1 Topic by solijohn

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Topic: Beta Tester Program Feelers

Solidoodle is always testing new parts. Because we are a small company, it is sometimes hard to do the sorts of large scale testing that major corporations do. That said, we always looking for help.

Solidoodle is considering the implementation of a beta tester system to better facilitate testing of some parts. Beta testing is a tricky preposition for hardware, as unlike software there is a great cost involved with shipping out physical materials.

Is anyone interested in participating?
In what way would you like to see a beta tester program implemented?

Most likely the model shall not be free parts for beta testers. Likely, what will be initially implemented would be a system for users to volunteer to buy extra experimental parts with the express assurance that the user shall be supported in the event of failure. Of course this isn't as fun as getting free parts, but it may be one way for those who are interested in experimental parts to get them ahead of schedule and to give their feedback.

Perhaps a reduced price may be possible.

Give us your suggestions, and we shall look in to this program for future iterations of the Solidoodle.

Former Solidoodle employee, no longer associated with the company.

2 Reply by DePartedPrinter (edited by DePartedPrinter 2013-04-10 15:37:46)

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

If you are going to charge for the parts then you should offer them at cost with free shipping. In the event of a failure you guys need to be on top of getting things fixed (no more 2 or 3 week turn around).

Also, I would be interested in participating...

SD2 with E3D, SD Press, Form 1+
Filastruder
NYLON (taulman): http://www.soliforum.com/topic/466/nylon/

3 Reply by elmoret

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

DePartedPrinter wrote:

If you are going to charge for the parts then you should offer them at cost with free shipping. In the event of a failure you guys need to be on top of getting things fixed (no more 2 or 3 week turn around).

Also, I would be interested in participating...

+1

Filastruder - the robust, inexpensive filament extruder
E3Dv6 All Metal Hotend - the premier 3D printing hotend

4 Reply by solijohn

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

elmoret wrote:
DePartedPrinter wrote:

If you are going to charge for the parts then you should offer them at cost with free shipping. In the event of a failure you guys need to be on top of getting things fixed (no more 2 or 3 week turn around).

Also, I would be interested in participating...

+1

Good suggestions. In some cases, the switch could also be relatively large. For instance, some of our new designs might require the user to remove the print carriage and swap it for a different design. Are any you comfortable with that?

Former Solidoodle employee, no longer associated with the company.

5 Reply by elmoret (edited by elmoret 2013-04-10 15:50:18)

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

solidoodlesupport wrote:

remove the print carriage and swap it for a different design. Are any you comfortable with that?

Yup. Already had to do it once to replace the one that was broken in shipping.

Filastruder - the robust, inexpensive filament extruder
E3Dv6 All Metal Hotend - the premier 3D printing hotend

6 Reply by DePartedPrinter

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

I like to get my hands dirty.

SD2 with E3D, SD Press, Form 1+
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NYLON (taulman): http://www.soliforum.com/topic/466/nylon/

7 Reply by mconsidine

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

I would be interested as well.
Matt Considine

8 Reply by zacgibson21

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

Assuming the "fail safe" was a well thought out and clear cut thing I would be very interested.

9 Reply by IanJohnson

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

I think that by now I could assemble a Solidoodle from a box of parts, so I would be interested in testing.  I would think twice about modifications that are irreversible like changing the mounting holes.

10 Reply by cckens

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

I'd be interested, but my problem is spending what little free time I have.  It something I'd like to do, but not always feasible with 2 boys (5 and 8) and a baby (9 months).

Still, can't hurt to be put on a list before it starts and see what time I would have to devote once we get a listing of the mods.  I may be able to do some of them quite easily.

Let us know, John.

11 Reply by Gordym

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

I would be willing to beta test if I could choose which tests I would like to perform. I would be willing to pay a reasonable price for the new parts.

SD2
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12 Reply by jooshs

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

I would be willing to test and buy pieces depending on which components would be involved in the beta program.

13 Reply by Manx

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

Please include me I would be interested inhelping

14 Reply by Schieggster

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

I would test some parts!

Might I suggest alternative shipping service that won't treat our shipments like toys in the gorilla enclosure?

15 Reply by solijohn

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

Schieggster wrote:

I would test some parts!

Might I suggest alternative shipping service that won't treat our shipments like toys in the gorilla enclosure?

We'll look into it. Honestly, it's never been a problem with small parts.

Former Solidoodle employee, no longer associated with the company.

16 Reply by lawsy

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

I've signed up for this twice now, will this be third time lucky?

My biggest concern is the shipping costs.

lawsy's Website

17 Reply by cckens

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

Yeah, lawsy that could be a chunk o'change to get it to you...

18 Reply by solijohn

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

lawsy wrote:

I've signed up for this twice now, will this be third time lucky?

My biggest concern is the shipping costs.

Third time's the charm!

Former Solidoodle employee, no longer associated with the company.

19 Reply by lawsy (edited by lawsy 2013-04-10 21:41:05)

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

I'm particularly interested in trying the new aluminium platform, and happy to pay to do so.

Bring it on.

lawsy's Website

20 Reply by solijohn

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

lawsy wrote:

I'm particularly interested in trying the new aluminium platform, and happy to pay to do so.

Bring it on.

Now, that is something we can do sooner than later.

Former Solidoodle employee, no longer associated with the company.

21 Reply by charles.elliott

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

I am pleased with how my solidoodle is working now so I don't see myself making any large changes. However if it is a small thing like trying a new hot end or some sort of new filament holder I am all for being a beta tester.

22 Reply by dubbsd

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

how about an all metal hot-end so you don't have to worry about the peek melting

Ultimaker S3.

23 Reply by rjp350z

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

I'd be interest in assisting in beta testing parts

24 Reply by 3DPrinter4Life

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

This is a scam. Solidoodle wants you to pay them so that they can profit off of your hard work/testing. WHAT A SCAM!

25 Reply by DePartedPrinter

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Re: Beta Tester Program Feelers

3DPrinter4Life wrote:

This is a scam. Solidoodle wants you to pay them so that they can profit off of your hard work/testing. WHAT A SCAM!

http://www.soliforum.com/misc.php?action=pun_attachment&item=1422&download=0

SD2 with E3D, SD Press, Form 1+
Filastruder
NYLON (taulman): http://www.soliforum.com/topic/466/nylon/