Latest Firmware *1.7* Released and a Note for Two-Channel BB3 users
Here's a look at some key features of our latest firmware release, v.1.7. Also, an important note for users of two-channel BB3s. Read the full update.
New Firmware, a New Website, and More
As some of you who follow us on Discord have already had the opportunity to find out, the new firmware v1.6 was released three weeks ago. There’s a lot of change in it, and a good part of that comes from your feedback. In this update, we also discuss our new website, our successful CE-testing efforts, and ongoing development of new BB3 modules. Read the full update.
Your Feedback & Support
This post features feedback from backers who are already using their BB3s. Read the full update.
Advice for assembling your BB3
Here are some tips for successfully assembling the BB3. Read the full update for all the details. Read the full update.
Production and Fulfillment Progress
This post updates our manufacturing and fulfillment status. Read the full update to see what we've been up to. Read the full update.
Everything Is On Its Way to Mouser for Fulfillment
Finally, the moment has come. I can now let you know that a shipment left our warehouse yesterday containing all crowdfunding orders and all existing pre-orders. It cleared export controls today and should arrive at Mouser's warehouse next week (if we get lucky and are quickly cleared through import customs). This update also touches on software and firmware development, ongoing manufacturing logistics, and an open source Automated Test Equipment (ATE) integration with Node-RED. Read the full update.
Fulfillment Progress
We are currently waiting on Mouser to initiate the pick up of five pallets. Stacked atop those pallets are all crowdfunded EEZ BB3 orders and all pre-orders that have been placed to date. We expect them to be on their way to Mouser by the end of this week, but we've pushed the estimated ship date for crowdfunded orders back to early September to make room for anything that might come up on the receiving end. Pre-orders should go out a week or two after that. Read the full update.
Everything Is Now Ready For Shipping!
We are finally in a position to announce that we have everything we need to fill all crowdfunding orders. The fifth batch of DCP405 modules arrived two days ago, so we now have enough for all of our backers! If we can quickly agree on shipping terms, the shipment could be on its way to Crowd Supply by next week. This update includes a brief status report on our software development efforts and on our progress toward CE marking. It also includes a warning to avoid the manufacturer that has been handling DCP405 assembly... Read the full update.
DCP405 Modules Are In
After a long break, the DCP405 modules have finally begun to arrive. The first (smaller) batch showed up this morning, and two larger batches will follow. We're getting very close, but we do not expect your BB3 to ship out from Mouser within the next ten days, so we've pushed our estimate back to early August. Read the full update.
Approaching Finalization
Apologies for the long delay since our last update. We are ready with four out of five modules and are now just waiting on the DCP405. But time flies, and estimates continue to shift, including our best guess as to when production will be complete. For now, we've pushed our estimated ship date to July 13th. This update includes a list of what we've been up to lately and photographs of the tested modules. Read the full update.
More Key Components Have Arrived
Production continues, and we are happy to report that several critical components have finally arrived. This update includes a breakdown of our progress since the last update, several photographs, and a short video of new firmware features. Read the full update.
First Modules Arriving
We continue working toward fulfillment despite the situation with COVID-19 and an earthquake that struck Zagreb over the weekend. This update includes a breakdown of our progress since the last update. Read the full update.
Revising Estimated Ship Dates
We received an update from the company that will be supplying AC/DC converters for the BB3 peripheral modules, and it sounds like the parts we ordered will not be ready for shipment until March 20th. Unfortunately, that means we've had to push our estimated ship dates back to May 1st. This update includes a brief summary of our progress since we last checked in. Read the full update.
Two New Peripheral Modules (and More Delays...)
The main news for this update is that our TFT display supplier in China has announced an additional three to four week delay due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Unfortunately, they cannot yet provide a delivery estimate or let us know when production will stabilize. In the meantime, we have designed two new peripheral modules, which are now ready for prototyping. Read the full update.
First Fulfillment Update
It's been four weeks since our campaign ended, and it's high time for the first update on our progress toward fulfillment. Below is an overview of what has happened since the campaign. Read the full update.
More Fun with MicroPython & Post-Campaign Availability
New graph viewer features, a video demonstration of curve tracing with MicroPython, thoughts on support for various BB3 models, and post-campaign availability. Read the full update.
Thank You & Protection Mechanisms
Martin and I want to thank all of the backers who have helped us reach our funding goal. We believe that BB3 will meet your expectations. In this update we’d like to present various protection mechanisms that are important for every sourcing instrument, including EEZ BB3 when it's equipped with power modules. Read the full update.
IoT infrastructure features and OSHWA certification
EEZ BB3's IoT functionality began with SCPI support. We then gave EEZ Studio the ability to serve as a cross-platform automation hub for SCPI-enabled instruments connected over Ethernet or through serial-over-USB. Finally, to round out this IoT feature set, we have added MQTT support. Finally, we are happy to announce that EEZ BB3 is now OSHWA-certified as open hardware. Read the full update.
MicroPython Arrives on BB3
We now have a functional implementation of MicroPython running on the STM32F7 MCU at the heart of BB3. This update describes how you can run MicroPython on your BB3 and includes a video demonstration of a basic diode tester. Read the full update.
Power Output Coupling & Tracking. (And the Announcement of Our First Stretch Goal!)
The EEZ BB3 chassis comes with a backplane that distributes data and control signals. That backplane also provides four relays that support easy, firmware-level coupling of power outputs without the need for external wiring. This update includes a video that describes BB3's power output coupling functionality. It also announce our campaign's first stretch goal! Read the full update.
DCP405 Module - Advanced Features
This update includes a short video that introduces advanced features of the DCP405 module that are not present in the basic DCP405B. That include remote sense, a down-programmer, remote programming, and fast OVP. Read the full update.
Thank You & Data Logging Automation
Support for this campaign has been incredible. Thank you! Keep reading to learn more about, and to see a demonstration of, EEZ BB3's data logging features. Read the full update.
Our Campaign is Live!
It's been a long time since we decided to make the H24005 more flexible and more powerful by giving it a larger screen, an upgraded MCU, and a modular design built around a DIB v1.0 backplane capable of receiving up to three DC power source modules. We are confident that BB3 will live up to that promise. Read the full update.
The Final Countdown Has Begun!
The EEZ BB3 campaign is set to launch tomorrow, November 19th, at 3pm PST. And we will be offering an Early Bird discount on Two-Channel BB3s with advanced power features, so come have a look! Read the full update.