

[reggind]

I have been pondering building a device myself. Here are the thoughts I have on it so far..

It will have 4 inputs. One two for pizoelectric contact mic's. Two for condenser mics.

The inputs will be out of phase with each other. The idea I have is that you may be able to position the mic's so the low frequency building rumble will cancel while the higher frequency into we are after will not.

It will have at least a third order high pass filter tuned to about 300 Hz on it. Not much I want below that except for rumble.

It will have some AGC (automatic gain control) on it.

It will have headphone and line level outputs.

I am figuring on using ultra low noise audio opamps. Three gain stages with 0-40db of gain on each stage. The HF response of the circuit may suffer a bit at the highest gain settings, but this may actually be helpful to limit some of the HF hiss.

This will not be a child's toy. This will be a serous piece of equipment.