Thread: Re-working my FCG

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Zombiegirl,

The computer code was for an ATMEL microcontroller that controls the jaw and eyes. The circuit board was very simple to solder together...just the MCU and a few resistors and connectors. Still, the project could be done without the electronics in the head.

The C code is free to copy for anyone who wants it.

BKR, that has got to be one of the best FCGs I have ever seen! Superior appearance and performance, there is a point in your sound effects track where it looks like the low groan matches the jaw movement of the FCG... fantastic! You did such a good job of creating skeletal detail while keeping the weight way down (by the way, what is the total weight of your finished FCG, minus the rig?).
I may consider changing my plain ol' "floating lady" FCG to one like yours after Halloween this year. Since I have no circuitry or programming knowledge, do you think this would be too difficult to tackle as a first electronics project?

Thanks for the comments!

Just guess-timating, I'd say the weight is somewhere between 5 & 10 pounds (probably toward the 5). It is just barely heavy enough that it will turn the crank manually once it's off until the torso is at it's lowest point, but not so heavy that I need a counterweight for operation.

The circuitry for this is very simple if you want to try it as a beginner's project. It's a little messy as far as all the point to point wiring, but even that's not bad. I ended up only using 2 of the UV LEDs also, so there's not even that many connections to solder. I spent much more time learning the MCU side and programming similar chips with similar functions, but as I said, you're welcome to use my code. Just let me know if you need any help.

OMG.. I LOVE this! I built my FCG about 2 years ago, but because I moved, wasn't able to use him last year. I would LOVE to do this. I'm no stranger to building the circuitry, but might need a little assistance getting the controller IC programmed correctly. (I've been using PICs that others have flashed for me) I hope you don't mind a little imitation.. I could use your design as part of my FCG and, with luck, incorporate the spooky fingers that Mano Rodriguez created (I'm still working on the design for that).
One question.. Did you have to hollow out the skull for the servo? How did you do it without tearing up the foam? I've got a skull already on my ghost, but I'm thinking that with an X-Acto knife and a little patience, (and ultimately, the vacuum for the mess), I could create something similar!
A BOM might help too.. so that I can get the same or similar servo..

-Roger

Edit: I should add that eventually, my ghost will be part of my computer-controlled (DMX) light show.... Some of the points you've made will be helpful, like the part about the LED's... Dammit, I need to order parts!!

Roger,

Yes, I hollowed the skull out. Just used the Dremmel cutting bit on low speed. The foam was nothing but dust (and a lot of it) but I had really good control of the cut so it left me with a good outside rim and plenty of depth without cutting into the mouth. You are more than welcome to copy...I wouldn't post details of a project if I was worried about that.

Programming the chip is no problem at all, especially if you have a (must try not to retch) Windows computer. It's not hard with my Apple either, but there's more detailed support for setting up with Windows, especially using AVR Studio. I looked into PIC too, but I just think Atmel has a better variety of chips and they are a little more robust if you need them to be. Worse case, you could mail me a chip and I could take care of that part for you. Oh...the servo is a HITEC micro servo, but I don't remember the specific number.

Thanks for the comments!

Originally Posted by bkr1969

Roger,

Yes, I hollowed the skull out. Just used the Dremmel cutting bit on low speed. The foam was nothing but dust (and a lot of it) but I had really good control of the cut so it left me with a good outside rim and plenty of depth without cutting into the mouth. You are more than welcome to copy...I wouldn't post details of a project if I was worried about that.

Programming the chip is no problem at all, especially if you have a (must try not to retch) Windows computer. It's not hard with my Apple either, but there's more detailed support for setting up with Windows, especially using AVR Studio. I looked into PIC too, but I just think Atmel has a better variety of chips and they are a little more robust if you need them to be. Worse case, you could mail me a chip and I could take care of that part for you. Oh...the servo is a HITEC micro servo, but I don't remember the specific number.

Thanks for the comments!

What servo motor did you use?

-Roger