New Phidgets suggestions
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2020 5:09 am
Hi
I have 2 suggestions for new Phidgets for your consideration:
1. VINT hub with more ports than hub0000, or a way to daisy chain them but having an option of e.g. 6 and 12 ports would be great for most uses.
2. Encoder input on VINT stepper controller boards (and others). I know this is controversial as your approach is to have more modular products but... it is very likely any motor controller application (stepper or DC) will need an encoder of sorts attached to it. If I need to get another encoder board (eg. ENC0000) then this is taking a valuable VINT port, needs more cables, and space to fit into whatever enclosure is being used. So, whilst I think a modular approach is a good idea I think removing encoder input from boards is probably too much.
3. Some parts expect a barrel connector for power which is ok, but all parts should as default have a standard terminal for power (ie so you can screw the wires in), e.g. the USB hub has only barrel connector (hub0003). Barrel is fine for a desk set-up but for any project it introduces extra pain that is not necessary and I guess most applications will be a project and not a replacement for desktop usb hub which can be bought anywhere for probably less money.
I hope these help as user feedback
I have 2 suggestions for new Phidgets for your consideration:
1. VINT hub with more ports than hub0000, or a way to daisy chain them but having an option of e.g. 6 and 12 ports would be great for most uses.
2. Encoder input on VINT stepper controller boards (and others). I know this is controversial as your approach is to have more modular products but... it is very likely any motor controller application (stepper or DC) will need an encoder of sorts attached to it. If I need to get another encoder board (eg. ENC0000) then this is taking a valuable VINT port, needs more cables, and space to fit into whatever enclosure is being used. So, whilst I think a modular approach is a good idea I think removing encoder input from boards is probably too much.
3. Some parts expect a barrel connector for power which is ok, but all parts should as default have a standard terminal for power (ie so you can screw the wires in), e.g. the USB hub has only barrel connector (hub0003). Barrel is fine for a desk set-up but for any project it introduces extra pain that is not necessary and I guess most applications will be a project and not a replacement for desktop usb hub which can be bought anywhere for probably less money.
I hope these help as user feedback