Matty PKE teardown and IONA comparison (pic intensive)

[jackdoud]

Here you go, starting with opening the shipping box and then removing all the screws. Click on any pic for a larger version. If you just want the pics they’re all in my photobucket here: Private Group Photo & Video Sharing

They were apparently rushing when they taped this box shut.

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9642.jpg)

Of course the box inside is upside down.

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9643.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9644.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9646.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9647.jpg)

Fortunately the actual PKE is decently packed.

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9648.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9649.jpg)

Simple user manual.

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9650.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9651.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9652.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9653.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9654.jpg)

PKE and stickers

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9655.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9656.jpg)

For some reason my screen had a grease smudge on it. Not a problem though

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9657.jpg)

Basic Measurements

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9659.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9673.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9660.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9661.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9663.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9664.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9665.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9666.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9670.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9671.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9672.jpg

Comparison to actual IONA shell

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9674.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9676.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9677.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9679.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9680.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9681.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9682.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9683.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9684.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9685.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9689.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9687.jpg

http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9688.jpg

Battery compartment. Mine didn’t want to come off, I was worried I’d snap the corner off but the screw finally let go. I think the nut inside went down instead of the screw coming up so eventually it was just spinning.

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9694.jpg)

At this point I was surprised to find the battery in the handle was extremely hot. I only ran the PKE for a few minutes while taking pictures and it took me a minute or two to get the battery cover off after I had turned the PKE off and it was still hot. Dunno if this was a fluke happening, due to crappy batteries or a design flaw in the electronics. I guess we’ll see as these are used more.

Interior cover removed

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9695.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9696.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9702.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9698.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9699.jpg)

One thing I found is all the circuit boards are very well annotated.

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9700.jpg)

The speed control knob

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9701.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9705.jpg)

This is actually just a rotary switch, not a potentiometer. It counts the revolutions as you turn it and digitally changes the light and sound speed.

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9707.jpg)

“touch” switches are just push buttons with molded inserts over them. The moldings are vaccum-metalized silver over grey. I’m sure it’ll rub off quickly with use.

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9709.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9712.jpg)

The motor and gearbox is 3 sections.

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9713.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9716.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9714.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9717.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9721.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9725.jpg)

Side pieces pop out and the electronics cover plate can be removed

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9723.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9726.jpg)

The screen is soldered directly to the main board by a ribbon cable while the wings use releasable ribbon sockets to they could technically be replaced if necessary (and if you could ever find a spare)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9727.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9728.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9729.jpg)

Removing the electronics you’re left with just the front shell. If you want to swap out the mode switch for something more accurate you’ll have to carefully break off the melted plastic posts that hold it together.

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9730.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9731.jpg)

Main electronics board is relatively simple and well annotated. They do use actual rectangular LEDs that would theoretically be replaced for ones with longer leads if you don’t like the oversize light pipes they used instead.

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9733.jpg)

The screen comes out with the electronics but it pops off easily

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9735.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9736.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9737.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9738.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9739.jpg)

Here’s the front and back plates of the Matty shell compared to a real IONA. They match up pretty well but not exactly.

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9741.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9742.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9743.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9744.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9745.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9747.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9748.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9749.jpg)

[](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/jackdoud/Ghostbusters_Matty Teardown_IMG_9753.jpg)

[Crix]

Thanks so much for all these photos Jack, wonderfully done!

[BCarn]

How easily did the electronics come free from/ go back in the front shell? I’m not a fan of the weathering and was considering a repaint.

[Kwebs]

Great photos!

[jackdoud]

@BCarn

How easily did the electronics come free from/ go back in the front shell? I’m not a fan of the weathering and was considering a repaint.

Everything unscrews so as long as you keep track of what goes where you’ll be fine. The only hard part is routing the wires and ribbon cables correctly when you’re putting it back together. Either take a picture before you move anything or else refer to the shots I posted here to see how they’re supposed to go. If you don’t put things in the right place it won’t shut correctly and may interfere with the wing movement. The only problem you may run into with a repaint are the center switch and the light-pipes for the LEDs. They’re all attached by melted plastic so you’ll have to either pop them off and re-glue them later or else mask the lenses before painting and do multiple coats with the switch in different positions.

[D-42]

Now that’s the comparison I wanted to see!!

Nice job you did.

[RGB4Life]

Would you recommend changing out the batteries for better ones just in case? Because I bought a pack today as backup.

[prologic9]

Great comparison, thanks very much.

I don’t suppose you’d be willing to try and take one of the wings apart? Those are the bits I think are in the most need. A simple fitted-sanding and some paint will do wonders for that ugly seam.

[Nate1885]

If possible I may try to swap the rotary switch for a potentiometer, so it won’t take as much spinning to increase the speed of the lights.

Any thoughts?

[Coover5]

I really wish I bought two pke meters. i would give one a repaint, a potentiometer, a sanding, remove the speaker/sound altogether and removal of the wing seems. the other i would have for one i screw up the first one ha ha

[lordgilpin]

Awesome comparison shots, thanks man!

I can’t believe what a great job Matty did on this thing…

[stroudy]

Awesome Job with the comparison. Very interesting to see how it lines up. Looks like the did a decent bit of research on it before building.

[Tyger_Cheex]

Brilliant, really appreciate you doing this, nice job!

[Spengler28]

Awsome Work, thank for this!

[jackdoud]

@Prologic9

I don’t suppose you’d be willing to try and take one of the wings apart? Those are the bits I think are in the most need. A simple fitted-sanding and some paint will do wonders for that ugly seam.

I poked at one briefly while I was taking everything appart. They’re glued together and while there is a popable seam where the ribbon cable enters it would likely crack and I wasn’t willing to utterly destroy it yet. I’ll take another look at them eventually and see if one can’t be pried appart carefully.

@Nate1885

If possible I may try to swap the rotary switch for a potentiometer, so it won’t take as much spinning to increase the speed of the lights.

Any thoughts?

A potentiometer won’t work. You need to give the microprocessor on/off signals for it to change the speed. Your best option would be to design a new circuit board for the rotary switch that has more contact points on it so it would register signal changes faster. There’s still no guarantee that would work though, you’d have to work out what signals the rotary switch is producing first.

[Gareee]

Wow! Thanks MUCH for this very detailed breakdown!

[TheRockman]

Thanks for all the electronics ■■■■.

oops.

[prologic9]

@jackdoud

At this point I was surprised to find the battery in the handle was extremely hot. I only ran the PKE for a few minutes while taking pictures and it took me a minute or two to get the battery cover off after I had turned the PKE off and it was still hot. Dunno if this was a fluke happening, due to crappy batteries or a design flaw in the electronics. I guess we’ll see as these are used more.

Mine arrived today.

It says in the manual that the included batteries are for demonstration purposes only, and should be replaced with 3 AAA alkaline batteries for normal use.

Really surprised I haven’t seen this mentioned in any of the threads.

[Vincenzo330]

Maybe we can convince R2DEVO or Proptronix to design a replacement for that rotary switch

Fingers crossed!

[Coover5]

okay does the take AAA’s or AA’s because Pixel Dan said AA’s but some other posts are saying AAA’s I want to know which to buy ahead of time.