Thread: 3 Axis Skull. WHERE TO BEGIN?

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Okay, so first a little information. I want to build a 3 Axis Bucky of my own and I feel my plans are fairly simple (compared to most people's) because all I want it to do is a series of randomly selected assorted movements, like the one in this thread:
Stand Alone 3 Axis Skull Controller

Using this type of design, essentially.
http://www.davisgraveyard.com/Buildi...ky%20Skull.pdf

Okay, now I do not think I would have any trouble whatsoever actually BUILDING the skull from the link above, but the first link is a software concern.

Now I have looked through the link for reference and it seems fairly straightforward, but I have never programmed any software before and don't want to dive in on my own if I do not have to.

So basically, I want a Bucky that just kind of turns the head around/up/down and for the jaw to go up/down. Those are all simple movements. Maybe it can be done at varying speeds. It will not have eyes that move or "blink" and will not need to be synced to any kind of sound. It's just kind of going to sit there and peer around eerily.

One more thing. I want to be able to power it from a 12v source, even if this means converting the current to AC if necessary from a transformer. It will also need to be triggered by 12V, even if this means I have to set it to a control relay/solenoid that turns it on. This is because the whole setup is becoming a permanent piece of my car. I can give it a power supply off of the car's 12V system, set to activate with the ignition (so it only operates while the car is running)

Software: pretty much everyone uses
http://www.brookshiresoftware.com/vsa_order.php?ct=yes

It is fairly easy to program and if you do a quick forum or google search there are tons of tutorials out there.

On to power:
12v is a bad idea, servos generally need 4.5v - 7v (most go with 5v from a computer power supply). you could in theory make a little 12v to 5v dropdown circuit but.... you are better off using a regulated computer power supply. *servos can be very sensitive to power, hence the computer power supply. You will have to see what you can find in the way of a car one though, usually laptop power supplies are higher voltage. Also, car 12v is not 12v, it is generally 13.8v with the engine off and even higher with the engine running.

As to the skull:
I haven't used those plans but there are many variants out there. I have used the twisty skull kit, it was ok but needed a fair amount of tweaking to build. But for the price ($65) it is very hard to beat.

Try this link at the end. The controller uses a 12 vdc input for power, actually it says 9-30 vdc. It has output pins for 5.5 vdc, so that should cover the servos. And finally with a little learning and some research it can be programmed for random movements. There are some routines out there already done. If I remember correctly, there is a program with the Prop-1 for random movements. If you need any more help PM me and I'll see what I can do for you.

http://www.efx-tek.com/topics/prop-1.html

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely post updates for this as it progresses (Have a few other projects going in the mix at this time)

Also, yes, I am aware that a running car will put out more voltage than 12. In fact, my car's isolation circuit works on this principal. It has one battery that controls only the started (A big, massive one for a fig fancy vintage Cadillac, way more CCA than needed to start the car) and thirteen separate batteries that only charge if the isolation curcuit detects more than 12.5 volts on the "front" terminal, connected to the one stock battery, all backed by a big 650 amp alternator.

I am just a lot more familiar with engineering automotive processes than software :/

Do a search for picaxe servo control. This way it can be a stand alone. There are a few folks that have done this here. Dropping voltage should be easy. Just do a internet search on 12volt to 5 volt or something like that. If all else fails just get a power inverter it turns dc into ac then buy a 5 volt dc walwart and plug it up to run the servo power.

Originally Posted by scubaspook

Do a search for picaxe servo control. This way it can be a stand alone. There are a few folks that have done this here. Dropping voltage should be easy. Just do a internet search on 12volt to 5 volt or something like that. If all else fails just get a power inverter it turns dc into ac then buy a 5 volt dc walwart and plug it up to run the servo power.

Oh, dropping voltage is nothing new. Simple as pie. Actually, I figured the inverter would be a good backup plan myself, in case I couldn;t find what I needed right away. I already have enough of those lying around and two in the car.

Yes, Picaxe has been used. The first link I posted is what turned me on to the idea.

I would like to see a photo of this car. The gears in my head are spinning and see something pretty slick!!

Oh, my bad.


This is the car in question.













She's a Hearse, naturally. Bigblock V8, the whole thing lights up red in the back whilst driving, coffin, massive sound system that sets off car alarms from two blocks away, 5 gallons of compressed air at 350 PSI ran to a set of large train horns ranging from 15" to 30" for when traffic gets in my way, antique klaxon horns, Cadillac wire rims, plenty of factory chrome, burgundy velour interior, undercarriage lighting, PA system, CB radio. wig-wag system for the front lamps, which are all converted to HID with tinted violet high beams for funeral processions... She does it all and carries a nice wooden toe-pincher to boot.

As you can probably see in the last photo, the passenger side rear door is inhabited by my own personal Zombie, Lenore. She does a great job of creeping out people on the interstate, or at the store if I go shopping and every so often, I find videos of her or the car on Youtube. Well, Lenore is going to retire when I build her greater, animated replacement.


(This is Lenore, being all creepy-like )

Oh Man, WAY COOL!!!!
yep...this is what I figured you were tricking out!!!! I am sure you get a lot of attention with this baby when ya travel.
Where will you incorprate the 3 axis skull? Maybe looking out the passenger side window??

If you are out of town at bed-time ya could throw the sleeping bags in the back and call it a motorhome!!

I am putting the 3 axis in the back where you see the zombie in the profile type photo on the right side. My old zombie is retiring.

I have slept in the coffin before. Very comfy (and that thing is huge, so it's not c.ramped and awkward)

Yeah, this is my daily driver car. I also have a 72 Lincoln Mark IV, and a 67 GTO with a 455 and it's sister, a 67 Chevelle with a twin turbo 510 engine that eats Lamborghinis. But this is my favourite.