This was the only forum at the time that had the full specs of the rad... and there were only 2 rads in physical existence at the time, both in my hands... but photos had already been published here at procooling of the prototype model...
http://sgoverclockers.com/modules.ph...viewtopic&t=81 - see 3rd post down by Sin22 - it was before the final public launch of the rad, but not before the prototype etc being sorted on here...
End of the day, they're watching all the significant forums, rest assured. But then again... so do we. *shrug*
Note later in that thread the Chinese-Innovatek clone rads make an appearance where they call it a ThermoChill OEM - it isn't.
We also know that our discussions with regards optimising the HE120 series based on findings from PA160 were being closely watched by another radiator manufacturer, in discussions going on both here and at OCAU... hence the decision to move all conversation to e-mail.... but yes, they now have PA160's over there to be able to clone as well as their original one shown at CeBit...
The particular difficulty is when we're approached by Chinese and Taiwanese companies wanting to resell our products. This has happened in the past. They get one order... and that's it. They never order any more... and very soon afterwards, a host of clones suddenly surface... so we're having to turn away dealer applications from such regions purely to minimise the risk.
I know ultimately it's a good thing for the end-user - they get the goods cheaply manufactured en-masse by China at a very affordable price... but for those of us shelling out for the initial work to be done for them to be able to clone it's enough to put a company out of business... unless we consider moving to Chinese production, which involves laying off a large number of staff - not something we feel comfortable doing. Sadly it's a case of UK Economics again and the fact that they're appalling when it comes to labour output vs workforce input vs cost...
Either way it is becoming an increasing risk for a manufacturer to discuss openly details of new products and research... and foolishly expect others not to take note and take advantage of that...
This game puts food on the table, but that's about it now... whereas at one point it at least put food on the table and paid the bills.
I see the Storm is making it's way over there now - doubt it'll be long before that's cloned too at this rate... anyone being innovative in this business is destined to loose out in the long run.
All we can do by keeping discussion private is minimise the damage by ensuring the manufacturer gets to bring the goods out first and the clones appear afterwards... but from open development discussions the clone appears to now surface very early on in the game...
Anyways.... apols for dragging this thread O/T... back to yer radiator discussions...!