[dkersten]

Thanks!! I missed your post the last time. This will be extremely useful as I have just started prototyping an electronics product I hope to get released soon and your I think links will nicely fit my needs.

Can you comment on the regulations you're talking about as I'd like to prepare for future hurdles as best as I can. I'm guessing you mean compliance with FCC regulations and such?

For the OP: I have spent about €400 on parts for building two prototype units. Most of the parts were ordered on Mouser and with a few random bits and pieces on ebay. Of course, I'm not building processors or anything like that, but rather consumer (EDIT: well, not really consumer, more like specialized electronics.. I don't expect to ever sell these in an average electronics store) electronic devices (can't release details just yet, as I am in talks with potential investors). Curts links may prove extremely useful here.

[curt]

Make sure while you are prototyping to keep production in mind. If you design for production from the start things get a lot easier as you progress through development to production. That was one of the reasons I can go from concept to production in a week, I would always design for mass production from day one.

Tip: also keep your design as flexible (unconstrained) as possible.

I was doing products targeted towards kids, when Mattel had the lead paint problem the government issued new regulations written by the lobbyists for Mattel. Instead of increasing safety in any meaningful way they just limited any competition by small companies by increased compliance and testing costs drastically. Congress is contemplating a number of other laws that will make it even more of a pain in the ass.

[dkersten]

Thank you, your advice is very much appreciated.