Possibly a way to make a (sorta) low-cost Billy Bob?

[harveytwoface999]

I just thought of a way to make a low-cost (compared to a real one!) Billy Bob mech (only the mech, not sure about the cosmetics). And strangely, it's made out of Christmas stuff - a 5' Dancing Santa and the infamous Singing Douglas Fir Tree:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/harveytwoface999/15434-2.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/harveytwoface999/315C-1_ThompsonTrueValue.jpg

To keep this post short, I found a tutorial online (not exactly turning Santa into Billy Bob, more like turning him into dancing pirates and crypt keepers and stuff): Santa Mech (http://halloweenpropmaster.com:81/u-build-it10.htm) / Talking Head (Douglas Fir) (http://halloweenpropmaster.com:81/Dougie_head_hack.htm)

Since Santa's arms only pivot at the shoulder, I'm thinking of reworking them and putting a windshield wiper motor in his right arm to make him "strum" his guitar. And like I said, I'm not sure about cosmetics, but the general, "bear-like" figure seems right for Billy Bob. I know it won't be easy, but at least it's an idea! Any input on this?

[captslappy]

Why would you want to make a fake animatronic?

[harveytwoface999]

Well, we can't all have those real, metal-frame, piston-controlled, jungle-of-pneumatic-air-tubes-and-mac-valves-and-oilers-and-all-that-jazz-under-the-stage bots, right? Those of us that can't, might consider turning to this.

[RAFE CEC Guy]

How Will It Even Work?

[harveytwoface999]

Well at this point it's only an idea. I'd probably still have to work things out, but as of now it's only a concept.

[MMBBfan327]

Also you should keep in mind that it would be a costly task to have the bot perform specific music you'd like, unless you keep it as Christmas music.

[BLSTKRDR]

I just bought a billy bob fairly cheap. Now don't get me wrong he needs ALOT, ALOT, ALOT of work done to him. But if you want a billy bob I advise you do what i did. Just take your time and search around for one. It may take a while for one to pop up.

The one thing about billy bob is that he wasnt used in concept unifacation and not all showbiz "destroyed" him like they were supose to do. So billy bobs are a little easier to find.

but if you want to build this thing go for it. Sounds like a fun project. and take pictures so we can see it

[captslappy]

It may work with limited results and might be a fun fan project, however if you are planning to custom program it and all for the price of the control equipment and all the work you could probably have the real thing if you are patient and save up. Unless you are excellent with sewing and know how to go about making a mask, I dare say you will more than likely be disappointed with the result.

[yorkmiss]

I know this is not exactily related to this topic...
But I was wondering, does anyone know where I can find an old Uncle Klunk bot? It's seems odd that there are so many Billy Bobs out there -and no Uncle Klunks...

Beth

[BLSTKRDR]

I think Aaron has a couple. But he is saving them as Santa Clauses.

[harveytwoface999]

I remember seeing a video of someone's Dook bot running off of a MIDI control, and I'm thinking of either doing that or have it run off of a DVD. Which one should I do? Do I need a "gray box" no matter what?

Also, I have a friend who's great with electronics, so maybe he can help me out with programming the stuff.

[yorkmiss]

I ran my Billy Bob off of a very low cost MIDI controller. Take a look at YOU TUBE and look for my screen name (yorkmiss).. you'll see my Billy Bob running from the same laptop I'm using to type this letter...
Beth

[harveytwoface999]

I saw that video, naked Billy Bob (:x :lol ) and all. [evil genius voice]Care to elaborate on this?[/evil genius voice]

[Edit: I'm on a laptop right now... weird! :p ]

[yorkmiss]

Look around the board - I think I alread posted a "how to" from us.
If I didn't - just send me you email address. One one of my computers around here I have an archive of all my projects. I'll find the correct file and send it to you.

Beth

[BLSTKRDR]

I would like to see how to do this for my billy.

email me at
BLSTKRDR@gmail.com

[harveytwoface999]

Hey Yorkmiss - could you send me that file? I couldn't find the thread you made.

Also, I whipped up a diagram on Friday in a study block (what else do you do when you don't have homework to finish?) and just scanned it in now:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/harveytwoface999/billybob_looneybird_mechdiagram.jpg

[captslappy]

It's an interesting design. Let me know if you pull it off.

[yorkmiss]

Here was the post... Im going to try and cut and paste it...

Written by Chris Giffen, © 2006 v1.2
Animatronics Controllers:

I am writing this information for use by others. I have no reason to profit from it – so feel free to distribute it freely without modifications. Also, there are many different ways to do what I have done. I am not endorsing the products mentioned in this memo – I am using them as examples because I have had first hand use of these products.

If you don’t understand the workings of pneumatic animatronic armature – this information is not going to help you. This info is only to explain how to synchronize movement with audio for a decent cost.

There seems to be a niche of people that are into robotics and animatronics, but from my past experience you have one of two choices – 1) Do it low cost and have your projects have simple movements or 2) Spend thousands to have something you can be proud of.

I found a “middle of the road” way of controlling animatronics that works well for me. I came across this by accident because I am a frugal person. This will not take the place of an existing controller though. For example – if you have a Chuck E Cheese show – you will need to start from scratch and program movements to the existing audio.

Here’s how my system works:

First off – you need to have an understanding of multi track recording. Basically it means that you have a recording that can play different tracks at the same time. Many musicians use this process to record different instrumental parts of a song. That way if one instrument plays a song incorrectly – they only have to re-record that one instrument.
Animatronic controllers work in the same way – one or two tracks play the voices, music or other audio and the other track plays the “control tones”. The public does not hear the control tones. Instead they are fed through a machine that uses the tones to activate different relays that open the valves that control the animatronics.

My system is based on home recording software made to run on a Windows ® Pc system. The software is primarily used for aspiring musicians. It allows you to program audio files in many different tracks, then play them back all at once. The program I use is call N-track studio (www.ntrack.com/) (http://www.ntrack.com/)) and is available for a very fair price.

What makes this software special is that not only can you record audio tracks, but you can also play synchronized MIDI tracks at the same time. MIDI can be output from your computer to what is called a MIDI decoder, which can control your robot, or whatever you want.

What I so is use the audio part of the software to record a WAVE file, the sound that the audience will hear. I then connect a MIDI keyboard to my computer. Each key is labeled with a predetermined function. From turn lights on, to move head left or blink eyes – each key can control one function.

I then record my MIDI track while PLAYING the audio file. As you listen to your audio you can press the keys on the keyboard to move your robot in sync with the audio track. If you plan on having many different things moving at once – no problem. Just record your first set of movements, save the file – then do the same thing over recording the additional movements on top of the MIDI notes you just played. You can overlap hundreds of notes so that when they are all played – the animation is moving faster than anyone could ever dream of programming in one pass.

Now that you have recorded your audio track and the MIDI track for your movements – it’s time to play back the recording and output the MIDI to a relay array. I personally use a MIDI decoder from Sound Research. (www.sound-research.net/) (http://www.sound-research.net/)) They sell a device you can plug into the OUT port of your computer, and it will decode the MIDI notes you played on your keyboard and open and close relays in sync with the audio. One decoder can work 64 different relays. Even Disney animatronics don’t have 64 movements. If you want more – you can chain the controllers and record different MIDI channels and end up with HURDREDS of relays…
The relays can control lights, pneumatic solenoids, fog machines – almost anything you can put a switch on! (Watch your voltages though – these are little relays and may need to be isolated to control bigger items!)

So, there you have it. That’s how we do it at this point. The entire set up cost less than a thousand dollars to control 128 relays… and less if you only want 64. Feel free to email us if you have any questions.

Have fun!

[harveytwoface999]

Nice! Thanks Yorkmiss! But I'm just wondering - how does all the stuff connect into the MIDI board?

BTW, my brother says I have too much time on my hands. Is that so bad? :lol

[yorkmiss]

The relays from the MIDI relay board connect to the MAC valves and control them opening and closing... thus making the air cyl move.

Having too much time is not bad is you are doing something good or fun wit that time!

Beth

[harveytwoface999]

But what if you're not dealing with pneumatics?

[yorkmiss]

The relays can control anything electric directly. Relays are just computer controlled switches.
Beth

[harveytwoface999]

I'm assuming you'd need a card to plug into the laptop and do that? What card (and cords) would I need?

...So it goes from the computer to the relay board and directly to the bots? I'm assuming the relay board supplies the power, so would I need a power transformer for it? And the only thing I'd need to plug in would be the laptop, the relay board, and the speakers (all of which, I assume, could fit on a single power strip)?

And would I need to get plugs to solder onto the wires that go to the motors, so they'd just plug into it like headphones into an Ipod?

[yorkmiss]

Yes! Now you've got it!!
The Relay board plugs into the MIDI port on your computer (or USP port with an adaptor). And then you have a seperate power supply that goes to the relay board. The power is then sent to the motors, lights, or solenoids you want.
The relays are operated by power from the PC / Lap Top.
The speakers I use go through a home stereo amp to make them much louder... but you could use the speakers from the PC all alone.
Now - I do not want to discourage you in any way... I love the fact you are aiming high! You might want to consider a project a little less complicated for your first run though. Maybe start with building a Looney Bird then tackle Billy Bob later.
The reason I say that is EVERY project is a learning experiance... and to start with the "main" project will probably end up frustrating you.
I started with Looney, then Billy Bob, then added some props - now , years later - I've got my entire show almost done!!!!!
Good luck ,and let us know what help we can be.
Beth and Chris Giffen

[harveytwoface999]

So you solder a certain kind of plug onto the wire and plug it into the board?

[harveytwoface999]

Just bumping the thread here - do I need to solder plugs onto the wires and plug them into the board? And if I'm dealing with motors, do I need one channel to move the motor forward and one to move it back? (Similar to the controls of a remote-control car?)

[yorkmiss]

I never solder stuff unless I have to. It makes it easier to take apart!
As far as motors go - I don't know what to tell you there. We use solenoids... nothing direct drive like motors.

Beth

[harveytwoface999]

So the bare ends of the wires go into the relays?

[yorkmiss]

Ummm, all the wires ends should be bare! You certainly wouldn't want to put the middle of the wire into the relay :)

[lildook]

I say go for it!! You sound like me when I was younger. People would always say Why are you doing that? Or What the hell are you doing? haha... Just keep in your mind, whatever you want to do yourself is possible and don't let anyone stray your mind!

I think its a cool idea, if you need any help let me know... :)

[harveytwoface999]

Now I think I should start small - maybe a mini PTT Chuckie bot in a custom Studio C set? The only thing I'm not sure about is the screen, but I won't worry about that right now.

[chucki233]

I just thought of a way to make a low-cost (compared to a real one!) Billy Bob mech (only the mech, not sure about the cosmetics). And strangely, it's made out of Christmas stuff - a 5' Dancing Santa and the infamous Singing Douglas Fir Tree:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/harveytwoface999/15434-2.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/harveytwoface999/315C-1_ThompsonTrueValue.jpg

To keep this post short, I found a tutorial online (not exactly turning Santa into Billy Bob, more like turning him into dancing pirates and crypt keepers and stuff): Santa Mech (http://halloweenpropmaster.com:81/u-build-it10.htm) / Talking Head (Douglas Fir) (http://halloweenpropmaster.com:81/Dougie_head_hack.htm)

Since Santa's arms only pivot at the shoulder, I'm thinking of reworking them and putting a windshield wiper motor in his right arm to make him "strum" his guitar. And like I said, I'm not sure about cosmetics, but the general, "bear-like" figure seems right for Billy Bob. I know it won't be easy, but at least it's an idea! Any input on this?


Wow!! Thanks so much! My cousin went to his grandparents house and he told me(because of my interest in animatronics) that they had a Santa and Grinch, singing animatronic, in which you talk through a mike and they move there mouths! I looked all over for them and never found them. Thanks and nice find!

[jakobi]

i was thinking of converting a robosapien by making a custom mask and fur to cover the robot and altering its program slightly so it can play mp3' s of the old shows... maybe this would be a viable way to make your own custom rock afire robot... may be a little costly but cheaper in the long run depending own how well you know how to mold faces and sew as well as tinkering with electronics since the robosapien can do 68 different macros ie programmable movements!

[macrossmaster]

This sounds like a great idea – keep it going. Hope you're still hard at work on it – check around this Christmas if you haven't gotten the mechs yet. And lets try not to discourage innovation and fan work – you never know what can come of it!