We've launched an exciting new project of our own! Introducing the Kickstarter app for iPhone!

Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on June 18, 2012.

Almost there...

Update #4 · Jun 8, 2012 · comment

Down to the Wire

We got a nice surprise today - we're going to be featured in the NY Times' City Room section! A reporter stopped by to learn about the project, so we had to show him first hand.  

We're all a little loopy from not enough sleep and too much caffeine, but we're getting there. We finished hooking up the last of the light boards to the board matrix - that's more than 1400 manual soldering connections!

We built this today too.  This little piece of magic is the brain that runs the show. The game and all the light control code live on this board, and that rainbow of cables goes to separate cables that plug into connectors on each of the four boards. We opted for plugs so that we can break the game down easily for transport. (That's an Arduino hooked up with RJ-45 connectors and a hacked-up ATX power supply, for those of you playing along at home). There's a lot of connections there, but we're pretty sure somebody wrote down what plugs into what. Somewhere.

We're running our final tests on the lights, patching any ham-fisted soldering mishaps, and getting ready to load it on the boat at 10AM tomorrow.

Sure, we'll be attaching the light covers and touching up paint once we're on the island, like a Project Runway contestant hot-gluing a model's clothes together before the judging.  But as all good hackers know - if you aren't working up until the last minute, your project isn't as awesome as it could be.  See you at FIGMENT!

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May 31, 2012 - Jun 18, 2012

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  • Pledge $10 or more

    13 backers

    A personalized postcard of the Brain Pong installation from FIGMENT, signed by everyone involved in the project. Compatible with most refrigerators.

    Estimated delivery: Jul 2012
  • Pledge $20 or more

    11 backers

    Personalized postcard, 5 Hack Manhattan stickers and a small 3D printed souvenir in biodegradable PLA plastic (includes US shipping). Contains small parts, not suitable for children under 3.

    Estimated delivery: Jul 2012
  • Pledge $50 or more

    9 backers

    In addition to the lower level rewards, you get a special Brain Pong T-shirt! (includes US shipping). You’ll also be listed as a sponsor on our website, guaranteed to impress future employers who Google your name.

    Estimated delivery: Jul 2012
  • Pledge $75 or more

    8 backers Limited (92 of 100 left)

    In addition to postcard, stickers, 3D souvenir, and tee shirt, you’ll get a piece of Brain Pong history: a custom designed LED module containing the same 1.75 watt LED that we are using in the FIGMENT installation. It has 3 modes: always-on, fast blink, and slow blink. It's programmable, if you're into that sort of thing. Blind your foes! Attract potential mates! Compete with fireflies! Practice Morse code!

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $200 or more

    2 backers Limited (8 of 10 left)

    In addition to postcard, stickers, 3D souvenir, tee shirt, and LED module, we will scan your head and 3D-print a scale-model plastic bust of you. Great conversation piece on your mantel, or you can wear it on a gold chain and launch your music career as MC Twoface. We’ll need you to be in NYC so we can put you into our head-scanning machine, though.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $500 or more

    1 backer

    In addition to the postcard, stickers, 3D souvenir, tee shirt, and LED module, get a free NeuroSky portable EEG headset with all the included software. Monitor your own brain activity in the privacy of your home! Train your Jedi mind tricks!

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $750 or more

    0 backers Limited (10 of 10 left)

    In addition to postcard, stickers, 3D souvenir, tee shirt, and LED module, you will receive your own copy of our original mind controlled pong game, including an Arduino, the assembled LED LOLshield display, and a MindWave portable EEG headset (including free US shipping). We’ll help NYC metro residents with setup in person, otherwise we’ll do it over Skype.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $1,500 or more

    0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)

    Choose your own adventure. In addition to postcard, stickers, 3D souvenir, tee shirt, and LED module, we’ll create a custom mind controlled game for you based on your idea. The game will use the MindWave, an Arduino, and a LoL Shield. If you already have an idea, feel free to ask if it’s feasible. Note that we believe in sharing: the code for the game will be made public.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2012
  • Pledge $2,000 or more

    0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)

    Cake and Brain Pong Party: We will bring the entire Giant Brain Pong installation to your event. And we’ll bake you a cake. For locations in the New York metro area only, unless you want to pay for transportation. Add $500 and at least one of us will appear in a clown costume. Add $1,000 and we guarantee that nobody will appear in a clown costume.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2012

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