ASC1 Positioner Controller - End of Production Notice

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Titanium

AI6US
Original poster
Lifetime Supporter
May 23, 2013
7,645
9,050
Meadow Vista, Northern California
Recently I have discussed the future of the ASC1 DiSEqC positioner controller with our resellers and have had to make the difficult decision to end production. After a very successful run of over 5 years and over 3K units sold, I have decided to not manufacture another batch. The current stock will likely be exhausted in July, 2019. We will continue to provide the same high level of technical support and bench service for the ASC1 and have ample components and resources to continue to provide service for many years.

This decision did not come easily. Due to a significant increases in both manufacturing and shipping costs during the past few years and the continuance of the 25% tariff that we have been paying on electronic imports for the past 8 months, it no longer makes business sense to distribute the ASC1.

Shopped the ASC1 build to many North American shops and without exception, the manufacturing cost bids far exceeded the estimated cost of importing at current cost and tariff. Was hoping that the 25% tariff would be only a temporary tax that would end before we ran low on stock, but the tariff war has now escalated and it has been suggested that the tariff on electronics will likely increase. With the minimum production quantity exceeding over a year of sales, it is far too risky to manufacture. With the ASC1 cost already at the high end for most hobbyists, raising the price to offset these increases isn't a realistic option.

Thank you for your support of of the ASC1. I thoroughly enjoyed and have been blessed and honored with the opportunity to provide a quality DiSEqC positioner that filled a niche in our hobby!

Please email or call me directly if you have any questions or concerns.
 
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Wow. Thanks a lot, Donald.

I certainly nope no one in this hobby was dumb enough to vote for that guy because now you're reaping what you sowed. Elections have consequences.

Guess now's the time to stock up because I don't see a replacement for the ASC1 happening that is as good quality.
 
Brian,

Sorry to read this. I understand your reasoning,
The ASC1 is an awesome piece of equipment and I'm glad I have one, especially now that they are soon to be discontinued.
I highly suggest to those on the fence, to purchase this fine piece of equipment before they are all gone.
As an aside, I suggest that we refrain from political banter. This is a satellite forum, not "Meet The Press."

John
 
Guys you are more than welcome to join The Pub and then go to The PIT. There you can discuss politics all you want......but not here.
 
Recently I have discussed the future of the ASC1 DiSEqC positioner controller with our resellers and have had to make the difficult decision to end production. After a very successful run of over 5 years and over 3K units sold, I have decided to not manufacture another batch. The current stock will likely be exhausted in July, 2019. We will continue to provide the same high level of technical support and bench service for the ASC1 and have ample components and resources to continue to provide service for many years.

This decision did not come easily. Due to a significant increases in both manufacturing and shipping costs during the past few years and the continuance of the 25% tariff that we have been paying on electronic imports for the past 8 months, it no longer makes business sense to distribute the ASC1.

Shopped the ASC1 build to many North American shops and without exception, the manufacturing cost bids far exceeded the estimated cost of importing at current cost and tariff. Was hoping that the 25% tariff would be only a temporary tax that would end before we ran low on stock, but the tariff war has now escalated and it has been suggested that the tariff on electronics will likely increase. With the minimum production quantity exceeding over a year of sales, it is far too risky to manufacture. With the ASC1 cost already at the high end for most hobbyists, raising the price to offset these increases isn't a realistic option.

Thank you for your support of of the ASC1. I thoroughly enjoyed and have been blessed and honored with the opportunity to provide a quality DiSEqC positioner that filled a niche in our hobby!

Please email or call me directly if you have any questions or concerns.
I've had mine almost 6 years and no problems at all. A great piece of equipment and excellent service!
 
Sorry to hear. No point in losing money producing a product, business must make at least some profit. Maybe economics will improve again. Rainy days come and go...
Your support has been superb for the ASC1 hope you keep some spare parts for sure! :)
 
Sorry to hear about this. I would have bought one if I had a polorator.

Some ideas:
1) Sell it as a kit we can build ourselves. We're hobbyists and we like to build stuff. Also include 'Made in the USA' stickers so we can slap them on when we're done.
2) Similar to above, but let some of us retired folks here on Satellite Guys build them for people who aren't able.
3) Wait it out. Maybe the U.S. and China will reach an agreement.
 
KE4EST was developing an Arduino based controller a few years ago.

Another option would be to develop actuator/servo controller hardware on a Raspberry Pi HAT. The unit could be developed to provide DiSEqC, LAN, WLAN and Bluetooth control. Someone might sell an assembled HAT and the end user could provide the RSPi, case, power supply and 36VDC transformer. Easy project for about any DIY newbie to mount a topper and load a custom OS image.

Maybe start a thread to discuss a controller project?
 
KE4EST was developing an Arduino based controller a few years ago.

Another option would be to develop actuator/servo controller hardware on a Raspberry Pi HAT. The unit could be developed to provide DiSEqC, LAN, WLAN and Bluetooth control. Someone might sell an assembled HAT and the end user could provide the RSPi, case, power supply and 36VDC transformer. Easy project for about any DIY newbie to mount a topper and load a custom OS image.

Maybe start a thread to discuss a controller project?

Good thing I stocked up on a couple Uniden UST300's. This is another reason I decided to go with individual dishes on each satellite. Due to keeping in touch with an old acquaintance a few miles from me, I can get some old stock, used and new units from him if necessary.

I am curious about your LNBF's. Hopefully these aren't going the way of the ASC1's. I'd hate to lose those too. I already procrastinated myself out of owning a Dr. HD meter, dammit. BTW, how many dual output LNBF's are left in stock? I have one extra on hand right now. Should I, maybe get a couple of those to keep on hand?

Just so you know, I'd be willing to pay more for the LNB's if necessary. Excellent unit.
 
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We will definitely continue to manufacture LNBFs. Have thousands in stock.

Dr. HD meters are available through international resellers. A great product, but my landed wholesale cost is about the same as the retail cost by any other off-shore reseller!

I am currently working on several new models that will address potential interference issues if a portion of the C-band downlink frequency range is used for 5G. Time will tell if they will be needed.
 
Mine's still sitting on the floor behind me collecting dust. Never could figure out why it's unreliable. My Gboxes still get the job done though. But, I hope that there will be a follow on product in the future. The tariff wars won't last forever.
 
Mine's still sitting on the floor behind me collecting dust. Never could figure out why it's unreliable. My Gboxes still get the job done though. But, I hope that there will be a follow on product in the future. The tariff wars won't last forever.

I understand that you would rather repeatedly complain about this.... BUT, how times have we offered on this forum for you to send it in to bench test? :deadhorse
 
Mine's still sitting on the floor behind me collecting dust. Never could figure out why it's unreliable. My Gboxes still get the job done though. But, I hope that there will be a follow on product in the future. The tariff wars won't last forever.
I have a VBox II (NIB) I will trade for that dusty ASC1. :)
 
We will definitely continue to manufacture LNBFs. Have thousands in stock.

Dr. HD meters are available through international resellers. A great product, but my landed wholesale cost is about the same as the retail cost by any other off-shore reseller!

I am currently working on several new models that will address potential interference issues if a portion of the C-band downlink frequency range is used for 5G. Time will tell if they will be needed.

It's nice to know that you'll be working on something that may be needed for a potential problem later on. Not many would do that. :thumbup
 
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I understand that you would rather repeatedly complain about this.... BUT, how times have we offered on this forum for you to send it in to bench test? :deadhorse

I had a couple customers like that when we were in business. "Well, we got this a year ago, and it never worked right!" Well, why didn't you bring it in a year ago instead of waiting for the warranty to expire? I don't understand people like that. Brian always goes beyond the call to take care of his customers. :)
 
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