Hey everyone,
I'd like to address everyone's concerns and additional questions that came up along with correcting some misinformation out there so everyone knows how we got here.
1) FCC and compliance testing as a whole have been on our radar before the Planck drop even happened in March.
2) As orders grows larger - meeting regulations and compliance becomes more important. While a few keyboards might get through customs without proper documentation, if we were to try and import a few pallets of Planck keyboards in full packaging without all the documents in place - there is a very real possibility US Customs will seize everything and that will be the last of those keyboards.
3) With compliance testing like these - the testing lab requires a final version of the product. That means samples and prototypes will not work. Due to the initial delays we communicated about the plate issue and the small delay on PCBs due to component problems - we weren't able to get a finalized Planck until the second week of June.
4) At that time - we would have still met our estimated ship date (perhaps with a 1-2 week delay at most).
5) However, when we learned that additional testing would have to be done along with what we've already scheduled because the keyboard will also be shipped internationally - which means there are international standards to meet as well.
6) Since the testing will be completed at the same time, we will not be able to send the US shipment first. Additional testing also requires additional scheduling with the testing labs - which leads us to today.
I will continue to follow up with this process - as soon as we hear back from the lab with the full schedule, we'll update everyone on the status via discussion + email.
Thank you for your patience in the meantime.
YanboWuSo... you were basically aware that compliance testing was theoretically needed, but were hoping that the drop would stay small enough to go under the radar of the customs offices? Or what are you trying to tell us with point 2?
If only Jack made gun metal cases I would already be out of here.
YanboWuThanks for the update. Again, do you have any kind of estimate on a timeline here? (I know, I know that's what everyone is so miffed about currently, but that would help with the decision to stay or go at this point.)
YanboWuthis notice is lower than the one you made earlier. It should be stickied right at the top so everyone can see that you are following up on the issue.
YanboWuSo after seeing some more information on FCC compliance testing, the FCC typically puts their seal of approval on a device 8-12 WEEKS after the testing has completed.
Let's make some assumptions real quick, which you can deny if they're not true:
1. Sample has been sent to the testing lab as of the day of arrival of the finished product (as required by FCC)
2. Testing is done within 2 weeks.
3. FCC times are accurate.
So that means the minimum time for approval and release from the FCC is 10 weeks from now, maybe 14 weeks, which translates to 2-3 MONTHS. 2-3 months from the date of this post. That's one hell of a delay.
And this is only FCC testing. Testing for compliance for other countries will have to happen as well, which could delay this shipment further, unless Massdrop decides to ship to US buyers first.
I'm staying in this drop because I want the final product, but this looks REALLY bad on you guys. It's frustrating waiting this long already for a savings of what? 20 bucks on the product that is consumed by the cost of taxes and shipping? This is a bit much. I also went in on the K-Type and if this happens again we'll be waiting until February before those finally ship.
Like I said, I'm sticking in this drop and the K-Type, but only because I've already spent the money and I'm stubborn like that, but I don't think I'll ever buy another keyboard produced by Massdrop.
atari.zero.tvYour assumptions would have been correct if we were testing an intentionally signal emitting product. We are actually testing a keyboard with no wireless capabilities - testing will not be anywhere near the 8-12 week estimate.
YanboWuThank you for the update! That's really good news, but still a shame about the delay.
TBH, I think what Massdrop is doing for the community is HUGE. I might have a product I want to send to production some day, but the only way I would be able to do so is through a group buy site like this one. I don't have the time or patience to get an interest check, take payment, make the orders, then ship.
I honestly have no idea how you could've done this better, @YanboWu . Perhaps that's why I'm so frustrated? I feel like we could've known more about the whole process along the way and it would have made it a little less of a hit.
I sincerely apologize for any offense.
We are still sorting out some final details before we have an accurate idea of the ship date. Since we will only have one chance to properly communicate the new expected ship date we want to make sure it's accurate.
The information from last week still stands - "regarding timelines, we’ll have concrete dates within the next two weeks from our testing lab. We will then send an opt-in email to all community members who participated in the drop."
YanboWuThanks Yanbo for the update - could have come sooner, but so be it.
As with the marble wrist rest drop, held back for QC and rework, I'm optimistic the Planck end product will similarly be better because of it. Looking forward to assembly when y'all get around to shipping these out!
I'd like to address everyone's concerns and additional questions that came up along with correcting some misinformation out there so everyone knows how we got here.
1) FCC and compliance testing as a whole have been on our radar before the Planck drop even happened in March. 2) As orders grows larger - meeting regulations and compliance becomes more important. While a few keyboards might get through customs without proper documentation, if we were to try and import a few pallets of Planck keyboards in full packaging without all the documents in place - there is a very real possibility US Customs will seize everything and that will be the last of those keyboards. 3) With compliance testing like these - the testing lab requires a final version of the product. That means samples and prototypes will not work. Due to the initial delays we communicated about the plate issue and the small delay on PCBs due to component problems - we weren't able to get a finalized Planck until the second week of June. 4) At that time - we would have still met our estimated ship date (perhaps with a 1-2 week delay at most). 5) However, when we learned that additional testing would have to be done along with what we've already scheduled because the keyboard will also be shipped internationally - which means there are international standards to meet as well. 6) Since the testing will be completed at the same time, we will not be able to send the US shipment first. Additional testing also requires additional scheduling with the testing labs - which leads us to today.
I will continue to follow up with this process - as soon as we hear back from the lab with the full schedule, we'll update everyone on the status via discussion + email.
Thank you for your patience in the meantime.