We are very close to a releasable product now. I am working on production details and final the look and feel now. I have already begun sending prototypes to potential buyers so things are moving in the right direction. I think there will be an "add to cart" button somewhere by summer. I'm excited. This project has been fun and we are just getting started.
Aiming for $300 retail. I believe I can hit it if I were retailing. It's harder to make that number and provide margin for retailers, but that is one of the things I am working on.
I designed and ordered a new mold this weekend and asked a friend of Motobrain, OSHStencils.com, to laser cut a cap that will be placed onto the wet resin to make a "finished" look. This cap also includes some holes for stand offs and I intend to provide a clear piece of acrylic that will be screwed into those to isolate the terminals from the outside world. I have also begun conversations with some contract manufacturers who will ultimately be doing the manufacturing of Motobrain. Next week I intend to build up a few more units and get them out the door and into testers hands. If I like what I hear from the manufacturer, I may be done building these things myself and begin outsourcing this particular task. <a href="http://www.motobrain.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/motoproto_josh1.jpg"><img src="http://www.motobrain.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/motoproto_josh1-1024x822.jpg" alt="motoproto_josh[1]" width="670" height="537" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-910" /></a> <iframe class="thingiview-iframe" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" width="628" height="628" src="http://www.thingiverse.com/thingiview/thingiverse.html?file=http://thingiverse-production.s3.amazonaws.com/threejs_json/8e/0d/24/f4/e5/337c821amold2parts.js&v=3&width=628&height=628" style=""></iframe>
I've got the new insulating top cover that will keep the terminals from shorting to anything on accident. I think this is a simple and elegant solution. The new molds shipped today and with any luck will arrive tomorrow. I will then have everything I need to begin building more samples for the patient throngs who are waiting on them. My mold maker was a week late on these parts and they are seriously screwing up my time line. It is time to find a new vendor. I also have put out to bid the manufacture of Motobrains. I should have some useful information about how much it will cost to make these guys in bulk very soon. <a href="http://www.motobrain.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DDA862E3-576E-45E6-9F7B-D0AE714EE1721.jpg"><img src="http://www.motobrain.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DDA862E3-576E-45E6-9F7B-D0AE714EE1721-1024x764.jpg" alt="DDA862E3-576E-45E6-9F7B-D0AE714EE172[1]" width="670" height="499" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-924" /></a>
New levels of ineptitude from the mold supplier. I've been trying to order the mold since the 21st. They didn't take the order until 28th but it didn't go on the calendar until the 3rd at which point I told them I needed it overnight. It doesn't show up and they tell me it won't ship until Thursday. On Thursday they say it won't ship until Friday. This morning I check the tracking and they requested it delivered overnight, but for weekday delivery. Worse yet, they said ask it to be delivered overnight late delivery. I'll get it Monday at 8pm rather than this morning. Frankly, I expected it in hand on the 26th. These guys are fired. Pathetic.
Hey Crafty, It might be too late, but I have been wondering for some time about the wisdom from a marketing point of view of using terminal blocks that require the user to terminate any wires with a fitting that requires crimping that most punters can't do properly as they probably don't have a decent crimping tool and/or lack the knowledge and/or skill. From the standpoint of the consumer comparing yours with a unit that only requires stirpping the wire, sticking it in and screwing the terminal tight is far more attractive, the screwed post while technically fine is not nearly as user friendly. Just a thought.
I am really happy with the screw down terminals. They are easy to work with, even with shabby tools. They allow the Motobrain to sit comfortably in a clam shell box on the wall of a retail establishment. The pig tail is huge and a little scary looking. Furthermore, you may end you with a bunch of wires you don't need. With the terminals you never need to have any "extra" wires littering your install.
I think this is valid and if that creates problems with marketing then that may be a possiblity...... I for one hope not..... But, I would like to think that anyone considering this unit would have a ability to bypass this problem and have the skills to crimp properly. I think some people want a plug and play system and don't want to deal with simple issues, they may also complain that it didn't work and then vent that a item was $%$# and %**%%$^$@ and never buy xyz because of a fault in the product. With some investigation, doesn't happen much, the fault may be closer to home. To manufacture and product that is adaptable to suit all is near-on impossible. Some customer will want it different. Maybe I'm just having a vent...hahahaha I like that this requires some level of ability and possible creative thinking, where to put the unit, how to wire properly etc. If someone can strip a wire correctly, use a screw driver to attach the wire correctly then I would hope they could crimp correctly. If that is to much for someone then I would think they should leave the bike alone and pay someone else to do the work. Again But, I may be, and have been, proven wrong before.....!!!!!! :huh
Adding the tag line "professional installation recommended" May solve most of that issue, just like aftermarket headlights. sent from my phablet.
Maybe I am crazy, but I don't think there are going to be many people who want a Motobrain and either cannot put a crimp on a wire or are unwilling to have it professionally installed. Like you though, I may be, and have been, proven wrong before.....!!!!!!
It seems to me, the target audience probably has the skills to do or find someone to do a correct install.
I am absolutely with you on the "pigtail" it was IMHO an upgrade waiting to happen. My thoughts are more along the lines of preventing this by using something like this, which is what is on the "fuzeblock". It just seems to me that stripping the end of the wires and sticking them in saves a whole lot of possible issues. I have no idea about the availability of such an animal nor the price or practical considerations with the board design, so of course those considerations may have already ruled on the issue..
Crimping is no problem IMO. What I'm wondering is how it would work with a stator that puts out, say, 200 watts with 100w DC and 100w AC. Would you need two boxes?...my brain is starting to hurt.
Whoever did the crimps on the wires on that terminal strip shouldn't even be allowed near anything electrical. That one had about every mistake that could be made....
