LIFESABER: Power Supply For Wilderness Survival

Tue Sep 24 '24 Announcement
over 1 year ago – Tue, Sep 24, 2024 at 10:54:51 AM

Dear patient friends and supporters:

I’m pleased to report the results of two independent reviews and to announce that I have kicked off the production of the first 222 LifeSabers (more about the manufacturing and fulfillment, further below).

The reviews were conducted by two of your fellow backers, Alan Staiman and Chris Calandra. Both are crowdfunding veterans. Chris is a Senior Technical Consultant to the National Nuclear Security Administration, self-described as a “technology deep diver and in love with all things cool that enhance our endeavors”. While Alan is a Network Engineer, who is looking to the LifeSaber “to augment my camping and emergency supplies”. He backed my earlier campaign for the Lil Trucker (now sold as the Off Grid Tools Survival Axe). Here’s a video of Alan’s testing: New video by Alan Staiman

In the notes below, I’ve tried to “quote” or faithfully paraphrase (single quote marks) their observations, including their disagreements. My own attendant remarks are shown in brackets.  I’ve invited Alan and Chris to post their additional insights into the formal Comments appended to this update. We all owe Chris and Alan a vote of thanks for their hard work.

What they liked about the LifeSaber

• (Chris): “The LifeSaber is absolutely a go bag, disaster bag must have. I love to reduce the clutter in my SHTF backpack and so with this device I can get rid of a couple emergency drinking straws, my fire starter kit, my emergency whistle, and my flashlight and lantern. A good trade if I must say so.” 
• (Alan): “I think the LifeSaber does work as intended. It does allow you to charge its battery and then charge a device to a level of an emergency call (or more depending on how much charge the battery starts with). I was able to crank it a moderate speed a level 3 for 10 minutes and I felt that if needed I could do that a lot longer).”
• (Alan): “The lights (lantern and spot) were bright enough to see by and at high level lit up my camper’s 12ft x 8ft bedroom pretty well.  It is adequate for tasks needing bright light at a short range (10ft or less).”
• (Chris): “I love the crank and the power adjust.  Cranking the handle is an easy two-handed operation. I appreciate the auto-off function.” [Alan didn’t find twirling quite as intuitive, per notes in the next section].
• (Chris): “The lights are bright. Initiating the SOS mode is an easy press of the button, holding the button down initiates a countdown that when the end is reached, the red lights begin flashing and the alarm sound starts; trust me when I tell you, the sound is intense!  The SOS siren is piercing for sure and my dog hated it! Speaking of my dog, Enza,  she chewed up the box the LifeSaber came in.” [See Chris and his ‘attack dog’ in the photo below].
• (Chris): “The included cable provides a multitude of options including a USB-C to USB-A on one end and then on the other USB-C to either USB mini or lightning. This really should cover the needs of the end user.” [This cable – which fits into the carrying pouch - will be provided to everyone, though not even offered as an option during the original campaign. I feel that as a critical emergency device, the LifeSaber should come equipped with all the essential connectors].

How we can improve the LifeSaber

• (Alan): ‘For day hiking weight and size are a consideration so this is a more specialized tool for someone who is outdoors a lot and often in remote areas. Though I'm enough of a gadget geek to put this into my day pack for Geocaching hikes and such. And it would fit into my Jeep, RV, or off grid cabin.”
• (Alan): ‘Going up against simpler crank-powered devices, high-capacity battery banks, various standalone water purifiers and fire starters, etc. The LifeSaber does combine these functions and has a better recharge/crank system but it is substantially heavier.’ [The LifeSaber is less costly, lighter and more compact than the combined alternatives, see the attached Competitive Analysis].
• (Chris): “A reduced size and options might be a good choice for day trippers. Less lights, keep the siren, minimize the charging crank to something you don’t twirl, smaller battery...If I’m in my car or on a bike then weight is less of a factory.”  [I’m working on a lighter, simplified Companion product with this feedback in mind and already planning for LifeSaber 2.0].
• (Chris): ‘Removing and flipping over the reversible UVC and Fire Starter plugin takes some getting used to.’ [May be able to simplify by eliminating the retaining ring in future product releases].
• (Chris): “The grip can be "quirky" but I think that’s a function of hand size etc. and you will never please everyone. But the Velcro strap is easy to adjust and provides for a comfortable and secure grip on the LifeSaber.”
• (Alan): “Twirling is a learned skill, don’t know if this feature is useful enough to keep (in future releases), but would use if only had one hand to use.” [Twirling is for someone who is injured or otherwise handicapped – however, this feature adds a lot of the weight and complexity of the cranking mechanism and could be made optional in future versions of the LifeSaber].
• (Chris): “Not sure if it would be allowed in carry-on luggage.”
• (Alan): ‘The rotating handle/grip does not stay in place when folded into the docking position, and the end cap that covers the (firestarter/water purifier) plug-in can come loose.’ [These problems are being addressed through tweaks to the production molds].
• (Alan): “The general power and size of the plasma arc does set limits on what can be lit: paper, thin tree bark, or flammable fibers (I lit paper to light my cigar).”
• (Chris): ‘Instructions didn’t always match the features.’ [Definitely will update the included instruction manual].
• (Chris): “The input/output labels for the USB-C ports could be more brightly colored.” [Working on this].

As previewed above, I’ve instructed the factory to begin production of the LifeSaber. It will take at least 6 weeks to gather all of the components (many of which, including the motor/generator are special-order parts). Then 15 days to assemble the manufacturing line and another 7 workdays to complete preliminary testing. Plus, the unexpected… Let’s just say mid-December.

But at last (though not soon enough) hundreds more of you will be able to conduct your own independent reviews.

Before closing, as some of you may know, I'm about to participate in the City-To-Shore Ride where I'll be cycling and challenging myself physically to create a world free of MS. I'd love for you to support me and this great cause! Here’s the link for making a donation.

When you contribute to Bike MS you are supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Society has paved the way for every effective MS treatment available today and ensures that no one has to face MS alone. Their breakthrough research promises to help millions suffering from related illnesses as well.

I'm 75% of the way to my goal of $10,000 in 2024 and every dollar counts. The Ride is September 28th, though contributions will continue to be accepted.

It's quick, easy and all donations are tax-deductible (and perhaps you are affiliated with an institution willing to match your generosity). I’m attaching my photo from the finish line last year in Ocean City, NJ.

Best wishes and thanks again to Alan and Chris.

Marvin

Wed Aug 28 '24 Announcement
over 1 year ago – Wed, Aug 28, 2024 at 05:01:02 PM

Dear friends and colleagues:

The first pre-production samples of the LifeSaber have been distributed to two of your fellow backers. They have graciously volunteered to conduct independent reviews and then share their findings. 

See below an image of the kit they were sent. 

We've already heard back that the end cap of the tool needs to be tightened up and that the metal ring/grip needs to nest more securely. We'll be fixing these concerns. 

Thank you all.

Tue Jul 9 '24 Announcement
over 1 year ago – Tue, Jul 09, 2024 at 06:59:40 AM

Dear friends:

As the first step in manufacturing, I’ve asked the factory to hand-assemble three test units from production parts. These should be ready in about two weeks (after final tweaking of the injection molds).

One sample will be flown to me. I’ve allocated the others for a thorough and independent review and am looking for two volunteers.

The task of the reviewers will be to immediately and comprehensively test the LifeSaber and then to write up their respective findings to share with this community. I’m hoping that they’ll also create a little video to document the process and their findings.

I’ve already paid for production of the first 200 units. Based upon feedback, these will be allocated to represent a fair mix, including earlybirds and backers who purchased multiple units or added a bonus pledge. I will also include supporters from a range of countries as well as recognizing individuals who have been generous in their feedback during this long journey.

Please contact me immediately if you’d like to volunteer. Once the reviews are in, I’ll send out the survey to verify everyone’s mailing address. The current plan is to ship direct from Shenzhen using ePacket.

Yours most sincerely,

Marvin

Wed May 22 '24 Announcement
almost 2 years ago – Wed, May 22, 2024 at 04:09:41 PM

Dear Friends and Patient Supporters:

After additional tweaking, the LifeSaber water purification feature is now 99.99% effective at reducing waterborne pathogens. Success!

The independent lab filled a ½ liter plastic bottle with water that was clear, but contaminated with Escherichia Coli bacteria. They then  exposed the contents to 2 minutes of UVC light from our snap-in module, with excellent results.  Here’s the Full Report.

We are now gearing up to manufacture the LifeSaber, with 225 units to start. The molds and tooling are complete and the components have been ordered.  I expect to receive a few of the production units, for final testing, by the end of June. You're welcome to stop by.

We currently have 1,529  backers (split between Kickstarter and Indiegogo). The initial shipments will primarily go to those of you who ordered multiple tools.  I hope to then sell an additional 2,000 units (at full price) to cover the costs to fulfill all of the remaining pledges. 

So, please encourage your friends to purchase the LifeSaber. Orders can be placed via Indiegogo InDemand.

In a few weeks we’ll send out surveys to update everyone’s shipping information. Meanwhile, see below what you can expect to accomplish with the powerfully ergonomic LifeSaber.

Marvin

P.S.: I’m in training for the 2024 City-to-Shore-Ride to fight MS and would value your support. This will be my last year riding. Please click here to make a donation.

Sun Mar 17 '24 Announcement
about 2 years ago – Sun, Mar 17, 2024 at 10:44:34 AM

Dear friends:

I’ve funded the tooling, and even lined up the loan to cover initial production costs. Our shipping and fulfillment arrangements are all in place.

We had expected to begin manufacturing weeks ago – but find ourselves with one important technical challenge yet to resolve.

As you all know, we invented a very-compact, internally stored, snap-in module that can both start a fire and then (when reversed) purify water. The plasma firestarter works like a charm. But the UVC water purifier isn’t there yet.

Some background. A UVC water purifier treats clear but micro-biologically unsafe water with germicidal ultraviolet light. The UV wavelength scrambles the DNA of living organisms in the water so that they can no longer reproduce and make you sick.

The recognized benchmark for safety is to inactivate more than 99.9% of the microorganisms present. 

We’re at 96% which is not good enough.  Meanwhile, the testing at a national lab in China is expensive and tedious and involves weeks of waiting. We’re also paying a premium for the high-power UVC LED which we are using. Nonetheless, we’re double-checking the UVC frequency, power levels and spread of the light beam, as well as the clarity of the custom quartz glass which we use to waterproof the module. And more. A lot of good and highly motivated people are working the problem because everyone wants to finally begin shipping. I have spent more than $388,000 to get this far. See the attached slide outlining the use of these monies – not a penny of which has gone towards my own time.

I appreciate your patience as we figure this out. Meanwhile we have begun discussions with potential investors to help us fast-forward the LifeSaber into a standalone business (with many complementary products on the drawing board). Let me know if any of you would be interested to review our plan and provide feedback. And here’s a link to our just issued patent (with another application pending).

Most humbly yours,

Marvin

$388,879 Invested in LifeSaber Through 2023