Since the prototype was mounted on my vehicle a few weeks back I’ve been really swamped. Lots of people have wanted to see it and we’ve done lots of testing and tweaking. This will be a fairly short summary of some of what’s gone on, just to bring interested readers up to speed.
First, the most recent promotional video:
It’s so easy to operate even a child can use it. And the cargo is so easy to access even a child can reach it.
I think that’ll be the new motto.
And here’s a more up-to-date photo of the unit.
Interested folks from industry
I now have a growing list of Calgary-based companies that have officially stated that they intend to become authorized installers once the product is up and running. The installers cover both the commercial and recreational markets so whether you want the RazerLift for your bikes or your ladders (or both!) there will be a company ready to mount the device for you. And as an added bonus I’ve had work done at each of the locations on my own vehicles so I can personally attest to the quality of their work, technical competence and the moral character of the owners / operators.
A few retailers have shown some interest, but I have more work ahead of me there. One of them is a nation-wide retailer, which would be very exciting! Fortunately my family is planning a cross-Canada tour this summer so I can scrounge up some interested customers for them while we travel.
Prototype performance
So how is the prototype holding out? Good, bad and ugly. Fortunately, the things on the bad and ugly list are being addressed item by item. In fact, my vehicle is with Tangent Engineering as I write this (which is probably why I have some spare time) and they have knocked a bunch of items off the “bad and ugly” list. It’ll be quite exciting when I get to pick it up Thursday afternoon.
Most of the feedback I’ve been getting from people on the street has been quite positive. In fact, I’m surprised at how many people comment that the RazerLift almost looks like it’s a finished product. One guy told me it looked like it came from a dealer, even though he knew full well we were still only in the prototyping stage. Naturally we are going to invest time and energy on improving the aesthetics, but it’s nice to know we’re on the right track.
We’ve had some issues with the unit on my vehicle so it cannot actually lift a load. Yeah; not really helpful. That’s part of what Tangent has been addressing in the shop today and yesterday. However, the unit on the test bench has proven itself right up to 75lb so far. Our goal for the finished product is 100lb per side (if you choose to buy a two-sided version) so we’re well on our way there. It looks like the biggest change will be upgrades to some components on the printed circuit board – which is relatively minor in the grand scheme of things – and the mechanical components appear to handle the loads very well already.
I can’t wait for destructive testing!
An educational tool
Here’s an unexpected use for the RazerLift; an educational tool. I have been a guest speaker now for a group of grade two children and a group of grade five children. Through the RazerLift they have an opportunity to learn about the process of innovation, learn a little about electricity, gears and moving parts, as well as the character necessary to see a vision through to completion. This wasn’t the primary reason I developed the RazerLift but I so enjoy presenting to children that I certainly consider this one of the biggest perks of this technology.