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Hello all,
This update is in two parts ...
Those of you who ordered pre-production version controllers:
Your circuit boards are built and awaiting:
- Delivery of the pulleys (promised next week)
- Delivery of backordered motors (promised shortly thereafter).
- Final assembly - wiring the pots and speed selector switch. This is about 15% of the build and is completed after the motor is installed on the top plate.
I'll update you in a private distribution later next week as to expected shipping date.
Those of you who ordered production version controllers:
After, multiple delays, my machinist made the first controller top plate yesterday. I performed a QC check, all of the holes lined up perfectly with the circuit board, and I authorized him to go into production.
I'm expecting to have the top plates completed and at the polisher's by the end of the week. If my polisher delivers on time, I'll be receiving the finished top plates on or about the 21st. Knowing how production delays go, let's count on the 28th.
We opted to run the top plates before the pulleys, to time the pulley arrival with the top plate polishing operation.
While the top plates are out for polishing, all of your circuit boards will be built, awaiting arrival of the top plates for final assembly and shipment to you. I expect to ship in 3 waves, spread one week apart with all of you up and running before the end of March.
This delay may result in the first upgrade - my gift you.
Two of my beta testers began experimenting with alternative power supplies and the results are promising. While waiting on delivery of the polished top plates, I'll be performing experiments on these and similar supplies. If you're overseas, we may have to collaborate on voltage compatibility.
I suspected there was some low hanging fruit in this area of power supply, but frankly, I didn't think it would be this easy to pluck off the vine - that it would take considerably longer. One of my criteria for selecting the beta testers was the fact that they are inclined to such experimentation - benefiting all of us in the process.
I'll be sending you follow-up e-mails via blind distribution:
- Asking you the depth of your motor cavity. Some very early units had shallower cavities in the motor pod and this will necessitate hard-wiring the power wires to the board - eliminating the power plug. The alternative would be to machine a deeper cavity in the motor pod. This is a small minority of you, and if you don't have the soldering skills, you'll have to send me your pod for this 5 minute operation.
- An update when the top plates are back from the polishers (in the Feb 21-28th time frame).
- Ready to ship / final payment / shipping notification.
Thanks as always for your support!
… Thom & the elves at Galibier.
Scroll down for some photos from yesterday's visit to the machine shop.
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