44 replies to this topic

[PTAntFan]

Wicked.

[drtrmiller]

 

 

This is a medium size woodlands.

 

I had intended this one to go out to a customer as a test shipment, however I determined that some elements still need some work.  It shouldn't be too much longer until these ship.

 

What do you think about the sacrificing stump (for pinning insects and other food items) and the little tubing feeder?  I also need to finalize the SimpliFeed liquid feeder design—still working on that one.

Edited by drtrmiller, July 22 2015 - 10:10 PM.

[Herdo]

 

 

What do you think about the sacrificing stump and the little tubing feeder?

 

That fact that it has a sacrificing stump has persuaded me to buy one, so there's your answer.

[drtrmiller]

 

 

 

What do you think about the sacrificing stump and the little tubing feeder?

 

That fact that it has a sacrificing stump has persuaded me to buy one, so there's your answer.

 

 

I laughed so hard.

 

But really, I've got to change the website so users can purchase the foraging area separately from the nest.

[Crystals]

Good idea, but ensure that weeks worth of bug guts and juices doesn't cause mold, or a really smelly outworld.  I just know how dirty my feeding plates get after a few days of use.

 

In my opinion, if it could be removeable and dishwasher safe it would really get my interest.

[drtrmiller]

Ventilation is more than adequate to evaporate any moisture that may seep into the wood.  The air in the foraging area is not at all stagnant, and so smells (caused by bacterial growth) and mold (caused by stagnant, moist environment), should not occur.

 

Of course, time will tell.  It may be possible to make one removable by waxing the wood disc before inserting it into the plaster, but this is not something I am considering at this time.

[PTAntFan]

You could just seal the stump. Then owners could wipe from above. These are great, T. You're going to get a lot of orders. Fulfillment is my concern. Any update on those initial orders? I saw something about last week but no sign of mine yet.

[drtrmiller]

That's a good idea.  I'll apply a thin coat of spray shellac to make it semi-waterproof.  That way it is still soft for pins to go in it, but the surface won't absorb water as easily.

 

Things are very slow because I test a process before applying it to all the boxes.  As an example of how tricky it is, I drilled countersinks on the wrong side of the plastic for some of the boxes without realizing it.  The part in question is identical on the front and back, but the way the laser machine cuts the thick plastic is with a conical taper, so one side is easier to assemble (looser fit) than the other side (tighter fit).

 

I have developed a process for batch construction of the dioramas, where the paper masking is attached to the plastic, and the dioramas are cast inside each box.  Then, the material cures, and the boxes are disassembled to remove the diorama for the finishing steps.  This process will take an estimated 2-3 days once started, and the boxes will be prepared to ship shortly after.

 

I'm working right now to make a durable connector before finishing the dioramas.  The original 3D-printed connectors had a durability issue I experienced.  When I work on these things, the process involves modifying a model by 0.1 mm or so, printing the part, and stress testing it.  This is a tedious process that takes time.  My attempts to incorporate vinyl tubing into the boxes failed from a UX standpoint, and so I'm looking back at the original connector design which is anchored inside the box.

 

I actually just had an idea that I'm working on now.  The final development steps for this project are the slowest they've been for any of my other projects, because these boxes are so expensive to make and I can not afford a do-over.  We're talking thousands of dollars in materials, hardware, third-party labor costs, and special shipping supplies to ensure safe transit.  I think each box has 45 or more parts alone.

 

Remember when Apple delayed the Apple Watch because a faulty vibrator?  If mega companies like Apple can screw up a release timetable, you can understand what I must be dealing with in firmly understanding all the product touchpoints so as to make the inevitable release as smooth and painless as possible for all supporters.  I actually did not go into advertising the product with the understanding that it would take this long to finish—but believe me—you want the new boxes I've been working on, not a prototype as was pictured on the website.

 

I also want to emphasize that these boxes will not take this long to manufacture going forward.  It is just the first batch that is taking longer than anticipated.  Given all the work that has been done, I also want to point out that this project would NOT have been possible without the support of users like you.  I simply don't have an infinite amount of resources to devote to big projects, and so it is only with early monetary contributions that I was able to purchase all the materials and test different things to take this project from prototype to polish.

Edited by drtrmiller, July 23 2015 - 10:30 AM.

[drtrmiller]

I've decoupled the nest and foraging area at http://grotube.byformica.com so they may now be purchased separately from one another.

 

I'm finishing up the nest-to-arena connectors today.  I intend to include several different styles of connectors that may be changed depending on if you have small, medium, or large ants.

 

I will also be finishing the riser soon, which for some reason was taller than it should have been.

 

I also want to emphasize that I only have an extremely limited quantity of starting inventory remaining.  If you want a foraging area, don't wait until they're on Amazon!  Go ahead and pre-order today on the byFormica website to reserve your place in line!

Edited by drtrmiller, July 24 2015 - 7:33 AM.

[drtrmiller]

 

These are not finished pieces—and still more need to be made! Dirt and small details still have to be painted and glued in place.  However, I wanted to show off what I've been working on all weekend.  Further, this shoddy camera phone picture doesn't even begin to do justice to the level of detail in the decor.

 

I have a new process where I have some really realistic looking rock facades that I'm casting in one color plaster, and inserting into the dioramas of a different color plaster, and then painting a wash on top after everything sets, to give a weathered look.  The result is a much more realistic piece, with details that show crisp on camera.  You will WANT to film your ants foraging in these boxes.

 

I'm working as hard as I can to get these boxes shipped within the next few days.

Edited by drtrmiller, July 26 2015 - 8:52 PM.

[BugFinder]

That's a thing of beauty.

[BugFinder]

Can that outworld be used with other formicaria?

[drtrmiller]

Yes, all I need to know is a few things and one can be made to fit any formicarium.

 

For example, I coordinated with Mikey to make a version that is compatible with the AntsCanada Hybrid Nests, but it will be a while before I release those publicly.

 

For other formicaries, I need to know the hole size, position, and box dimensions to make a custom one.

Edited by drtrmiller, July 26 2015 - 10:17 PM.

[BugFinder]

I need one for my hybrid nest.  So please let us know when that is ready.

 

How do you think these will keep very small ants from escaping?

[drtrmiller]

The Hybrid Nest version will be a while since their nest is so oddly designed (really strange dimensions, no standardization, variations in tolerances are just the start).

Not sure what you mean about small ants. The fully assembled boxes have no gaps anywhere, and the lid design is also escape resistant. Wait to see a video or some more pictures and it will be clear.

However, note that I don't recommend larger size boxes for really small ants, since there will be too many places to hide.

Edited by drtrmiller, July 26 2015 - 10:46 PM.

[Gregory2455]

Can I get mine with a sacrificing stump?

[BugFinder]

By very small ants I mean Tetramorium Caespitum.  [censored] escape everything I've had them in except the piece of haven.

[Ants4fun]

Not sure what you mean about small ants. The fully assembled boxes have no gaps anywhere, and the lid design is also escape resistant.

Would it matter how small the ant is, if there are no gaps?

[drtrmiller]

Tetramorium can not escape this when used as intended.

Sometimes, Ants4Fun, it's not a matter of escape, but whether there are any nooks extremely small ants may find attractive and in which they may take up residence outside the designated nest space. The larger sizes may include decoration items like pieces of wood inside which very small ants can hide.

Customers may request boxes or formicaries be tuned with nano ants in mind, but I really don't think I've designed a formicarium or foraging area optimized for sub 3 mm ants, yet. 3 mm workers is the smallest size I'd recommend.

Edited by drtrmiller, July 27 2015 - 4:26 AM.

[Ants4fun]

Ok, I got you. I was going to plan on using it for Ponera pennsylvanica, but I am now having second thoughts.