MSE-ZILLA: K.I.T.T. build log

[Atalon]

This build started as many projects do, wether I knew it or not, as a distraction and something to do while over thinking about how to proceed or fix an issue with R2-D2. I knew I was going to think about a theme for the MSE while I worked on it so with that set a side, I ordered the cut aluminum and parts to get started.

That of course, meant it started to cause stress over finding the right size and head type of metric machine screws. With us silly Americans using the Imperial measurement system, having access to random lengths of different sized metric machine screws is a real pain if you just plan to go to the local box store.

After winging about the screws online for a couple days I finaly started ordering some multi packs of screws so I could build up a base stock. One of the things that helped was I had seen a video that talked about gridfinity storage bin system. I won't go into it here, there is PLENTY of resources online about it. Found some different bins I liked and started 3d printing to fill the majority of my top tool chest drawer.

[Atalon]

Once the cut aluminum was received I started assembly and was struggling a little bit. Most of it was just me not fully understanding how the pieces fit together. The rest was some tolerances issues due to how different waterjet cutters have their machinessetup. I eventually figured out trimming the tabs and slots a bit was all I needed to do to everything together.

[Atalon]

Added the wheels, motor, chains, and electronics to start testing. I did a really poor job on cutting the tube over the all-thread. I will 3d print a spacer for those to keep them from rattling.

[Atalon]

The DS-600 (boat) RC controller works well to drive the Sabertooth 2x32. I would like controllable sounds so I got the arduino setup from the mouse droid builders forums. It uses the the shadow-md sketch as a base but seems to lock out the sabertooth in favor of a servo controlled system. I am trying to find out if there is a way to open it back up but no one has responded to my question about it. For now I am going to use the arduino for sounds an the rc for driving. The rc should be more reliable in a radio heavy environment like a convention anyway. So safety will win out since this is a heafty brick of metal aimed at people's ankles

[Atalon]

Used an angle grinder and sanding flap wheel to smooth out all the edges and get it ready for putty and paint. Also designed a small speaker holder but I am going to redesign that for a larer speaker because the tweeter, while working great for the mse chirps, doesn't handle regular music and sounds and becomes quiet in comparison.

Also designed a battery box to keep the battery from sliding around and getting the wires caught in moving bits.

[Atalon]

After making a comment to Andrew (I think it was) that was polishing one of the aluminum mse droids, that a cylon eye would have to make an appearance. I got thinking that KITT from Knight Rider would but fun but I had only originally planned to have shiny black no greebly plane finish. While searching for KITT front chacing light bar I happened across the idea of also adding a voice display for kit while searching Etcy. So now I have decided to add the panel around the voice display, which does react to audio input.

[Marc ph]

Amazing work way more stuff then what I have I may copy some of the internals.

[Atalon]

Thanks, it's been really fun. Especially, when I let go of my perfectionism and just let the process work.

[Atalon]

Officially over sanding it's not going to be perfect so no sense in torturing myself. Started painting. And now have to resist the urge to put more on it for a few days. Especially since it is going to rain for the next few days. Then not sure if I have time for another coat of black before clear coat. Hopefully it doesn't need it but I did see some random pieces of dust got on it when it got a bit windy.

[Atalon]

Of course trouble would come on my birthday. Painted this Sunday and came out on Saturday to put the clear coat on and I guess it was not long enough. good thing I started here instead of the top. This won't get noticed unless it gets picked up and turned over. Wol probably just do a quick sand and paint later just to make sure paint is not falling off and it is at least black underneath.