04/17/2024
DUAL K**B RETROFIT KIT - UPDATE
YES we are still moving forward on this project, and I wanted to give everyone our latest news, and explain why we don't have Beta units in the hands of ALL our Beta Testers yet...but soon!
Last week, I visited with 2 separate customers here in Florida who have our existing G8 Designs Dash Kits - these fellows wanted to help us with our Beta Testing and graciously offered their cars as well as their time, patience, and support in that task. Being that they were within a short driving distance, it was a perfect opportunity.
One customer has a GT and the other has a GXP. The GXP is an important one to test in because the GXP's programming of the HVAC module has some slight code differences from the base models and GT models. Even though there aren't many GXP's, we have a number of our units in some of those cars, so this will be a great test bed for the upgrade.
I did the installation work myself on their cars - this was a valuable exercise for me because I've been in the process of shooting photos for and creating our installation instructions to install the Retrofit Kits, which is very important groundwork that MUST be done before we can start putting this hardware in customer's hands.
If customers were just handed this hardware without proper instructions, step by step photos and graphics, they'd simply be lost, or might make mistakes and they'd have a bad experience. That is NOT something we can allow, so doing the proper groundwork is essential.
So, doing this install work myself, walking through the install steps and seeing things from an outside perspective was very helpful. It gives me the chance to see things from the customer or installer's perspective and refine the process.
I learned a few important things I hadn't considered before which will help greatly as I finalize our instructions.
BOTH CUSTOMER UNITS ARE WORKING VERY WELL.
We resolved some connectivity issues, and I made a decision to change one of the circuit board connectors to make installation easier. So, I have some revised connectors on order and will swap those out on ALL our beta units. It's important to do that BEFORE we put these in the hands of customers to save them any difficulty or frustrations.
These two customers are busy putting the new setup through its paces, pressing every function and k**b, and running through all aspects of operation. So far, they haven't found any real programming errors or bugs. Their units, as well as the one in my own car, are all very stable and consistent. THAT'S WHAT WE WANT before we put these in the hands of others!
I have a long list of interested Beta Tester volunteers and only 5 Beta units left, so I'll have to distribute these 5 setups to the testers that we feel will meet the requirements and be the most benefit.
Beta Testers will be contacted as soon as I make the connector swaps on our units and get them ready to ship out.
3D PRINTED OUTER FASCIAS
I'm also making progress on our 3D model for the new fascias, working with my 3D designer guy and refining the design, making some necessary alterations, and will be doing some test prints locally for tweaking and evaluation after we get the model ready.
Also working on methods to create an attractive outer surface without the ugly layer lines found in most 3D prints.
ANOTHER INCREDIBLE FEATURE COMING!
I'll be dropping some more amazing news on yet another innovation we'll be building into this Retrofit Kit very soon! NO OTHER PRODUCT IN THE WORLD HAS THIS and it will resolve a frustrating issue for many G8 owners!
I won't (and can't) say more than that about it until Mike Folcik has it programmed in and working consistently. I'm telling you guys, the man is a genius!
STAY TUNED FOR MORE NEWS AS IT DEVELOPS!π