BlueBus: A fully integrated A2DP Bluetooth solution

[Mattn1192]

Ah ok. Makes sense. Thanks for the update.

[t3ddftw]

If we already paid the current price, we will still be getting the newer version but without your updated price I’m assuming?

Correct. Pricing is set based on my cost, and the updated version won't be available for purchase for 8+ months at least.

-Ted

[Mattn1192]

If we already paid the current price, we will still be getting the newer version but without your updated price I’m assuming?

[t3ddftw]

Just to update you guys on the state of things, I'm officially having issues sourcing the core Bluetooth module that I use on the BlueBus -- the BC127 by Sierra Wireless. A month ago there were 7,000 in stock and now there are none. I managed to snag 320 for the October run, but if I want anymore BC127s I am going to have to order 1000 minimum at a whopping cost of $24,000.

Instead of making that big of an investment and continuing to be "married" to a module built by a company that has little interest in continuing its development, I'm going to switch to the ESP32 by Espressif. This will allow me to have granular control over the Bluetooth stack as all of that is left to the developer, which is awesome! The best part is the module cost less than $4 a pop, and it would allow me to remove other hardware from the BlueBus that would be duplicating effort. With that said, I'm announcing that I'm officially developing the BlueBus "2.0" -- before you grab your pitchforks, I want you all to know that software development will continue and the feature-set between the two units will be exactly the same. In fact, I am very likely going to roll everything under the same code base to make my life easier.

The other value of using the ESP32 is that it's used in many applications and has a lot support behind it. This means that I should not have issues with stock.

The one feature I'll probably add to the "2.0" that I can't add to all prior units is playback from microSD cards as the ESP32 natively supports FAT32 filesystems and .mp3, .flac, etc.

The other goal of the redesign is to lower my cost so I can make it more affordable for customers. My current target price is $189 or lower.

Comments, concerns, etc are always welcome
-Ted

[gheorghe]

Just placed my order, can't wait to receive and install the unit.

[Str8Six]

i just installed mine and the bt streaming is excellent! thank you ted for making the bluebus

[WestBankM4]

Got mine yesterday, plug and play with the harness specified.

Just launched my E46 into 2020s technology.

Thank you Ted, great build quality and just overall super impressed. The case is beautiful, feel like I need to show it off, alas it's tucked away.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[FBloggs]

Took one minute.
One of the PO had left the CD changer harness tucked behind the door of the cubby in the trunk.
3m HD velcro to the cubby.
Innovation wins.

Thanks Ted.

[t3ddftw]

Just received mine in the mail. Literally installed it on my way back inside, took 3 minutes. Hardest part was figuring out where to fasten it down (which wasn't challenging). Bluetooth functionality in the car is super easy and functions naturally. Highly recommend for anyone on the fence.

Glad to hear it!

[keljos]

Just received mine in the mail. Literally installed it on my way back inside, took 3 minutes. Hardest part was figuring out where to fasten it down (which wasn't challenging). Bluetooth functionality in the car is super easy and functions naturally. Highly recommend for anyone on the fence.

[jet_dogg]

Yes sir.

Thank you sir, just ordered.

[t3ddftw]

Ted, if I order tonight will it still be the Oct batch?

Yes sir.

[jet_dogg]

It was a pleasure to meet you -- thanks for coming by!



It definitely fills a void for those that don't want to use an aftermarket head unit.





I actually had to buy up all the micro-controllers I could for the October batch last month to ensure I wouldn't have delays again. I managed to snag 500 units, so the unit will be limited to that amount too, and 200 have been ear-marked for ECS Tuning. After that, I'm waiting until February for more to come in, and the lead time is up to 88 weeks now!

Anyways, I have all the "June" units programmed and encased. I ran into some issues during assembly where I had to chase the screw holes before being able to screw them together. Anyways, I'm now at the test and package stage, so I will be shipping within a couple days.

Thanks!
-Ted

Ted, if I order tonight will it still be the Oct batch?

[WOLFN8TR]

Awesome, Thanks Ted! 👍

[t3ddftw]

Just wanted to shout-out Ted. I happen to live close by and was able to meet Ted early in the morning for the BlueBus. Not only did he install and walk me through the system but he was really cool to chat with about our cars. Thanks again!

It was a pleasure to meet you -- thanks for coming by!

This sounds like the answer to my dreams.

It definitely fills a void for those that don't want to use an aftermarket head unit.

Can't wait for mine. I've been looking forward for my bluebus for a while now

The chip shortages just absolutely suck. Just glad I got my order in during March for the upcoming batch. Patiently waiting!

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

I actually had to buy up all the micro-controllers I could for the October batch last month to ensure I wouldn't have delays again. I managed to snag 500 units, so the unit will be limited to that amount too, and 200 have been ear-marked for ECS Tuning. After that, I'm waiting until February for more to come in, and the lead time is up to 88 weeks now!

Anyways, I have all the "June" units programmed and encased. I ran into some issues during assembly where I had to chase the screw holes before being able to screw them together. Anyways, I'm now at the test and package stage, so I will be shipping within a couple days.

Thanks!
-Ted