The running joke in the lab at the moment is that my project has had far more elements of woodwork than electronics despite this primarily being an electronics project. This post just reinforces the joke.
This is the framework for the side panels. Here I am about to drill using a hole saw so I can slide the panels on dowel.
Metal leg extensions screwed in place.
And here is a crude artists impression of the turret body and legs.
Now I know in game the turret uses a “scanning” laser to find its targets but for my design I have chosen to use a ring of red LED’s with the projector lens situated in the center. This was because of safety concerns about having an unattended laser when the turret is out on demonstration.
This is the LED array on the prototyping board. 8 LEDS driven from a split 12v source and controlled via a NPN transistor.
LED locating ring made using a 3d printer.
All soldered into place and lit up!
Here are some potential solutions for the motorised side panels but I may end up fixing them in the open position depending on the weight and complexity.
First batch of components have arrived from RS.
Raspberry Pi 2, Camera Module, Case, PSU, 2 small servo’s and a bunch of bright 6mm LED’s to form the central eye.
Here I am testing out the new Raspberry Pi 2 and preparing it for the OpenCV libarary.
Sadly this didn’t quite go to plan as I only had a 4GB microSD card and with Raspberian OS on there this left little room for the OpenCV files.
Solved this by ordering a 16GB microSD card which I can reuse elsewhere when the time comes.
Trying to keep the look as faithful to the original as possible I decided to try bending some threaded rod to make the curved pieces of the turret legs.
Surprisingly this worked well as I was expecting the rod to snap, I made adjustments slowly and I think it helps that the angles are soft.
Here is a final shot of the legs, one 90 degree bend and two half circles. Eventually these will be sprayed black.
I’ve found myself learning how to use Autodesk Fusion 360 so I can create a digital model of the turrets and work out the required size and proportions.
This summer I shall be working on a project of my choice that is funded by the University of Bristol Blake Fund.
The aim of these projects is to create something fun and engaging that can be used to show off what Electrical and Electronic Engineering is all about at Open Days and other events.
Now my project is to make a life size interactive version of the “turret” from the videogame series Portal.
These lovable little things will liven up any room with their child-like voices and motion detection.
My 1st task is to come up with an approximate parts list and feature plan.
Check back soon for more updates.