Ordering C/MRI: What you need to know.

Once you have evaluated your layout, decided on a wiring strategy and chosen a technology path, it is time to start ordering. All orders are given individual attention, and you will have the option of being kept up-to-date via email on the status of your order as it progresses through the queue.

Order Forms

Order Forms are available in PDF format on the DOWNLOADS PAGE for both Kits and RTR boards, and should be printed and posted to the address shown on the form.

Alternatively, an Excel or Open Office Spreadsheet can be sent instead which allows for orders to be emailed or printed out with all totals already calculated. Requests should be sent to cmri@mcnaircomputerservices.com.au and will be addressed as quickly as possible.

It is hoped that an online store can be opened to facilitate easier ordering if there is enough interest shown.

Manufacturing Options

The SMINI boards have two sets of options if ordering these as RTR.

Option 1: Outputs have two modes of operation that are set during assembly - these are Sourcing and Sinking. You can have all Sourcing or all Sinking - or a combination of both (in blocks of 8 only).

Sourcing: The card supplies +5v to the attached accessory. This option is best if you have a colour-light signal made of LEDs that are wired common negative. It is also the best option if you are using a Searchlight Signal that utilises a 3-pin LED (common negative).
Sinking: The most common type of connection. The accessory is attached to a +12v source, and the Gnd or negative ternal of the accessory is connected to the output pin on the SMINI. The Output completes the circuit by "sinking" the voltage from the accessory to Gnd (-).

Option 2: I/O Connection Type. There are three connection types available for the SMINI.

90 Degree Angle. The default connection unless otherwise specified. Wires from the layout are crimped to special pins which are in turn inserted into standard 3.96 pitch clam-shells. These shells slide onto the pins which bend a 90 degree to end up running parrallel to the face of the board.
Straight pins. These use the same crimp pins and clam shells as the 90 degree angle, but the pins are perpendicular to the board. Ideal if your space is limited. This connection type also features a locking mechanism to prevent connections from falling out due to vibration, movement, etc.
Punch-down block. A NEW innovation for the technical folks amongst us, but can be easily utilised by all.
Wires are simply punched into the blocks (using a punch-down tool available here) and can be easily pulled out & re-punched at a later time if re-wiring is required. This eliminates the need to have crimped connectors from the layout and enhances the flexibility of the SMINI.
We do recommend that if you use this option, you should brace the back of the board behind the punch-down blocks with a solid styrene block or similar to prevent the board bowing and possibly cracking while punching the wires. We will not warrant a module that is cracked or damaged in this manner.
This connection type is more suited for solid signal wire such as that found in CAT-5 Networking cable.

Serial Cables for RS232 connections can also be supplied. These come in multiple lengths to suit your installation, and are available in lengths of 0.5, 1, 2, 3 & 4 meters. The 0.5 meter cable is best suited for use with the RS485 Converter, while the longer lengths are more suited for use with a single node SMINI or SUSIC.

Payment Methods

McNair Computer Services is able to accept the following methods of payment.

Cash - Recommended for pickup only
Money Order - Can be ordered through any Post Office and is cheaper than a bank cheque
Bank Cheque - the most expensive method
Direct Deposit - by prior arrangement only. Please email your request.
PayPal - A 5% Surcharge is levied to cover Paypal Costs. Please email for Paypal details.

Sorry - Personal Cheques and Credit Cards are NOT accepted.

Shipping & Delivery of your Order

Please note that some items are Special Order and may take between 6-8 weeks to deliver.

Two options are avilable:

Pickup - No delivery charge for this one. This is only a practical option for those who live in Sydney, Australia
Registered Post. For peace of mind and the guarantee that your valuable parcel WILL arrive. You will be provided with the tracking number on the day your parcel is delivered/
You will need to sign for your order - this way we can verify that you have received it. International Orders are sent via International Registered Post.

We also recommend that the option of insurance be taken when shipping any order over $150 in value.
This is to provide additional peace of mind that your costs are covered if your order is lost or damaged in transit.

Where your order is to be shipped to your location, we recommend that you defer payment until the order is ready to ship. Once it is ready, we will calculate the cost (including packaging and handling) and advise you of the total amount.

Orders will not be shipped until payment is received in full and cheques/money orders are cleared.