Shapercube batch 2 preparations and Batch 3+ stepper driver questions

Batch 1 is all sold out except our now almost completed photo model.

The prototype of the slightly revisited version 1.1 is on the way and will be produced in the next days.
Batch 2 will be shipped in week 19 and can be preordered already!


Future releases

After batch 2 is gone, we will run into the problem that the stepper motor driver 1.2 will be sold out. We don't want to support it any longer because it has too many components and takes too long to solder. On the other hand, we don't want to ship out unassembled SMT components to our customers.

A few thoughts about the options

• The stepper motor driver 3.1 file looks good, except they left the opto endstop connectors out. This is an easy fix because all files are open source. However, the chip necessary on this board seems to be out of stock everywhere since months.
• I can let produce fully assembled stepper motor driver 2.3 board now, but I don't have 3k+ cash spare (maybe anyone interested in buying a bigger part of the batch?)
• I could let produce the stepper motor driver 2.3 boards and solder the SMT components in house. But I need someone who can do it my clumsy hands won't do well. [If anyone feels like he can solder 100+ boards at once with lead free solder, contact me.]
  
• The polulu stepper driver could be an option. Problem might be that this chip needs heatsinking. Well I could try using the Shapercube frame for it. Question is: How long will their stock last? The A4983 chip is also nowhere in stock.

What do you think? Did I miss an option?