Official Rangefinder Post/Stalk Thread

Originally posted by glimadyne:

I posted over at the RPF, but I will post here as well. Here is the original post:

pub2.ezboard.com/fswvstit...7666.topic


I have a servo controller board to motorize the rangefinder using a standard servo. The board can be voice activated using an add-on voice recognition board, or you can use standard pushbuttons to move the rangefinder (or even an IR/RF link).

The controller board also controls 2 LEDs that can be put in the solid rangefinder head, and these LEDs automatically come on when the rangefinder is in the down position. You have to run some wires up the stalk to the rangefinder head, and Braks is working on someway to hide the wires.

Let me know if you are interested! Price for the servo boards will be around $60. You can add on the servo if you like and voice rec board, or I can assemble everything for you.






[center]<font color="#FF00FF">One thing's for sure, we're all gonna be alot thinner
http://www.hyperdynelabs.com/images/smlogohl.jpg
<font color="#00FFFF" size="1">It may be that your whole purpose in life is simply to serve as awarning to others
People with narrow minds usually have broad tongues
The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard

Originally posted by Braks Buddy:

For anyone who is new here and doesn't know who Glim is, let me just say that he is THE MASTER of electronics! His stuff is second to NONE! I know some have expressed concern at Glim's prices in the past but in this case the phrase "you get what you pay for" has a lot of meaning. You may find similar setups for less but if you want professional quality, Glim is really your only option. We are very fortunate to fall under Glim's area of interest.

Restless soul, enjoy your youth - Eddie Vedder

Originally posted by glimadyne:

For those of you who have hollow rangefinder heads and want a simple mini LED board, I designed one that will fit in the head, control both LEDs, and run off 2 watch batteries.

The board has a tilt sensor and is activated when the rangefinder comes down past 30-45 degrees.

You also can choose between 4 different scanning patterns! The standard wig wag, one that mimics the pinging sound (Braks simulated this), a random pattern, and one other I havent thought of yet! You choose the pattern using jumper wires.

Let me know if you are interested. Assembled boards might cost between $40-$50, depending on the number I get made. I am also considering offering kits which are not assembled for cheaper...





[center]<font color="#FF00FF">One thing's for sure, we're all gonna be alot thinner
http://www.hyperdynelabs.com/images/smlogohl.jpg
<font color="#00FFFF" size="1">It may be that your whole purpose in life is simply to serve as awarning to others
People with narrow minds usually have broad tongues
The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard

Originally posted by WebChief:

I've got a couple of photos to share. These are the lights that have been installed into my Fett helmet's rangefinder.

These lights will only be lit when the rangefinder is in the down position. The same friend who created my chest lights is constructing these lights. Thank you Ed!!!!

The rangefinder is going to be motor driven so that it moves by pushing a wired switch on my right gauntlet. Once fully down, the red lights on top begin blinking (alternately) and the green lights on the underside come on to reflect off of my face shield to appear like some sort of "heads up display". I can't wait to see it all together!

Bob-A-Fett
a.k.a. WebChief

http://www.boomspeed.com/webchief/redlight.jpg

http://www.boomspeed.com/webchief/greenlight.jpg

"What we do in life...echoes in eternity!"

Originally posted by MaxPlague:

Hmm, interesting and looks good to me. How are you powering this? Are you batteries gonna be contained in the RF itself? Or are you running wires into the helmet...and if so, are you using a hollow rangefinder post?

"There is no emoticon to express what I feel right now."

Originally posted by WebChief:

Wow! From famine to feast! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol">

Well... let's start:

Darthgoat: If your interested, I can talk with Ed (the guy I work with who's creating the electronics for my suit) about building you a set. I've already told him that there might be an interest out there by people in buying these from him. I'll see what he says.

MaxPlague: Currently the power is coming externally but when completed, it will all be housed inside the top part of the rangefinder. I believe Ed said that he was going to power it with a watch battery (or two). I'm no electrical engineer so I'm not sure exactly what he's got in mind. He'll figure it out and then I'll let you know.

SSJFett: Thanks! I'm still waiting to see those pics of your helmet. I want to see what I've inspired...<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol"> <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol">

"What we do in life...echoes in eternity!"

Originally posted by glimadyne:

Nice job. I like the green LEDs, pretty cool!

FWIW, I just got done making a batch of something similar. Although mine also has a pinging sound in it also and the batteries are internal to the rangefinder.

I also have a servo controller to motorize the rangefinder. (www.hyperdynelabs.com/servo.htm )

Here are the data sheets on the circuits if you are interested:

www.hyperdynelabs.com/doc...0board.pdf

www.hyperdynelabs.com/doc...0board.pdf





[center]<font color="#FF00FF">One thing's for sure, we're all gonna be alot thinner
http://www.hyperdynelabs.com/images/smlogohl.jpg
<font color="#00FFFF" size="1">It may be that your whole purpose in life is simply to serve as awarning to others
People with narrow minds usually have broad tongues
The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard

Ok, I have to admit to a total lack of ability with electronics. I bought the little parts and led's and stuff to do it "right", but they all just laid their on the workbench, mocking me in their refusal to do what I wanted.

I was lightless.

Then I saw it...in a candy store...with a soft glow around it's display case...beckoning me to purchase it. It was a truly laughable product. "Belly Lights", it said. The package advertised that I could "Get that pierced look- without your parents' angry glares!" I laughed, then realized that these were tiny little lights that were extremely bright, and fit into a casing half the size of the tip of my little finger. It was really cheap, and it even came with two sets of batteries, so I figured I'd try it.

It took me about five minutes to melt a small slit into the top of my rangefinder and glue the tiny light in. The top of my rangefinder pops out and in, and stays put unless I wedge it out with a knife. Your milage may vary. I used a little hot glue to stick the "belly light" onto the inside of the top of the rangefinder, then popped the top plate back in.

The lights look bright in broad daylight and alternate flashing between red and green. They are not visible in my pictures, but are cleary visible and bright from at least 20 feet away in daylight. Hey, these are supposed to be attracting males to my belly button from across the club. They've got to be bright. :) (Side note: I suppose the theory behind this bizarre product was that alternately flashing red and green lights in your belly button would look sexually alluring. I could possibly see that, if you were an android or something. I don't know what human male would like this.)

The light twists on and off, so I have to pop open the rangefinder to turn it on and off. Since the lights are tiny and fit inside the range, there are no red and green lights sticking out the top of the range finder like the "real" Fett has. Oh well. I will cry the whole time I think of that while I am flashing people with my alluring belly lights. :) For something that took five minutes and cost 6 bucks (including TWO sets of batteries!!) I'm happy. I'm going to get some more and stick at least one in my jet pack somewhere.

Pics:

Top of rangefinder (inside) (edit: The white stuff is foam that is supposed to keep the thing inside your belly button. You can tear it off. The brassy part is the actual light)
http://home.earthlink.net/~lab88/range1.jpg

From front (hole visible but lights are not)
http://home.earthlink.net/~lab88/ledlights.jpg

I found a website where you can get them. www.lightmybelly.com. You can do a search for "belly lights" and find more as well. They have different colors, too. The lights look NOTHING like the "demonstration" they have of them.

The candy store I found them at was Sweet Factory.

Originally posted by RICHIES ARMOR:

I was chatting with a guy who some years ago claimed he had a "Screen Used" Fett costume. Could it be the missing ESB suit?? Well Ill prob never know since I took him with a grain of salt and now have no way to follow thru.

Heres the interesting part. He claimed that the RF was simplly the needle arm and end off an old record player. The shape would be about right and I could see a needle lying at the end to touch the record.( Not literally!!) HMMMMM!!!

Interesting!!

Well I blew him off but he did make several revolations that now seem to fit in hind sight! He knew a few things about the harness etc that not everyone would know.

Food for Thought!!

BB, contact me when you can I need some help with a few details. BTW. Your piece is in the mail.

Thanks

Richie

<CENTER><img src=http://members.home.net/psiwolf11/dsplogosig.jpg></CENTER>
<CENTER><a href=http://www.dark-sideproductions.com>www.DARK-SIDE PRODUCTIONS.com</a></CENTER>

Originally posted by fettcicle:

Humm... I had an old record player from that time(1970's) and the arm and tip weren't that big. I have a time clock at work, with a lever that you hit to stamp out the time, that lever looked allot like the top of the range finder. I will see if I can find some pics of this. Looked but nothing close, will get the name of the clock from work and do some searching.

Originally posted by imprissonedfett:

I was searching ebay for this part and stumbled across something. It is an audiotronics record player. you can't see it from the side so I don't know if it is the match. On photo 26 of Brak's MOM pics there are little bumps on the top of the range finder other than the LEDs. These are seen on the audiotronics record player part. The url is: cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayI...1281406035
Someone please add their input to this.

Originally posted by fettcicle:

Looks like the type we used in school, I wonder if the range finder is not the part that held the needle but the part that attached to the record player itself, hummmmm. Another record player http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?...amp;p=55011000 http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?...amp;p=55010999 I can see the simularities.

Originally posted by RICHIES ARMOR:

Something else to point out. If it is a record player arm it would be hollow allowing the wires for the LEDs to pass thru. Slave 1 posted pics for the SW to Indiana Jones book which shows oart of the RF stalk falling away. HMMMM!!!!

The heads or needle end of most record players swivel up and down and side to side. This may account for the 90 degree angle of the Fett RF.

Richie

<CENTER><img src=http://members.home.net/psiwolf11/dsplogosig.jpg></CENTER>
<CENTER><a href=http://www.dark-sideproductions.com>www.DARK-SIDE PRODUCTIONS.com</a></CENTER>

Originally posted by imprissonedfett:

Does this record player look somewhat close? I will still look.

Originally posted by TK1028:

GREAT INPUT RICHIE! Nice Job!

THANKS!

Fettcicle, what unit is pictured in your last post? Do you know the company name, a model number, the date of manufature?
http://TK1028.homestead.com/files/Ra...MoMandAoSW.jpg

Chris Skidmore
"I'm just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe"
SergeantTK1028@aol.com

<a href=http://pub82.ezboard.com/basyouwish>Visit the Board That is Nuthin’ But Fett</a>

Originally posted by fettcicle:

Its a Panasonic model 70.

Originally posted by TK1028:

-cicle, is this your own possession, or is it up on eBay or something? If it is yours, could you take a pic of the underside of the needle holder. I don't think the Panasonic 70 is the exact model, but man, some parts look hauntingly similar. If you could get a pic of the "clear" plastic part, that could really let us know if the real item is a Panasonic.

THANKS!

Chris Skidmore
"I'm just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe"
SergeantTK1028@aol.com

<a href=http://pub82.ezboard.com/basyouwish>Visit the Board That is Nuthin’ But Fett</a>

Originally posted by Braks Buddy:

I believe the part you are referring to is called a headshell or cartridge mount. Here are a few... Looks very suspicious to me...

http://www.garage-a-records.com/jpgs/mounts.jpg

Restless soul, enjoy your youth - Eddie Vedder

Originally posted by imprissonedfett:

Look at ZB-27 ans ZB-56. they look pretty close to me.

Originally posted by fettcicle:

Its my granny's , but looks can be deceiving. I think it is a little small to be the rangefinder, but looking similar. The bottom portion can be totally removed by taking out some screws leaving it completely hollow. Like I said before I think it is the end that attaches to the record player itself , and not the tip, that would be the rangefinder (just guessing here) <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)">
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?...amp;p=55089602

Originally posted by TK1028:

WOOOOO HOOOOO, I think you're all really onto something here. Ritchie, Fettcicle, BB-- you're all AWESOME.
Look at those holes on ZB27 what if we found one that had holes just in the right place for LEDs, would be proof positive!

BB, do you think we are looking for the shell, or the head? Maybe it's the head:
http://TK1028.homestead.com/files/Panasonic70.jpg


Chris Skidmore
"I'm just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe"
SergeantTK1028@aol.com

<a href=http://pub82.ezboard.com/basyouwish>Visit the Board That is Nuthin’ But Fett</a>

Originally posted by imprissonedfett:

So as I said ZB27 looks pretty close. Correct? Ill check out some auntique stores or pawn shops friday, saturday, and sunday.

Originally posted by SITHcamaro:

If you think about it...ZB-52 looks like the piece that the back of the right gauntlet where the hose connects. I spotted it because I installed a cable screw in port in mine to help hold the hose...it looks just like my piece now.

Originally posted by Slave1:

I'll post my observation here as well as the RPF . . .



Hey thanks for posting that pic. It illustrates one of the things I noted at MOM yesterday . . . the MOM rangefinder is lacking the squarish box part on the bottom. In its place are three raised lines.

Also, you look at those pics. Where'd the red and blue little LEDs on the stalk come from? Is there any end to the variations on this costume?

Did anyone ever decide if the rangefinder really was made from an arm from a record player?

Mark
mafight@tampabay.rr.com

As requested, here is the pic of the guts of my Rangefinder.

http://forum.thedentedhelmet.com/vie...ic=897&forum=2

Between the two sets of Batts, are two green flashing LED's
in case you can't see them clearly.

The Mercury Switch is "Very Tiny" and is in the bottom left hand corner of the pic. Used super glue to mount run the wire securely. The circuit board in the top right is a flasher, only because I didn't have any green blinking led's on me at the time, so you really don't need this part if you get blinkers. The Red Led's in the Lid of the finder are blinkers, and they are painted black from behind, so no red shows through the bottom where only green is flashing in the down position on the visor of the helmet.

The bottom of the finder has semi clear diamond pattern plastic installed ,(the stuff used to cover floresent lights in offices) to create a strobe effect when flashing green on the helemt visor.

Anyway, have fun with it. I'm sure there are better idea's out there, but at leat there are no wires running down the stem.

Chris

<IMG SRC=http://www.ezshots.com/members/fettpride/images/fettpride-15.jpg>

<IMG SRC=http://www.ezshots.com/members/fettpride/images/fettpride-16.jpg>

I have reposted this from the RPF at the request of some guys here. Enjoy the pics and movies!!!!!

I just completed this for a fellow RPFer. The electronics upgrade to the helmet include:

1) tilt activated LED and sound board in the rangefinder head.
2) servo motorized rangefinder for automatic up and down action.
3) voice recognition board to control the rangefinder position hands free.
4) button override to manually control the rangefinder.

This was a bear to install, but oh how sweet it is to play with!! Man, I sure wish I had a bad a$$ Fett helmet like this one. I really would like to keep this, but I dont think the owner would like it! :lol

At any rate, here are a few pics of the RF in action:

(Open these up in QUICKTIME)
http://www.hyperdynelabs.com/misc/fe..._working_2.avi (voice mode)
http://www.hyperdynelabs.com/misc/fe..._working_1.avi (button override mode)

And here are a few (big) pics of the install details:

http://www.hyperdynelabs.com/misc/fe...t_inside_1.jpg

http://www.hyperdynelabs.com/misc/fe...t_inside_2.jpg

http://www.hyperdynelabs.com/misc/fett_rf_guts.jpg


Let me know what you think!!

I can always do more, but there is a price tag attached. The upshot is that most of the install work can be done yourself, saving you some bucks. If you are interested, you can see more about the servo controller board from my site:

http://www.hyperdynelabs.com/servo.htm

I sell the servo controller boards with the servo for $90. The tilt activated RF LED and pinging board costs $55. You can also buy the voice rec board online, but you will have to assemble it yourself. I can do all the assembly for the voice rec board, servo board, and servo for around $200. If you want to run wires from the helmet to the RF head, then the servo board will handle the LEDs. Otherwise if you have a hollow RF head, you can get the tilt activated RF LED board separate and install it.

Once you have everything, all you have to do is install it in your helmet. Feel free to email me if you have any questions!

The rangefinder is the black thing on top. Do you need the measurements for that or for the stalk (the long metal piece)?

EDIT: Okay, my resin rangefinder is:
2-11/16" long (top view looking down at it),
1-1/4" wide (same view, at each end) with the middle (fatter) section being 1-1/2",
1" tall (thick end by stalk) tapering down to
5/16" tall (thin end).

Now don't forget that the ESB helmet has a two smaller tiers on the bottom of the rangefinder, while the ROTJ version only has one. The stalk is 5-5/16" tall from the top of the ear cap to the bottom of the rangefinder. The total length is more, but I'd have to pop my ear cap & rangefinder off to get that total measurement.

I hope I explained this clear enough.

Anyone with a RA aluminum antenna stalk, please, read on.

How does one attach the new metal stalk to the original rangefinder? The part that actually connects to the rangefinder seems to be too tall. Any help would be great, thanks.

Hey Feth,

I trimmed the top and used the stud method. After trimming the top, I drilled holes, inserted 8x1 machine screws, and then drilled two holes in the bottom of the RF and then secured with nuts from the inside.

<IMG SRC=http://www.ezshots.com/members/fettpride/images/fettpride-59.jpg>


The EASIER way, is to NOT trim the stalk, and cut a hole in the bottom of the hollow rangefinder, and stick the stalk through it from the top (so the stalk goes in bottom first), and the top angular portion of the stalk should nest in there nicely. Glue or epoxy to suit. If you will be putting electronics in, I suggest the first method.


<IMG SRC=http://www.ezshots.com/members/fettpride/images/fettpride-60.jpg>


Of course, neither of these methods will work if you have a Solid resin rangefinder for your alum stalk. If it is resin, you have to "Hog" out the bottom of the Resin RF (Rotary Tool, and Drill), trim the Alum Stalk and insert the Stalk up inside it. I don't have pics of this method though.


Hope this helps with some ideas.

Chris

Very much. I plan on putting LED's into the RF, so I'll use the first method. BTW, how did you cut the aluminum? What did you use? Thanks again.

I used a Dremel to cut the stalk, believe it or not :)

It took two heavy duty "Cut Off Discs" but it worked. Just wear eye protection. I really don't recommend doing it that way though. It's dangerous. If you have a "Chop Saw/MiterSaw" you can get blade for it that specially made for cutting steel. That way it would be a swift, quick, and plenty safer cut.

I can't emphasize it enough, Be careful :)

Chris

I hear ya. I was stupidly cutting a peice of sintra with my dremel with nothing on my eyes. And. Murphy's Law, a peice of hot plastic shot into my eye. I got it out, but it could have been worse. Thanks for the help.

OK GUYS I MADE MY HELMET OUT OF ALUMINUM. nOW AS for the
range finder well i also made mines out metal brass for the long part and aluminum for the top piece. Now i don't know if you guys might of seened my aluminum helmet it was posted here but now no longer i don't know what happened to the pics.
If you guys truly want just the rangefinder made out of metal i might be able to help by making them myself . I'll do my best and remember they will be made by hand no machinery .

Just to clarify this, the stalk/antenna is the long metal piece that is attached to the right earpiece, and the rangefinder is the black square shaped piece that sits on top of the stalk. Now back to your regularly scheduled program.....

I'm beginning work on the rangefinder. Trying to decide on two blinking led's (is that correct?) and or a working laser!

Would that be cool or what?!

Opinions wanted!

:)

Ahhhhhhh blinking lights indeed.....

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/bbt/e..._animation.htm

Hmmm... how about a working YAG (Yytrium Aluminum Garnet) laser? It's a nice red color and will cut metal! BWAHAHAhahaahahahaaaaa... :evil

Actually, YAG lasers require a flash coil and other components that would never fit in the rangefinder housing. It would have to be a solid-state laser diode (like a Helium/Neon diode) like those commonly found in "laser pointers"... It won't cut metal, but it might scare a few people! :D I've got way too much free time on my hands... ;)

Look around hardware stores. Often they will have stuff to make one for under $5. I've seen one made from a square barbecue spit and scrap metal that cost $3.

the stalk you can pick up at hardware store for two or three bucks, just a flat metal piece, the rangefinder can be shaped out of a block of wood.

I hate saying things like "I WILL HAVE" but I will have metal stalks and rangefinders soon. They will be cast aluminum. I'm using a Deluxe casting and will modify the top to have the mock leds like those seen on Jango's helmet. But if it's the stalk only you're after then by golly, go to the hardware store and find a nice straight piece of aluminum and replace the cruddy plastic stuff. A bit of glue, bondo, JBweld... whatever should do the trick :)

I got one of Hyperdyne's rangefinder kits a while back, and it's the most fun i've had with my lid! But, I have a problem... I've got a metal stalk and have found no way (so far) of getting the nylon 'gear' that locks in to the servo to stick to the bloody stalk! I figure what I have to do is somehow reces a square hole about 1mm deep in to the stalk, then cut the gear to size, but.... how the hell do i do it?!?! Any one done anything like this before, or know what sort of place can?

i was doing a search on bh9047 which is my 501st TK-ID and i found this page.

http://www.joul.co.kr/viewproduct_2_j.html

it is in korean but the item pictured looks similar to the rangefinder. does anyone know what the hell that thing is?

or does anyone know anyone that can translate the page to english?

edit:
ok its a bolt heater. could i be onto something here?

Awesome! Could you maybe provide sources for the hardware you used or have you done that already?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by UnFathomable

Awesome! Could you maybe provide sources for the hardware you used or have you done that already?

---

I don't want to sound harsh, but this thread is dead for 10 years and some of the members (and guests) are no longer active posters. There are some threads that may cover your needs:

RF Servo by td2253 ==> Rangefinder Servo Tutorial
RF Remote and LEDS by salamanderking ==> RC Remote Rangefinder ESB/ROTJ
RF LEDs by salamanderking ==> My New RF Light