> Silly question, but why hasn't anyone tried re-releasing any of the HERO kits?
> Is Heathkit that protective of the copyright ? Seems with all the publicity
> robots have received lately, it would be a sure seller.

I think it more a matter of economics. In order to re-create the HERO kits there
are a lot of components that need to be fabricated. Molds would have to be made
for all of the plastic panels, Circuit boards have to be re-mastered, tested and
built.
Tracking down all of the suppliers for the required parts is a full time job in
itself.
The support required for kits is also monumental. Robots might be very popular
with all of us in the group and for several others but in order for it to be cost
effective
to build (Whoever goes through all the effort is going to expect a profit) it must

appeal to a much wider audience. There is no way to break even if the sales
weren't going to be at least several hundred units. It wouldn't be as bad if they

had kept on going, but many of the original resources are gone and have to be
created from scratch. I've tried to track down much of the original information
but I was told that quite a bit was just 'pitched'. I managed to save a few of
the early prototypes (HERO 2000 charger, HERO 1 Pendent, HERO 1 chassis)
from destruction.

I have recreated a couple of options that are no longer available. The Serial
Interface for the HERO 1 is an example of that. It is compatible with the
original but uses a newer design that is more effecient. There are other things
in the works, but it takes time and getting quality Circuit boards fabricated
costs a bundle.

At the present time there still seem to be enough used HERO's out there to
satisfiy the people who are REALLY into it. We just need to concentrate on
keeping them going and enhancing them. Eventually something new will come
out that will incorporate the latest advances in computer technology to satisfy
the rest.

Regards,

Robert