Update

We've received the first batch of Controllers from our manufacturer but sadly they're not coming up as expected.  We're working with them to determine the source of the problem and hope to have this resolved ASAP.  This is of course a bit frustrating - we're doing everything we can to make these available.

[Update 3/4/09] We believe we've found a manufacturing flaw in the boards and are getting another small test batch assembled so we can test.  Assuming this resolves the issue we have a few boards that we can offer for sale immediately and will be getting the rest very soon.  Thanks for your patience!

In the meantime, existing Make Controller owners might enjoy a new (and very detailed!) how-to posted by Alex Wood on how to connect and use the very popular ultrasonic rangefinder sensors.  See http://www.acroname.com/robotics/info/articles/sharp/sharp.html for an example of the kind of sensor we're talking about.  These are great for longer range distance measuring in any kind of lighting conditions.

Check http://www.makingthings.com/documentation/how-to/how-to-connect-and-use-an-ultrasonic-rangefinder for all the info.  Thanks Alex!