OK, the recovery was faster than I expected. In a nutshell, what I did was, I used the later version of the Software, re-built the program and added some subtle effects. All these effects did take a toll on the chip’s memory and so, I had to make some compromises (OK, delete stuff). But finally, it’s up and running. Looking back at the effects, I think it is best not to follow the effects exactly as shown in the Episode. So, this final version (hopefully) will have some subtle effects to make it a little more different. I would like to have two different Startup versions but the chip does not have enough memory.
THE BREAKDOWN
During Startup/ Flight MODE:
– Red Navigation and Chin LEDs will be ON.
– LED Ring glows a little (Yeah, its been added back in)
– The Engine fades in, then blacks out in a split second.
– Then it comes alive with a flash, and lastly,
– Goes on an infinite flicker mode until the switch (ie ramp) comes down
During Standby MODE:
– Red Navigation, Chin LEDs and Engine will be OFF.
– Cargo Bay, Landing Bay and External lights would be ON.
– LED Ring would fade in and out with a delay of a few seconds.
– When the switch (ie ramp) closes, it will go into Startup/ Flight MODE after a few seconds.
MOVING ON…
OK, I kinda got stuck. It takes about EIGHT PCBs (Revell version) to light the Razor Crest instead of just THREE (AMT version). And so far, I had enough budget to complete only FIVE for the time being. And to make things worse, the front of the Cargo Bay, which is part #B23 is missing. I am not sure if I dropped it, misplaced it, or someone has swept it away. This is the peril when I moved out from the Works Room and into the Family lounge area.
I have contacted Revell who will kindly replace it free of charge but it will take weeks to arrive. Without it, I cannot confirm the design of the FOURTH PCB.
MILESTONES
In some Projects, there are notable learning Milestones which in other words, is a first for me. There are many as far as I can remember but not all could be shared since I did not make them for production, But with the Razor Crest, I am going to share with you:
PASSING OF PARAMETERS
In terms of programming, some of the Lighting sequences repeats itself. Instead of creating each step and taking up more memory, I assign a macro function. All I have to do is then call the macro when I need the sequence and pass though different variable values so that each effect is different although they have the same steps.
Spring Terminals
These (slightly expensive and chunky) terminals allows you to connect the wires without any soldering. I prefer the user to just concentrate on completing the model and not have to worry about getting a Degree in electronics. Unfortunately, these terminals also increases the PCB’s real estate although both versions of the Razor Crest has enough space for it.
ULTRA-THIN PCBS
The Revell Razor Crest has an interior Cargo Bay and it was designed to be dropped into the actual ship’s lower fuselage. However, there is minimal gap between the cargo bay walls and the fuselage. I had to design and seek out manufacturers who are able to create very thin PCBs. It is very expensive and yes, it has a MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity). Luckily I waited a few days more, and then, the option of flexiPCB existed via JLCPCB!
LED PCB STANDS
OK, I am getting a little ahead of myself here. I have designed the have the revised Main Board PCB to sit on the ceiling of the Revell’s Cargo Bay. This not only locks the PCB into the model but also, provides lighting as seen in the TV Series. I will elaborate more when the said board arrives.
2IN1 DESIGN
This is the same concept when I released the Battlestar Galactica Lighitng System in 2011 which has two different flicker modes but caters for three (or more) Spaceships. From the TOS Viper MkI to the nuBSG Vipers MkII & MkVII and even a TOS Cylon Raider, that system catered for them. It is no different with this design but the only difference is that the changes in lighting are very obvious.
NUMBER OF LEDS
Ok, I’ve actually lost count on how many LEDs were required but at the last count, I think it was 78 for the AMT version and now with the Revell’s Cargo Bay interiors, the count has risen to about 98 LEDs. In theory, I would be consuming anything from 1,200mA (Standby Mode, Revell) to 2,500mA (Startup/ Flight Mode, AMT) of current. However, with the micro-controller taking charge, the USB Meter showed the system is sipping at 110mA during Startup/ Flight Mode, which is strange. I will need perform other tests to verify this. The good news is that the system (in theory) can last for quite a bit with a 10,000mAh mobile phone battery pack on a single charge.
THE VIDEO
OK, enough talk. Here is the video for you, which highlights the latest (re-built) program revision. You might want to pause and rewind a bit to read the notes to fully understand the lighting effects.
