Cost reduction

[josuah]

Here are suggestions to take the cost down a little bit:

• Remove the Type-C USB charger People will likely have their USB charger, while it is nice to have it battery included, that qualifies as getting it down.

• Buy in bulk and show the bulk price on the BOM Offer to sell kits and buy in bulk, having everyone buy its own set of parts will take the price up. Single unit prices are through the roof! That also allows some logistics to be done: you'd have plenty of spare parts that way.

• Avoid breakout boards for the MTK1333 module: $10 cheaper in the non-breakout board (SMD) board version: https://www.adafruit.com/product/5186

• Use a PCB for the MCU board: This saves the angle USB connector ($3.95) and could be $10~$15 less expensive: https://octopart.com/esp32-s3-mini-1-n8-espressif+systems-121966574?r=sp

• Likewise for the Barometer which could go down to $2 or less on volume https://octopart.com/dps310xtsa1-infineon-71692893?r=sp

• Check at octopart.com for comparing the prices,then eventually at lcsc.com, which is not listed at Octpart and often have lower prices for the genuine parts.

[josuah]

I am aware that not all of these can be done without a respin, but still good to have that in a corner right? :)

[josuah]

As often discussed on the Discord chat, cost reduction might be easier through volume pricing of providers and larger scale production.

[josuah]

Dropping the GPS makes the cost go below $100: localization can be done manually at startup, i.e. using a phone's GPS, or entering the address manually. https://www.adafruit.com/wishlists/574723