What can go wrong with hardware?
Hardware development is considered the holy grail of startups (not without reason, many fail without a sound). Of course, you don't know this beforehand, and that's why we offer an 'Unbrickable' guarantee: If we are no longer around one day, you can continue to use your devices. We rely on open source and support self-hosting so that you are not dependent on us.
Here's a little overview of what's currently going on with us and what sometimes goes wrong. After successfully delivering the first batch (and receiving almost no returns, thank you!), we are now working on the second batch.
Supply Chains
The ePaper displays, as our core component, were stuck due to a severe typhoon and the Chinese New Year. Timing: suboptimal. The situation has since stabilized, and the panels are on their way to us.
Electronic Connector: During production, the very special connector (C3169104) for the display was lost. Our manufacturer misplaced our stock, and unfortunately, this single connector, which costs 5 cents each, went missing. After much back and forth, at least some of the connectors have reappeared, and we hope the boards will arrive at least partially next week. This unfortunately delays the delivery of the second batch by an additional two weeks.
USA
In the USA, the presidential order abolished the duty-free de minimis rule. Since then, shipments under 800 USD also have to be cleared, and DHL completely stopped accepting all deliveries. After a bit of political back and forth, it's now back on track: On 29.10. DHL will also pick up these (very few) packages.
Communication
We always try to communicate as best as possible, but sometimes forget one or another email address, which is, of course, not okay. To improve this in the future, we have now built a mini-CRM with ClickUp, where we can send out support cases and potential delays to each of you. Previously, we communicated this manually.
Shipping
To also improve shipping, we have built a shipping terminal: With a handheld scanner, the QR code on the device can be automatically scanned and assigned to you, and we can create the labels automatically. Once everything is running stably, we will, of course, make it available to you as an open-source project. Until then, here are the other projects we have developed with Balena: Balena projects on GitHub
Unser selbstgebautes Terminal für den besseren VersandWhat's next?
The knots are loosening: Panels are about to be shipped, electronics are ready. We aim to be with you by the end of November at the latest. 💪
We know: Many have already paid and are eagerly waiting for their frame. We are truly sorry. We are learning from the chaos and tweaking processes to ensure this doesn't happen again.
Der Demotivationskalender bringt jeden Tag einen neuen demotivierenden SpruchWhat we have learned (aka: Pain → Brain)
- Double secure supply chains: Plan spare parts before you need them.
- Communication > Speculation: Better to update honestly than to sugarcoat things.
- Build–Measure–Learn: We use the time for tests and small upgrades.
And there are more updates
- New size: The 13.3" variant is in the starting blocks. We are already looking for beautiful frames: maybe even in more unusual colors.
- Availability: Goal: in stock this year so you can order spontaneously.
- Electronics fine-tuning: Coming soon via update: automatic image rotation and an even smoother onboarding (WiFi & Co.).
- So that you don't have the same problems with ordering ePaper displays as we do and don't have to purchase large quantities right away, we will also sell the panels individually.
We continue to build at full speed. Thank you for accompanying us on the journey, providing feedback, and supporting us with your preorders. We deliver a product that is fun and remains flexible.
As soon as your frames are on their way, you will, of course, receive a shipping confirmation by email.
Best regards,
Daniel
