Circuit boards from Shenzhen arrived! Only 15% tariff, I was expecting more. Even a 100% tariff would not make it worthwhile to fabricate circuit boards in the United States. The tariff would have to be 180% before it becomes cheaper in the United States. This being a low-budget prototype project, I did not pay Shenzhen to install the components. Shenzhen only fabricated the unfinished green circuit boards. I am soldering on all of the electronic components myself under a microscope. 8,819 solder joints to build the eight owl boxes, two rodent cams, plus one experimental device for rodent mark-and-rephoto. I’m good with a microscope and soldering iron, so I estimate 3-4 days with plenty of caffeine and the music turned up.
