skdoo

10 ms·

61.
by skdoo 14y ago
Logistics are a big problem for crowdfunding, especially first-timers, and Kickstarter isn't keen to step in. Pebble actually developed their own backer-facing website to deal with it. For campaigns without those resources, like our own,
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by skdoo 14y ago
The 150K was crucial for us as a hardware company. But it's hard to find the optimal balance between development speed and burn rate for hardware. Being able to more freely purchase things (components, raw materials, equipment, prototypin
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by skdoo 14y ago
1. Thinks "I really need X... why doesn't it exist?" 2. Domain expertise in X 3. Thinks "I could build X!" 4. Actually builds X The intersection 1+2 occurs often, and 1+2+3 more recently. 2+3+4 are fun for hacking. A PhD thesis is 1+2
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by skdoo 14y ago
There's an interesting subtlety here: "We won’t charge your card until your Lockitron is ready." The Kickstarter model has a few appealing characteristics for hardware: evaluate product-market fit, gauge initial order size, and get upfron
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by skdoo 14y ago
We are looking into what the final product will do. In our prototypes, we can swap in about 15 seconds with no tools.
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by skdoo 14y ago
The weight, power, hill capability, deck flex, handling, design, aesthetic, and interface are very very different. More to come on this topic later.
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by skdoo 14y ago
Still deciding on that
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by skdoo 14y ago
Two reasons. 1. We're starting with a great longboard - one that would cost over $300 if you bought it alone. 2. We're using advanced and expensive motor and battery technology. The kind seen in electric motorcycles and cars, but never i
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by skdoo 14y ago
Water resistant, but I wouldn't advise using them in a downpour. The biggest concern is a lack of traction with slick longboard wheels more than damage to the electronics.
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by skdoo 14y ago
The key is to have enough power for hills, but make it controlled enough that you don't throw the rider. From the rider's perspective, the board has so much power it's like the hill isn't even there, but it's still gentle on acceleration a
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by skdoo 14y ago
Our motor control ESCs, remote control electronics, battery management systems, and software are entirely custom. Off-the-shelf RC parts aren't smooth, reliable, safe, or quiet enough.
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by skdoo 14y ago
We're starting with a longboard setup that costs over $300 retail. The reason those sell is because they have lots of advantages over $100 longboards. We are still refining our transmission design, but even in its current form, we haven't
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by skdoo 14y ago
We actually found that essay after working on this project for almost a year, and I believe after applying to YC. The parallels are undeniable, though.
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by skdoo 14y ago
The electronics will be somewhat water resistant, but we don't recommend riding in the rain. A big reason for that is the wheels (from standard longboards) are slicks and are somewhat dangerous in wet weather. It is very capable at uphill
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by skdoo 14y ago
Part of our tech is very efficient, compact, and (relatively) cheap brushless motor controllers. It's not easy.
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by skdoo 14y ago
We're still researching all the legal issues that vary from state to state. So far, we've never heard of a ticket being issued, and all the cops who have seen it think it's a fantastic idea. I think the biggest factor will be how responsi
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by skdoo 14y ago
Co-founder here. Feel free to ask questions!
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Boosted Boards (YC S12) Unveils Its Magical Electric Skateboard(techcrunch.com)
313 points by skdoo 14y ago|167 comments