Batch 1 + Preorders Complete & Shipped

Sorry for the delay since the last update – been really busy getting Batch 1 together – so I’ll consolidate the last of the build updates into one post.

Thursday

The second order of potting goop came Thursday so I knocked that out.

final bunch potted
The third and final bunch potted after waiting for the second order of potting compound to arrive.

As it turns out, it’s 10 units to the ZipLoc gallon bag, and two bags to the 0.45 Gallon kit, so it was only 6 pairs, not too bad.

Friday

Was a long day… Started with 52 potted units, each needs to be unwrapped, cleaned of flashing (belt sander), and given a good wipe down with isopropyl alcohol.

potting done
After tape has been removed, flashing ground down, and cleaning with isopropyl

Then 7 hours here…

One Down 51 to go
Setup a improvised workstation. There are a lot of steps.

After the potting is set, the procedure is:

  1. Clip temporary zip tie, discard
  2. Cut wire loop to correct lengths for input/output/ground
  3. Crimp on ring terminal
  4. Heat shrink ring terminal
  5. Cut split loom to length for input  + output
  6. Tape one end of input + output split loom and slide on to respective leads
  7. Secure split loom at base of enclosure
  8. Install weather seals on wires (4x)
  9. Strip wire ends (4x)
  10. Crimp terminals (4x)
  11. Install male connector housing and seat weather seals
  12. Install female connector housing, seat weather seals, and install retaining clip
  13. Tape up split loom
  14. Test
  15. Sticker
Testbench used for burnin
Each unit got a burn in while the next one was being built – about 8 or 9 minutes running an HID ballast on 82Hz PWM (Start at 50%, run at 80%). Units that work get a yellow paint-pen mark, matching a commonly used Volvo OEM QC color.

Anyway, around 1AM

26 finished SKBOWEs…

Saturday

Started packing. Each order gets a whole bunch of stuff that needs to be put together…

skbowe kit contents
SKBOWE kit ready for shipping

By 3PM I had the pre-orders packed and off to the post office. Not sure if they will get processed today or tomorrow, but they are in the mail! Finished the Batch1 orders when I got home and will take them in to the regional hub tomorrow.

Packed and off to the post office

Then I took a nap. And then wrote this post. Mic drop.


PS. There are only two lonely SKBOWE kits left that are in need of a good home… Can anyone take them in?

These poor SKBOWEs need a good home!