Photo by Paula Carrington, Texas Spirits Research Team

When the MiniBox was just a dream, ASUP Coordinator Rick Moran went on record saying that if and when the group developed their own device, they would make it available to anyone who wanted it for true research. The first part of that promise was made a reality when ASUP’s Director of Research and Development Ron Ricketts was given all rights to manufacture the box for retail sales; anyone with $400 dollars could then own the box.

Shortly after that, Rick was asked on nationwide radio if he would be willing to make the MiniBox available to groups who just did not have the money for the device. Another “box” builder was on that show and answered that the device was too time consuming and expensive to build and just give away, but Moran suggested that there might be a way. He proposed that he would go back to his Board of Directors and suggest a short term loaner program for legitimate researchers.

Last month (April, 2008) the board approved the idea under a provision of the ASUP’s constitution that supports education and promises assistance to other organizations with similar goals.

Effective June 1st, any legitimate research group can request a loaner MiniBox for evaluation purposes for the duration of two weeks. It is assumed the recipients will plan testing of the device in advance of the expected receipt date of the unit and then be able to do their own testing.

There are only a couple of provisos in the program. First, the group must be recognized as a research group, thus they must be registered or incorporated. They must have a Federal EIN number, which any legitimate group must have by law and they must fill out an application form. Once approved, the coordinator or other officer must send the ASUP a valid credit card number to be held in the event that the unit is lost, damaged or stolen. The group will also be sent some research forms from the ASUP, showing just how the device was tested, where and when. The MiniBox will be scheduled out on a first come, first serve basis via insured priority mail and should be returned the same way. We will give priority to TAPS Family Members; however, as they have already been screened and proven to be legitimate.

Ample time will be added to the two week loaner period for the shipping and return of the unit.

Any group that now wishes to apply for the loaner program is welcome to do so by sending us the attached form for consideration, the application process can be done by e-mail and decision are made the same day that we receive the form. The link to application is accessible beneath this notice.

 

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