269
Backers
$11,784
pledged of $5,000 goal
0
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on October 1, 2010.
Pledge $15 or more Pledge $15 or more
Get an invite code for the basic Modkit Visual Programming Environment (http://modk.it/software).. Invite codes will be sent out electronically upon funding success..
Pledge $30 or more Pledge $30 or more
Get a Limited Kickstarter Edition Modkit Crimp Card (http://modk.it/hardware) and an invite code for the basic Modkit Visual Programming Environment (see above).. The special edition Modkit Crimp Cards will be custom manufactured after funding success and will be shipped approximately 3 weeks after.. (U.S. Only - International please add $10)
Pledge $30 or more Pledge $30 or more
Same as above except it is not the Limited Kickstarter Edition..
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
Be one of the first to access the premium edition of Modkit's Visual Editor featuring a standalone desktop version of the software with integrated compiler as well as the revolutionary Modkit interpreter which brings iterative and interactive development to Arduino.. This reward will be made available as a digital download as soon as it is available.. In the meantime you will get an invite code for the basic Modkit Visual Programming Environment (see above)..
Pledge $125 or more Pledge $125 or more
Get an invitation to a special 4 hour Modkit Kickstarter workshop where we will help you Kickstart your use of Modkit.. The workshop will be held on a Saturday (you will be given a few options) in the Boston MA area unless a significant number of donors (at our discretion) exist to plan a workshop in a nearby city (up to 5 hours from Boston).. This reward includes the Special Edition Modkit Crimp Card and an invite code for the basic Modkit Visual Programming Environment (see above)...
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
Hardware Makers: Be one of the first to have your hardware added to the Modkit Editor! We're looking for makers of Arduino compatible boards and shields (standard size). The Modkit team will work with you to get your hardware tightly integrated into our software environment, both visually and functionally (see screenshots on blog/update page). You'll also receive 100 invite codes to give out to your customers when they buy your hardware before we go into public beta.. Pledge more and you'll get more invites to distribute with your hardware.. Hardware will also be added in order of pledge amount so if you think this could expand your business, please support liberally.. If you don't have standard size hardware, message us and we can talk.. Have any questions or other ideas of how we can work together, just message us..
Project By
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The Modkit team is Ed Baafi, Collin Reisdorf, and Amon Millner. We are passionate about the tools we build, and the diverse communities we build them for. Our work spans diverse fields from design to electrical engineering and computing to the learning sciences.
Ed Baafi - Founder - Business and Engineering Lead. Ed founded Modkit to address the needs he identified while running hands-on learning environments including the Boston Fab Lab and Learn 2 Teach, Teach 2 Learn program. Ed earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts and was a graduate student in the High-Low Tech group at the MIT Media Lab.
Collin Reisdorf - Co-Founder - Design Lead. Collin comes to Modkit with years of experience as a graphic designer, developing interactive websites and applications for major international brands. Collin holds a BFA from the Massacussets College of Art.
Amon Millner, Ph.D. - Co-Founder - Learning Lead. Amon brings a wealth of research experience to Modkit, much of which he gleaned as a core member of the Scratch programming environment's design team. Amon leads Modkit's research efforts in the learning sciences space. Amon earned his Ph.D. in the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab and currently teaches at Olin College.
We just posted an update about our second Kickstarter campaign to launch Modkit Micro: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/modkit/modkit-micro-the-easiest-way-to-program-microcontr
If you wonder how this affects our earlier backers, make sure to check out the update.
Hi All,
It's now been a year since our successful Kickstarter campaign and we have just posted a new update (for backers only) explaining some of our progress over the last year as well as some issues we had to overcome. Our plans did shift a bit after engaging with our Kickstarter backers and although many backers told us that the most important thing was to keep the project moving towards sustainability and broader impact, we realize that we can not keep people waiting on their rewards indefinitely.
With that said, all Crimp Card rewards have now been sent out and as Kasper has explained, we now have to follow through on the desktop version. While we tried to keep this reward's delivery date open (we said it would be delivered when available), we can understand that Kasper and others are anxious to use Modkit in a classroom where internet access may be unavailable.
We hope that in the end, most of you will realize what we have about Kickstarter: It is a great platform that allows all of us to pursue our dreams and find an audience for our work. We have been impressed at Kickstarter's growth over the last year and although we would do many things differently, we would use the platform again in a heartbeat. We hope that by continuing to follow through on our project and our commitments, all of our backers will see nothing but positive results from participating in the wonderful platform. By the way, if you don't see us blogging for a while, it usually means we are up to something big ;)
Thanks so much for your continued interest and support!
-Ed
Unfortunately I have to come to the conclusion that the Modkit team didn't kept their promises. We are now one year further and I and 88 backers ($50 or more) or still waiting on the desktop version of Modkit.
I really regret this, because I couldn't wait to use Modkit in my classroom. I think its great to use the Scratch programming style for standalone products. However almost nothing changed over the year, their is some progress but most things stay (like variables) in the Alpha club, for which you have to pay. Still essential things are missing to do some real programs.
The Google group is silent, the blog doesn't show progress and a full free version on the site is promised for the summer but we are in autumn already. I hope they will start something more open, because they are building on the shoulder of (open source) giants Scratch and Arduino.
It is a pitty that the lack of progress and communication makes me lose faith in the Kickstarter concept a bit as well. Its based on trust and a get the feeling this trust is now violated.
Well, I hope we'll see a reaction of the developers here. I'm still waiting on concept like this to use in my classes. For now I'm using Scratch4Arduino, but standalone projects are not possible with that.
Kasper
Hi Modkit,
Still waiting for any reaction and my limited edition crimp card not funny
Where are the crimp cards?
Alright... I am back after a few months out.... I am sending you my Gmail info to you support at modk.it email ... can't wait to poke around !!!!!
Hi All,
All existing alpha testers (everyone who claimed their access) should now have been added to our new Alpha Club (http://modk.it/alpha). If you have any problems or never claimed your original access please email support at modk.it as we do not log in to Kickstarter often.
Thanks!
Hi Ed,
How can I become a member of the new alpha club? I see this message.
Hi ............... You are logged in but not registered as an Alpha Club Member
If you have a membership code, please enter it below to link your ...... address to your Modkit Alpha Club Membership, or logout to link your membership to a different email address.
I have access to the Google groups, but I kind find any invitation message here or there.
By the way. You where talking about a standalone application from Modkit, is there any progress on that?
Still waiting on Crimpcard and access to modkit software. Says I need a membership code. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
@Jiri, Sorry, we ended up giving out invites during the Kickstarter campaign to all backers who sent us their Gmail IDs so we didn't even wait on funding success. We sent out a few updates telling people they should send us the info but I guess you missed it.
We're about to release a brand new public version (http://blog.modk.it/2011/01/modkits-going-public.html) and then we have some long awaited goodies to get out to the backers. If you supported at the $50 level, we will start testing the premium version with you and if you are waiting on your Crimp Card we'll finally get those out to you (Thanks for your patience Han and all the other crimp card backers). In any case, I'll still set you up with the alpha code as it will get you early access to new features as we move forward.
Thanks,
Ed
Hey there..... just wondering..... it says that invite codes will be sent out electronically upon funding success. That happened back in Oct of 2010. I haven't received my code and have tried sending a msg to the backers a few times with no reply ?? Infact, the only emails I have received were that my visa $$$ successfully went to MODKIT in Oct 2010. The modkit site keeps on giving me an HTTP 500 - site under construction errors. So how do I get my invite code ??
thanks
OK, guys, hope everything's going well, but I think you owe us an update, no?
Hi, what is the expected scedule now for the delivery of the special custom manufactured edition Modkit Crimp Cards ? As we should receive it as a backer, according to the original shipping, three weeks after successfull funding. That has passed now a long time ago ;-(
Anyway have a good Christmas and keep us posted ;-)
I cant understand something, we have to donate to be able to use the program? So in this case, I cant see the difference between donating and buying and since its not free the licence should not be GNU. You already finished raising, what are you waiting for?
Q: As per other comments - Where does a Linux version sit on the roadmap? Ive been teaching using both scratch and arduino for some time now and Modkit will sit ideally in the program, but with the exception of a couple of elderly Macs all our labs are linux based. More and more schools and colleges are moving to open source OS platforms to gain better cost advantage and to minimise risk of viruses etc from student media (the dreaded USB stick!)
Im happy to help with any beta testing on Linux, as Im sure a number of others will be.
Incidentally - have you considered a link into Fritzing??
Hi Modkit. My son is working on a Ubuntu machine and we're looking for a way to install Modkit compiler on Linux. I only find the Mac and Win downloads. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
I've backed you, and I'm excited! My two girls are *huge* scratch fans, and I use Arduino both for work and for hacking. I'm hoping this can help them cross the divide.
Hi.
How can i get a invitation code?
yaayy 0 seconds to go!!! now I'm just waiting on an email with a invite code. I've also just received my Arduino Uno in the mail yesterday!!! great timing hahaha!!
Hi Esse. What kind of info are you looking for? It may be available in another form.
Hi Steevithak.. The free version is free as in it doesn't cost anything.. Please see the comments you quoted for info on the portions of the project that are open source..
hi there.
maybe off topic :D, but there are publications or something like conference presentations about this project?
thanks.
I'm a little confused about whether this is intended to be open source and free as in free speech like the Arduino itself or proprietary and only free as in "free beer".
In a Sep 1 comment you say it's free but from the context, I think you mean that it's proprietary software with no cost rather than actually free software in the sense of a GPL/BSD type license.
Then in a Sep 8 comment you say "our custom Arduino based IDE is released as GPL", but the fact that you named specific components suggests other components may be proprietary. Or maybe that your "custom Arduino IDE" isn't the same thing as "Modkit"?
Can you state a little more clearly what components Modkit consists of and how each is licensed (and specifically whether those licenses are free/open vs proprietary)? If this is already laid out clearly on a webpage somewhere, maybe you could provide a URL. Thanks!
@Charlie: we're working on a major release which changes the way we load boards.. Once we have that released you can make your request on the google group.. The end goal is for the community to add boards themselves but I can't give you an exact timeframe on that..
Thanks
Any chance we can add Arduino Mega to the editor?
@alxxG: In theory, the Modkit front end could be easily ported to other architectures or even languages due to the block system's modular design.. In reality, we're currently focused on Arduino compatible hardware.. There is an ARM based board we have our eye on called the Maple Board by Leaf Labs.. If that project progresses, you may see something like that..
How hard would it be to port to other processors (that have gcc available) ?
Say arm7 or cortex M0/M3 ?
Arduino is nice but its a bit liteweight for a good number of projects
(especially networked sensor projects)
The crimps cards are a very good idea. Great for teaching/open days.
@Eric: If you go to the Updates (or Blog/Post) tab, you will find the response to your question in the backers only post you are referring to.. If you can't find it, just click the link in the email..
*kickstarter
I am a backer and I got an email that said to send a "kickstart message" with my "google account" rather than an comment or a response and I would be sent an invite. How do I send a "kickstart message" though and is a google account the same as a gmail account??
@Rogue_Robotics.. Looks like you have some cool products that could work well with the Modkit environment.. We sent a message to your info@ address in case you want to discuss specifics..
We have hardware we would like have added to Modkit, but I would like some more information first. Who can I contact?
Thanks...sent
After pledging, please read the backer-only post titled "Get Modkit Access Now" for details.. We should be pretty responsive (less than 24 hours)
How long after pledge do you get invite code?
@Lazor - sorry the $50 one does not include the crimp card..
My bad; it does say.
How about a $50 pledge? Does it get the $30 "get" too, i.e., a Crip Card and standalone IDE?
@Lazor.. Not exactly.. It should say but I think the $125 gets you the workshop, crimp card ($30) which itself comes with the invite ($15).. Basically the set of things useful for a workshop..
Are "gets" cumulative, i.e., does a $125 pledge get the 15 & 30 & 50 "gets" as well?
As the owner of a business based around Arduino (MindKits.co.nz) we have a strong focus on seeing Arduino driven into the hands of younger people and to become even easier to use. I want to say how completely superb this project is and I can't wait to test it. Great work ModKit.
Hi. This is kind of interesting for me. I've been thinking about trying out arduino experimenting for a while, but was worried about coding since I'm not at all strong in that area. Modkit looks to be just the kind of thing I need to help me along.
Thanks for your comments John and Paul! It's great to
see how people find such diverse use cases for Modkit, from farming to art clubs.. We just shot a video where we allude to a second coming "personal" computer revolution.. This is exactly what we mean by personal.. We can't wait to see some of the projects all of you come up with!
As a farmer with a background in IT (but not development) I think this is a great project. I see a huge range of applications in farm telemetry for Arduino-based solutions. I have no problem with Modkit being free/premium licensed because if it has value, people will pay for it (nothing wrong with that) and ultimately if it enables more people like me to make the most of open source solutions, it has to be a good thing!
IMO, anything which makes it easy for younger and/or less technical people to get started in electronics and robotics is good. If Modkit+Arduino fills a niche somewhere between Lego Mindstorms (friendly but proprietary and kinda spendy) and pure open-source (cheap and open but intimidating to the uninitiated), it could bring in lots of new tinkerers. I'd love to see middle or high school clubs using this type of software. Not robotics clubs, whose members probably don't really need the eye candy, but, say, art clubs incorporating microcontrollers into their projects or music groups building electronic instruments. The eye candy would be a big win with those groups. Hope to catch you at Maker Faire NYC.
@Ariel. Thanks for posting. We're glad you think Modkit can be useful in
introducing physical computing to younger audiences.. Let us know how it works out or if there is anything we can do.
@Solarbotics. Yes.. I should be at both and Collin will be at the Maker Faire.. We should be doing a talk/demo at 5 on both Saturday and Sunday.. -Ed
Are you guys going to be present at the OSH Summit / Maker Faire NYC?
I teach basic electronics and make basic electronics kits as well as teach physical computing at Parsons School of Design. I hope to bring the Arduino to an even younger audience and Modkit will be great.
Ariel Churi
Sparkle Labs
@David: Thanks for the feedback.. We'll work some changes in over the weekend to make things more clear..
Nothing wrong with that, but why don't you tell that in the description? As it is now, it is quite misleading (ctrl+f "company" = 0 results; "sale" or "sell" = 0 results).
I suggest for the first paragraph something as what you wrote:
"We formed Modkit as a company in order for the project to become self sustainable through sales of hardware and the premium version of the software. So far the project has been supported by us, its founders. The goal of our kickstarter campaign is to offset some of the costs we've been covering out of our pockets and to test the market for our paid products. The free version of the software is primarily web based and its code will not be released. It requires anyway our custom version of the Arduino IDE which is released under the GPL at our google code page. The premium version will be sold for revenue."