Shackman Vs. TK409 Chest Display compare

[evan4218]

As promiced both my self and the great Batninja got together with our chest displays to get some good pics showing the differences. Here is what we found.

Sadly we didnt have a set of chest armor to try them out in. I do know that the TK409 dosnt quite fit for the BM chest windo. But in my opinion short of custom cutting the window few will work.

The animations vary slightly on them, the brightness and size of the TK409 is great thought the shackman is shorter. Enjoy the pics and the video!

Thanks Batninja for bringing your display so we could do this!!!

*The brighter display with the white box LED and no ribbon is the TK409, the 2 part display with the black LED and ribbon is the Shackman display.

MY THOUGHTS: I think there both great and I dont usualy say that and mean it like this but its true... I want a shackman and I want to keep my TK409... there different but both good... I also plan on owning several sets of armor..

So great work TK409 and Shackman :cheers
We love your displays!!!:love

 

[evan4218]

Movie links:

http://www.eisenberg-client.com/chestdisplay1.MOV

http://www.eisenberg-client.com/chestdisplay2.MOV

 

[batninja]

Here's another shot of them side by side.

And here's another movie for those without QuickTime (complete with "Hotel California" Karaoke Drunk Woman soundtrack):

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v715/batninja/Fett Progress 2006/?action=view&current=MOV01012.flv

 

[MacRory]

In your professional opinions the Shackman would better fit a BM chest piece due to it's narrower width?

 

[evan4218]

Yes, you would have to modify your display window on your BM armor for your TK409 to fit correctly!

 

[batninja]

Is the BM hole in the correct position to begin with? Would the modification be in the wrong place?

Another option would be to cut a horizontal slit in the vest (button-hole the edges) so that the exposed edge of the TK409 board slides inside the slit (behind the vest), effectively hiding it. Here's a crude sketch:

I did this once before on an old vest, because I cut the display slots in the wrong place on the armor. Rather than re-working the slots (Bondo, putty, sand, etc), I cut a slit in the vest to slide the circuit board through. Problem solved.

 

[Ripcode]

Is the BM hole in the correct position to begin with? Would the modification be in the wrong place?

Another option would be to cut a horizontal slit in the vest (button-hole the edges) so that the exposed edge of the TK409 board slides inside the slit, effectively hiding it.

I have the BM armor and the TK409 lights. The TK409 board is hidden behind the BM armor. It looks like the lower slot needs to made a little taller. I can get the exact dimensions and/or pic of the BM slots at lunchtime.

Right from TK409's website:

If your armor slots are cut to this size, our display will fit perfectly: (Thanks Brak's Buddy)

Length of slots: 43mm
Height of top slot: 4mm
Distance between slots: 8mm
Height of bottom slot: 8mm

 

[evan4218]

To match the placement on the ROTJ and SE armor I have been digitising into BM stencils it would need to move down and to your right about a quarter inch or so.

Here is a diagram!

 

[Ripcode]

To match the placement on the ROTJ and SE armor I have been digitising into BM stencils it would need to move down and to your right about a quarter inch or so.

Here is a diagram!

You're not making me happy here.... :facepalm

Ugh... To keep it the way it is or to change it.... :confused

 

[evan4218]

Visualy BMs widow gives the overall same effect... it has the same "Feel" as the origonal armor... it is a tad bit smaller there for the placement of the window makes a little bit more sence where it is, I would think, but my diagram is sowing the widow moved with the size difference in mind, shrinking the strait on shot in photoshop to fit the BM plate exactly. I think it is more or less vissualy centered from left to right on the MOM armor, design wise.

 

[Ripcode]

Here is the BM armor with TK409 lights:

The slots measure:

Length of slots: 48mm
Height of top slot: 5mm
Distance between slots: 7mm
Height of bottom slot: 9mm

 

[evan4218]

Thanks for posting that man!!! Its good to know they both fit.

 

[Wes]

I just used a file and ground down the bottom slot about 1\8" and the 409 lights fit just right. I'll post a pic later

 

[Ripcode]

I just used a file and ground down the bottom slot about 1\8" and the 409 lights fit just right. I'll post a pic later

Yup... that is all that is needed to make it fit.

 

[Wes]

Yup... that is all that is needed to make it fit.

Yep, wasn't as bad as it sounded when you mentioned it to me...

 

[Ripcode]

Yep, wasn't as bad as it sounded when you mentioned it to me...

Sometimes I have a hard time explaining things...

 

[Jango Fett Jr]

Great comparison guys! I love seeing stuff like this.

 

[imperialissue]

To match the placement on the ROTJ and SE armor I have been digitising into BM stencils it would need to move down and to your right about a quarter inch or so.

Here is a diagram!

Love the diagram!
Nice job.

 

[pennywise]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think TK409's lights were made for MLC armor.

 

[LionsPride]

Thats good to know, I have MLC armor..

Think my wife would mind a nice set of TK 409 chest lights for Mothers Day ?

ahh cmon, it would be kinda like the gifts I get for Birthdays and Fathers days, you know, over sized sweatshirts and flanel PJ's that conveniently don't fit me that she wears lounging around the house..

Can't blame a Fett for trying LOL


BTW, great comparison, thanks for sizing them up for us. Both look very well made.

for TK409
for Shackman