Boba Fett Chest Display Interest Thread $82.50

Vader UK · 06-30-2003, 07:15 AM

Hi all,

First of all, let me introduce myself. My real name is Tristan and I'm from the UK.

Most of you guys may already know Han Hunter (Si) from this board, and I have become friends with him through another project.
Please feel welcome to talk to him about me and this project.

Ok, now my reason for the posting:

Over the past months I have been involved in a project to produce Boba Fett Chest LEDs.

Please make yourself known if you'd be interested in Boba Chest displays. Here is what they will look like when finished:
www.bobauk.com/leds.mpg (MPEG Movie)

The two LEDs on the bottom of the movie are the RF LEDs, please ignore those as they WILL NOT be part of this project.

I am in talks to get this made for people interested, cost will be £45 including worldwide shipping. ($75)

Once the list of people hits 50, I will start production.

Thanks,

-Tristan.

**Bobo** · 06-30-2003, 07:23 AM

Ooooooh, cool! Price is nice too! Good job! I doubt you'll hit 50 though :p...maybe, you never know.

You beat be to it

I was planning on working on a set as well lol!

Bobo

Vader UK · 06-30-2003, 07:27 AM

I know, 50 is a little optimistic. But it's the only way to keep the price low.

If less are made, the price will increase.

We'll see how this goes.

-Tristan

**shackman** · 06-30-2003, 08:43 AM

First off, welcome to the group.

Second, no I'm not here to say anything bad towards any competition.

I just want to say good luck on getting that 50 count. Mine is available for $30 more (including the shipping), but that's because I order/sell mine in small batches. Boards are ordered when I have as few as 2 or 3 interests.

Anyway, good luck. This may be my cue to bow out gracefully ... but hopefully not until I've sold off some of the boards I just ordered.

Thanks,

ATM
ShackMan

**Boba Freekk** · 06-30-2003, 03:20 PM

great price but i still cant afford it

**Colonel Threllvonda** · 06-30-2003, 08:04 PM

I would be interested in getting one!!!!!!!!!! Put me down on the list

Vader UK · 06-30-2003, 11:18 PM

<font size=2 face=verdana>
The list so far..... (Updated 07/08/2003)

1. TK363 - Tony - RPB
2. mekroid - RPB
3. Colonel Threllvonda - TDH
4. DARTH WOLFE - TDH
5. chewies big toe - Steve - RPB
6. NEKROFANATIC - Jason - RPF
7. Blastech - TDH
8. webchief - TDH - Bob Gouveia
9. Defiler - TDH
10. jvasilatos - RPF
11. fett234 - Sean - TDH

-Tristan

**DARTH WOLFE** · 07-01-2003, 06:47 AM

I'd be interested at that price.

**Han Hunter** · 07-02-2003, 04:06 AM

Sorry for the delay in posting, Tristan. As you know, I suffered a nasty wallpapering injury (don't ask!).

Yeah, just to confirm to all, I do know Tristan and confirm he's a stand up chap. Fairly new here, but a veteran on the UK Replica Props Board and veteran costumer (His Vader is pretty darn cool!).

I have one of the chest LED's he's shown above and have to say I'm impressed. A few were made as prototypes, and it's a different company looking at the mass production, so it may be refined slightly.

I've chatted to Tristan about this project in some detail, and if the minimum order of 50 is not reached, We've agreed that I'll speak to the company I have doing the RF servos mentioned in the Helmet forum to see if they can do it without a minimum order for the same price. The project will, or course, remain Tristan's, I'm just trying to help out where I can. I had thought about asking them to do this once the RF thing was developed, but Tristan beat me to it. Well done mate.

So there's the public vote of confidence. Please PM me for the awful truth about Tristan and the incident with the Cucumber, the foil and the airport security scanner. Joking!

Si

**Blastech** · 07-02-2003, 08:58 AM

I am fully interested now. Funds found.

**webchief** · 07-02-2003, 10:04 PM

I'd be interested at that price. Sounds great to me!

**Defiler** · 07-03-2003, 01:52 PM

Put me in the interest list, that price is great.

**DW Design** · 07-07-2003, 07:57 AM

I will take one set if the price stays around the $75.00 range.
Darren

fett234 · 07-07-2003, 06:48 PM

Put me down for a set. That is so wicked.

**ukscout** · 07-10-2003, 05:14 AM

Hi Tristian

Got my chest lights last week from Han Hunter, and there great itching to get them in my alu armour.

cheers

neil
uk-scout

TB7290
www.uk-scout.co.uk
ukbikerscout@hotmail.com

**Blastech** · 07-13-2003, 10:04 AM

Any news on this project?

**Han Hunter** · 08-13-2003, 03:08 AM

Hi Chaps,

Sorry for the delay since Jesse's update request!

I've been chatting to Tristan about this project quite a bit. It's all pretty cool. I have one of the prototypes of these and they rock! Although the PCB is a bit cumbersome (easily hidden in a side pouch though, so no biggie).

Tristan's original supplier was able to do them, but had a really high minimum order (50+ IIRC). If the minimum was not met there was an extra charge (£250 I think) which would have meant it was not economically possible.

Tristan asked me to speak to the guy who is doing the RF servos on my thread about those. I've done that and he is confident that he can do the work, keep it on budget and have a much more flexible minimum order. Much will depend on the final sign up quantity so we won't know for definite for a little while, but it's looking good at the moment.

Given that I already know this guy and Tristan is snowed under with some real life stuff at the moment. He has asked if I would take on the project, which I am happy to do

I shall chat to Mike (the electronics guy) again soon, but he has told me that once the second run of RF servo's is done, he has another project that he urgently needs to work on for a couple of weeks which will take up all of his time.

What I have from him so far is that he can make the units, can tidy up the PCB and make it a little smaller. Any further improvements will be posted if they come to light.

So that's the current status. Updates will follow once I have them, but it may be quiet for a bit while he clears the decks of his other work.

Any questions, PM me or mail me.

::EDIT:: - Just thought, for anyone in a hurry for a chest unit, I think Shackman has a few that he's looking to clear that he could get done quicker. Give him a PM, I'm sure he'll help out if he can.

::End Edit::

Cheers for now.

Si

FettinProgress · 08-23-2003, 07:30 AM

Sign me up
thanks Jay

rdpmackie · 08-23-2003, 08:14 AM

Can't say that I can afford to spend any more money on this project but ...

In the spirit of giving here at the TDH community, how about a tutorial on how to make these ourselves?

Look at it this way; you will still get lots of orders from people that don't want to attempt to make their own.

C'mon ... please ... I'm just a poor bastard with a brand new baby and a mortgage, trying to make my Boba dreams come true.

**BobaFettish** · 08-23-2003, 11:51 AM

You'll find the schematics here, but be forewarned that etching these boards and getting all the components will likely cost you more than $75 unless you buy everything in bulk and sell the extras, as these guys are doing. The last time I priced everything individually, it was close to $100, not including the labor to put it all together.

Edit - Updated link to ESb Chest Display

rdpmackie · 08-24-2003, 04:45 AM

Thanks for the parts pricing info...

If that's the case, I'll just have to do without. Maybe I'll just buy some ****** random safety light for $10. I'm just a cheap/poor bastard that can't justify the expense.

reidemiller · 09-06-2003, 08:22 PM

I need to be added to this list.

Also, can you tell me the dimentions the openings need to be for these lights? I'm working on my Chest Armor and need to know Before I paint them.
That way, when I get these, All I'll have to do is install them

Thanks,
Robert E.

jonjets · 09-07-2003, 04:26 PM

I have the board schematic for the top and bottom chest display.If anyone wants them,email me.

**Rammage** · 09-07-2003, 06:53 PM

I'd be interested in a couple sets. I wouldn't be able to pay for them for another two or three months due to my current Jango project, however.

Boba's next, though, and I will be needing these!

Please keep me posted!

**Han Hunter** · 09-08-2003, 01:32 AM

OK guys, an update, and there's good news and not so good news.

The good news is that this can be done, and my electronics guy has no minumum order.

The not so good news is that the price is up a little. He simply can't do it within the price the last guy could and not have a minumum order. We guess the last guy got a discount on bulk, hence the lower prices.

All is not lost, however, as it's only an increase of $7.50. The price for a set of these is therefore $82.50 and that includes shipping, paypal fees etc.

Because the price has changed, I'll be starting a new list, below so If you have already posted your interest, please re-post it now so I can be sure you're happy with the new price.

Sorry for the delay and for the small increase. It really is unavoidable, but we can now go ahead even if we don't get 50 on board! I'll work in runs of 10 so that the first people that sign up don't have to wait too long.

As for the dimensions, I'll ask him and post here once I get the answer.

Many thanks.

Si

**shackman** · 09-08-2003, 06:29 AM

OK, I'm itching to ask a question ...

I've seen the link to schematics, as well as someone stating they had the schematic they could send out. Are the lights discussed in this thread the same as those I posted the schematic for?

I try to avoid board politics both here and at the RPF, and I don't mean that question to sound inflammatory ... but I'm curious if this is someone's hard work at developing a new circuit, or someone taking the existing circuit and just trying to undercut the price?

Thanks,

ATM
ShackMan

**Han Hunter** · 09-08-2003, 07:15 AM

Hi shackman.

The story behind the development of this project is a bit long winded, but I'll try and cut it down as much as I can. You also have to remember that I have come in half way along so the origins of the tale are shrouded in mystery even to me

OK, Tristan (Vader UK - the guy who started this thread) wanted some chest LED's. He had a contact at a school electronics club and talked the guy into getting the school kids to make the chest LED's as a school project.

it's the God's honest truth. As far as I am aware, the kids did all the R&D cold. i.e Tristan just said "this is what I want - make it for me", and off they went. The display came back. Tristan showed me, I then went and got one from the school as well. The guy there said they couldn't really mass produce them. Plus, without intending any offence to the kids, these things are a little "rough and ready" and the PCB is pretty bulky at approx 4" x 2".

Tristan then spoke to a company about producing them. and they said they could do this, but there was a "tooling charge" of £250 or something if the minimum order of 50 wasn't met.

The interest didn't appear to be likely to get to 50, so Tristan spoke to me about seeing if the guy I got doing the RF servo controllers could do any better.

I sent my schoolkids version to him and said "can you do this LED sequence, but tidy up the PCB, and keep it to $75 inc shipping".

After a bit of a delay he has come back to me and said yes he can do it, but the price is up slightly (as mentioned above). He also said he has reduced the PCB considerably by programming the sequences into one chip that will sit above the upper LED bank.

So, the answer is that as far as I am aware I think it's been individually researched on 2 seperate occasions without direct recourse to your schematics. I have certainly not asked anyone to plagiarise anyone elses work. I just said, "here's an end result, can you make it work for me" and it seems to have done so far. I have little interest in the journey, just the arrival at the end.

I'll gladly send you a pic of my schoolkids PCB if you like, Shackman. I am the furthest there could possibly be from an electronics expert so I couldn't tell you whether what I have is based on your schematics, but even so, the product being offered here is different again, as it's reduced to programming on a chip rather than capacitors and resistors etc. Hope that explains things.

And BTW, your comments were not at all taken in an inflammatory way

Thanks for putting the question in such a level headed way. I can see your point of view completely. I would feel the same way and probably ask the same question if I was in the same position.

Si

**shackman** · 09-08-2003, 07:57 AM

Han Hunter wrote:
I'll gladly send you a pic of my schoolkids PCB if you like, Shackman. I am the furthest there could possibly be from an electronics expert so I couldn't tell you whether what I have is based on your schematics, but even so, the product being offered here is different again, as it's reduced to programming on a chip rather than capacitors and resistors etc. Hope that explains things.

And BTW, your comments were not at all taken in an inflammatory way

Thanks for putting the question in such a level headed way. I can see your point of view completely. I would feel the same way and probably ask the same question if I was in the same position.

Si

Thanks for the breakdown, and no need to send a pic. Like I've mentioned before, I hate board politics, but also dispise those who copy other people's work. You can't help it when it happens, but it happens (I've already been informed that my code has been ripped from at least one of my chips). Speaking of ...

You mentioned not being much into electronics, so this is just to clarify, the resistors and caps don't run sequences on displays. They have other uses.

My circuit DOES use a programmed micro. That's how you change from 2-stage to 3-stage version so easily. If someone has my circuit, all they have to do is swap one chip and it changes the characters.

Anyway, good luck.

Like I said, I saw links to my schematics, as well as other stuff I'd been hearing, all for a circuit only about $20 less than what I've had available for 2 years ... just tripped the radar.

ATM
ShackMan

**Han Hunter** · 09-08-2003, 08:42 AM

No worries

I think Bobafettish linked to your schematics for a newbie who was looking to build a set of these chest LED's.

I know the schoolkids version doesn't use any programming whatsoever - just off the shelf parts, then I sent this to the guy who's now making them and he presumably worked out what was required for programming etc. to get the same results from a more refined PCB.

Glad to clarify. Thanks for the good wishes, too!

Just thought. Something else that also probably tripped the radar is that I asked you the price of your kits a few months back when I started looking at getting a Chest LED set up. At that stage I was looking at getting a set of yours, and wondering about getting the guy who is now doing them to look into it, but shelved that idea because Tristan started this thread. As it turns out, that idea was resurrected, but at the time I had no idea. If I did, I would have waited myself instead of getting a set with a PCB the size of Belgium (no offence kids, the actual display rocks!).

All entirely innocent and co-incidental, but I can see how it might look.

Thanks for understanding and for keeping it cool!

Si

jonjets · 09-09-2003, 07:32 PM

The schemo's i have are the same as shack's,so he's really the man.Sounds like its cheaper to get a made kit,than to d.i.y.I'd buy one,if the dimensions are correct.I have the correct dimensions somewhere,I'll see if i can find 'em,and post them...................(jonny dissapears under a mountain of cd's...........)

**shackman** · 09-10-2003, 06:10 AM

I encourage anyone with the desire (and electronics skill) to build one themselves ... that's the reason I posted the schematics originally. However, it usually comes out cheaper to just buy them (which is why I make them for the non-DIYers) because:

1) If you buy the stuff yourself, and mess it up, that's a good chunk of money to throw away and you end up having to buy one anyway (I've been told this story already). I also know this from personal experience, because I've screwed up a board or two (early on).

2) In order to get the price down for making one yourself, you'd have to buy in bulk. Keep in mind that, for example, I order the circuit boards etched in batchs of about 20 or so. The FettLights aren't as prime an example as I'd like, but to better illustrate my point, I just designed an R2-D2 dome kit. It uses 57 white LEDs, for ONE kit! If you order them on-line, you'd typically pay $2 each. However, I've recently come into contact with an LED manufacturer (thought he doesn't design the types used on the FettLights). I get a good price on those LEDs by ordering 1,000 or more at a time. Whew ...

Just FYI.

ATM
ShackMan

**Han Hunter** · 10-14-2003, 06:07 AM

After a bit of a delay from holidays and in getting parts, this project is back on track.

As it's been so long, kindly post, PM or mail your interest again.

Dom (Nightseye), I know you're still up for it, so I have put you on the list (hard copy list in my diary, not on screen - easier for me to keep track). If you'd care to paypal me the money, I'll get yours ordered right away. Ditto for anyone else who wants to paypal me and knows the details already.

Everyone else, they are ready to be made, so register your interest and sign up. To re-cap, they are £$82.50 inc shipping.

PM or mail me for paypal addy or postal address.

Si

**webchief** · 10-14-2003, 07:10 AM

Man, this is a bummer. I was one of the first to sign up for this but at the time I had the money... now I don't. This couldn't have come back at a worse possible time for me. DOH!

Is this project something that will be around for a while or is this a one time run that has to happen now? If its only now then I guess I'm off the list but if you can wait a bit then I'm back on. Please let me know.

**Han Hunter** · 10-14-2003, 07:34 AM

Bob,

It should be ongoing indefinitely, so let me know when your ready.

There's no minimum order. I'm only doing it in runs because it's easier for me at the moment.

I'll be happy to do one offs in the future, or the guy may put up a link to his website that people can order through.

Si

**Han Hunter** · 10-17-2003, 09:11 AM

The maker has sent me a pic of the first one, done for a guy in Italy.

It looks a lot neater than the one I have by the school. let me tell you!

He says he will be able to reduce the height of the top PCB by a little for future units.

I am waiting to see if he can provide a longer lead between the battery box and the unit.

Any question, post or PM them.

Si

**Jedi-Bob** · 10-17-2003, 09:19 AM

I am not sure, but is there enough space to accomodate the spacing on the armor? Won't the boards hit? I dunno, maybe it's me?

**Han Hunter** · 10-17-2003, 09:32 AM

Should have said, I'm also waiting to hear back if he can get the displays righ up against the edge, too.

Watch this space.

Si

**Han Hunter** · 10-20-2003, 05:20 AM

The maker has got back to me.

Longer power leads: No problem. What length should we go with? I was thinking 24". That should be plenty to get the batteries into a side pouch.

Displays right up to the edge of the PCB: Again, no problem. This will be done on all future units.

Post, PM or mail with any questions. These are ready to be made and shipped.

Si

**shackman** · 10-20-2003, 06:55 AM

I have a question ... or maybe a constructive criticism? Either way, I don't want it sounding like an attack, just something I noticed. Sorry if it's been shown before, but since I was buying, I didn't follow this item too closely.

I noticed in the latest picture of the complete circuit, it shows LED light bars for the top part of the display. According to the Fett experts (which I am NOT one of

), this is not "screen-accurate". While researching my chest circuit a couple of years ago, I was going to use those light bars as well ... makes the cost cheaper, and assembly time MUCH lower. But according to the research I was given, there should be 20 individual rectangular LEDs (2x5 mm LEDs are what I use).

Anyway, just wanted to throw that out there, in case you hadn't come across that before. If you're after accurate, this would need to be changed. If you want to offer a lower cost alternative (like we do on the R2 group ... choices.

), then it's fine.

ATM

**Han Hunter** · 10-20-2003, 07:08 AM

Thanks for the heads up Shack.

I'll speak to the maker. If it'll drive the price way up, perhaps these can be the budget version with yours being the "screen accuracy nut" version.

I have seen 1 pic (an ESB film still I think) where I thought it was lots of little bars as you said, but figured it might be just a poor quality photo. That's what comes of picking up someone else's project halfwat through and not doing all the research yourself

As I said, I'll speak to the maker, but in the meantime, these (as above) are available for anyone who wants them.

Speak to Shackman for the "screen accurate" versions.

Si

**mobius** · 10-21-2003, 10:19 AM

I´m one intrested fett here put me ON THE LIST.

**Han Hunter** · 11-05-2003, 04:38 PM

OK, spoke to the guy again (finally) the 5mmx2mm led's are no problem, they'll be an extra $2.50 as they are slightly more fiddly to put together.

So:

Solid top LED's = $82.50

Multiple mini top LED's = $85.00

All prices include international shipping.

Kindly re-post your interest (if any) stating which version. I'll give it a while then go ahead wigh whoever I have.

Cheers,

Si

Si

Boba Fett Chest Display *Interest Thread* $82.50

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