Kickstarter

First, I'd like to thank everyone for the patience.  As noted in previous updates, the delays in the case manufacturing have caused some timeline issues.  I truly appreciate your support of the project.

Case and injection molding update

There were some small mold issues - mostly screw holes that weren't fully formed.  All of those have been fixed, and the molds have had the appropriate textures applied.  I have been told that they will be doing the final test case with the proper plastics (ABS and polycarbonate) on Friday.  Once approved, the first run should only take 1-2 days, and may be happening as early as the beginning of next week.  As noted previously, we will be shipping a portion of the cases by air in order to start final assembly and shipping.  The rest will be shipped by sea.

Circuit board assembly

From over 20,000 screws to 6,000 rubber feet, we have everything ready for final assembly in hand and ready to go.  We are awaiting the final panelized circuit boards, which should be arriving early next week.  We'll be sure to make a video of the pick and place assembly of the units.

Software

Although the manufacturing delays are unfortunate, they've allowed us to refine the firmware and software quite a bit.  A bootloader is software code that resides on the internal microcontroller of the printer and allows you to update it when we release new versions.  In addition to the primary bootloader on the main processor, we've added a secondary bootloader to the ARM CPU that controls the print head.  This will allow us to update all aspects of the printer if we find bugs after release, or to simply add new features.

Currently, we have working client-side applications for OSX, Windows, and iOS.  The applications allow you to print content, update firmware, and configure the wireless settings of the printer.  Linux and Android versions are planned as soon as possible.

Shipping

Based on test runs, we expect our output to be about 50 units per day.  We will be shipping out units to early bird backers first, then all other backers in random order.  You will be able to track shipping status on the website.

Updates in the coming weeks

As the final shipping date approaches, I will try to post more frequent updates at least once every few days.  I don't receive emails when someone posts a comment or contacts me via Kickstarter, so please reach out via email to info@themprinter.com for the quickest reply possible.  I am happy to answer any and all questions, and do my best to reply to emails within a few hours during the day.

I got great feedback on the video updates, and am working on another one to post early next week.

As usual, thank you for backing mPrinter.  Without you, this project wouldn't have been possible.

I wanted to provide a quick update on the shipping estimates.  We have had a few additional minor delays that we are working to resolve as soon as possible.

Our injection molder has taken much longer than expected to finish the molds.  Through a series of delays and communication issues, the process has taken a month and half more than we were originally told.  April 28th to May 1st is a holiday in China, so the factory is shut down most of this week.  The good news is that the molds have now been completed, and the final parts should be made next week.

Attached is a photo of some mold tests.  As you can see, they were done with whatever plastics they had on hand - not the final black color.

To lessen the effect of this delay, we are air-shipping enough cases to begin final production while the rest of them are shipped by sea.  As soon as we have a definite date on when those cases will be arriving, we'll post an exact date.  We expect it to be within a few weeks.

I sincerely appreciate your backing this project.  It has grown well beyond my initial expectations, and I can't wait to get these printers in your hands to see the fantastic things everyone creates.  We are taking these minor delays as an opportunity to enhance firmware and add features to our APIs so that when you receive the best device possible.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Current Timeline

As some astute backers might note, we were supposed to have production samples cases in hand last week.  However, there was a slight communication issue with our Chinese factory in regards to what the difference between a "day" and "business day" is.  After some discussion, they have told us they will have the samples available sometime next week.  That puts our scheduled delivery of the end of this month off by up to two weeks.  I sincerely apologize for the delays, and we are doing everything possible to get units out the door as soon as we can.

To make up for that delay, we are investigating the viability and cost difference of air shipping the cases instead of shipping them by sea.  When the cases do arrive, the other components are ready for the final assembly and we will begin shipping out units within 1-2 days.

Injection Molds

Despite the slight delay, the molds are looking good.  They have moved onto the polishing and final assembly to prepare them for molding.  Attached is a sample photo of one-half of the light ring mold in progress last week.

Battery Availability

We received the final battery samples and are now offering them for sale.  The battery pack offers over 50 hours of standby time, and power for approximately 1,000 prints (depending on the print content).  It can be charged via the AC adapter included with your printer.  The upgrade includes both the battery and the charging circuitry.  Currently, you must order this with your printer.  We are not offering it as an add-on at this time.

Add a battery to your mPrinter by visiting the store and make sure to enter coupon code "KICKSTARTER" for free shipping and to include the battery in your main shipment.

Please note:  We cannot ship batteries via the US Postal Service.  If you are a non-US customer, please contact us directly and we will provide the shipping price difference to upgrade to FedEx or DHL shipping.

Print Speed

After making some firmware optimizations, we've significantly increased both the downloading and printing time of content.  A video showing the new print speed is attached.

AC Adapter Survey

Later today, a survey will be going out for all backers to select the type of AC adapter they would like.  If we don't receive a response by April 19th, you will receive a US adapter.  These are switch-mode power supplies, so they will work on 110-240V, only the physical tip differs.

Website and Support

As always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact us.  You are welcome to signup, browse, and generate content on our beta website at http://manage.themprinter.com/.  On the left hand side of that page, there is also a "Support Chat" section where you can chat with us live.

Greetings everyone!

First, a quick update.  Production of the various components continues and is on track for shipping towards the end of April, as noted in previous updates.  We are working hard to have an exact price on the optional battery upgrade, which we should have next week.  One obstacle to overcome  is international shipping of LiPo batteries.  The US Postal Service, by far the most cost effective option, does not legally allow shipping of products containing LiPo battery packs.  We are assessing a few options and will have more information soon.

Miss out on backing mPrinter or want another printer?  Pre-orders or additional printers available!

If you were unable to be part of of the Kickstarter project, or would simply like to order an additional printer in the first production run, you may do so at the mPrinter Store.  If you had previously contacted us about an additional printer at a specific pledge amount, please contact us directly.

Beta website access

In case you missed it, the website to make and preview mPrints is live and kicking.  Although still in beta, we have lots of of our samples as well as other users making content.   The beta is now open to anyone - you can sign up at http://manage.themprinter.com/register.  We have live chat support where you can get help writing mPrint code or ask us any other questions.

So far, we've had several dozen very cool mPrints released with dozens more in development.  Just a few of the current mPrints include recipe printers, news updates, transit schedules, weather, comics, and image printing.

Thanks for backing the project, and we'll have more information on the exact shipping dates in the coming weeks.