MakerDetails of our Kickstart
To fully build out the MakerBeam system will take more money than the bar we've set to raise. We have hopes of exceeding our goals and being able to do more faster, but the success of our project is based on meeting our funding goals and delivering on our pledges.
We're trying to raise ten thousand dollars. Here's what we're going to do with it.
Make the Beam
We have made preliminary enquiries and are prepared to order about a kilometer of extruded Mini-T, most likely from 6063-T6 aluminum, as soon as our funding is in the clear. With lead times, we will have it cut and ready in mid to late November. Anodizing of our commemorative pieces and laser etching will proceed immediately.
Design the Connectors
The entire Mini-T system was designed to be parts-compatible with a variety of off-the-shelf, metric-standard components. When the first batch of MakerBeam arrives from the extruder, we're going to be waiting with a big pile of these components and trying them on for best fit. We will base the Alpha series of connectors on these direct hardware measurements. But there's more to come.
We will design and fabricate a Beta connector system, with custom nuts that will grip tightly in the beam and provide a secure fitting. Depending on how fast prototyping and production moves, and our other investment goals, it may or may not be cost-effective to outfit the Beta kits with a full suite of these new generation fittings, but at least some will be included in the kits, along with enough Alpha parts to keep building. If we are at all able (discussions with manufacturers are ongoing) we will be providing some extruded plastic 'ribbon' connectors to tie beams together in parallel, and providing these in the Beta kits also. Exceeding our funding goals makes this more likely, so spread the word!
Alpha testers will receive Beta connectors during the beta release phase. Everyone will have the opportunity to buy connector only kits and pieces during the public release, which we are aiming to have concur with Maker Faire 2010, in late May.
Everyone who pledges over $8 gets a piece of the original run of MakerBeam; we'll get that out as soon as possible, but that may not be until our February beta release phase. This is also when we plan to deliver the $32 pledge reward, a gold-tone anodized, serial numbered, Mini-T framed piece of the original production run.
Beta testers will get their Beta release kit with an estimated delivery time of around February. Alpha testers will get their Alpha kit, with prototype connectors, with an estimated delivery time of December 18th. That's a Friday, and Christmas the Friday after, so we've got some hiccup time to get it into the stocking.
Develop the Standard
Starting weeks ago and on an ongoing basis, we will be developing and evolving the Mini-T standard. We will incorporate feedback from the Alpha and Beta teams as we go, and are aiming to have a release party for the standard at Maker Faire 2010. You're all invited! Everyone who pledges gets early access to the standard, sneak peaks at models, project updates and more.
Grow
MakerBeam will be incorporating and looking to take the project to the next level. We have been carefully considering how to grow, and are mainly looking for a development partner for kits at this time. If you are interested in getting involved, get in touch!
We will consider all reasonable avenues for growth. This could include further Kickstarts, other kinds of microfinance, private investment, book and magazine articles, design consulting, or seminars in an academic or other context. We want to maintain the open and collaborative nature of the project, while raising the money to get high-quality and high-volume production done.
If all this sounds like good value to you, then please visit our Kickstarter page and make a pledge. Your support makes this happen!