3 axis skull Halloween Prop

cjmekeel

USA
robot video thumbnail
robot video thumbnail
robot video thumbnail
robot video thumbnail
robot video thumbnail

Finally got my EZB in the mail. Put together a quick video to show off the functionality of my project. Keep in mind this is the very very beginning. I will soon be adding a video camera to enable motion/facial tracking. I will keep updating as I make progress. This is the first "robot" I've ever built. The EZB and the ARC software really made this simple.

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United Kingdom
#1  

Wow this scary and cool and the same time!

#2  

WOW I foresee some very terrified kids next Halloween. Great project/job!

PRO
Synthiam
#3  

Man that is going to be AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWESOME for halloween!

#4  

Here is the finished crow with flickering eyes mentioned in the LED thread, and a micro servo in the crow body.

Random servo movement + random sleep for 1-10 seconds for the video. I'll probably extend the time to 25 seconds or so later on.

#5  

WOW cjmekeel You bird is amazing, nice job! Brings back haunting memories of an old Alfred Hitchcock movie though sick

PRO
Synthiam
#6  

Dude that crow is so creepy... I LOVE IT!

#7  

It came out pretty good. The body was $1 from one of those "everything's a dollar" stores. The LEDs are practically nothing and the micro servo was $3. So a suprisingly cheap project.

It'll compliment the animated skeleton nicely. The random movements and random sleep times really give it a more realistic feel.

I'm thinking about a doing a rat with the same effects. I have plenty of ports left on my EZB, might as well use them up!

The skull is down currently because I burnt out the jaw servo, so I'm awaiting a replacement. Once it's running again, I'll post another video.

Australia
#8  

Brilliant job. As a suggestion you could add a motion tracking camera to one eye of the skull and a red LED to the other. And perhaps you could add a mp3 trigger for the crow.

#9  

Those are great ideas. These are part of a larger animated scene. I trigger an mp3 and the skull moves and talks and the crows eyes flicker. I also have an antique radio whose dial will move and light up. I will post a video shortly.

Thanks for the suggestions though!

#10  

User-inserted image

Here is the decorated skull.

Here is a video. Unfortunately, its being driven by a Polulu maestro servo controller and VSA's demo software for now. I didn't want to risk burning out any more servo's. Once the automation abilities are within ARC (no hurry! :P ) I will use the EZB.

You'll notice it has no tilt capabilities, since I moved that servo to the jaw for the time being, while I await replacements.

Netherlands
#11  

No way dude, creepy as hell eek

#12  

Click To Watch Video

Here is an antique radio I found. Although you can't see it, the dial is illuminated by LED's. The dial is driven by a micro servo. This one is controlled by the EZB and ARC!

In the scene, the radio will have a speaker in it that warns viewers of an escaped patient from the local lunatic asylum.

#13  

Not sure why the first video didn't work.

#14  

Cjmekeel, I was reading along then I saw this half rotten skull with eyes and literately said "Holy $#*%!!"

Very scary...I just know on haloween some of the kids who come to your house will leaved scared. :D Very nice job!

#15  

This is good stuff, cjmekeel - keep the updates coming!

PRO
Synthiam
#16  

Haha man please give me your address so I can come tricker treating at your house!

Australia
#17  

The complete set-up will amazing. I can't wait to see the finished product.

#18  

Working on "corpsing" the body for the skull this week. Hopefully will have that done within a week and I will post some pictures of the entire set up. I made some LED pen lights to add some color and mood to the scene too.

#19  

CJ were you able to use VSA with EZB ? If so how?

Thanks

#20  

No, unfortunately the EZB is not compatible with VSA. You may be able to write an interface using VSA's console (I think that's what they call it) but I haven't tried. DJ Sures is working on some animation menus for ARC that may have functionality similar to VSA's.

I used VSA with a pololu maestro servo controller. it's a great program but expensive. ARC is free so I can spend my money on more props!

#21  

Here is my full body test. The prop is 90% done. Looking good so far. Still need the automation part of ARC so I can finish the routine. (hint hint)

PRO
Synthiam
#22  

Okay okay!! I was working on it last week. The control is difficult but I have an idea.

For the short time, how about I build something simple specifically for you.

#25  

wow congrats dude. where did you get that skeleton?

#26  

Here are a few links of what I have done with my 3 axis skulls.

There are lots more videos on YouTube if you are interested. Just search for "Sindy Skinless"

Thanks!