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New IndieGoGo Campaign Video, 3D printer in the works

2012-09-12 Dan

Robert, one of the VHS members, has done a kick ass job of making a video for The Indiegogo Campaign. Check it out and please: tell your friends.

Thanks, Rob!

If you have some idea how to make the indiegogo campaign more appealing, let me know. I’d love to reach my target goal.

In production news, I’ve nearly got a MakerFarm Prusa 3D printer working. It uses RAMPS 1.4 and am ATX power supply. The nozzle heats up, the three axies move and home. The bed is *almost* the right temperature. The biggest challenge now is the extruder – the sprocket was poorly printed and won’t turn smoothly. By the time this publishes I hope to have printed a replacement sprocket and started on some back orders. I’ve got many orders to fill at the moment and I’d love nothing more than to get them out the door.

Anyone out there have experience with designing parts that snap-fit? I want to see if I can make the motor mount from laser cut acrylic sheets. That would take seconds instead of hours and be much easier to ship. If you have some know how, drop me a comment!

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Vancouver New Forms Festival 2012, Tantillus, progress

2012-09-13 Dan

I’ll be here from 6-12 and again tomorrow and on the weekend. Come on by and say hello, get a print, and talk robots. See lots of other great new media artists and have some punch.

Find out more on the official site.

This morning I got the VHS Tantillus working and printed two PLA gears for my Prusa Wade’s extruder. The bed heats to 60c (should be 110c) and the extruder heatas up perfect. Two days ago I was able to home every axis. Now the motors make a “knocking” sound and don’t go anywhere. WTF. Once I get over those I have to calibrate and then I can FINALLY get down to printing the parts I need for customers.

I got an order last night for parts that area actually in stock. It’s in the mail in…20 minutes. When I get past these manufacturing hurdles I’ll be able to refocus on packaging improvements, and then I can get back to improving the software, building the next 3 kits I have planned, and figuring out a way to market things better.

I have too many hats to wear and not enough time to put them all on. I wish I could talk to Penny Arcade’s Robert K. That guy is my idol right now – he took a webcomic and built it into an international media empire. Can I get some BisDev up in here?

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Do you have a Drawbot? Is there a Maker Fair happening near you?

2012-09-17 Dan

You know, World Maker Faire day is coming up in less than two weeks. I’d love to see Drawbots at local Maker Faires, drawing while their parents tell the world what they think. I’ve got the setup/teardown routine well practiced now and could provide tips, and even a list of fairly popular pictures that you can draw as you show off your creation. Just planting a seed.