:skid::skid::skid:

In all honesty you didn't say which Monday/Tuesday did you?

So how's the progress? I've been out of the country for the last week and hoped there would be an update when I got back.....


Never mind, 729 unread emails, hadn't read yours yet. How fucked is that? one week off the "net" and 729 things I have to do something with. I wonder how many hours a week that equates to? Time to drop off the grid.

So, pics and tracking numbers today?

Yup, I'll give a full update later. I have to get alot packed, and finishing details done. WIll try for pics, but the harnesses look great!

I'm excited now..

Sure hope I'm included in this batch.

Just letting you guys know that everything is going out alright. I'm doing my best to get everyone the units there on Friday. This, the adaptronic group buy, and the frame rail group buy all came to shipping at the same time, so I've been processing about a 100 orders over the last 3 days. YIKES!

I'll get pictures up soon... promise!

the same for international buyers?

Update?

The last of the units will be out as of the next coming Monday including international orders (they have been spalayed over the week as I had to build quite a few harnesses) so if you don't get your units by Wednesday then there is a problem and you need to contact me. I've had address changes and so fourth, and although I've tried my best to keep accurate records the protraction of this group buy has made it difficult on both you guys the customers in waiting for sucha long time to get the product and for me in keeping track of everything.

As we bring this to a close, I just want to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported me, and was patient with this whole fiasco. All benefits extended via email to the original purchasers are valid after the units are delivered so if you ever need anything just let me know.

Travis, you have me on the list right? I am replacing a backout.

Yep your in!

thanks for the update

Awesome. Thanks Travis.

Great update, Travis; Just wondering if you do in fact have my correct address, due to the miss-communication and refund issue and such. Let me know if everything is squared away. Thanks, can't wait to see these!

Trackingnumbers? Photos? :bowrofl:

^ yes...anything????

Harness
 

Some units are still going out. The harnesses are moving pretty slow on me. Sorry I haven't been around, my house has turned a non-stop COP shop finishing up everything. I need to get back to work to fill these orders out today. Attached is a picture of the harness. I'll have 5-8 out by airmail this evening.

Best,
Travis

Hey Travis,

Have any shipped at all?

I've shipped out 4 thus far. Its pretty much been the worse three months of my life. Got into this deal, rainbows and sunshine on function. Scooped over mounds of cash on the perfect design before ... [mod note: internal business issue specifics removed at the request of one of the involved parties]. Since then I learned electronics, learned how to design circuits, wire looms, contracted a workforce at my shop and abroad, tracked down these crazy connectors from indo-china as I was recently cut off from the supply ( and had to use these connectors he selected because I had already ordered thousands of dollars of housings to fit these connectors) I know you guys got a raw deal on this thing, and I'm sorry but damn I've got black circles under my eyes from working so much to get this put together.

Huge group buys if you haven't noticed to pour even more money into the COP project to move it faster to take care of you guys. I think within the next week it should be done, but I don't know what else to do on it. I was left high and dry and I'm a mechanical engineer. This stuff isn't exactly what I have any specialty in so it has been one hell of a struggle to fulfill my end of the bargain and not just default on all this stuff because the orders I already had in were used in the thousands on the perfect design I paid for which was lost when he jettisoned as well as the housings, and coils that had to be bought in baulk. I didn’t have the cash flow to just refund everyone because of the 10k that was invested in getting this thing moving.

Alas this thing is almost over and quite frankly I now understand why other aftermarket companies end up with late deliveries all the time. I think you just have to own one to understand how something can get stretched like this has. Despite getting no sleep, having no luxuries, working for basically pennies on the hour for hours on end , you have to remind yourself that the customer needs what he needs, all while he’s yelling at you as if you can do more than work 16 hours a day to fulfill the orders. This has been a living hell. As for you guys once again thanks for sticking along for the ride.

Wow, that's a ugly long rocky road there. Thanks for sticking it out and making it happen.

Thanks for all the information. I'm not on the GB list but an interested customer.

Full disclosures like this will help out a lot with your customer relations. Your story does make sense and it is understandable. Everyone has experienced similar "out-of-their-control" problems. If you keep everyone updated like this, it will help a lot.

Travis, I feel your pain. You may consider getting solid contracts for all future transactions and pay upon receipt or half/half.

Hey it could never happen to me right? I can spend hours on the phone with a customer that has bought nothing from me, while I recommend parts that I dont even sell because I think they really are superior and its just part of my nature to try to share knowledge and help out. Lesson 501872408 of life, karma does not protect you. :giggle:

Yes in the future there will be mounds of contract paper to prevent this kind of thing from happening. I don't know how many more "COP system" like projects I have in me. Now back to pouring potting materials and needle point soldering. Other nifty skills you learn as the wheels on the bus go round and round...

Hey Travis, sorry for bugging you so much about this; I feel your pain

But on another note--do you have my correct address, and are we all clear about my COPS, due to the issue with refund and such?? Thanks a lot

-Jason

+1

I like the harness! More pics!
https://www.miataturbo.net/forum/att...68-harness.jpg

Good to hear things are comming along Travis, hang in there

I for one bought these outside of the group buy and paid my cash in the knowledge that there would be a delay, all I asked was a regular update and that is what I have got, so I for one am not miffed at you

Life for small specialist is not easy at the best of times but if you don't over promise and keep people informed then most people will stand by especially if you are providing a unique product

Just let me know when my set is in the air mail package to the UK:bigtu:

Cheers

Martin

I got one of the DOA early units and got with Travis about the problem. His customer service has been great. It sucks about all the hangups he's been having, but thats just part of bringing a new product to market.

I will buy again from Travis without hessitation, he's a great vendor.

The website is temp down. It will be up soon. Evidently a technical issue.

Some news e.g. Tracking Number, Pictures? :)

I want my tracking no!

+1 on an update Travis please. Question too, now that your electronics technical person is out of the picture, how will you address support issues with that part of the kit?

I hoped for a tracking # too but Travis told me everything goes out using standard mail.

He told me on Tuesday that my order was being sent that day. It's not here yet. I hope tomorrow. :mad:

Then again, Tuesday was the second or third time that he told me "it's shipping today" ... I am getting very frustrated with this.

I sent your Fedex package on Tuesday, it should be there today. I looked and looked for the receipt for it, but I couldn't find it. As I said to you while I was running a 100 degree feaver choking on snot, I was sick and was getting to your order as soon as posisble.

I had to design it myself. I know exactly how it works, so if there is a problem I can trouble shoot it.

With me being sick, everything got slurried up last week. I got almost nothing done. Orders are being shipped, but I'm hoping to make good progress this weekend now that I'm back in good health.

Got a message from my neighbor (duplex) saying I received a package today. But I won't be home until late tonight.

You better well drive home right away, open package, take pics and post them here. Do it. Now!

http://icanhascheezburger.files.word...nts-to-see.jpg

Travis, is it possible for your european customers, that they get the COP´s before christmas?

Change of plans. I'll be home around 5:30 (EST).

I bought some other things online last week. Doing all my holiday shopping without going anywhere near the malls. So there's no guarantee the package is COPS. I replied to my neighbor to ask where the package came from but he was already out for the day. AHHHHH, the suspense is killing me!!! :)

Im expecting pictuurz in 75mins then...

So! Got home. There was a package, as my neighbor said:

http://www.snarc.net/cops/1.jpg

Upon close examination, the package was from Indiana. Of course, it's possible some of the other holiday gifts I ordered are from Indiana too. And I don't recognize the return name "Michael Hewitt" .... doesn't sound like Travis @ Boundary to me. This might not be the package I was hoping for. :dunno:

http://www.snarc.net/cops/2.jpg

So I opened it. Hmm, still hard to tell what's inside. COPS, or other gifts?

http://www.snarc.net/cops/3.jpg

Removed the top packaging. Whatever's inside, it sure is packed well!

http://www.snarc.net/cops/4.jpg

Okay, I'm just fucking with you all. :laugh: It is indeed the COPS! (Although I really did order all my holiday presents online. Malls are for suckers.) Here is the first part -- the Y-adapter from the stock connectors to the Boundary harness. Looks nice. Notice the mounting holes.

http://www.snarc.net/cops/5.jpg

However the other side of it isn't as nice. Wires sticking out. I'll probably cover them with electrical tape and/or a big piece of heat shrink.

http://www.snarc.net/cops/6.jpg

Behold the harness.

http://www.snarc.net/cops/7.jpg

And finally, the WeaponX coils.

http://www.snarc.net/cops/8.jpg

I will probably install these tomorrow. Sorry for the lousy pictures ... cameraphone.

Travis: thank you ..... especially for putting up with my hassling. ;)

Now I shall update my sig to reflect the new modification!

mhm, travis told something from a mounting plate in carbon or aluminium?

Wow, nice! Too bad wires sticking out of the resin, as long as the electrical components are covered it should be pretty bullet proof.

TravisR: why not post a list of the todo's by name and work down that order, so we at least know where we're at. I'm getting frustrated...!@

I don't know anything about a mounting plate. Maybe that is something for the older cars? (Mine's a 2004.) Or maybe the "mounting plate" is considered the same thing as the Y-adapter, which does contain two mounting holes.

@evank
post vom 8/17/2009

mounting plate or not, the case looks like swiss cheese and not fit for a operation place like the engine bay (e.g. waterproof,...)

Oh. I haven't got that, and I don't expect to need it. Can always bend some metal into a makeshift bracket if necessary.

That's not cool at all. I'm concerned that this would be shipped as a finished product. WTF?

The other side is VERY nice and professional-looking.

On one hand, I don't give a crap how the parts look -- as long as they work. On the other hand, I'd probably return the adapter box and demand a "finished" one if I wasn't in a massive hurry to have a bigger spark. However my decision is to key what I've got because I desperately need it (and because I don't want to wait another eternity for the replacement.)

I hear you, I'd do the same. Please do report back after you install.

Your never going to see it, and I since switched the production technique to where everything is buried. Remember guys, we're trying to get them out, and money isn't exactly flowing from fountains on these. The coils are 66 a piece (my price is slightly lower but not much) which basically means I have 175 dollars to build a well in excess of 200 piece assembly (electroncis, wiring harness, and housing) and make profit. Now if you want to pay about 800 I'm sure we can come out with gold on each one. These units are the same price as the stock coil packs and we are simultaneously replacing the spark plug wires with the best system in the world, no spark plug wires. So basically your getting a 500+ dollar (stock ignition system including plug wires) that outperforms it in every way for low 400 dollars.

There is absolutely no way that stuff is going to be damaged once its in that gook anyways.

Hi Travis. Make no mistake: I'm a very happy camper tonight. I forgive your delays, and I hope you forgive my harassment ("Are they here yet? How 'bout now? No? What about now? WAAAAH!! Oh, here they are.") :bigtu:

Of course.

Good question, I'd quite like to know this too

I won't let it go on past december 31st. There is no way I'm starting my businesses new year with this cloud hanging over it.

There's going to be a delay of a couple days before I can post an update. Sorry.

There, fixed for ya :)

Travis, if you need some help assembling stuff, packing boxes, whatever, I am available after 12/9 (last final).

I'm out, thanks for the refund Travis.

Monday update?

My car is having some unrelated problem which I have to fix before dealing with COPS. I hope to have it fixed by middle of this week.

Hey Guys,

Current plans are being held up because of the rear female and male connector on the harness. I have 4-5 more I can do but once again conditions on the ground have changed as my supplier backed out on continueing to supply the connectors we need. [mod note: request for nasty emails removed]

When the shipment from china comes in I'll be sure to get everything together quickly. If you have been waiting for a while as one of the first ins I'll be getting those out soon. I shipped a bunch today. Going to do more tomorrow. I'll also post more pictures and show you exactly whats holding us up.

My current plan is that if this doesn't get out of my door and up I'll just take out a loan to pay back any excess COP purchasers. That away I can continue making whoever wants to stick around without delay because of money issues. People have wanted refunds and rightfully so but it really hurts the process when the funds aren't available to purchase something I need which further tangles things up.

I have also thought about doing the Toyota COP kit for early model cars and cars with stock computers and then doing the WeaponX kits for standalones only as the circuitry costs are very high to produce the Tach signals, and for it to not throw any codes. Despite what the price appears to be if I assemble these things at 7.25 an hour The total cost with materials comes out to be something around 433 dollars a piece.

I don't mind going open book with you guys so here it is:

My pricing breakdown is the following:
Coils 54*4(Retail is 67 a piece)= 216
Custom housing 15
Coil connectors 3.53*4=14.12
Base connector male/female 6.29*2=12.58
Pins: .15*28=4.2
Resistors, capacitors, IGBT's, IC's and inductors: 30
Circuit boards=15
Tape, corrugated, shrink wrap, solder, potting epoxy, wires: 2-3 dollars Cost of
materials 335.9

Labor 12 hours at minimum wage: 7.25
Shipping ~12
Total ideal cost 434.9