The prototypes are ready - 3 of them, in their glossy black heatshrink covers - all looking good.
Now what’s needed is a small self-adhesive vinyl label which I can stick on the front to give the charge controller a really professional look. Fortunately, I know a bloke who’s got a machine that can both print the labels and cut rounded corners and a small hole for the LED.
PWM5 Label
So let’s have a go at a design! OK so it’s a bit of a mess, but he’s a graphic designer, so he’ll make it look the business.
The device is called the PWM5. The number 5 loosely relates to the 4.8 amp maximum current rating. The 1H01F0 means hardware version 1.0, firmware version 1.0 - the prototypes are actually 1H00F9 versions. The CE and wheelie bin logos will be put on the front too.
The 6mm hole is 3.8mm right of centre as this is 0.15 of an inch, the position of the LED relative to the centre of the PCB. Overall dimensions of the label are 30mm by 26mm.
For the packaging, I’m thinking of going for a retro look; a polyethene bag with a card label folded and stapled to the top. Also, I’ll need an instruction leaflet printed and inserted into the packaging.
I might even put Made in England on the label. I wonder if there’s a trade association for cottage industries in the UK.