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Spat Motion Tracker build/review http://forum.alienslegacy.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=13538 |
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Author: | Seth B [ Sat Aug 17, 2013 3:26 pm ] |
Post subject: | Spat Motion Tracker build/review |
I picked this up a couple of weeks ago, and decided it would be a shame to not have it at Dragoncon, so here's my quick and possibly dirty build. Here is everything, prior to paint or assembly. The only thing I did prior to taking this picture is wash all of the parts, and trim some paper-thin flashing off of a couple of the smaller pieces (pump widget, flat thingy that goes on top of handle). The parts are all sharp, there are minimal sprues, and the only part that had bubbles worth filling was the bottom of the handle (you'll see later I didn't get to that yet, and for some dumb reason left it for after the thing is fully built). I love the Fresnel lens, I know it's a simple piece of clear pressure-cast resin, but it looks so cool. ![]() Black parts after some paint. I had to sand the edge of the lens a little in order for it to snap in place, but it is secure without glue or a mechanical fastener. ![]() Partially assembled and primed. Most of the parts can be screwed together, the keypad has cast-in countersunk screw holes. ![]() Here's the interior of the Kango body, you can see the screws I used. The top is also mostly hollow, and the small detail parts can be screwed from the inside. For those parts, I positioned them with CA glue, then predrilled & screwed them in from the inside. If you're inclined add electronics there is a fair amount of space within the Kango body and the slide viewer. ![]() The Kango top comes with the "screen" area cast solid. I decided to cut the area out so I could install a screen. The front half of it is hollow inside, but I had to dremel out the back half. Forgive my lousy dremel work, I haven't used that thing in a while and I've clearly lost my touch. ![]() [scene missing] Sorry, I got a fire under my tail and put everything together without taking any more photos, although there really wasn't much more done aside from painting. The only significant thing I did that I failed to take a picture of is instead of drilling a 1/4" hole in the side for the slide viewer to plug in to, I installed a 1/4" female jack part into the side of the Kango body. This allows the viewer to pivot without coming out. I used a 1/4-1/8 jack adapter (a < $5 item). The installation involved drilling a hole that the jack would fit into, and gluing it into place. All that is left is to install two swivel mounts for the strap, and to touch up some paint. The build didn't take much time, and everything fit together with minimal effort. It's also notable that the slide viewer halves snap together securely, allowing one to change the picture behind the view screen, or access added electronics. The screen is from a google picture result, and the keypad is a file that was posted here on the board. For reference, the print size on them was 64mmx50mm and 45mmx34mm respectively. The large black wire is from a guitar patch cord, and the headphone jack & wire is from a pair of headphones. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Author: | Spatman [ Sat Aug 17, 2013 3:43 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
A thing of beauty!!! |
Author: | trouble [ Sat Aug 17, 2013 3:46 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
Looking good, Seth! And as usual, Spat made a great prop kit! |
Author: | ilovethecorps [ Sat Aug 17, 2013 4:46 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
What was the 'original' pump widget really off? |
Author: | PVB [ Sat Aug 17, 2013 5:07 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: |
ilovethecorps wrote: What was the 'original' pump widget really off? It was from an aneroid sphygmomanometer (vintage blood pressure tester). |
Author: | Valdez [ Sat Aug 17, 2013 7:27 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
Its a trophy of cleanliness. Dirty it up! |
Author: | MattRendar [ Sat Aug 17, 2013 8:22 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
Looks awesome. Can't wait to get one soon! Great work and thanks for sharing the pics. Very cool |
Author: | nick-a-tron [ Sat Aug 17, 2013 10:05 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
Great job! A few things you could do though to bump up the accuracy... Your calculation panel above the minilight is upside down. Trim the tip of the self timer, spat has cast in the tip which should be removed. Shave off the panel on the bottom of the viewer box and replace with the real deal or cast. The edge of the panel with the semi circle should be on the edge of the box. |
Author: | Spatman [ Sat Aug 17, 2013 11:24 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Spat Motion Tracker build/review |
Thanks for the comments, Nick. I'm not sure I understand what the issue with the Slide Viewer is, but I do have to challenge you on the Self Timer. According to the pic that Willie posted of the original Tracker in San Diego (and as best as my eyes can see it), the timer is complete, not trimmed. Attachment: Of course, there was more than one Tracker on set, so maybe some were trimmed and some were not. I'm going to continue leaving mine whole. |
Author: | Willie Goldman [ Sun Aug 18, 2013 12:21 am ] |
Post subject: | |
Awesome kit Spat... Do these pics help at all (not sure what you're looking for?) ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Author: | Spatman [ Sun Aug 18, 2013 3:24 am ] |
Post subject: | |
That's definitely a different Tracker from the one on display at SDCC. |
Author: | Willie Goldman [ Sun Aug 18, 2013 6:37 am ] |
Post subject: | |
IIRC the one at Comic-Con was the single hero, while this was one of the non-functional stunts. |
Author: | SSgt Burton [ Sun Aug 18, 2013 4:08 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Spat Motion Tracker build/review |
That is one nice looking kit, and a great build job! ![]() Kevin |
Author: | Spatman [ Sun Aug 18, 2013 5:09 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
Thanks Nick! Looks like we cut it too short. Luckily my Slide Viewers are cast to be easy to open, take apart and swap. After DragonCon I'll either cast up a replacement lower, or make a plate that people can glue over the current lower and bring it up to spec. |
Author: | Seth B [ Mon Aug 19, 2013 6:15 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: |
nick-a-tron wrote: Your calculation panel above the minilight is upside down. Doh! Thank you! |
Author: | Russ Krook III [ Mon Aug 19, 2013 9:04 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
Great looking kit! If I didn't own the MR, I'd be after one of these! |
Author: | Dropshipbob [ Tue Aug 20, 2013 3:53 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
Great work Spat! Great build-up Seth! |
Author: | pelikan [ Fri Aug 23, 2013 8:30 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
Hmm, could mod one to hold an iPhone, use the motion tracker app for the screen. |
Author: | Seth B [ Fri Aug 23, 2013 9:31 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
If money were no object, I'd add this. |
Author: | Spatman [ Fri Aug 23, 2013 9:46 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
I'm just dying to see one of those up close! |
Author: | Spatman [ Fri Aug 23, 2013 9:54 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
I just watched the demo video and it sounded like the beeps were too fast for my tastes. And there really needs to be one with a built in compass that will turn when you turn. THAT will be the ultimate electronics package for a Motion Tracker! |
Author: | 577_ops [ Fri Aug 23, 2013 10:04 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: |
Spatman wrote: I just watched the demo video and it sounded like the beeps were too fast for my tastes. And there really needs to be one with a built in compass that will turn when you turn. THAT will be the ultimate electronics package for a Motion Tracker! Agreed. Perhaps an Android device with the MT App and Compass installed. I haven't seen any Media Player at this (small) size lately, though. Frank |
Author: | Seth B [ Sat Aug 24, 2013 2:36 am ] |
Post subject: | |
Someone should just open up an MR and duplicate the electronics. It's probably really simple. (I think Spat gets credit for this idea) |
Author: | Spatman [ Sat Aug 24, 2013 3:26 am ] |
Post subject: | |
I've been saying it for a while. But no one listens to me.... I would gut mt MR Tracker, but I sold it to Kevin Smith. ![]() |
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