Update!

Hey folks, hope all is well out there! I want to use this update to go over some of the recent blockers the project has experienced in more detail.

I know the single most important thing right now is to get kits in people’s hands. Even a limited number of kits hitting the ground would have a major impact on making backers more comfortable and confident that they will be receiving their unit sooner than later.

There are a couple of issues keeping me from just stuffing the boxes and shipping that I am currently working through.

Hopper Mount

Mugsy’s bean hopper requires a mounting bracket to keep it attached to the grinder. The existing bracket has been failing in certain situations.  This causes the hopper to disconnect from the grinder, spilling the beans into the rear of the machine.

The root of the problem is that the mount is not strong/thick enough to adequately support the hopper. The failure happens more often the longer it is used. I had hoped that by using additional extrusion I could create a set of support beams, but the mounting options do not work well with the enclosure frame’s layout requirements.

I have been working on an updated design to the bracket that I hope to have fully tested in the next few days. I am able to manufacture the updated mount in house on my CNC so this is not a part that will require outside resources or long timelines to integrate.

I expect to have the part available to show off on Monday or Tuesday.

Rear Screen Panel Mounts

Mugsy’s has an internal panel that sites behind the screen. It’s purpose is to keep moisture and grounds from getting into the screen related electronics. It is also used to hold the RGB LEDS.

Currently, the enclosure design forces these mounts into the same space as the side panel mounts, pushing them out of the correct position. This then causes the rear screen panel to sit too far back, allowing for material ingress.

All things considered, this is an easier problem to solve than the hopper issue. I just need to make some minor changes to the existing mount design. I thought I already had this one resolved, but it's just not working as expected. This is also a part that I am able to manufacture in house. I will be using a high-resolution resin 3d print to create a few silicon molds. I am then able to create the mounts in bulk using the molds.

I expect to have these issues resolved before the end of the upcoming week and plan on shipping these new parts in the kits I have been packing recently.

Previously Shipped Units

Some backers have asked why I do not just release any stored units so we can have some deliveries. I definitely understand that viewpoint, but I need to be overly cautious at this point and get kits into user’s hands in a very controlled manner. I need to work with these recipients and make sure everything works as expected, not just these updated parts. The best way for me to do that is with limited direct shipments with the most current set of designs and parts. Once those are shown to be in good working order, I can start releasing units in higher quantities. Any kits that may require updated parts will receive them by mail. These updated parts are big in importance but small in size, so they can be shipped cheaply and quickly.

Ok, that’s all for now. My next update will be on Monday and should have a firm date on when these units will go out. I will be hitting emails and tickets Sunday evening.

Cheers,

-m