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on May 12
Kevin Green
Posted project update #18BoardX Starter Kit now available on Amazon!
Post CommentHey Everyone,
I've just started adding products to Amazon, and would definitely appreciate some positive reviews! Check it out if you get a chance:
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on May 6
Kevin Green
Posted project update #17Arduino Libraries for add-ons incoming
Post CommentHey Everybody,
I just wanted to let you know that I've been putting together some Arduino libraries for the FRAM-X and ADC-X.
The FRAM-X Arduino library + examples (in C as well) are available here: http://upgradeindustries.com/download/19/FRAM-X-Code-Examples
and in the next day or two, the ADC-X code will be posted here (there's already a demo Sketch and C code but I'll be attaching an actual library to use): http://upgradeindustries.com/download/18/ADC-X-Code-Examples
The FRAM chips can be a bit tricky to use at first because of the funky way that RAMTRON implemented their memory access procedure, so this library will likely be a big help to those that are confused by the C code.
I wrote these libraries using Arduino version 0022, but will test in 1.0 soon. I did my best to make it compatible with version 1.0 though using some IF...DEFs to swap out some deprecated I2C calls. If you notice anything crazy, let me know and I'll push it out to the site.
-Kevin
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on April 14
Kevin Green
Posted project update #16Updates + This just in: You can use GPS, Wifi and Bluetooth with BoardX using the XBee-X add-on!
Post CommentUse GPS, Wifi and Bluetooth with your XBee-X add-on
I've been browsing the net for cool things to add to BoardX and found these on SeeedStudio (http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=beefamily):
They're pin-compatible modules that will fit your XBee-X add-on! Now you can add all these great communications modules to your BoardX without needing to buy an additional add-on board from us. I should note that I personally haven't gotten a chance to work with any of these yet, but plan to soon. They're designed to work with any XBee radio socket, so you should in theory be good to go.
Customs and shipping
Shipments have been going out gradually and smoothly, but a few international backers have noticed that their countries' customs agencies are asking for invoices for tax calculation purposes. I'm working on putting those together for the various backer levels. If you receive anything from a government customs agency regarding your shipment, just know that I labeled them as gifts of electronic circuit boards and labeled them as having the value of your specific backer level (for insurance purposes). I can send you a PDF of your customs paperwork for your shipment if you need it too.
If you need any more assistance, feel free to contact me (kevin@upgradeindustries.com).
Of course, I've also included an obligatory picture of BoardX with blue-ish/purple LEDs below this:)
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on April 5
Kevin Green
Posted project update #15First shipments going out
Post CommentGood news! The first shipments are going out. I'm still figuring out how to get a good process going, and luckily I'm getting some help from my fiancee, Marina, but we're still amateurs.
Some orders that ship to foreign countries can take several weeks to arrive in rare instances, so don't freak out if it takes a while to arrive once it's sent. I'll also be sending your tracking number via email as they are mailed.
-Kevin
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on April 3
Kevin Green
Posted project update #14BoardX has arrived!!
Post CommentGood news everyone!
BoardX arrived in a giant box today from the factory!! I've uploaded an official unboxing video where I see them for the first time, and all I can say is that they look great!
I've included some photos too, since the boards get a little blurry on the video when I hold them up close to the camera.
I'll be hard work shipping these out, but it's always fun to hear from you about what you're going to build, so feel free to drop me a line: kevin@upgradeindustries.com -
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on March 27
Kevin Green
Posted project update #13Shipped from SeeedStudios!
Hey everybody! I just got a quick email saying that BoardX has shipped and will be here soon! Time to start printing those shipping labels..Post Comment -
on March 14
Kevin Green
Posted project update #12BoardX production wraps up March 26th, site updates, development kits and more
Post CommentHey Everybody,
I've got your news fix right here:
Production wrapping up
I've been talking with the folks over at SeeedStudio and things are on track to finish March 26th. That means BoardX will be shipping to the US, and then back out to all of you very soon!
The delays have been tough, but their customer service is great at working with designers to get things sorted out. I was able to help them find those out-of-stock power switches sooner than anticipated and they ordered them immediately to avoid further delays.
Site updates
I've been working at a feverish pace on the website in anticipation of the arrival of BoardX, and have added some cool new things like an official blog, and updated tutorial layout. I'll use it to post tech news and product related announcements.
Here's one of the first articles to be re-written (and an accompanying video is coming soon): upgradeindustries.com/article/44/How-to-get-started-with-BoardX
Development kits
SeeedStudio has opened up their massive inventory of parts to us and we're working on putting together a beginner's development kit, including sensors, actuators, and of course a BoardX system. More info on this coming soon!
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on March 6
Kevin Green
Posted project update #11Some Delays Again :(
Post CommentHey Everybody,
Unfortunately, I just received word from our friends at SeeedStudio that they're having trouble getting their hands on enough of the main power switches for the BoardX Motherboard, and they're delaying delivery by what could amount to a few weeks.
I know you've all been patient through the delays, and I am frustrated too that this was not brought to my attention until now, right before I expected delivery.
I'm working with them to locate the parts, and will report back when I get a delivery date.
In the mean time, there are some updates I've been working on for the site that may interest some of you. I'm changing the "Code Database" section to "How To", which makes sense because it was a place where I posted articles on how to do things, and not just code examples.
I have a few video tutorials about getting started with BoardX in production, and am working to get a forum up and running on the site for people to post their questions and get help.
I'd really love to hear from anybody with a project in mind, to find out what everybody plans on doing with their BoardX once it arrives from the other side of the planet.
Once again, thanks for understanding.
Kevin Green
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on February 14
Kevin Green
Posted project update #10Some photos of the new silkscreens and schedule updates
Hey folks,
Here's what up so far: I've added some photos of the new silk screens, and I'm going to be making some demo videos quite soon!
The schedule for shipment has unfortunately slipped about a week and a half due to residual delays from the Chinese New Year holiday shutdown that occurs each year, and some difficulties using Paypal (which have now been resolved, thankfully).
It seems that if you try to send a large amount of money internationally using Paypal, they automatically freeze your account and make you jump through several flaming hoops to prove your legitimacy. I know it's all in the name of security, but they also double charged my bank account, to the tune of about $11K, and it's taken over a week to sort out.
Luckily, the nice folks over at SeeedStudio (who are handling production) are very professional and understanding and have helped me get this resolved.
I know that you all must be vibrating with anticipation of getting your boards so I hope you'll be able to make it a few more days!
Please let me know if you'll have any concerns with shipping due to the delay,
Kevin
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on February 12
Kevin Green
Posted project update #9The Upgrade Industries YouTube channel has arrived!
Post CommentHey Everybody!
This weekend, amidst all the craziness of assembling circuit boards, I managed to film a short YouTube video (I'm still learning the ins and outs of video production) where I open a shipment of boards.
If you're interested in seeing how the boards arrive (unassembled), then check it out!
The video: http://youtu.be/r8y4I_Kq6kU
P.S. Here's our Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/upgradeindustries
Kevin Green
Washington, DC
Inspired by Captain Kirk to be bold, I decided to launch my own open source electronics company after leading a team in robotics competitions for Virginia Tech.
How awesome! I am so excited to see the board and start playing with it!
Seeing those stacks of boards is so cool! The silkscreens look very professional and understandable.