RANT about Axon

[DUKELancelot]

Hello, I have a comment about the Axon 2.
It is why is the Axon made in China? You are Charging twice as much as the competition (i.e Arduino Mega which is made in Italy)
And three times a 3rd party Arduino Mega which is manufactured in China.
So why do you half to make it in China. Were there no manufacturing company's in the US.   
I can not understand why you would do this.


Philip

[Razor Concepts]

If they were assembled in USA, it could be four times as much as Arduino.

Arduino can get low prices because they sell very many compared to the Axon.

[DUKELancelot]

True,but it's still sad that we outsource all our jobs to china.

But you also have to remember that in the 80s when stuff was made America prices were not any higher than today, in fact most every day items were cheaper.

[Admin]

The Axon II is made in the US

But the Arduino Mega doesn't compare to the Axon II . . .

The Arduino Mega requires *two* batteries to use servos, a 6V and a 7.2V. The Axon just needs a 6V to run.

The Arduino Mega doesn't come with a power bus, meaning you need to buy an expensive shield or wire up your own. With the Axon you can directly plug stuff in, no hassle or additional costs.

The Arduino Mega, without a shield, is 2x bigger than the Axon, or 4x bigger if you add a shield. This is a problem if you want a small robot or small project box.

The Arduino Mega 3.3V output can only do 50mA, where on the Axon it can do 73mA - a big difference.

The Arduino Mega regulated line can only output 300mA (someone correct me here), where the Axon can do 1500mA.

The Arduino Mega uses a very inefficient voltage regulator, burning about 31% of your 7.2V battery away as heat. The Axon uses a more expensive LDO regulator, burning about 17% of a 6V battery away as heat.

And the Axon comes with a special on/off switch.


The three reasons the Arduino series is cheaper:
1) less features
2) hidden costs (you need to buy shields, etc)
3) higher sales = cheaper per unit manufacturing costs

[cyberfish]

But you also have to remember that in the 80s when stuff was made America prices were not any higher than today, in fact most every day items were cheaper.

Wages have increased.

[DUKELancelot]

Wages have increased.

For the rich yes but not the poor, 1 in 5 children in the USA live in families that struggle to get food on the table l.E. -$21000 dollars income a Household.
And Households with income from $0 to $25,000  is (28.22%), almost a third.
You also have to remember that the government will not give accurate figures, the true ones are most likely higher. An example is the unemployment rate, the government says that it is around 9.2% but private companies will put the figure at 16.5%,to 22%. 
Thus I would disagree with your statement.
 

[VegaObscura]

Wages have increased.  Prices have increased.  Prices may have increased more than wages, therefore more people were able to afford food and such in those times, even though their wages were less.  It doesn't mean wages haven't increased.

[Admin]

Don't forget to factor in inflation 

[DUKELancelot]

 ;DJust Ordered a Axon II!!!!!!!!

P.S You sold me on the special on/off switch

[Soeren]

Hi,

But you also have to remember that in the 80s when stuff was made America prices were not any higher than today, in fact most every day items were cheaper.

No matter where you live, where stuff is produced or when, it will allways be "oh, it was so cheap 30 years ago".
It isn't true though of course, but during 30 years, you tend to forget some of the bad stuff, while the fond memories keeps clinging - Today, we have more options than 3 decades ago.

That is of course a generalization. Some may have been rich and got poor, but options in general have multiplied.


And, as always... If you cannot afford it, don't buy it - whining is seldomly a reason for getting a discount 

I cannot afford a Lambo, so I simply just don't buy it - no point telling them, it's too expensive for what it's worth