To everyone who supported the LunAero project, we would like to thank you for your support. We are really excited that people were so willing to contribute to our project, and we look forward to getting some excellent results from it. I know it has been a few days since our Thousands Strong funding window closed, but I wanted to take a little time before issuing this update. We have been working very hard to update the LunAero design for the upcoming fall migration.
Our new version has lost weight and is looking good! We have optimized our acrylic parts to fit onto a smaller amount of material. One of our goals is to eliminate as much waste as possible, and we have cut down quite a bit. Take a look at the latest model fresh out of the laser cutter in the picture below. The entire unit is pictured as well. This new version has some software changes that allow users to access the device from any wifi enabled computer. This eliminates the need for a monitor and keyboard to be sent with the machine.
We are in production currently, and we will be able to produce 6 units for the fall migration. We would make more, but our supplier ran out of motors! That means we either need to redesign units to use a different motor or wait for the suppliers to have more. This small hurdle may be a blessing in disguise, letting us slowly scale up the project in the fall, so we are better prepared to expand it in the Spring.
Whatever happens, we will keep you informed of our progress!
With two weeks remaining in the fundraising portion of our project, we are making an adjustment to our financial goal for the OU Aeroecology: LunAero project. Now, we will be aiming to reach a goal amount of $2,500. The scope of the project has changed somewhat. By focusing our efforts on fewer units, we will be better able to support the volunteers we have. The experimental nature of this project means that things are in a state of constant flux, so we thank you for your patience with us. And we thank you so much for your support. A bonus upside of this change means that your contribution is even more meaningful. A gift which had previously satisfied 1% of our goal now reaches 3% and makes a greater impact!
Have you had a chance to take a look at the additional videos we have posted?
The first video shows how we produce LunAero units: LINK
The second video compares what your eye can see to the computer vision in the scope: LINK
Be sure to follow us on Twitter: LINK
This buys enough acrylic to produce a single camera mount. Thanks for giving a sheet!
This will buy a single LunAero kit and ship it to a collaborator.
This will purchase another spotting scope for our group to get double the data.