Thu Sep 7 '17 Announcement
over 8 years ago
– Thu, Sep 07, 2017 at 07:49:20 AM
Dear Backers,
Here’s an image of the Sun, taken through a narrowband “filter” (etalon) with the TINY1 camera.
The dark spots are regions of intense magnetic activity. It is extremely interesting to see these activities on the Sun during Solar Minima. They may cause greater aurora activities.
Special thanks to NUS Physics Dept.
Some backers are getting great views of the Sun. Check it out in the TINY1 FB group.
Development update
After shipping the first batch of cameras, we noted there were more bugs in the rolled-back software than expected. The software was adequate to capture the solar eclipse, as it has been shown by images from a few backers.
Sun with 100mm lens by Ralph Finke (cropped)
Moon by Phil Wu
However, many backers feedback that they prefer to receive a more stable firmware before we ship more cameras. Pausing delivery also helps TinyMOS ship a better product.
With 125 cameras shipped, we spent 2 weeks supporting backers, troubleshooting and recovering cameras. We stand behind our product, providing 1 to 1 support, even remote logging into PC to reprogram stuck cameras. However, that meant we could not work on making the software more stable.
We plan to create a more stable software before we ship more cameras. The earliest schedule for software completion is late Oct 2017. Shipping will only restart once software is stable.
Delivery Schedule
We have 120 camera parts ready to assemble. We also ordered the remaining electronics to be manufactured. The remainder of the boards will come in time for the software update.
The key for delivery would be getting the software stable. The team is working extra hard now to push it out. Since shipping, we are on the 10th revision of the software and Lih Wei our CTO is working around the clock on the firmware as well.
We are also doing image tuning, to get the image quality you see from our posts. We get better quality than what backers do, as we are using the RAW format. If anyone tech savvy backer is interested, let us know in the comments. We can provide some guidelines to use a software called ImageJ.
Shipping can only start earliest late Oct 2017.
NOTICE
Backers who have received their cameras, please do NOT use Qualcomm QuickCharge 2.0/3.0 chargers with the TINY1 camera. The chargers may supply up to 20V to charge the cameras, causing issues. Symptoms includes cameras unable to charge/start.
We will repair the cameras damaged by this issue. Simply contact us at [email protected] for more.
Sincerely,
Grey
Thu Aug 24 '17 Announcement
over 8 years ago
– Thu, Aug 24, 2017 at 07:31:08 AM
Dear Backers,
The solar eclipse was a major event for us. We wish we could’ve sent cameras to all our backers going for the eclipse. We hope you guys had a great time observing it nonetheless.
A few of our backers did get stunning photos. One of them was Mark Yvanovich. He took a few photos of the solar eclipse and got amazing details of not just the eclipse, but also sunspots and craters of the moon casting uneven silhouettes against the sun.
If any backers would like to have their images featured, do send us a message!
We’ve got really amazing feedback from you guys and we will be working on the suggestions in future software releases.
Two things I would like to address in this update. First update is regarding the state of the current software - how to set up the camera and troubleshoot issues. The second update is with regards to the manufacturing and delivery of the camera.
Current Software
The current software on the TINY1 cameras shipped out have a number of bugs and missing features. They were caused by the firmware rollback required to get the cameras out in time for the solar eclipse.
Below are the known issues:
- SD card slot not recognized
- WiFi not working
- No back button in some modes (font size scaling issue)
- Cannot delete photos
These will be patched via a software update in a couple of weeks. We recommend accessing and deleting photos by connecting it to a PC. If you are a Mac user, Backer Bob Soron has found a wonderful solution and written it in the comments. Here’s the excerpt:
“Tiny1 is an Android system, and thanks to (from what I’ve read) an incomplete USB implementation by Apple, you may need to download Android File Transfer for macOS/OS X. It has the file drivers Apple left out.”
Use this link: http://bit.ly/1vlzCit
Backer Bryan Wolcott has created a vibrant Facebook group to discuss and debug issues between TINY1 owners.
Check it out here: http://bit.ly/2xvOqC2
Yellow tab to be removed in photo.
If you guys have other issues that are not listed above, please feel free to contact us for help.
Delivery Schedule
The next delivery batch is estimated to be 120 units.
Expected timeline is 4 weeks (2 weeks for assembly and 2 weeks for packaging)
Delivery schedule has returned to a first come-first serve basis. We expect to deliver to most of our super early bird backers in the next batch. The longer term delivery schedule is pending GPS tests. We are expecting final results next Tuesday. We can advise on the detailed schedule thereafter.
Sincerely,
Grey
Fri Aug 18 '17 Announcement
over 8 years ago
– Fri, Aug 18, 2017 at 09:50:15 AM
Dear Backers,
Deliveries have started! 108 cameras shipped.
Last packages out
Delivery is bittersweet. While it’s great that we managed to push out the cameras to some of our backers; We know that we did not do so for all the backers who are going for the solar eclipse. For that we are truly sorry.
It was our intention to ship at least 132 cameras on Monday. However we faced several unexpected issues and we did everything to start shipping as soon as we can. For that I would like to thank all our suppliers for pulling in overtime with us the whole week.
The tape, packaging, plastic suppliers, assembly team and our whole team. Everyone worked well past office hours to make shipping possible.
Here’s the full disclosure day by day for the past week:
Weekend: The whole dev team preparing software production on Monday. Plastic parts came in expedited. Painting of plastic parts completed.
Monday: Software which worked in debug mode did not work in assembly mode. Debugging of issues went overnight. Production couldn't start.
Tuesday: To expedite software loading, we used 2 sets of 7 USB port hubs. Unfortunately there was a bug. 14 cameras were bricked instantly. Investigation took the whole day. 21 cameras were soft-bricked in the process.
Wednesday: A pattern was detected. We could only use port 1,2 and 6,7 in the hub. Resolved problem and started loading software and testing one by one. We shipped the first 20 cameras shipped with fastest service and absorbed the cost. All of TinyMOS team, assembly house team and workers working overtime to make this happen.
Thursday: Picked up production, and we booked multiple pickups so cameras can be shipped within hours of being packed. 76 more units shipped.
Friday: Continued shipping 12 more units in the earliest shift possible, so that delivery before eclipse time is still possible.
153 cameras assembled. 21 affect by software. 24 on hold. 108 cameras shipped.
It had been a roller coaster ride
Apologies for those we have let down. We hope you can continue supporting our shared goal of Bringing Astronomy to Everyone.
We have not given up on that goal. We’ll need the support from everyone to make that happen.
For backers who received the camera, we look forward to see what you can capture.
Development
Tuning results for the GPS is out. We are implementing the changes in hardware and doing testing now.
Delivery
Delivery update and schedule will continue in the regular updates as we take stock of what happened last week.
Sincerely,
Grey
Fri Aug 11 '17 Announcement
over 8 years ago
– Fri, Aug 11, 2017 at 10:14:56 AM
Dear Backers,
Here’s the fortnightly update on the TINY1. Assembly is ongoing and shipping is starting!
1st set of TINY1 cameras under assembly.
We have spent the past week in the factory floor, ensuring the timely manufacture of the first batch. It is a group effort from the whole TinyMOS team, our suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
We are glad to say we will start shipping on Monday. We can’t wait to see what you will capture with the TINY1 camera!
Development
The first batch will have the bump for the GPS cover. We’ve tried it and it does feel reminiscent of the camera viewfinders of DSLR and mirrorless camera systems. Most importantly it allows us to accurately determine the user location for the star maps to function properly.
The tuning results for batch two is still not out yet. We are closely monitoring the situation.
Delivery
What a wonderful word to find on this update. We know everyone has waited a long time for delivery. We have waited for 4 years ourselves since starting the company. We want to put it in your hands more than you can imagine. Thank you for your patience and your support. The time to receive the camera is very soon.
We just sent out address confirmation to 132 backers. It's a conservative estimate of units to be shipped. We will update again on Monday if more will be shipped out.
In case you are wondering why you are a super early bird but have not received the confirmation, this is how we are prioritizing the delivery.
All first 131 shipments
- Are from the Super Early or Early Bird group
- Have ordered the solar filter kit
We are trying to prioritize backer orders which are heading for the solar eclipse. We will fulfill based on order date thereafter.
Manufacturing
PCB Manufacturing is still on hold. We are expecting the tuning results to arrive on Monday and manufacturing to continue shortly.
Manufacturing of PCB to shipping is expected to turn around in 4-6 weeks.
Here’s the latest timeline:
23 June 2017: Receive Printed Circuit Board (done)
23rd June - 7th July: Verification and Quality Assurance/Antenna Tuning (ongoing)
7th July - 21st July: Assembly of PCB (300/1000 complete)
21st - 24th July: Shipment to manufacturer for final assembly (300/1000 complete)
24th July - 7th August: Manufacturing and packaging (300/1000 in process)
7th August - 14th August: Shipment (starting 14th August)
Sincerely,
Grey
Fri Jul 28 '17 Announcement
over 8 years ago
– Fri, Jul 28, 2017 at 08:46:29 AM
Dear Backers,
Here’s the fortnightly update on the TINY1. Assembly is starting!
1st box of 50 TINY1 electronics boards
We allocated a slot for assembly to start on Friday (21st July) last week. Unfortunately, due to delays caused by a new tax code, some key components were held up at the customs until this Thursday (27th July). We currently have 300 sets arriving at our facility in Singapore in the next few weeks. Manufacturing test run will start on Monday 31st July.
It has been an amazing journey and we’re thankful to have your support throughout!
Development
GPS antenna tuning results shows that the signal is enhanced, however the bump may still be required. We’re sending the enhanced electronics back to our supplier for more tests. Ideally we can do away with the bump altogether. We’ll know more end of next week.
We will send a survey to you before shipping starts. If you’re not in a hurry for the solar eclipse, or would rather not have the bump, the survey will allow you to opt for the later delivery batches. However there is no guarantee if the bump can be removed altogether.
Manufacturing
PCB Manufacturing is on hold at the moment while we await further tests for GPS antenna. We currently have 300 units manufactured.
Assembly into complete sets will start next week!
Here’s the latest timeline:
23 June 2017: Receive Printed Circuit Board (done)
23rd June - 7th July: Verification and Quality Assurance/Antenna Tuning (ongoing)
7th July - 21st July: Assembly of PCB (300/1000 complete)
21st - 24th July: Shipment to manufacturer for final assembly (300/1000 complete)
24th July - 7th August: Manufacturing and packaging (slight delays. To be confirmed)
7th August - 14th August: Shipment
Sincerely,
Grey
