NANO1: World's Smallest Astronomy Camera - Just Got Smaller
Created by TinyMOS
The World's Smallest Astronomy Camera - just got smaller. Capture Milky Way, Northern Lights and more in 4K, on your next epic travel!
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Backer Status Update
over 5 years ago
– Fri, Feb 01, 2019 at 12:17:16 AM
Hi everyone!
It's been a week since the last update. Here's some news on what's happening behind the scenes.
1) Dimension testing
We've been verifying the dimension of mechanical components, in preparation of manufacturing. The SLA (stereolithography) 3D printer just arrived in our office yesterday. We're getting it to go through its paces, to get us accurate prints, which will lead to good fit and finish of the final manufactured parts.
V6.1 front plate getting tested.
IR cut filter holder and C mount shield tested. Everything is green because the resins we ordered have yet to arrive.
2) Accessories mechanical testing
We're test printing some accessories to improve the NANO1 camera system. Here's a series from the Z tripod prototypes.
Newly printed, off the print bed
After UV curing
Assembly with previously printed parts. Newly printed base plate and platform couldn't be used due to deformation. We'll be fine tuning our process for dimensionally accurate prints.
Very compact "tripod" system. Ideal for travel.
3) Software testing
We've completed the noise reduction algorithm work flow. It is compiled and being tested on the macOS and Linux platform currently. After thorough testing, we will implement it as a companion app on mobile phones; first on Android and subsequently in iOS.
The software team is also working on the camera software to enable 60s exposure at high ISO. There is good progress at the moment. The team is testing the stability and performance of the long exposure modes at the moment.
4) Field testing
We are still unable to perform field tests in the region due to clouds. However, the camera we sent to UK to be tested in Iceland arrived safely.
We hope to get some good news and footage out in the next couple of weeks of the Northern Lights, weather permitting.
The team is also checking with a contact, to see if the camera can be brought to Mt Everest for field testing in April for the Milky Way. Fingers crossed on it going through!
5) Fulfillment Survey
We're finalizing the survey with BackerKit at the moment. We'll be sending out the BackerKit surveys by the end of next week.
6) Production visit
The team has organized a production visit at the end of February. The production partners have been informed of the required parts. Mechanical verification and camera software will be the last details to tie up before we go into production.
We'll keep everyone posted on the progress in updates like this. Stay tuned!
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @thetinymos. We post photos of the R&D process over there more frequently!
Cheers,
Grey & TinyMOS Team
Post-Campaign update!
over 5 years ago
– Mon, Jan 21, 2019 at 07:51:13 PM
Dear Backers,
We hope everyone got a good break over the weekend. We're here to roll out the plan for fulfillment and updates.
The information here is pretty important for timely fulfillment of our rewards, please read this update in its entirety!
Backer Surveys
Backer Survey!
We have been in discussions with several vendors for the post campaign backer surveys. We've tied down with BackerKit, who we've deemed the best vendor for helping us sort through the logistics of the post campaign fulfillment.
We've already run through several backer fulfillment survey checklists. We're going through the final checks now.
The finalized version of the BackerKit survey will be sent out tomorrow. Approximately 8pm Singapore Time (GMT +8:00)
The survey deadline will be: 18/02/19 for us to tie down delivery details
Backer Credit cards
Please ensure correct credit card information was given
There are a number of backers' credit cards payments that were rejected. Kind remember to check if your contribution to the Kickstarter campaign had gone through successfully, so you don't miss the Kickstarter pre-order prices.
Returning TINY1 Backers
We are rewarding our returning backers for their support! Returning TINY1 backers can send us their previous backing records before the survey deadline to enjoy a S$50 (~USD$35) credit to their current NANO1 pledge.
You may send a screen shot of the TINY1 backer page to [email protected] with the subject line: "Returning TINY1 Backers - <Your name>".
We'll credit it to your Backerkit account once verified.
Singapore Backers
NANO1 backers based in Singapore may opt for self-collection from our Singapore Office on Weekdays 10.30am - 6.30pm (except Public Holidays).
We will provide a Calendly link in the Backerkit survey to book an appointment for collection.
NANO1 Community
Meet fellow NANO1 owners and join in the discussions about NANO1 features on our NANO1 Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nano1camera/
InDemand
For backers who have friends/family that missed the Kickstarter campaign, we are now on Indiegogo's inDemand platform.
Reward prices have gone up slightly but it's still at a good discount over retail.
180% Funded! Thank you!
over 5 years ago
– Fri, Jan 18, 2019 at 02:03:05 PM
TinyMOS NANO1 camera is successfully funded!
Thank you!
A very big thank you to all our backers! We managed to cross the finishing line at 180% funded.
Here's what's going to happen next:
TinyMOS is finalizing several hardware design details.
For example the aluminum shell will be fine tuned with the correct surface finish, screen printing of logo, dimensional testing.
Custom manufacturing the removable IR cut filter with our lens manufacturer.
Custom manufacturing screws that closes the face plate of the NANO1.
Die cut lens mount protector
Assorted Len Cap and Body cap manufacturing
TinyMOS is also finalizing delivery software.
Full firmware features testing
Remote application integration
We'll be posting updates of our process and progress every 1-2 weeks. We are planning a factory visit in week 3-4 of February.
Once again, a very big thank you to everyone of you. You made it possible to capture the stars.
Best regards,
Grey & TinyMOS Team
24 Hours Countdown! 75mm lens and semi-rigid case!
over 5 years ago
– Fri, Jan 18, 2019 at 12:16:06 AM
Hello Backers!,
We're almost at the finishing line of the crowdfunding campaign!
NANO1 75mm F2 C mount lens
We've wanted to launch this lens earlier during the campaign, however we wanted to tie down the details of the lens manufacturing as much as possible.
NANO1 75mm F2 lens
The 75mm lens looks impressive on the NANO1. The camera with the lens comes in at 329g. The lens weighing 243g. Its heft it made up by its reach. The lens gives you an equivalent field of view of 412.5mm focal length. It's effectively a small telescope. We imagine it would be good to take images of the Moon with some buildings, like this shot (not taken by us).
Taken with 55mm full frame camera for comparison of the field of view.
Another angle of this lens
From the top
Photos taken with this lens and the NANO1 to come.
New semi-rigid case
We've received feedback that some backers would like to have the case for other accessories as well. We'll be offering the case with a "pre-cubed" foam system that backers can customize the cut-outs for their specific needs.
Getting the rewards
As we're close to the last 24 hours mark, we will be releasing the prices via our fulfillment service, BackerKit instead.
Backers can order add-ons from BackerKit surveys at the end of the campaign.
Thank you all!
Best regards,
Grey & TinyMOS Team
48hours countdown! Box and packaging! Noise reduction algorithm illustrated.
over 5 years ago
– Wed, Jan 16, 2019 at 07:21:08 PM
Hello Backers!
There is just 48 hours till the end of a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign!
We just want to thank you for your support!
We believe that action speaks louder than words. So we're announcing that "The Works" will now officially come with a semi-rigid hard case, with custom foam cut outs.
Here's a prototype of the packaging to show how it will look like.
Unboxing "The Works"
The semi-rigid case is more environmentally friendly than the typical paper/plastic boxes we get out electronics in; which either gets thrown out (looking at Marie Kondo) or collects dust in the corner of the house. The semi-rigid case means the NANO1 is ready to go on the adventures together with you.
Not getting "The Works"? Fret not, we have a small semi rigid case for the NANO1 as well.
NANO1 semi-rigid case prototype
The current prototype is hand cut. We'll be prototyping with die cut foam which will look much better in the final product.
All these improvements are possible because of your support and feedback. Keep the feedback coming and we'll make the NANO1 system even better.
Share!
With only 48 hours to go, we hope you can share about the NANO1's Kickstarter campaign in your own words, on any social media platform or in person.
The NANO1's campaign is easily accessed at get.tinymos.com
Noise reduction
Following our discussion in the comments section, here's a comparison photo for before and after our noise reduction algorithm.
The image sensor fully warmed up after 1 hour of continuous capture at ISO1600, 30s shutter speed, to show the image as noisy as possible. The image is also cropped and displayed at 200% to show the noise more prominently.
Noise reduction - Before & After
The hot pixels and dark noise is effectively removed, without removing the stars. Giving a good image while minimizing star removal that is commonly seen with noise reduction algorithms.
We only have 48 hours left in the campaign, but let us push it further and bring the astronomy imaging innovations to even more people.
