So I just got back from a protracted visit to TV. I agree based on what I saw and heard things are very much on track. As Gipsy Rose Lee famously said, "Gentlemen, the end is in sight"!
Ceramic parts to cover the first 100 plus units are in house and going through 'first article inspection'. These are the first 'production units' and therefore merit extra careful inspection before more are made. They looks lovely, much nicer than the Beta and prototype parts did IMO. The finish is a treat to see for sure, I hope the future units look this good. There were boxes of completed cores with more being made at the time.
These are all SS units, the Ti parts are due in late this week or early next and will follow the SS into production from there.
They're still waiting on a few key bits (like the tool to mix the epoxy to make tail caps). The momentary cap is still not ready to test, the evaluation units got epoxy into them through a vent that will need sealing, that too is on track and should be sorted out shortly (I expect a call to come get the cap to test 'any day now').
"The guys" were tossing ideas around about the wording for the confirmation email about to go out. It will spell out the details of the switch change and battery substitution as well as being a last chance to upgrade your order when you confirm it. Also be sure to check the shipping address, be a pity to have it sent to the wrong place. Tim said they checked the first 50 or so orders (the first confirmation emails to go out) and most everyone ordered just the LL. They've made some extra Oil carts (and are making still more) expecting some guys will want to add them, since many ordered their Cera before the Oil Cart happened.
The skins are progressing, but TV seems to have decided to press on with shipments without them. However, they're pushing to see if they can get just the cap part (in white) in time to ship with the basic unit so folks will know what to expect of the skins. IMO the front cap solves several problems (heat, sealing 18mm GonG connections, and so on) such that everyone will find use for it. This is not a commitment of course, but last I heard they were planning on putting them in for free if they can get them in time.
I did confirm Noah is on extended leave as they planned. The company is very much alive and thriving. The mini Cera is being secretly worked on I'm told. It also seems the sliding safety switch is a wash out, not really safe. I've had two accidental turn ons (putting it back in the case and having the switch slide over), my guess is other Beta testers found the same issue. I can see how it could do so in your pocket and with a load of oil that could be very bad indeed. LL would be no fun but at least your pocket wouldn't be smoking up the joint. A good idea, but to be a safety it needs to be more positive (stay clicked solidly) and be better protected IMO.
Anyway, the short if it is I expect complete units by week's end if no unknown issues crop up. Everything seems well under control for projects like this IMO. I think it will come together real soon and TV will chew through the backlog in short order. I'm expecting they'll be sending the first 50 or so emails out as soon as they get the first few units built, inspected and tested. I figure I've got until Thursday or so to get the instructions I've promised them written if I'm going to make the first shipments. If I was a betting man I'd give even money that this time next week at least a few of the loyal (and fast to respond to the email.....) will be stalking the delivery guy, shipping number in hand.
'About time' I'm sure some feel, but IMO well worth the wait.
BTW, while there I met another customer in getting his DART rebuilt. I had Cera with me.....she made a new friend in about a minute. I expect that to be happening a lot soon.
One other BTW. I told Tim I'd ordered a spare oil core for PG (knowing that I'd empty it right away if I didn't have a spare for 'normal concentrates'). Tim suggested I change my order to the Juice version instead since it has a lower power heater more suitable to PG. Great call, IMO. I did just that on the spot. The ball park numbers are 14 and 10 Watts respectively so battery life will go up as well I bet.
OF
Sometimes you have to die to be reborn and move on.
......... refund declined by sender's bank !
And no message from TET at all ! So I send a message to TET...... at this time, no answer 
