1,601
Backers
$125,588
pledged of $250,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on December 13.
Funding period
Nov 13, 2012 -
Dec 13, 2012
(30 days)
- 2 created · 9 backed
- Zach Supalla 1360 friends
- Website: sparkdevices.com
Pledge $10 or more
90 backers
SUPPORTER: We'll love you forever and send you some digital high-fives, including recognition on our website as one of our founding supporters (which every backer above $10 will receive).
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $25 or more
63 backers
T-SHIRT BACKER: Get a Spark T-shirt! Printed on American Apparel loveliness.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Add $10 to ship outside the USPledge $49 or more
200 backers All gone!
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Get yourself one Spark Socket, to control one light through the internet. Special rate for the first 200 purchasers!
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Add $15 to ship outside the USPledge $59 or more
1051 backers
GET SPARK: Get yourself one Spark Socket, to control one light through the internet.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Add $15 to ship outside the USPledge $84 or more
82 backers
GIFT BACKER: Buying a Spark Socket as a gift? Back at this level and we'll send you a Spark Socket in July and a T-shirt in December so you've got something to put under the Christmas tree. If you're buying this as a gift for yourself, that's okay - we won't tell.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Add $25 to ship outside the USPledge $300 or more
30 backers Limited (70 of 100 left)
PROTOTYPE: So you want your Spark Socket NOW? Fund at this level, and you'll receive a test unit (the ProtoSpark) to fiddle with in February. It'll be big, it'll be ugly, and it'll only work with lamps using a wall socket, but it'll work, and it'll give you a chance to play with and test Spark before everyone else. You will also receive a final production model when we ship in July. And a T-shirt!
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Add $40 to ship outside the USPledge $600 or more
4 backers Limited (16 of 20 left)
SPARK APP DEVELOPER: Want to be one of our first app developer partners? Your app will be one of our official LAUNCH PARTNER apps, and we will promote your app on our website and through our publicity channels. Includes everything from the PROTOTYPE package (ProtoSpark + Spark + T-shirt).
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Add $40 to ship outside the USPledge $2,000 or more
0 backers Limited (6 of 6 left)
SPARK-POWERED PRODUCTS: Get everything that comes with the PROTOTYPE package (ProtoSpark + Spark + T-shirt), plus spend up to a week on the ground with the Spark team so we can help you develop your own product built on the Spark platform. Travel not included.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Add $40 to ship outside the USPledge $4,000 or more
0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)
MANUFACTURER VISIT: Want to see how Spark Sockets are made? Come with us on a manufacturer visit and be part of the process. It'll be kind of like one of those sequences from Mr. Rogers; great for anyone who's considering developing their own product for mass manufacturing. Also includes everything from the PROTOTYPE package (ProtoSpark + Spark + T-shirt). Travel not included.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Pledge $8,000 or more
0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)
ARTISTIC BACKER: We'll work with local Minneapolis artists to design a custom art installation to your specifications using a number of Spark Sockets.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Add $200 to ship outside the USPledge $10,000 or more
2 backers
PARTNERS: Hey, big spender. Let's talk.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013
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Show older commentsCreator Spark Devices on December 12
Thanks so much for the enthusiasm for Spark! We'll have some news for you very very soon :)
Creator Philip Hurwitz on December 11
Where's the 130k angel donor?
This sucks, was really happy about all the integration you were doing with other KS projects. Hope you guys end up making this a reality anyway!
Creator Ala Hadji on December 11
hopefully make some minor changes and resubmit. not sure of the process. maybe keep it open longer.
Creator Scott Hack on December 10
Well, what is plan B?
Creator mayfair2005 on December 9
@Hector Silva from their FAQ
"What's this about a service fee?
As a special gift, the first 10,000 SmartThings Solution Pack pre-orders will include SmartThings service free for life for the hub bundled with the Solution Pack. The power of SmartThings is how you can install dozens or even hundreds of SmartApps into your life, and they all run easily in the cloud. This is a great value and benefit, so act now to lock it in! We expect monthly service fees to range between $0 and $14.99 for future orders."
"What about International?
We've got great international interest in SmartThings and are working hard to certify our product in as many countries as possible. If we cannot legally or cost effectively ship to you, we reserve the right to cancel the order and notify you."
IE. its not certified outside the USA tight now and by the time it is it will have a monthly fee and don't forget the over $200 price plus shipping
Creator Hector Silva on December 8
@mayfair2005, SmartThings doesn't require monthly fees as of right now for anybody and it can work outside the USA.
Creator Ariel Russell Santos on December 6
Really hope this gets enough backers, although it's not looking too good =\ Really been waiting for something like this!
Creator Spark Devices on December 5
@mayfair2005 @middleca We definitely want to support hackers and makers and make the product 'hackable', and are designing it to be modified in the way you've described (direct access to the pins, microcontroller can be reprogrammed). However, we do have safety concerns that we have to keep in mind, because there's high-voltage nasties hanging out inside the product. So we can't make any promises quite yet, but we'll do our best to make sure you can fiddle with it!
Creator mayfair2005 on December 5
@Jason Eggers By spending like $200 on a product that will require a monthly fee and currently isn't available outside the USA? (did not back on kickstarter, not is USA) Sorry but id rather they add the i/o lines but i can work around that anyways with an ethernet shield on an arduino, i just feel it would be easier at the bulb rather than a node.
Creator Jason Eggers on December 5
@middleca @mayfair2005 Spark and SmartThings are teaming up so that you can add that additional functionality.
Creator mayfair2005 on December 4
Expanding on @middleca's idea, is this still built on arduino and if so is there any i/o lines left? If so there should be a way to access them (remove case?) and a way to program them for even more functionality
Creator middleca on December 4
If you added a small sensor of some kind, you'd radically change the potential applications. (small motion sensor, or temperature, or mic?) Any thoughts on expanding the device, or maybe offering a hackable option? Or maybe a version with a metallic body (better heatsink)?
Creator Spark Devices on December 4
@christian and Ala thanks for your support guys, but let's not give up yet - we've got a bunch of good press lined up over the next week, plus a new demo we're about to launch. We've got a long road but a ton of traction already; don't count us out yet!
Creator Ala Hadji on December 4
seems like it never went viral. i never saw any articles on it like i did for pebble or lifx or ouya. it's a shame. plus i don't think many people noticed the whole 'pledge extra and you will get extra ones' unofficially with a wink and a nod. the first thing i backed that is a victim of the new policies.
Creator christian on December 2
Huh. Blown away that this hasn't been fully funded already. Seems like such a useful idea... is there something else like this already on the market? I'm just really surprised...
Creator Spark Devices on November 30
@Bill Thanks for the support! You're right that there are a lot of applications and we've got big plans, and we appreciate your help getting us there!
Creator Spark Devices on November 30
@Chris Taking a quick glance at the link you sent, it should work technically but it's a question of whether there's space available, since the Spark Socket would need to sit above the can between the Edison screw and the attached LED bulb. So you'll have to check if the space is there.
We will have options for purchasing larger quantities after we close the Kickstarter campaign, assuming we hit our fundraising goal and begin manufacturing.
As for developing a socket vs. a switch, we just wrote an FAQ entry on why we chose to do the socket as opposed to a light switch replacement or a wall outlet module, so check out our answer there!
Creator Bill Pfaffenhauser on November 30
Hope you all make it. Great idea, wish I could contribute more. I'm sure you are already thinking about it but a receptacle with the ability to manage a higher wattage would be more practical/useful. Like I said, I'm sure you can imagine all kinds of applications and I understand that you need to start somewhere but thought I'd throw it out there for future reference. Good luck, I'll be looking for it in the stores!
Creator Christopher Burnett on November 29
Would this be able to be put inside a recessed can that has been converted to an LED can? Something like this-
http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/public/en/lighting/products/recessed_general_purpose_downlighting/led/_6_inch_led_modules/_821331.html
Also is there going to be a bulk purchase option? Something like multiples of ten, twenty, fifty, hundred?
Another thing, why not develope an actual switch? I know it's not as consumer friendly as this, but it would reduce the number of ip addresses used up for larger houses. Was thinking of changing out my PCS x10 devices to zwave or another alternative but something with this tech sounds more flexible.
Creator Andrea on November 29
put it on google ads..hopefully help much..dont u think?
Creator MARC HOFRICHTER on November 28
math says this won't make it kickwise, but i'm rooting for you! it's a great, great thing. Come on people, show your suport.
Creator Greg W. on November 28
I love this and everything about it. I can't wait to see things take off and I can't wait to use your product!
Creator Spark Devices on November 27
@Eric The restriction for outdoor use comes from UL regulations, and products certified for outdoor use are much more expensive to produce. That said, we will design it to be as safe as possible in outdoor environments, and assuming that the device is protected from the weather (i.e. it's not going to get wet) you could find ways to use it for exterior lights or Christmas lights
Creator Spark Devices on November 27
@mayfair Renderings are only against the rules for us :-) Thanks for the suggestion, we'll look into that!
Creator Spark Devices on November 27
@Michael @mayfair2005 Thanks guys, definitely appreciate your support and your comments regarding multiples; we'd love to offer a 2-pack or more but we simply cannot based on the new Kickstarter rules. When we originally put the project through approval we did have a larger kit available but they asked us to remove it, which we did. @Michael I agree that this product is one that makes sense as "a kit of several items", but the issue is that Kickstarter would only allow us to either sell them individually OR in a kit, and although I agree that Spark works best with multiple units, we also wanted to make the product accessible to more people by offering them individually.
Would love to offer a new 'Developer' pledge level at the $100-$200 level - what would people like to see offered as part of that level?
Creator Michael Fillié on November 27
Getting back on the rules or guidelines as Kickstarter calls them. I've read that Kickstarter allows multiple product offering as some items only make sense as a pair or as a kit of several items. To me managing only one light wirelessly in any environment doesn't make sense at all. You want developers out there creating apps that control multiple Spark units.
Creator mayfair2005 on November 26
Just an idea but i think might be good is some kind of led diffuser ring around the spark so you can see the rgb from any direction not sure how thou. I would make a render to better explain but its against the rules.
Creator Eric Sims on November 26
Is there a chance of coming up with a version that can work outdoors? This would be great for controlling xmas lights or other exterior lights.
Creator Michael Fillié on November 26
You got my backing as of today. I do agree with mayfair2005's comment below. The new kickstarter rule doesn't help your project. Your current backer's runrate is low, average pledges are not expected to exceed the $59 or $84 category and projects in this 'Developer' category see usually see pledges of $100 or between $150-$200. My suggestions are to allow backers in the $59/$84 category to purchase additional units at an attractive price once you start shipping, add more Developer categories (kickstarter allows this) and extend your 'PR' coverage to drive traffic to the project. Good luck with that. Hope to receive my first spark device in July next year
Creator mayfair2005 on November 25
Saw this a few days ago but was a little weary with kickstarters new item limit but decided its to good to pass up. Im quite unimpressed with this new multiple item limit and if you guys by any chance dont reach the funding goal i will be blaming kickstarter. I would probably back 3-5 for around my house especially if there were a volume discount. That said i wish you guys the best of luck.
Creator Spark Devices on November 22
@Scott Thanks! We hope we'll be able to continue with the product development, but the reality is without the capital from this project, it will be very difficult for us to be able to manufacture. So tell your friends and help us hit our goal!
Creator Spark Devices on November 22
@middleca @Vikas You can see more info about the new Kickstarter rules here: http://www.kickstarter.com/blog/kickstarter-is-not-a-store. Vikas we got your pledge and you got the amounts right, thanks!
Creator Scott Berlin on November 22
What will happen if you don't reach your goal? Will you still be producing these? I've backed you and really love the product idea.
Creator Vikas Idnani on November 20
I second a three pack, right now I have Pledge $59 or more and I've calculated how much it would cost for 3 and backed that amount, but after reading things here I'm not sure if I've done the right thing.
Please add a 3 pack.
Thanks,
Vikas
Creator middleca on November 20, 2012
Heya Guys,
I double checked with Kickstarter, and they explained the multiple item reward rule for design projects as follows:
"For example, if you had a drinking glasses project, you could choose to offer only 1 glass per reward tier, or if a set makes more sense, 1 set of 4 for each tier. You could not offer 1 glass in one tier and 4 in another tier."
I would totally buy a spark three pack if Kickstarter would let you offer one... just saying.
Creator Spark Devices on November 19, 2012
@bufferout We added an FAQ on setting up Spark Sockets, check it out at the bottom of our campaign page!
Creator Spark Devices on November 19, 2012
@Gil - this is something that requires further testing. Without getting too technical, dimmer switches used with non-dimmable bulbs can cause issues even if they're only used in the full-on and full-off position (it has to do with how a TRIAC switch behaves when the AC voltage crosses zero), however because of some specific design choices we have made, we might be able to avoid these issues. Once we have completed these tests and have a definitive answer we will let you know!
Creator Gil on November 19, 2012
Can this be made compatible with all CFL bulbs by setting it to not use the dimming function, but rather to just be or or off if a non-dimmable CFL is installed?
Creator bufferout on November 19, 2012
How will I configure Spark to use my wifi network?
Creator Steven on November 18, 2012
I have been looking for this type of product for a month now. I have a chicken coop in Alaska. The chickens need a certain amount of light per day in order to keep up egg production. However above a latitude of 61 our daylight varies significantly. (19.5 hours in June to 5.5 hours in December) App integration to provide a constant amount of light per day given the annual change in available sunlight would be great in my application. Plus it would be helpful if the hardware is dust resistant; the chickens are a bit messy sometimes.
Creator Spark Devices on November 18, 2012
@Byron Good suggestion - we will have an LED indicator on the devices, and while the primary purpose will be to quickly and easily identify them (it's an RGB LED and each Socket you set up will light up a different color, we could definitely use it for other status indications as well... we'll look into this. Thanks!
Creator Byron Buie on November 18, 2012
I wonder if you have thought about putting a very small LED indicator light on the side of it that would tell you if it is being controlled by a wifi signal (LED on) or just the switch on the wall (LED Off)? ....
Creator Spark Devices on November 16, 2012
@Anant Thanks for the suggestion for multiple devices, we'll definitely look into that.
As for your second comment, you're correct - you would leave the light switch in the on position at all times to be able to control the lights from your phone.
Creator Anant on November 16, 2012
Spark, so basically if we don't want to use the light switch anymore but always have Spark "on" so that it will be able to control the lights, we should leave the light switch at the on position at all times?
Creator Anant on November 16, 2012
It does clear it up. Thank you for that.
Also in regards to backing for more then one spark. Many projects creators after the new rule set by Kickstarter have been allowing backers to add more funds to their pledge amount to be able to receive multiple products. I believe this is allowed by Kickstarter also so maybe that will be something you will allow for your project so people are able to receive more then one spark device.
Creator Spark Devices on November 16, 2012
@Anant sure thing. If you turn off the light from the wall switch, then the light (and our Socket) no longer have power, so you wouldn't be able to turn it on from the app. But we've designed the system so that if you "reboot" it by flipping the lights off and then on again quickly, it will change the status of the light from on to off or from off to on while keeping the system powered. That way you can always control the system from both the app and the wall switch.
Sorry for the overly technical explanation but it makes much more sense once you try it. Let me know if that clears it up!
Creator Anant on November 16, 2012
Hi Sparks, Great product. I am a bit confused regarding using wall switches. Hopefully you can explain it in simple terms to me. If I have a spark device plugged into an overhead light socket that can be controlled by a wall switch, if I use the app to turn on the light before I get home, and turn off the light at the wall switch before I go to bed, can I still turn on the light again the next day from the app? Or could you just really explain it to me how it would work with wall switches and using the app to control it. I read about flicking the wall switch on and off quickly but I don't understand the reason for that.
Creator Spark Devices on November 16, 2012
@Byron Unfortunately Kickstarter prohibits us from selling multiple quantities while we are still fundraising for the project. However, if we hit our fundraising goal we will definitely provide everyone an opportunity to purchase more. Thanks for supporting us!
Creator Spark Devices on November 16, 2012
@Phil AWESOME idea. Gonna look into that now. Would love to find as many ways to integrate with the entertainment center as possible, because mood lighting / "entertainment" lighting as you suggested would be frickin' sweet.
Creator Phil Thomas on November 16, 2012
I love this idea. I even think it's better than the LIFX due being able to use your own bulbs. If you break the bulb of the LIFX you are screwed! It's also at a much better price point.
The number of apps for this could be endless however I would LOVE to see it be integrated with XMBC so that volume spikes such as explosions or horror film scenes flash, enhancing viewer experience. Think it would be pretty easy to read the audio files of the movie to get it to do this at the correct time.
Thanks