just like the Firefly
The Grasshopper
- Thread starter Zenpen
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To be clear, when you participate in crowd-funding you are not an investor, you are a backer. There's a big difference. An investor receives equity or a royalty agreement. Indiegogo backers receive a consideration (usually merchandise) but no guarantees. Investments are regulated, backing a crowd-sourcing campaign is (regrettably) not. Your opportunities for recourse are severely limited should the Grasshopper fail. This would not be true for an investment.
zymos
Well-Known Member
Why did no one warn me about that 7 months ago ????
But seriously, I think many backers do think of this like an investment, using a more informal meaning- not that we have an actual stake in the company or are protected by the FTC, just that by helping the company get started we are getting a better deal (or so we assume) on the product.
But seriously, I think many backers do think of this like an investment, using a more informal meaning- not that we have an actual stake in the company or are protected by the FTC, just that by helping the company get started we are getting a better deal (or so we assume) on the product.
HillaryClinton
Future ruler of earth
Agreed and °k all I meant was even big companies tend to release first gens that to me feel like beta's, just a personal view on it, no hard feelings. I worked in quality control and parts inspection before myself, btw never buy a BMW(Literally garbage parts...).
Hehe....
TransHumanC
Inhalater shill account
Yes, backing kikckstarters is like contributing to the hope the dream will come true. Like those german cars; you migh dream they are quality but you better hope they will still be working by the time you finalize paying the loan. had a VW once in my lifetime 
caliwisp
Cali Dreamin'
I don't fault them for a lot of spring-fussing. The Pax only
has one and it has turned into a major "sticking point" in whether folks choose it or like it or can make it work right. A lot of folks have been turned off by the amount of care and feeding of that one little spring!
has one and it has turned into a major "sticking point" in whether folks choose it or like it or can make it work right. A lot of folks have been turned off by the amount of care and feeding of that one little spring!
CG420
Over the horizon u can see the edges of the Earth
Looks like the Grasshopper is making an appearance on FIFA.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5559326?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5559326?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592
Rrose Selavy
log enthusiast
i was reading that article not five minutes before clicking the link. you know what they say, great minds
EveryDayAmnesiac
Well-Known Member
I am DEFINITELY staying out of it, this time. 
And this time, I (really) mean it!
And this time, I (really) mean it!
HillaryClinton
Future ruler of earth
New update:
Hey Everyone,
It’s update day for the Grasshopper project! Things continue to move forward at a steady pace as we juggle work on lots of different parts. We’ve been focused on dialing-in our laser welding process, making software adjustments and working with manufacturers. We expect to remain on schedule as we move forward.
Our custom laser-welding machine pictured below is used to make a few critical welds within the Grasshopper. Using a high-power emitter and a number of lenses to focus the beam, we can make tiny 0.5mm wide welds. Due to the extremely small-scale of everything in the Grasshopper, it’s very important to have this capability. The laser is controlled using a custom PCB that keeps everything moving smoothly. All of this custom equipment is designed in-house to meet our budget and keep things optimized.
Tuning the software has been an ongoing operation, mostly centered around creating bullet-proof reliability in every situation. Making tweaks and then trying to “break” the program is a large part of this. Things are going well and we’re nearing the final version.
The CNC machining manufacturer for the Grasshopper has been working hard to meet the demanding tolerances of the parts. We’ve just received the machined parts of the charger, as well as the powerful magnets used to connect the charger to the Grasshopper. To ensure a good connection, we used N52 which is the highest grade of neodymium magnet. We’re now only are waiting for the arrival of the usb cable and strain relief to have the charger fully complete. See some pictures below.
The laser welding lens holder and emitter exposed. This is operated in an enclosure.
Bags of charger parts.
Charger magnets lined up.
That’s it for now. Hope everyone is doing well! Check back for another update on August 1st.
The Grasshopper Team
Hey Everyone,
It’s update day for the Grasshopper project! Things continue to move forward at a steady pace as we juggle work on lots of different parts. We’ve been focused on dialing-in our laser welding process, making software adjustments and working with manufacturers. We expect to remain on schedule as we move forward.
Our custom laser-welding machine pictured below is used to make a few critical welds within the Grasshopper. Using a high-power emitter and a number of lenses to focus the beam, we can make tiny 0.5mm wide welds. Due to the extremely small-scale of everything in the Grasshopper, it’s very important to have this capability. The laser is controlled using a custom PCB that keeps everything moving smoothly. All of this custom equipment is designed in-house to meet our budget and keep things optimized.
Tuning the software has been an ongoing operation, mostly centered around creating bullet-proof reliability in every situation. Making tweaks and then trying to “break” the program is a large part of this. Things are going well and we’re nearing the final version.
The CNC machining manufacturer for the Grasshopper has been working hard to meet the demanding tolerances of the parts. We’ve just received the machined parts of the charger, as well as the powerful magnets used to connect the charger to the Grasshopper. To ensure a good connection, we used N52 which is the highest grade of neodymium magnet. We’re now only are waiting for the arrival of the usb cable and strain relief to have the charger fully complete. See some pictures below.
The laser welding lens holder and emitter exposed. This is operated in an enclosure.
Bags of charger parts.
Charger magnets lined up.
That’s it for now. Hope everyone is doing well! Check back for another update on August 1st.
The Grasshopper Team
Grimkrum
Well-Known Member
WwwwwwwwwwoooooooottttttttttttttNew update:
Hey Everyone,
It’s update day for the Grasshopper project! Things continue to move forward at a steady pace as we juggle work on lots of different parts. We’ve been focused on dialing-in our laser welding process, making software adjustments and working with manufacturers. We expect to remain on schedule as we move forward.
Our custom laser-welding machine pictured below is used to make a few critical welds within the Grasshopper. Using a high-power emitter and a number of lenses to focus the beam, we can make tiny 0.5mm wide welds. Due to the extremely small-scale of everything in the Grasshopper, it’s very important to have this capability. The laser is controlled using a custom PCB that keeps everything moving smoothly. All of this custom equipment is designed in-house to meet our budget and keep things optimized.
Tuning the software has been an ongoing operation, mostly centered around creating bullet-proof reliability in every situation. Making tweaks and then trying to “break” the program is a large part of this. Things are going well and we’re nearing the final version.
The CNC machining manufacturer for the Grasshopper has been working hard to meet the demanding tolerances of the parts. We’ve just received the machined parts of the charger, as well as the powerful magnets used to connect the charger to the Grasshopper. To ensure a good connection, we used N52 which is the highest grade of neodymium magnet. We’re now only are waiting for the arrival of the usb cable and strain relief to have the charger fully complete. See some pictures below.
The laser welding lens holder and emitter exposed. This is operated in an enclosure.
Bags of charger parts.
Charger magnets lined up.
That’s it for now. Hope everyone is doing well! Check back for another update on August 1st.
The Grasshopper Team
PDwasmy1st
Well-Known Member
Can you still back this does anyone no?
If not when will the release date proper be? & how much will it be then?
Fenton Mewley
A man in search of cloudier pastures
Doesn't sound like they are even close to ordering the bodies.
Here are Ti samples (from page 29):
HillaryClinton
Future ruler of earth
Really like the 255V color, pretty sweet.
HillaryClinton
Future ruler of earth
Then green is the winner
My second fav, third would be the purple one....18v.
I am getting the regular one though, could not pass that up for 89 bucks honestly compared to the colored ones prices...
EllenDegeneres
Member
With all these colors wouldn't people be more inclined to use your pen? People would recklessly be getting their papers blazed in an attempt to write on them and then all of our papers would become couch potatoes. I personally hate writing on potatoes, I don't know about you guys.
HillaryClinton
Future ruler of earth
You're a Potato!
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