EZ-Steady Assembly Update #5
Hi guys,
Here's another update about our assembly of the EZ-Steady. We got our first 100 stages back from anodizing and they look great. However, we assembled around 100 handles and after they dried we realized we had a major problem. They were binding up and not spinning freely as they should. We figured out that the there was too much space between the outside of the bearings and the inside of the handle tube. Somehow our epoxy expanded unevenly and cross loaded the bolt within the bearings causing it to seize. In simple terms they don't work. We tried to just put one bearing in the handles. That did work but there was some slop and wiggle in them that I couldn't accept.
So, we have engineered a new handle that will fit much tighter and ensure proper alignment of the bearings so they can spin freely. Over the course of being burned by a few machine shops we actually found one that can do work very well and very fast. They are already working on the new handles and they will ship to us in about 2 weeks.
I feel horrible that this happened and the project is delayed yet again. I am still committed to getting you your EZ-Steady as fast as humanly possible but it will have to wait a couple more weeks. By the time we get the new handles in we should have most of the stages back and anodized so we should be able to get all 300 orders out very quickly instead of in small batches like we had planned.
Please watch the attached video if you would like more details. Again, thank you for your patience and for sticking with us through this. It means the world to us.
Kyle
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Funding period
Nov 15, 2011 -
Dec 15, 2011
(30 days)
- 3 created · 5 backed
- Kyle Hart 476 friends
- Website: rhinocameragear.com
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Faithful Friend Award. If you can't swing $225 for an EZ-Steady unit, you can still help the project by pledging any amount you feel comfortable with. All pledges are much appreciated.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2011Pledge $10 or more
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Producer Credit Award. With every EZ-Steady we send out we'll included a page with your name on it giving credit to you for making this product a reality.
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Steady Eddy Award. Receive one EZ-Steady unit, a sticker and the credit at a great price (retail will be around $325 + tax and shipping). Includes USA shipping via USPS. For shipping to Canada, add $20. International funders, add $30.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2012Pledge $245 or more
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Heavy Steady Award. Receive all of the above and and 4 extra, thick bottom weights to balance upwards of 6lbs of camera gear. Includes USA shipping via USPS. For shipping to Canada, add $20. International funders, add $30.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2012
Comments
Creator D. Eric Franks on April 8, 2012
OK, getting excited now. Seems like you're ironing out the hardcore kinks. Smooth sailing from here and proud to be a backer.
Creator Ken's Lil' Sister on April 5, 2012
Kyle,
Thanks for the update and moreover thanks for not shipping us a product that you know is subpar. Your integrity allows me the patience to wait until you know your product meets your exacting standards.
I can't wait until you design a carrying case.
Vonda
Creator ben smithson on April 5, 2012
You look stressed, Kyle. Definitely a good learning experience for you guys though. Can't freakin' wait to get my hands on the ez steady.
Creator Isaac Leung on April 4, 2012
Thanks for the update! We can tell you're stressed, and I hope you can find a way to recover (financially) from this latest set back, but thanks for prioritising the quality of your product -- I'm sure when it's finalised and you ramp up to commercial quantities that your time and effort at this stage will bear fruit.
Creator Tony Frasher on April 4, 2012
Thanks for the update! Definitely excited to see the slider!
Creator Carl Lum on April 4, 2012
I appreciate your attention to detail, Kyle. I firmly believe in Murphy's Law and I realize that something *always* comes up when you try to make/fix something. Fortunately, I'm in no rush to receive my unit. I'd much rather have something done right rather than shipped quickly.
Creator Shawn Wright on April 4, 2012
I have a suggestion....
Take the old handles which will not work - put them on the new slider you are working on to give it a handle.
OR - take them all and put little hooks on them. Sell as one of a kind Christmas tree ornaments for video geeks. LOL - gotta make you smile about this.
At first I just read the comments - but the video was really helpful.
Creator Kevin Mills on April 4, 2012
Thanks for the update Kyle. Just wanted to reiterate the previous comments and say thanks for putting quality first and for keeping us informed.
Creator Jim Anderton on April 4, 2012
Well, that is not surprising, prototyping is always tough. I'm sure glad you are putting quality first. We'll be using this for a long time, so having it right is greatly appreciated. We appreciate the update. Keep up the good work, we're behind you all the way.
Creator David Fair on April 4, 2012
Thanks for making quality the number one priority. I feel good knowing that when I do get this, I am gonna love it and it will not be device filled with pieces that work, but just barely.
Creator Darryl Kang on April 4, 2012
Wow, this really sucks. Hope it didn't cost you guys too much money to remake the handle. And thank you for not compromising on quality.
Creator Yuri Huta on April 4, 2012
Thank you for the continued pursuit of excellence and all the updates Kyle. Agreed with the above comments - you are doing the right thing and that is much appreciated!
Creator Shawn Wright on April 4, 2012
A big company would just lie to us, send us crap and call the defect "a new feature". Although we are all anxious to get this I for one want a well working easy-to-use one like I have imagined. Hopefully you will get them out in few weeks. Way to stick to your guns and NOT compromise. This test will be your defining moment.
Creator John W. Yost on April 4, 2012
Kyle how to I get my money back?
Creator Paul Bean on April 4, 2012
Kyle, you're doing the right thing. Thanks for the update. I can't wait to get mine, but wait I will. I would rather have it done right than see you rush out an inferior product. Thanks!
Creator Neil Smith on April 4, 2012
Hi Kyle,
It could take several more months and I still wouldn't be unhappy - I'm happy being a part of the process and as well as getting a nice product, you are also learning - which should be the making of even more succesful projects in the future.
Good luck, and thanks for the update.