" Elvis Alive" Robot Hack with EZ Robot, lotiny controller, and software.
I purchased a non functional unit from E-Bay that would not complete startup.
My intention was, if I could not repair it, it would be useful for a robotic build.
After evaluation, one motor gear was not completing startup sequence.
I repaired that, and the unit completed the startup sequence.
Merne kindly sold me an extra controller that he had.
The WowWee Robot was great, but it lacked any realistic rotation motion.
I planned, and built a Rotation Pedestal that adds so much more realism to the
"Elvis Alive" Robot. I can program it for each song or let it choose up to 6 random rotations, as I did in the video.
I used a new EZ Robot HDD servo that was superior to another digital servo that I experimented with.
My plan of an extra additional servo to rock the body, was not necessary, because the lazy-susan pedestal had enough flex
with the 10 lb. robot to move with it's many head gyrations.
Other robots from Synthiam community
Tachyon's New Bot, Different From The Old Bot.
Antron007's From Items I Found Around Home.
Alan
My older brother and his wife saw him in Las Vegas years ago.
I remember my sister taking me to some of his movies and playing his records when I was very young.
George York designed the Alive Elvis. He originally founded YFX Studios in 1995, which is now YoHa Technology.
Impersonator Jamie Aaron Kelly provided the voice.
York never grasped the Elvis phenomenon. Now, after touring Graceland, studying mountains of photos and hours of films, and laboring for almost three years with a small crew on this project, he finally gets Elvis.
"He has a charisma unparalleled by any performer I've seen," York said. "When he sings, he puts his whole heart and soul in it."
first singer going live on satelite.my parents had 11 kids *eek* hehe
good job there dad.
Thank you for your comments.
It is called the Uncanny Valley, when someone feels somewhat uncomfortable with a human like robot.
Dave,
Thank you also.
I received many comments about my Elvia Robot also being creepy, but cool.
The "Elvis Alive" is a fun and entertaining toy to show company, but I wish it would have included one of his Gospel songs.
Merne,
I first built a rotation pedestal for Elvia, but was not satisfied with the movement of the different brand servo.
I now plan to put a EZ Robot HDD servo in her rotation pedestal.
Thank you folks,
Steve S
titanic.
Question -- are you interfacing directly with Elvis' CPU for control?
Thank you for your comments.
No, I did not interface into the original Elvis CPU.
I let ARC choose up to 6 random rotation pedestal positions in the video.
I could not find the script used in the video, but it was random number generator, that would move the HDD servo to different positions.
Thank you.
There is a youtube video with a skinned chimp and an elvis, very funny.
Google "youtube fancybot with chimp".
I did not put the link in my showcase, but you will find it.
Looking forward to your hack.
Steve S
I also have a working Elvis Alive that I wont be taking apart.
I noticed many people are gone like Steve S. where did he go, so talented. Maybe one day he will return.
We never know what life has thrown at them...
EzAng