Lots of good news.

The manufacturer was kind enough to take over failed propellers. I should therefore receive the new propellers within a fortnight. A second injection point has been added, which should solve the symmetry problem.

At the same time, I was able to validate the electronics.

The old map (top), and the new one (bottom)

The GPS antenna (the orange square) moved to have a little more air. The push button and the metal cover were too close. Now it picks up much better.

As the weather was nice, I was able to test all that outside.

It was an opportunity to update the photo on the website. It still makes it better now.

Next step: next week I start the production of the plastic parts for the body and the support.

Anatomy of a Pioupiou

Since the end is near, I can now reveal the final specifications of the product.

We have greatly moved upmarket compared to to the first prototypes of last summer. He no longer looks too much like the Pioupiou of KissKissBankBank. But hey, the idea was really to make it robust. I hope no one will blame me 🙂

Among the key points:

The form " plane » should withstand strong winds better than cups.

Bearings used are not sensitive to corrosion − even in a saline environment.

The sensors speed and direction are based on magnetic and quantum mechanical effects - like in hard disk drive heads. There is no mechanical contact or wear.

The battery lithium is designed to operate in very harsh environments, for example for military or space applications. With a temperature range from -50°C to +85°C, she won't be afraid of the cold or the sun. Autonomy is about 4 years. The replacement costs around twenty euros. I gave up on the idea of ​​being able to use a classic alkaline battery as well, because it was too complicated at the moment. You can't spend your time improving. You also have to deliver...

The GPS is now present in all Pioupious. It is activated when switched on, or when Pioupiou is moved then installed on another spot. This will allow both to have an up-to-date map, but also to deter potential thieves. For those who had paid extra for the GPS, I will contact you.

The electronic compass allows you to have a Pioupiou who always knows the North. So we don't need to worry about its orientation.

HOW TO USE

I tried to keep it simple.

1) Take Pioupiou out of the box

2) Fix it on a pole

3) Press the button

4) Plant the post in the ground

5) That's it!

Friday’s special big discount sales

Well, obviously, to make such a cool Pioupiou I blew the budget of the project.

It wasn't really planned to have to redo the whole design. It was also not planned to have to get into the plastics industry. In short, with R&D, the molds and the first series of 500 Pioupious, it's over €30. (I don't count the beer).

So, not even bad, I borrowed all that. (Obviously, not at the bank. They wouldn't follow. They haven't even discovered the internet yet.). As a result, I will be able to produce and deliver Pioupiou. This is still good news!

On the other hand, that means that it will be necessary to slightly increase the price of Pioupiou. Because even at 500 units, we are not yet in economies of scale. Once you remove the VAT, the lifetime Sigfox subscription, and the price of the gear, there isn't much left. I'm not even talking about the time I spent there.

So, I'm putting another 100 Pioupious on pre-order at €239 including tax (€199 + €40 for lifetime communication), to quickly pay off my debts. Go ! https://shop.pioupiou.fr/pioupiou/8-balise-meteo-pioupiou.html

After these 100 Pioupious sold − or as soon as the first birds are delivered, the price will increase to 324 € including tax (270 € excluding tax).