Happy new year everyone!! I took some time with friends and family over the holidays, but now it's back to work in the shop, fully refreshed and recharged.
Nomad Update:
I'll be sending out an update email today, but in short, I am just going to be doing my best to get this batch 2 out as soon as I can. I think my problem is that I am continually tweaking the design of the Nomad as I make it... and I have not settled into a fixed work-flow yet. The design changes are what seem to just suck time away from actual production. I think in this new year I need to find a better balance... not only is it important to give accurate time-lines... but it's also super stressful for me to keep delaying a batch. It's really an internal struggle between just getting it done.... and getting it done the way I know it should be done.
Anyhow, when it's all said and done, I do feel like it's worth the extra time to really tease things out... so, hang tight, your patience is very much appreciated.
While I definitely see the advantages of putting a chip with a screen in the nomad it's biggest advantage for me is it's mechanical aspect.
This is how I feel as well.
I would be very hard pressed to permanently integrate electronics into the Nomad. Both for the limited longevity, but also because the tech is evolving so quickly.
What I would really like to see, though, is modules that could replace the stock wooden bottom plate, thus making the device a tiny bit taller... or perhaps wider (based on what needs to be integrated). These modules could be designed to provide anything from just a voltage reading... to full TC, etc..
That way you always have the fully mechanical Nomad, but the option to go regulated if needed.
....we will probably see a time where high current 18650's aren't available anymore.
I agree with you there! Hopefully the next battery tech it come along will at least be designed to the 18650 size standard. Time will tell. I am hoping for a more compact size to come along, then things will really get exciting!
How about adding a chip for low-voltage protection ? ....
Another option is to install a small Volt Meter,it would be addition challenge to the design,but i think aethetic wont suffer that much if it is hidden behind a piece off wood held to the body with magnets or something like that.
I did consider the kick style chips. But they are limited to 6 amps, so.. that's really pushing the limits of the chip. I suspect that it would have caused a weak-point.
I like the idea of a stand-alone volt meter that could be integrated into, perhaps, a pocket-sized carrying case.
The thing is... I have never once felt the need to check my battery voltage, ever. It's just very obvious to me when the battery is getting to around 3.3v. I think it would be pretty difficult to over-drain a cell.
BUT... currently the Nomad is being used by enthusiasts... it's not really a mass-market product. If I were to market to a larger audience, I think that these extra safety measures would be necessary.
It's still on my want list for future improvements, that's for sure!
OK, back to the shop.
@sixstringsmash - Sometimes wood movement is enough to change part dimensions way out of spec. I wouldn't be surprised if that's what happened to your Edstnt stem. Unfortunately it's very hard to predict. I've had some luck with pre-shrinking wood before machining.. but still need to experiment more. Wooden flute makers go to great lengths to season, pre-shrink..etc.. their woods so that the wood doesn't change diameter and throw off the tuning of the flute. Definitely a wonderful resource for information! I'll be getting in some different O-rings soon to try out, they might offer a little more room for error in stem diameter. I'll let you know! A simple O-ring change could make your current Ed stem fit nicer.