2010 Contest Entry-EnlightenedGrinch

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Ok, I think this may actually turn out like I envisioned it. So far, so good.
I'm making a wooden stand-up snowman. I think he'll end up standing about 5 ft. tall when I'm finished. I just can't build a prop without animating it somehow, so this guy will (hopefully) toss a snowball from his left hand, over his head, into his right hand. The motor will then reverse and he will toss the snowball from his right hand, back over his head, and into his left hand. Then it all repeats over and over.
I decided to add another headache and try to incorporate some arm movement and make it look like each arm is moving upwards slightly in kind of a "tossing" motion as the snowball leaves the hand. Wish me luck!

Here's the snowman body , cut out with a jigsaw:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/005.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/008.jpg

Here's the back side of it, with the stand attached:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/006.jpg

Here's the motor mechanism. The rod that moves the snowball will be mounted on this. The two little rods you see now are what trigger the DPDT switch (mounted under the wheel) and cause the motor to reverse direction.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/011.jpg

Here's the motor mechanism mounted on the back of the snowman body:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/013.jpg

[Sickie Ickie]

That's really clever about the rods flipping the switch!

[Just Whisper]

Cool idea. I hope it works just the way it does in your head. :)

[theedwin]

So let me get this straight.... Your plywood snowman is going to toss his babies between his hands? LOL

Great idea on the switch thing, but I don't understand it at all... But knowing you EG, it will work perfectly!

I like it!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

So let me get this straight.... Your plywood snowman is going to toss his babies between his hands? LOL

Great idea on the switch thing, but I don't understand it at all...

Thanks, Edwin! No, he won't be throwing his babies, but that's a good idea.

On the switch thing---You know if you reverse the polarity on a DC motor it spins the opposite way, right?
If you use a DPDT switch (it has 6 pins on it) and wire it up like this with your power wires, the motor will change direction every time you activate the switch:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Halloween%20Props/schematic.jpg

Can you tell I'm not a graphic designer? LOL
You could use this same trick if you wanted a head for one of your props to turn side-to-side without using a crank. Just mount the head right on the motor shaft and every time the switch was flipped, the head would turn the other way.

[Sickie Ickie]

In case you have probs reading the diagram, The dc transformer is plugged into the wall and the wire ends are attached to B and E.

The DC motor wires are attached to C and F So when the switch is flipped down the circuit is complete and the motor runs one direction.

Each wire from the motor is a "Y" . The 2nd ends are connected to A and D "backwards" in order to run the opposite direction when the switch is flipped up.

The rods on the motor will flip the switch when it turns enough one way, thus sending it the other way to flip the switch again. I've never seen the rod set up. Absolutely brilliant!

Grinch, have you thought about a reindeer motor? After it meets resistance the DC current is automatically changed.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Yea, what HE said! LOL

Sickie, using a reindeer motor never really entered my mind for this project. I've used them in a couple of Haunted Ouija Boards I've made. It's cool that they change direction, but that means they don't have a heck of a lot of torque. And I'll need that torque to lift each arm a bit (if that ends up working like I want). These little black motors have really good torque for their size.
Also I don't care for the delay in the direction change of the deer motors. With this setup I'm using the direction reversal is instantaneous once the switch is flipped.

[Just Whisper]

I like it. I don't get it, but I like it. That made my head hurt.

[chris]

Grinch looking awesome!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Thanks a lot, Whisper and Chris!

[theedwin]

Thanks for the explanation Grinch! (I want to see close up pictures tho... LOL)

Also thanks Sickie as well. Now I have to get off my butt and start mine...

[Sickie Ickie]

Why? Do you build with your butt? *ducks and runs*

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Thanks for the explanation Grinch! (I want to see close up pictures tho... LOL)


No problem, Edwin!
I'll try to get some close-ups and some video. I've made some more headway on it in the last few days.

[Nevergoback]

Oh, that is going to be super! ....I need to learn more about motors and electrical stuff.

[DanoNJ]

Cool idea. I actually had the same idea w/ switch for a trolly I had planned on for '10. Now I can see if it will work without the hassle!! :)

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I'm having some issues with my snowman mechanics. Seems like every problem I fix causes another one! LOL
I'm determined to get it all figured out. We'll see........
Here's an updated pic with the arms and the head attached:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/004.jpg

[Sickie Ickie]

Looks like it's coming along very nicely!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Thanks, Sickie!

[theedwin]

I really can't wait to see this! Great Job EG!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Thanks, Edwin!
Here's a couple of close ups of the motor and switch. This is the best my cheap camera could do.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/002.jpg

Just today I swapped out the slide switch for a toggle switch. I had to totally re-design the way the arms will move, since my first idea didn't work consistantly. I think the new way will work even better than my first design!

[theedwin]

Do I smell a TUT when this is over???

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Oh, no! Its Deja Vu all over again.........

(I think that smell is coming from the North Pole Club.....)

[EnlightenedGrinch]

This was my first design for the movement of the snowman's arms. On each wrist I used a small hinge (with a short length of metal attached) that the rotating crank would sort of "force" itself past on the downstroke. On the way back up (after changing direction), the crank would "catch" on the metal piece (which was spring loaded to hold it down) and lift the arm until it hit the stopping point. Then the power of the motor would overcome the spring tension and rotate past the hinge.
Only problem was it never worked consistantly. Sometimes the crank would vibrate so badly after hitting the hinge on the downstroke that it would totally miss and not catch the metal piece to lift the arm on the upstroke.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/th_006-1.jpg


After wracking my brain for a while I finally had a "Eureka" moment. I would try using a long spring on the shoulder end of each arm to hold it up. Then mount a small piece of wood at each wrist that the rotating crank would hit and lower the complete arm, until the switch was triggered to change the direction of the motor. Then the arm would raise along with the crank until it reached it's stop as the crank continued to rotate over his head.
Only problem was the motor would drag and slow itself so much trying to push the arm down that when it hit the motor reversal switch (a slide switch) the switch would hit a dead area in the middle of it which would totally shut off the motor power. I got over that problem by replacing the slide switch with a toggle switch.
I actually like this movement better than the first try!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/th_001-1.jpg

[Sickie Ickie]

I like the movement in the 2nd video better as well. More life like in that he has to draw his arm back to throw.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I've been working on painting my snowman lately. I'll get some updated pics shortly.

[Nevergoback]

Man you are good. Can't do all that when working with the foam, it can't take the pressure. Well, I could if I doubled up the materials and made plywood backings. As it is the snow family will remain static.

[Sickie Ickie]

Nothing wrong with static. I've seen some great props that were static!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Thanks!
I should really make more static props. At least then I wouldn't have to run out in the rain and rescue them before their motors fry! LOL
I guess I'm addicted to animation.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I've got the Snowman's head and his arms/hands painted. The body is painted also, just need to shade and highlight it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/0112.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/010.jpg

[bethene]

looking good!

[theedwin]

I love the cartoony look of it! Great job so far EG! :D

[Just Whisper]

I am amazed as always.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Thanks Bethene, Edwin and Whisper!

I just need to figure out what kind of snowball I want him throwing.
I better see how much is left in my $30 budget, too!

[Sickie Ickie]

Better cross off that diamond studded 24 carrot gold snowball, Grinch. LOL

I, too, love the cartoony-ness of it. Christmas is the holiday I get to be cartoony for myself. Halloween is always "realistic" fantasy.

[theedwin]

Crumple up a piece of paper for the snowball. (white paper, not the yellow legal pad stuff) LOL

[chris]

Grinch awesome work bud!!!

[DanoNJ]

Grinch, I used syrofoam balls from Michales or AC Moore for my jugeling snowman. I think they were either 3 or 4".

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Thanks, everyone!
Also thanks for the tip on the snowballs, Dano!

[Nevergoback]

I love his face!

[andy anderson]

Great entry.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Crumple up a piece of paper for the snowball. (white paper, not the yellow legal pad stuff) LOL

I might have to do that. I just added up my materials so far and I don't think I have enough left in my budget for a store bought snowball.

(Can I get a waiver maybe?? :green:)

[Sickie Ickie]

How much would it put you over? Dollar tree has styrofoam balls. :)

[Just Whisper]

Dollar tree has styrofoam balls. :)

...so do styrofoam snowmen. blush:

I have a large styro ball sitting in my garage, wish I could give it to you. It cost me about $6. two years ago. I used it on my animated snowman that was tossing the snowball back and forth. I dismantled it this year so I could use the chicken wire in it for my new contest prop and then never made it. LOL Styrofoam is VERY expensive. What about papier mache? Or a plastic christmas ornament painted white? Or a whiffle ball covered in masking tape and painted white? Or an aluminum foil ball covered in something and painted white? Just thoughts.

[Sickie Ickie]

...so do styrofoam snowmen. Blush:

lmao!!!!!!

[Val]

Grinch, I think your snowman is going to look great no matter what you decide to use for the snowball as long as its round and white.

I try to save the sheet styrofoam that is used for packing up things like VCR's or anything breakable. You can cut it with an electric knife easily too.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Thanks for the dollar store tip, Sickie!
I have a styrofaoam snowball I bought from AC Moore last winter, but it cost $5.00. That amount would put me over budget, but a dollar one wouldn't.
Thanks for the tips, Whisper. I had thought about paper mache and will probably do that as a last resort. I appreciate the help and ideas!
Val--thanks for reminding me. I do have a styrofoam cutter, but I never thought of using it to cut out a ball shape! I might try that first.
I hope to have a finished prop this coming week!

[Sickie Ickie]

We're all looking forward to your progress Grinch!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Thanks! Me too!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

OK--I'm going to call this guy FINISHED! Let me know what you think.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/002-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/003-1.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/?action=view&current=004-1.flv


Parts List for Snowman Prop

1/16" X 1/2" Aluminum L- stock (Pro-rated)....................... $1.75
(2) 1/4" X 6" X 2' Aspen Board (Pro-rated)........................ $ 3.00
Motor............................................. .................................... $5.95
AC/DC Adapter........................................... ........................ $2.95
2' X 4' X 15/32" thick Plywood Bd. (Pro-rated)................. $8.25
Scrap Wood.............................................. .......................... $1.00
Misc. Hardware.......................................... ........................ $ .85
(2) Brackets (for stand)........FREE................................ ...... $ .45
DPDT Switch........................FREE................ ........................$ .50
Wire.............................................. ...................................... $ .15
1/2" Dowel Rod (10")................................................. ........ $ .20
Aluminum Stock, Flat 1/16" thick (5 inches)...................... $ .40
Paint (various colors)........................................... .............. $1.30
(2) Springs........................................... ............................... $2.50
Scrap Styrofoam for Snowball.........FREE........................... $0.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL............................................. ................................ $ 29.25

[Nevergoback]

That is just FANTASTIC....I Love it! Now where do you live again? and do you have guard dogs?

[Sickie Ickie]

Beautiful arm action on the throwing of the snowball! Very nice bright colors. A great project for those just starting in the electronics stuff for motion, too.

[Just Whisper]

Well, I can see this is going to be a tough competition. Voting is going to be very difficult. Grinch, the snowman turned out just amazing. I agree with sickie on everything. Two thumbs up.

But I do think you need to come up with a better name for him/her... Finished is kind of a stupid name for a snowman. :) Just saying.

[DanoNJ]

Nice Grinch!! Real nice!!!! Looks like I'll have yet another snowman in the yard this year!

[Sickie Ickie]

Well, I can see this is going to be a tough competition. Voting is going to be very difficult. Grinch, the snowman turned out just amazing. I agree with sickie on everything. Two thumbs up.

But I do think you need to come up with a better name for him/her... Finished is kind of a stupid name for a snowman. :) Just saying.

"Finished" is a brilliant name for a Florida snowman. :)

[EnlightenedGrinch]

That is just FANTASTIC....I Love it! Now where do you live again? and do you have guard dogs?
Thanks, Nevergoback!
This guy guards all of my props:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/oldnavystitch.jpg
"STITCH"

But I do think you need to come up with a better name for him/her... Finished is kind of a stupid name for a snowman. :) Just saying.

LOL, Whisper. I guess I could call him "Ralph"..........

"Finished" is a brilliant name for a Florida snowman. :)

LMAO, Sickie!

Thanks for all the compliments, everyone. I appreciate it a lot!

[theedwin]

Awesome EG! You never cease to amaze me the way you think outside the box! I am sure this took alot of tinkering to get it to work just right, and that's what you did! Perfect in every way! :D

[chris]

Wow I love it totally cool Grinch!!!

[Sickie Ickie]

What I really like about this is the incorporated use of switches. Great thinking that has me wondering where I can steal- er- borrow this idea for my props as well.

You know you did a great prop if people are wondering how to include it in their Decking/Haunt this year!

[Just Whisper]

Quote [Thanks, Nevergoback!
This guy guards all of my props:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Snowman%20Contest%202010/oldnavystitch.jpg
"STITCH"]


He is soooo cute. I mean....OH, how scary, I better not try to steal your props. LOL


Quote [LOL, Whisper. I guess I could call him "Ralph"..........] Hmmmm...maybe Finished isn't so bad after all.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Thanks Edwin and Chris! Thanks again Sickie and Whisper! LOL

I've got a diagram I'll post of how to wire the DPDT switch to the motor (to make it reverse direction) for anyone wanting to make a prop similar to this.

[Sickie Ickie]

atta boy! Teach it Teach it!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I forgot. I already posted that diagram on page one of this thread. LOL

[Sickie Ickie]

seen it seen it! LOL

[bethene]

that is so cool!! you did a fabulous job!!

[SantaPaws]

Oh my God I really love this prop.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Thanks a lot, bethene and SantaPaws!

[cinders]

I love this snowman--you did a wonderful job on it! What a neat idea having him throwing the snowball.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Thank you, cinders!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I received my $25 Lowe's gift card in the mail today!
Thanks, Rybcon! I'll put it to good use!

[Sickie Ickie]

Ryb is certainly a reliable sponsor. :)

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I received my red Snowfall LED lights from Val on Saturday and I LOVE them! I've never seen any lights like these before and Val was awesome for offering them as a substitute for the lights I was supposed to get.
Thanks for the terrific service, Val!

[Val]

I received my red Snowfall LED lights from Val on Saturday and I LOVE them! I've never seen any lights like these before and Val was awesome for offering them as a substitute for the lights I was supposed to get.
Thanks for the terrific service, Val!

I'm so happy that you like them and You are Welcome! :)

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I got six Christmas CDs from Putrid today! Thanks a lot!
I can't wait to listen to them. And thanks again for helping sponsor the contest!