RoadTest Poll: Why Didn't You Apply to the RX23W BLE 5.0 Module Target Development Board

In some past road tests of radio modules, adding a second radio module to the test boosted interest. (because not everyone has a suitable mating radio and the members who have a potential mating radio may have already locked it into an application or decided on which manufacturer they want to use)

I'm busy at work and have had roadtested two other kits.

On the other hand I hoped to have some time for vacations.

Marek

BLE configuration is a very special skill, usually tying a device to your cell phone  - I'd need detailed instructions to road test especially the cell phone side.

Just like others, I viewed the page, quite a few times but concluded that I was not a good fit for this road test because I do not have any BLE devices around here. And looking on the web, it did not seem easy to get hold of them for a reasonable price.
Also, I feel that I should refrain from enrolling to all roadtests but rather limit myself to those where I know I can provide a good feedback.

Looking at the reviews from other roadtesters, I often have the feeling that I'm a few levels down their grade in terms of knowledge and available gear on my bench.

The roadtester FAQ says that sponsors might be looking for noobies reviews, but I'm not sure this was applicable here, considering the kind of technology involved.

For me -- I had never used Renesas devices and thought of exploring them. I did go through the docs and specs of this kit and it needs yet another separate IDE of Renesas(already have tonnes of separate IDEs and these tools are slowing my PC down ). The kit wasn't catchy for me as it was plain without a sort of sensory thing or special control integrated within. Although, I had reviewed the Taiyo Yuden BLE kit earlier. So I slipped off.

I appreciate the interest of people who have applied and eager to see what cool projects could be baked with it!!!

Lately I am one of the people contributing to the page views but not applying. In the last year the amount of work I had (and still have) in the pipeline has been phenomenal, and unfortunately this has forced me to pass on loads of amazing Road Test opportunities. But I keep watching the space, and browsing through the great reviews posted by fellow members, waiting and hoping for a gap that will allow me to apply for another Road Test.

Fabio

For me it was a combination of factors like fitting it into my schedule, learning curve commitment, not being an expert on BLE, time required, etc. None of which are show-stoppers on their own.

I like designing applications for new microcontroller modules like this, but when tackling a new vendor and architecture I conceptualize a roadmap of where I want to go with the product line which usually includes a few application projects that allow me to leverage the learning curve so I don't expend all that effort for one minor project. So far I am working my way through TI, Microchip/Atmel, Infineon/Cypress, NXP/Freescale, STMicroelectronics, Raspberry Pi, micro:bit, Rockwell, Ambiq, NordicSemi, Analog Devices, Maxim, Intel and maybe a couple of others. Renesas is a bit of a glaring omission as it fits right in with this group.

Right now I'm ramping up an eco system to support Pi Pico with several PCBs either designed or on the drawing board.

Renesas is likely to happen at some point, but because of the commitment involved it didn't quite edge out other opportunities this time. I have a large list of PWTH (projects waiting to happen) some of which could use Renesas but BLE projects are mostly not at the urgent end of that list.

First off, I want to really thank everyone who responded. Your comments are very helpful.

All your thoughts are very understandable. Especially if you are in school and finishing your thesis or just busy at work (or other.)

Roadtesting similar product lines back to back was an eye opener for me. Learning another tool chain has come up before, but still is reasonable.

I know everyone is busy with their real lives, jobs, families. I think I need to be a bit more mindful about how I schedule roadtests. So, I think there's some room for improvement on my end.

We hired someone to help me so I have more time to devote to the Roadtest program, among other things, so I hope I can resolve this and the shipping issues we have had during the past year.

Thanks for the feedback.

Randall

Beyond my skillset.

Jan Cumps , I totally get your point on learning skills that are desired by employers, but as a retired individual, this is less of a concern for me.  I tend to tackle the jobs that I want, while trying to minimize my learning curve, so I can maximize my value to my clients.  I did recently look into PSoC devices, which was a lot of fun, but based on the cost of these devices and the steep learning curve for porting my existing designs, I choose to stick with my current tools.  Trying to quickly develop things like robust DMX receivers and then DMX enabled bootloaders was a little more than I wanted to do, as I already had all of this locked down on my existing parts (ATmega328PB).

I really do value your opinions, and feel that many of the members can benefit from your knowledge, so keep on sharing your wisdom.