Rainsaber

Merry Christmas!
over 4 years ago – Wed, Dec 25, 2019 at 01:47:22 PM

This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.

Video Update!
over 4 years ago – Thu, Oct 03, 2019 at 06:03:44 PM

This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.

Level 9 Complete
over 4 years ago – Wed, Aug 21, 2019 at 11:58:44 PM

Helllloooo, backers! This will be quick but I wanted to share the good news: the most difficult, time-consuming stage in the whole manufacturing process has been completed. All umbrella PCBs have been built!

We received the redesigned PCBs two weeks ago and have been busy soldering components ever since. However, the real game changer came on Friday; I hired a whiz-kid graduate student who cut the build time down to 7 minute per board. He finished in five days what would have taken me a month. We all owe Daniel a huge thank you.

In the next few days, I will have 25 more units ready to ship. A steady stream of umbrellas will be available each week as we get faster and faster with production. Hang with me for just a little while more, folks. We're almost there.

Coming soon, the reveal of Rainsaber One's final form factor. You're going to like it.

Ben out.

The Final Countdown
almost 5 years ago – Wed, Jul 31, 2019 at 06:12:16 PM

Dear Backers,

Apologies for the late update--this summer has been a doozy on so many levels. I began reaching out to each backer individually, as I stated in my last update, but quickly got buried beneath dozens of separate email conversations. Many of you have not received any communication from me yet, and for that I am truly sorry.

I am happy to report there is only good news today. The last round of the internal electronics redesign has been completed (success, yay!), and all final PCBs have been ordered. I expect delivery in the next week. I have buckets of 3D-printed parts, piles of batteries, pre-soldered Proffieboards, and other components all ready for assembly.

In the time-lapse video below, I am building a Rainsaber One hilt using a previous assembly method. It took me about 45 minutes to build, plus another 45 minutes to glue, waterproof, code, weather, and test it. (The blade took another 30 minutes.) But that all changes with the PCBs arriving next week. Build time will drop to 10 minutes! Which means I can really start cooking with grease.

Bottom line: There are no other developments in the works, no changes to the plan, no more waiting for parts and supplies. I just need to build, build, build.

Many of you have received your umbrellas already. Please use them, play with them, put them through their paces, and spread the word! If you experience any issues, reach out to me. Unfortunately, I cannot refund any Kickstarter contributions at this time. All of the funds have already been used for parts and supplies, and much more of my own money has been poured into the project to keep it alive. That said, I want you to be satisfied with your purchase, and I will do all that I can to fix any potential mechanical failure.

Thank you again for your patience. I know the wait has been long. As a superbacker myself, I have been frustrated by many campaigns. Please know that I am committed to getting each and every one of you your umbrella soon. It really is just a matter of time.

Ben

Summer Slog
almost 5 years ago – Wed, Jun 26, 2019 at 01:38:04 AM

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