Finally started work on my PKE project. I’ve had the shell for a while but the electronics have always troubled me.
Like many people on here I really admire the hyperdyne PKE kit but simply can not afford it so I’ve finally bitten the bullet and decided to try and build my own.
After much browsing and research (Thanks Wikipedia!) and bearing in mind that I’ve never used a soldering iron in my life before now I’ve finally built a working servo controller circuit.
The circuit is v. small and runs off 4.5v. I’m think of running it off 3 AAA’s placed in the handle. This should help distribute the weight evenly. It isn’t 100% accurate as I’ve decided to control the servo(s?) with a potentiometer connected to the knob at the top of the handle on the base of the PKE. This would give it a more natural movement, so instead of the wings only being capable of two positions, I can now have an infinite number of positions.
All I need to do now is mount it in the shell and then I can start on the lights. I’ll try and post some pictures of the circuit in the next day or two.
K, two questions. First: How much did it cost? Second: How did you do it? I want to build a PKE soooo bad but I can’t afford the Hyperdyne electronics.
I haven’t got an exact cost for the project yet but definately less than $50 maybe even less than $30. (This is just for the servo controller circuit).
I’m still working on the LED chaser but this shouldn’t be expensive either.
Is this something people would be interested in purchasing. As I’ve already mentioned it isn’t movie accurate like the hyperdyne kit but would be significantly cheaper. Let e have your thoughts.
On another note this servo circuit could potentially be used in a trap project. Connecting the spindle of the control to the hinge of the pedal should mean that depressing the pedal will turn the spindle which will move the servo which would open the trap. Releasing the spring loaded pedal would turn the spindle back etc etc an close the trap door. Just an idea anyway.
I would be interested in a kit as well. Hyperdynes kits are awsome, but way to expensive. Mine doesn’t have to be 100% accurate, as long as the wings move up and down, with the lights flashing on the wings, and something on the green screen. I love hyperdyne kits, but I can make a proton pack with lights for 400 dollars. Keep me posted. I would be interested, plus I have a static PKE you can use if you would like to run test to get it right.(of course would like to have it back once you get it working and get your kits going as well)
I’d appreciate a kit big time. If I pay less for the electronics I could start looking towards buying a shell. They’re pretty expensive so a cost effective servo kit would be much appreciated. Let me know how things go.
There are a lot of projects on the bench right now and I’m finally starting to dig into them… Working 16+ hour days has really put a cramp on the “hobby” time…
Just curious on how much it is going to run and when will you have some avaiable? tired of looking at my static PKE meter. would like it to be alive and running
