The MultispeQ combines the functionality of a handheld fluorometer, a chlorophyll meter, and a bench-top spectrometer into one low-cost, modifiable tool that brings lab-quality measurements to field applications. Measure photosynthetic phenotypes in real field conditions, identify biotic and abiotic stresses in plants or algae and collect thousands of data points around the world using collaborators in the PhotosynQ network. The MultispeQ is what you wanted all your other tools to be - affordable, powerful, modifiable, and collaborative by design.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has strongly impacted our community and our companies. The impact has been especially hard on companies who are manufacturing electronic devices such as PhotosynQ. The global shortage of electronic components has presented us with some unexpected problems. First, the costs of key components have increased an average 50%. More challenging, some key components are simply not available, while others have lead times that have increased from weeks to more than 4 months!
Follow this link for an article from Deloitte that explains the impact of electronic manufactures on the global economy:
https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/us-tmt-covid-19-a-black-swan-event-for-the-semiconductor-industry.pdf
One way we are mitigating these problems is to redesign the device to use more available components. This solution will allow us to get the next batches of devices out in as short a time as possible, but at an added cost of design, testing, ordering of new stocks of components, updating firmware and instructions as needed. To accommodate these, we have no choice but to increase the prices for the instruments.
On a positive note, the modifications will allow us to more quickly add additional/improved capabilities. For example, we are very excited to be announcing soon our new rapid stomatal conductance version of the instrument! We hope to maintain our overall pricing strategy (“highest, most cost-effective, instruments for maximal impact”) as the global situation settles. Meanwhile, thank you for your understanding!
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns at support@photosynq.org.
