MBI #4 - Get Ready to meet Zeus™

[gunga]

Stainless?

 

[ibeQuint]

I'd absolutely be in for a proto if there's any room left

 

[phosphor22]

Would love a proto if possible - this is one light I have been waiting for!
thanks

 

[Glenn7]

Any Zeus'szs left For preorders?

 

[mikes1]

Stainless?

+1

 

[rejsr]

Guy, don't forget I asked early on to get one of the Zeus prototypes. Looking forward to it!

 

[Jim Bonney]

If you're not at 12 yet, I'd like to jump in on the proto bandwagon.

 

[SA Condor]

Hi Guy, I'm also very interested in getting in on the 12. Please let me know. Also, I checked post 1 for updated specs, etc, but still don't see anything.

 

[Newguy2012]

He's probably busy managing out his match light project.

 

[the_guy_with_no_name]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for the posts and especially for your patience on my reply.

Newguy2012, spot on Thank you.

I've been very busily at work ensuring everything is on track for the MBI Matchbook, finalising the specification for molded sheath samples, etc.

I'm also verifying the specification for Apollo 1 small proto-run (~12 units) which is all set and I need only to revise the button.
The plan will be to make these in SS and yes I still need to upload the newest specs, etc.. but I needed to be 100% sure everything is on time for the Matchbook before allocating some time for Apollo/Zeus.

To break down the suspense a little, for Apollo 1 the UI is a clicky with a 6mode rotary dial below the tail (each mode has a click so you know you are on the mode for certain).

For now, the thing that sends my brain into an endless loop of sorts is that a fully assembled prototype Apollo 1 is going to cost $150 (machining a lot of intricate custom parts) if I make 12 of them, which is reasonable considering most prototypes usually end up being somewhere between $500 ~ $1000 a unit (I usually make 2 - 4 depending on the iteration stage).
I'm guessing there will be some additional hidden costs ($500 or so that I'll absorb) and I'm happy to be making this and getting it in your hands even at cost.
If everything works flawlessly, that's great as I can move forward on a production model (happy me, happy you), but in case something is not as expected, I do totally stress over the fact that it might cause a delay... so I can definitely pull the trigger on it, just trying to wrap my head around the best way to deal with the unexpected should it happen.


Tgwnn

 

[gunga]

If it has a very low moonlight mode, and neutral tint. I'll take a proto. Does it run off AA as well or just 14500?

Also, like the Torpedo, are we eligible for a production model? Is it aluminum only?

 

[newbie66]

Thx for the update guy.

 

[the_guy_with_no_name]

If it has a very low moonlight mode, and neutral tint. I'll take a proto. Does it run off AA as well or just 14500?

Also, like the Torpedo, are we eligible for a production model? Is it aluminum only?

Hi gunga,

Thanks for the questions.

Proto will run on 14500 but the drop-in is replaceable for when the time comes.
V1 proto is looking like it will be SS.
The plan for production versions is at a minimum Ti and hoping to offer an AlTiN coated version.
Possibly dual metal versions too (eg. Ti + Copper, Al + Copper, etc)

For now, the proto-run will be a very small and limited number but as timelines for a developing product are difficult to guess, I'll refrain from making any promises about future versions, mostly because I can't yet say with certainty what the future production version spec or cost will be. Barring any major changes though (in terms of compatibility between this and future versions), I'll be happy to make available specific parts (so you can upgrade just a certain part).

I've made quite a large number of proto's to date.
Not all have become for-sale products though some have easily been production quality, yet I've had others that made me want to cry.

As with everything, I'll do my best but there is an element of chance/risk with any first time (beta) product.

Definitely will be collection worthy!

I forgot to mention...moonlight, sure it's possible,
The 6 modes can be anywhere from 0-100% so I'll take a vote when the slots are filled.

Thx for the update guy.

Hi newbie66,
My pleasure.



Some photo renderings to follow shortly...

Tgwnn

 

[the_guy_with_no_name]

Update
Some quick photo renderings of Apollo:

Sorry the size is all over the place, my editor was going nuts (that's me).
Thought you'd appreciate an idea sooner though....

I should mention, V1 Proto-Run will very likely be (99.99%) single tone.

Enjoy


Apollo (head, rocket engine)

Apollo (Tail, Lunar Landing Module)

Apollo SS

Apollo TwoTone (Al, SS)

Apollo TwoTone (Al, Cu)

Apollo TwoTone (Al, SS)

Tgwnn

 

[phosphor22]

Wow - beautiful - the single tone!

 

[gunga]

Nice. Any clip? Trit slots are in the tail right? Approximate dimensions?

 

[newbie66]

Very nice!

 

[th8tredude]

I can't wait! Thank for the update!

 

[Jannojj]

Hi , that is a very good looking flashlight, good luck in your flashlight. I am looking forward to seeing the first run of them ! I really like the way you are putting the trits in I miss the leds

 

[NowIC]

Looks great!