We're shipping!
about 9 years ago – Tue, Apr 04, 2017 at 11:12:45 PM

About 40% of the orders have already gone out. The rest will ship in the next day or two, and most of you will have your items in hand this week. 

There are two of you who have not told me where to ship your cards. If yo don't give me your address, I can't get the cards to you. Please fill that out, Aaron D. and  Joseph G.  The surveys are at hope.backerkit.com if you've missed the email.

Here's a production photo of what you'll be receiving:

I'm about a week or two late on this; I did estimate a March delivery. I apologize for that. Part of this was due a big unanticipated delay at the factory on the prototype run. I was trying to get the order in before they went on break, and they couldn't get started in time. 

Then there was a delay when I tried to do something special. Let me tell you...this delay was well worth it. We got them to do two separate finishing techniques, gold plating on the circles, plus silvery tin traces! They really look awesome. The front of the cards are white and the backs are aluminum. The card really has some heft to it. I'm sure you'll love it.  

I expect everyone going to Celebration who backed my campaign during the run will have it in time before they leave. If you're reading this and are still worried, please message me directly.

Thanks again!

Production!
about 9 years ago – Tue, Apr 04, 2017 at 05:48:28 PM

This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.

Surveys have been sent.... Check out these sweet add-ons!
about 9 years ago – Mon, Feb 20, 2017 at 06:26:24 PM

Woah! We're rounding the corner, surveys have been sent from BACKERKIT. Be sure to fill them out so I know where to send you your stuff. I've included some sweet add-ons like more cards at special discounted pricing for Kickstarter backers, the display stands to hold the card upright on your shelf, and much more!

Take a quick peek:

 

You can still get these as pre-order using this link: http://hope.backerkit.com so tell your friends!

I sanded off some of the epoxy to show the traces underneath. I think it looks great! Unfortunately, the traces on screen are certainly not copper colored, so they'll have to be darkened. I plan on just exposing the bare aluminum through the solder mask for the final batch.

I can't wait to get these out to you!

Also, by request, I added a third and final option for the stand. We now have the "For Galen" text in Aurabesh as a stand option, in addition to the "Hope" and "Rogue One Death Star Plans Data Card" stands.  You can add these on to your order for only $12 when you fill out your survey.

Thanks,

Todd Blatt

Update! Surveys coming! First photos!
about 9 years ago – Tue, Feb 14, 2017 at 09:14:53 PM

Congrats everyone for helping this project get off the ground! 

Surveys are coming from BackerKit

Funds are being processed and should get to me early next week. I'll then send out the survey from BACKERKIT, which will allow me to collect your shipping information. This isn't directly on Kickstarter, and is a separate company I'm using to help me with fulfillment. I'll also be able to offer you some add-on options at exclusive pricing, like more data cards, the stand, and some other neat goodies.

Please do not ignore this email from Backerkit. It's the only way I'll be able to get your information so I can send you your stuff! 

Production Update

So the first photos are here from the manufacturer. The good news is that the card looks awesome for some of the details. The bad news is that it doesn't look as awesome for the other details which are hidden by the soldermask. The more good news is that this was just a small test batch order, and I'm going to make some adjustments!

It's not exactly what I wanted, but is exactly what I ordered. I didn't expect the white solder mask to visually block the traces underneath as much as it did. They're still visible, but were most likely more exposed  on the real prop. Once I get these in my hands next week, I'll be reordering a new batch to remedy this, by only applying the solder mask around the traces and not completely over them.

Since we're making these from aluminum, I believe I can just put the solder mask everywhere except over the traces and big central circle, allowing the aluminum back to show through the top. I also wasn't so happy about the smudging on the big central circle, and let them know to be more careful about that next time.

We're still on track and moving ahead nicely!

Thanks,

Todd Blatt

48 hours to go... Updated stand!
about 9 years ago – Sat, Feb 04, 2017 at 08:28:52 PM

Hi everyone!

I took some suggestions from my last updated and created this second stand. 

I'll most likely be offering both versions. They'll be rather inexpensive, and can be added-on to your pledge when I collect your address. What do you think of these?

I made it wider so the entire card fits on the edge. This version has different text

It says Hope in Aurabesh

Two days left! This campaign will end funding on Monday evening, so get your last pledges in and share!

Thanks,

Todd