Status update

A week or so ago a different battery vendor had to be chosen for both the rechargeable lithium polymer packs and the non-rechargeable cylindrical primary cells, due to Low Voltage Directive requirements and UL certifications. That was a real hassle figuring out all the IATA, UL, EU regulations and so forth - we received fake reports for wrong products, the labs tried to use our weaknesses to raise prices, a mess.

But now two compliant battery vendors are creating the samples that will get us through testing, and we should have both types within 10 days. We keep pushing and pushing to get stuff done sooner, but it's always 1-2 weeks for everything, which is a shame because during this "dead" time we've got to sit here in China as our building is completely being remodeled and it's just insane, the whole place looks like a construction site with heavy drilling morning to evening. But we're using this time to complete the web portal (ownership assignment, permissions, log in, client-server communication and so forth).

The PCB assembly guys are working on the stencil, the micrometer thickness metallic sheet that allows precise positioning of solder on the PCBs. They tried to raise the price for PCB production and the stencils but their attack was quickly countered; we've got an itemized cost list in writing signed by the CEO in person! (Got this last time when they actually were able to raise the price). They try this weekly. Seriously, it's insane - you just can't trust anyone, we're getting a nervous breakdown because every day a different vendor tries to raise prices and we need to have heated arguments and we risk losing the vendor (they don't particularly care about our quantities) and having to find a new one and start from scratch.

To recap:

- Waiting for batteries to do the last test

- Getting an approval for foam production and we're moving forward with foam and boxes.

- Will be assembling actual production pcbs in a few days (micro "trial" run with the million dollar assembly machines - wasn't easy to negotiate).

- Mass production of plastic and rubber parts can start any time after Nov 4th.

- Software being completed (web portal and all), it's already functional but needs some "diamond polishing" :)

- body band still up in the air, we're emailing new vendors to see if someone can do the eyelets correctly. Not really mission critical but we want it.

That's all.

Comments

By sub3604 at 2010-10-20 08:40:20 Reply

well it looks like you are close to being ready for release if you plan to start mass production of the plastic and rubber parts on November 4th would it be unrealistic to have it on sale or even delivered before Christmas form factor looks good. A few pics of the fully assembled product would be good.

By billone at 2010-10-20 11:38:58 Reply

Any price yet? (Any price for an additional remote?)

The reason to use China was (if I remember correctly) was cheaper costs.
I'll have remember all your problems if I am ever to consider that option.

By dreamloverlabs at 2010-10-20 19:07:05 Reply

We still don't have the PCBs, they're being held at the assembly house waiting for the stencil. We'll post pictures and videos of the assembled product when we have a sample.

It's not unrealistic at all to sell a few units before Xmas. However our ability to produce product will be limited in the beginning so how much demand can we satisfy? We don't know - we'll be bootstrapping incrementally...

Regarding China, yes the thing is that manufacturing expenses are huge considering the number of custom parts we need so we could never have done this in the US or UK or anywhere else for that matter, probably not even Thailand or Korea.

China is cheaper but that's not because you get the same results for less money! Instead, what ends up happening is that the money you save, you end up having to work for times 100.

Consider:

- the fact that most vendors are only barely competent in their field if at all. You can ask them super simple stuff but as soon as it gets researchy you're on your own

- the fact that most industrial people are actually from the countryside somewhere and speak terrible Mandarin, their factory workers are even worse, there is a big communication problem even if you speak the language, if you don't, it's quite hopeless.

- the fact most vendors are terribly, terribly lazy and they're always willing to lose a small to mid sized job rather than paying attention and doing things right. Complain once, twice, the third they will drop you and if you paid sample fees or a deposit, you're out of luck.

- the fact they are continuously trying to change pricing and use any means possible to break prior engagements and renegotiate. You never, ever know your costs. Until the stuff is delivered.

By sbalani at 2010-10-26 01:21:08 Reply

Did you guys consider using the Philippines? I know there are some factories & production things here, although I suppose with regards to electronic China is tough to beat...still may be worth having a look for the future. And Being a resident here, I'd be more than glad to help with the locals! Dont know if you had anyone like that in china, but I'm sure you'll appreciate having someone who is interested in your product, rather than cheating you out of every penny they can. Hope you can consider it!