About 6 weeks ago we heard from 'Weil' that cypress were working on a way of making the 'free' upgrade program available to eurpean / UK developers. Since then there has been no word at all from Cypress. As usual we here in the UK have been met with absolute indifference.

I have left three messages for Weil on the blog, (the only way I have of communicating with her) but not had a single reply.

I design electronic subsystems for a major UK client, and together we use thousands of cypress chips every year - but still we get left in the cold with little or no word fom cypress. Cypress developer relations is most likely run by an accountant who simply cannot understand the value of  keeping developers happy.

As it happens, I now find that I have to seriously consider moving all my designs to other manufacturers processors, due to the cost of developing for Cypress hardware.

As far as I understand, the kit-replacement program is available for european customers as well. There was a discussion where 'Xykon' reported that there was no taxes, duties or other fees due. The only cost is the 35$ (or so) for shipping - but this is the same for all other countries AFAIK.

If you absolutely cannot afford this - did you contact your sales contact at Cypress?

The team has assured me they are working on a method to improve the kit exchange program for the EU.  It is likely to take several more weeks for it to be finalized.  You can contact me directly at RBYN @cypress.com directly if you'd like.  I'd be happy to put you directly in touch with those who are working on the issue.

-Robyn

 @hli $35 shipping is very high compared to the industry average

and YES there are other taxes and duties to be paid at the point of delivery - FedEx will take a further $50 dollars of import duty.

It's not that I can't afford it, the issue is that I just a week before had purchsed the non-LP version of the kit and cypress are offering a 'free' replacement that ends up costing UK customers a lot of money, whereas other teritories do get their kits for just a nominal shipping fee. Compare this to Microchip, TI and others who can ship kits and samples to developers for free. I use thousands of Cypress chips every year - I believe that cypress should be keen to look after their developers and be quick to get the latest products into developers hands so that  it can start appearing in products. Giving kits to (serious) developers is not a loss to Cypress it's a net gain.

@Robyn - thank you for the update. I do believe you are doing everything you can, but no one has been keeping us developers in the loop. 'Weil' started a conversation on the blog, but then disappeared. Previously my emails to customer service went totally unanswered and in fact at one point I got an auto reply telling me customer service was on vacation! Compare this to the fantastic level of support I have always had, and continue to enjoy from others in the industry such as Microchip. I had a choice between PSoC5 and PIC32 in one of my latest designs, and I'm sorry to say I had to go with MCHP purey down to the level of developer relations.

Just FYI - my current design contains the following cypress parts for a standard system:

1 x PSoC 5

1 x FXLP

8 x CY8CMBR2044

And sells in quantites of about 200 per month.

Since future long term shipments of PSoC5 will no doubt be 'LP' parts I am keen to get a hold of the LP version of the development kit.

@SpiderKenny: see the dicsussion I linked above. Xykon reported that there were no other fes or duties due to him, My expriences when redeeming my reward points reflect that (Four51 used the Cypress account at Fedex, and I also didn't pay any duties or fees). So until I see other reports, I consider the shipping fee the only one I would need to pay.