software 1.51 will be available in two modlues for 19.95 from lionel in january.
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So one writable module cost $19.95 but 2 non writable modules cost $19.95. Something seems off a bit.
But then again I ain't waitin' til January.
Dynamic RAM is more expensive than Static RAM.
From what I understand, they are the same modules. They are set to be read only or read/ write depending on the need by the factory. It would seem the writable module should be cheaper as you do not have to go through the procedure to set them to "read only".
I love lionel but we all know its about 1 buck to make them...
The modules or the programming of the modules?
Programming I imagine is done in mass. Setting the read/write ability probably the same. The modules may cost a bit more.
Originally Posted by Barry Broskowitz:
Dynamic RAM is more expensive than Static RAM.
Since neither of these are actually either of those kinds of devices, that probably doesn't apply here. The writable modules are either EEPROM or FLASH, probably FLASH. The non-writable modules modules could be masked parts if they're produced in quantity.
The chips in the writable module can't cost more than about $1-2 in any sort of quantity, so the price of the memory isn't the issue here. I suspect this is a marketing decision to leverage the added capability of the writable modules. The only difference I can see here is perhaps the non-writable modules have a OTP or masked chip, but the price wouldn't be that much less than the FLASH chip. In large quantities, you can get masked chips cheaper than FLASH, and they don't require a separate programming step.
