This project is the culmination of everything I have ever wanted to build. The Aquazone theme will always hold a special place in my heart, and Lego Technic and Mindstorms have solidified my lifetime addiction to Lego. I know this is a bit of a blast from the past using rcx's but they are cheap (as am I) and readily available on ebay. Not to mention they fit the color scheme ;). I got 10 between 2 ebay auctions and after a few hours of cleaning battery acid and a few solder joints i was left with 6 working units. I sold off some of my collection (bye bye maersk train), mostly minifigs to finance my ebay findings (hello dacta control center). Most of the Aquazone sets were bought years ago on ebay once I got my first job, I was able to snag one of most every original aquazone sets that i couldn't afford as a kid. Now that the history is out of the way on to the building!
Features so far include:
2 sets of LED's given a random power level every 10ms, to give a nice flicker effect in the cave.
1 Lamp (more coming from bricklink!), randomly goes between power level 6 and 7 on a slow cycle. This is designed to catch the eye and add realism. Cant wait to get more to light the entire model.
Power station in back powered by classic 9v non-geared motor, The propellors spin at different speeds thanks to different sized pulleys mounted on smooth axles, the smooth axles a carefully pushed through the friction pins of the propellors.
Automatic air compressor using a rotation sensor to stop at max pressure, and a touch sensor and pneumatic cylinder to trigger start at min pressure. Also features manual override touch sensor to start again.
Power functions RC robotic arm, doesnt quite fit in yet, but it will eventually, again this is a work in progress.
The picture below is an overview of a somewhat recent picture, for the most recent work check out the brickshelf link. I will eventually post a video of the completed model without all the technical jargon. But if you are in to technical jargon the youtube videos below go in to detail as the model has progressed.
Brickshelf Folder
http://www.brickshel...ry.cgi?f=546905
Worklog Videos with Commentary
part 1
part 2
part 3
part 4
part 5
part 6
This project is the culmination of everything I have ever wanted to build. The Aquazone theme will always hold a special place in my heart, and Lego Technic and Mindstorms have solidified my lifetime addiction to Lego. I know this is a bit of a blast from the past using rcx's but they are cheap (as am I) and readily available on ebay. Not to mention they fit the color scheme ;). I got 10 between 2 ebay auctions and after a few hours of cleaning battery acid and a few solder joints i was left with 6 working units. I sold off some of my collection (bye bye maersk train), mostly minifigs to finance my ebay findings (hello dacta control center). Most of the Aquazone sets were bought years ago on ebay once I got my first job, I was able to snag one of most every original aquazone sets that i couldn't afford as a kid. Now that the history is out of the way on to the building! Features so far include: 2 sets of LED's given a random power level every 10ms, to give a nice flicker effect in the cave. 1 Lamp (more coming from bricklink!), randomly goes between power level 6 and 7 on a slow cycle. This is designed to catch the eye and add realism. Cant wait to get more to light the entire model. Power station in back powered by classic 9v non-geared motor, The propellors spin at different speeds thanks to different sized pulleys mounted on smooth axles, the smooth axles a carefully pushed through the friction pins of the propellors. Automatic air compressor using a rotation sensor to stop at max pressure, and a touch sensor and pneumatic cylinder to trigger start at min pressure. Also features manual override touch sensor to start again. Power functions RC robotic arm, doesnt quite fit in yet, but it will eventually, again this is a work in progress. The picture below is an overview of a somewhat recent picture, for the most recent work check out the brickshelf link. I will eventually post a video of the completed model without all the technical jargon. But if you are in to technical jargon the youtube videos below go in to detail as the model has progressed. Brickshelf Folder http://www.brickshel...ry.cgi?f=546905 Worklog Videos with Commentary part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5 part 6