Caveat emptor - what to know before trying to beat a consumer system into a scientific instrument

The authors review a technological process and describe the lessons learned from engaging in it. On the surface, the main issues are the trade-offs in developing a "product", in this case, a directionally sensitive light sensor for environmental monitoring applications, using either a "build it" or "buy it" approach. The design criteria include performance specifications for resolution, robustness, and scalability, but the bottom line is cost.