''Hands of Blue''......Are there any of us still around? by propmaster2000

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

''Hands of Blue''......Are there any of us still around?

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POSTED BY: PROPMASTER2000
UPDATED: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 09:04
SHORT URL: http://bit.ly/lupONM
VIEWED: 14515
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Wednesday, June 1, 2011 6:11 AM

PROPMASTER2000

Are there any of us still around?
Just wondering.....it's been several years.

propmaster2000 aka 2x2 HOB

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Wednesday, June 1, 2011 11:25 AM

WISHIMAY

Is this a question or a brag?

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Wednesday, June 1, 2011 1:11 PM

PROPMASTER2000

It's a bit of both.
Prop builders sometimes like to show off and brag a little as well.
It's our nature and in our DNA :)
Thanks for asking.

I can remember back in 06, there were several
fans of the HOB.

I thought you might like to see a video of the working prop (shown above) as well....

Just a word of warning: "I would stand a few feet back from the monitor. The energy from these things is kind of unpredictable".

ADDED NOTE:
I think the original prop used the "Dual Spring" activation and needed to be reset ''off camera''
each time, by pushing the rods in seperately, until they latched. There is nothing wrong with that particular design and much simpler to build and more reliable then mine. Since we only saw it on camera "poping out", it's the most practical.
I wanted to design a version that could be reset easily by pushing only one rod (opposite the latching mech.)until it locked.
There are advantages and faults to my design, which I am well aware of and I am sure there are those that would point them out and tell me how I should have did it or how they would have done it.
It's the nature of the business. But even with the faults, it still works pretty well :)

propmaster2000

.

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Wednesday, June 1, 2011 1:32 PM

PENNAUSAMIKE

Making a little forward progress on my next project.
I've had a static version of this prop for a long time, but it is just very unsatisfying.
I'm not too sure about the internal mechanism,
and I realized I drew the return position ramps on the release mechanism in the wrong plane.
The other area for concern is that the extended springs will collapse back to compressed position without kinking.
A lot of these types of problems would be easier to solve if there was more internal space to work with.
But if it works....it'll be so cool.

Springs proved to be unusable, I have new ones on order.
But, I'm still on track to have a working Blue Hands Neural Bleeder.
Well, working like pops open, not working like makes people bleed out!

The springs came in, I drilled the bodies to accept them,
and they work as hoped for!
So, the project is back where it was a week ago.
Barely a hiccup, when I was expecting far worse.

The next step is to finalize sizes for the release mechanism.
It will basically be a slim, rectangular release button in the center
that holds the little blocks back.

There is still a lot of work to go,
(release mechanism, top cover, paint, fitting and final assembly).

I've always been interested in your version.
I haven't figured out how to put the release mechanism on the end,
so mine will be in the middle.

Mike

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Wednesday, June 1, 2011 7:39 PM

PENNAUSAMIKE

It looks like you used two racks and a pinion to make both rods move when pushing only one.
Good job of getting the mechanism in such a small package.
So, let's see the insides!

Mike

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Thursday, June 2, 2011 11:21 AM

PENNAUSAMIKE

Quote:
Originally posted by propmaster2000:

ADDED NOTE:
SNIP
I wanted to design a version that could be reset easily by pushing only one rod (opposite the latching mech.)until it locked.

Yes, very cool.
I couldn't figure out how to get a rack and pinion in that small "box" and still have a decent amount of rod length and travel.
Likewise the end latching mechanism.
Once I gave up on the rack and pinion,
I was locked into the center release.

Quote:
Originally posted by propmaster2000:

There are advantages and faults to my design, which I am well aware of and I am sure there are those that would point them out and tell me how I should have did it or how they would have done it.
It's the nature of the business. But even with the faults, it still works pretty well :)
propmaster2000

It is also the nature of the business/hobby that most of the fault-finders and nay-sayers
could never actually accomplish the things they complain about.
I own one of your Alliance pistols and have always been impressed with the HOB device you built.
I'd love to see what your method of release is.
PM me here or at
www.fireflyprops.net
if you are willing to let me see how it works.

We Firefly/Serenity prop BUILDERS have always been small in number,
and over time that number is dwindling.

Mike
My Firefly Collection thread:
http://fireflydvd.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3541

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Saturday, June 4, 2011 5:38 AM

PROPMASTER2000

Since my original "HOB-rod Device" was a bit of a challenge to build, I think I will design and make one that is a bit easier using the 'dual spring' single use activation.
I started on it yesterday [it looks good on paper] and I should have time to mock something up this weekend (fingers crossed). If it's simple enough to build, I may make a few.....
One disadvantage is I don't have access to a mill/lathe full time so my progress will be a little slow creating the prototype.

propmaster2000 aka 2x2 HOB

.

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Monday, June 6, 2011 3:17 AM

SHINYGOODGUY

SHINY!

I Like it!

SGG

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Monday, June 6, 2011 10:28 AM

PIRATENEWS

John Lee, conspiracy therapist at Hollywood award-winner History Channel-mocked SNL-spoofed PirateNew.org wooHOO!!!!!!

Shiny...literally.

Why is blood dripping out of my nose?

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Tuesday, June 7, 2011 4:51 PM

PROPMASTER2000

As I mentioned in my last post, Friday I had the chance to start on the V2 HOBROD device using the dual spring popout activation. Thankfully, I was able to take most of what I drew up on paper and put it toward a working mockup.
As with my first device V1, I made this one out of mostly brass as well. It is a bit larger then V1 but I think I can use the extra space for added details that the first one could not have. Here is a video of HOBROD V2:

One of the things I get asked allot when I show the first prop, is "does it light up?".

Of course I would have to say no, since the real one did not light up either.
But, since I am making my own designed "pop out thingy", I can make it do what I want, so with the bit more added room in this prop, there is a 40% chance I can make the rods light up.
Instead of the rods being blue acrylic, I will make V2 with clear, sandblasted rods with blue LEDs for illumination. Adding batteries is another issue.

I think at some point, when I get all the details worked out, I will make some of these to sell on ebay.......(as with many of the props I design, I tend to keep internal electronics and building information to a miniumum [especially on the net] since there may be an instance, at some point, where I'd like to build these to sell at auction, so I appologize for being a bit veg on detailed design information).

I mocked up a rod to see how it would look with an LED:

So, if I make another dual spring HOBROD, I will see if I can light the rods.

propmaster2000

.

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Wednesday, June 8, 2011 3:44 AM

PENNAUSAMIKE

So, I guess the actual internal mechanisms are a big secret?

That's OK; I'll still post mine when my next update is ready.
If it helps someone else, so much the better.

Mike

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Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:49 AM

PENNAUSAMIKE

Quote:
Originally posted by propmaster2000:

SNIP
I think at some point, when I get all the details worked out,
I will make some of these to sell on ebay.......
(as with many of the props I design,
I tend to keep internal electronics and building information to a miniumum
[especially on the net]
since there may be an instance, at some point, where I'd like to build these to sell at auction,
so I appologize for being a bit veg on detailed design information).
SNIP

I understand your thinking, just don't subscribe to it, myself.
I figure those who buy a completed prop couldn't have made one, anyway;
and those who can make one aren't going to buy one, anyway.
So for me, I like to share ideas so that all the builders are building the best they can build;
and all the buyers are buying the best that can be bought.

Good luck with your project.
I'm sure it will live up to your previous efforts.

Mike

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Thursday, June 9, 2011 4:02 PM

PROPMASTER2000

Since we touched on design earlier, it's funny to think how many way's in which this one particular prop can be engineered to do what it does.
Ya can almost figure that the original one was done with dual springs. Then there is my V1 prototype and my second mockup V2 using dual springs (with added lights) and yours, which makes 4 unique versions.
When I set out to make my two versions, I put a lot of thought into their design. For instance, what type of material to use, will there be electronics, how will it ultimately function. There reliability, servicablity and durability. My finished props are usually one of a kind and very unique by the time I get them completed. I tend to think a bit outside the box.

My Channel:

http://www.youtube(dot)com/user/sportly3

Maybe some day, I'll put together a web sight which covers "in detail" (inside and out) all the props I have ever designed and built.
A sort of "How To" photo/video series.

Looking forward to an update on your version and any other working HOBRODs out there (Halloween is coming).

propmaster2000
.

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Friday, June 10, 2011 3:39 AM

PENNAUSAMIKE

Latest update on the neural bleeder death thingies that I'm making for myself and a few other collectors:

At this point they are about two-thirds done and the release mechanism works.
In the first pic they are shown with the rods captured closed:

and in the second pic the mock up is popped open
while the cover-off version shows how the rods slide past the release catch.

In the third pic you can see all but two of the parts, and some hardware.
I still have to make an escutcheon plate for the release button
and there is a black plastic end piece that will go over the socket head cap screw on the one end.
The bodies still need to be drilled and tapped for the cover plate
and there is a fair amount of hand filing and deburring work to do.

I expect to finish this project by mid-July.

Mike

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Friday, June 10, 2011 7:34 AM

PROPMASTER2000

Very nice work Mike....

It looks like your prop will turn out to be an excellent addition to your collection and for anyone else (with the tools and skills) who wish to follow along with your build, to have there own device.
Maybe they will post their progress here as well....

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Saturday, June 11, 2011 6:43 AM

PROPMASTER2000

I was thinking on my way to breakfast this morning, how earlier I mentioned about those
who like to make suggestions on how they would have done a curtain design modification and how you said it's likely many times they probebly wouldn't be able to make those changes anyway.

Well.......I was thinking how your design is perfect.
Since I usually want my props to opperate a bit differently and sometimes with electronics/battery opperated, it tends to add to the complication of the design.

The simplicity of your HOBROD design makes building much less involved, yet very functional.
Even though it appears that the original prop activates with a trigger on the end, it doesn't mean that the trigger wasn't in the center, just under the fingers like yours.
Nicely done...

Looking forward to a finished product video

propmaster2000

.

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Saturday, June 11, 2011 8:35 AM

PENNAUSAMIKE

Quote:
Originally posted by propmaster2000:

SNIP
The simplicity of your HOBROD design makes building much less involved, yet very functional.
SNIP
propmaster2000

Thanks for the compliment.
Simple projects for simple minds :-)
I'm making a total of 8 of these for myself and some fellow collectors,
(you can see the bags of parts in the first pic)
so I needed something that would lend itself to a small run.
I would have liked to have devised an end release mechanism,
but I just couldn't work out anything that suited.

I'll always be envious of your V1 HOBROD,
but that doesn't take anything away from the satisfaction I get from making mine.
Everybody has strengths and weaknesses.
My Jayne pistols aren't perfect, but they're robust...
...and they're DONE.
(I know a few folks 5 years into making "perfect" ones, that still aren't done.)

I'm pretty suprised at how quickly your V2 mock-up came along.

Far as video, I'll have to rope my kids into handling that.
I'm computer-video-upload-challenged!

Mike

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Monday, June 20, 2011 11:43 AM

PENNAUSAMIKE

More progress:

All the pieces are made; note: that's MADE, NOT finished.

I have to drill and tap the bodies and cover plates so they can be bolted together.

After that will be some fine tuning.
I need to ream the holes for the acrylic rods.
The drill was too inconsistent and some of the end caps and sliding blocks won't press on the rods.
Overall, some final fit and finish is required.

The final steps will be to paint the bodies in krinkle-finish black, assemble, and send to their new homes.

I'm debating whether to serial number them;
something like 1-8 through 8-8 or 108 through 808.

Still on track for a mid-July finish.

Mike

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Sunday, July 3, 2011 9:13 AM

PROPMASTER2000

Looks like the HOB prop is coming together nicely.

I am looking forward to seeing the prop in action.
If you can, have someone do a video of the "working prop" and post it on youtube

Earlier, you mentioned my previous effort on a Serenity Prop:

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Monday, July 4, 2011 10:32 AM

STINKINGROSE

Shiny! Now you just have to figure out what frequencies increase intracranial pressure until you bleed from your eyes, ears, and nose and Bob's your uncle!
Unless it was those nanobots.. in which case you've still got some work to do tinkering.

Fun to watch people puttering creatively and doodling in 3D, thanks.

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Friday, July 15, 2011 12:26 PM

PROPMASTER2000

Hey Mike, it's getting to be about the middle of the month, any updates on the HOB Disruptors?

propmaster2000

.

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Friday, July 15, 2011 7:17 PM

PENNAUSAMIKE

Yeah, I posted over at fireflyprops.net:
http://www.fireflyprops.net/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=315&start=10

I finished all the machine work on the HOB Neural Bleeders.

These little piles of parts just somehow don't convey the hours spent making them.
Also, the few modifications I made have taken their toll on the fit of the moving parts.
Tiny burrs from a change here and there means that the slides barely slide.
You can't see in the picture, but I've numbered the parts,
so now begins the process of fitting each one individually.
I assembled one.
It barely moved; but an hour's work and it ejected the unattached blue rod right out of the slide.
(Which was really funny, 'til I realized it went into a pile of "stuff" and now I can't find it!)

So, I'm looking at about two more weeks to get these all deburred, fitted, painted and assembled.

Mike

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Wednesday, July 20, 2011 9:04 AM

PROPMASTER2000

X-CELLENT

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