Arrow board trailer build

[Blender]

I thought it would be cool to make a functional arrow board:



I mocked up the electronics first as I wasn't sure i could figure it out. Things went pretty well and I had a working proto in a few hours using an Arduino Uno. I doubt I coded it in the most efficient manner, but it works. There are three light configurations: Left progressive arrows, alternating diamonds and right progressive arrows which are selected by turning a potentiometer. The youtube video shows the function:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qfbTDtA0w4

I moved on to the structure via CAD. Frame will be 3/16" brass tube silver soldered together. Plastic parts (board, fenders, electrical enclosure) will be 3D printed to save me some effort. Tires will be Garden Trucking's smallest Wedico trailer tires (50mm OD). I need to rework the box to include power switch and potentiometer mounting. Battery will be 6V Nimh or 2S Lipo.


Soda can for scale. 6.85" wide, 9.38" tall, 8.45" long including tongue.

[hippy]

cool idea!

[dabears]

Sweet!! Great idea!! What part of AZ you in?

[Blender]

Hopefully I can finish this in a timely manner.

I'm in Gilbert.

[dabears]

Originally Posted by Blender

Hopefully I can finish this in a timely manner.

I'm in Gilbert.

Im in Tempe! There are a few other members in our area as well!

[Radio Control Trucker]

Great idea.

- RCT

[1985 kenworth]

wow...nice

[Blender]

A little update. I recieved the printed parts. It's a bit bigger than I expected, but it matches my model which is scale...





Forgive the mess

Next up is to finish off the brass frame and sand, sand sand

[Lmackattack]

Regarding the sanding....I use automotive high build primer on my 3D cabs and it does pretty good for hiding the lines....just a suggestion...

Keep the pics coming...this looks cool...

[Blender]

Originally Posted by Lmackattack

Regarding the sanding....I use automotive high build primer on my 3D cabs and it does pretty good for hiding the lines....just a suggestion...

Keep the pics coming...this looks cool...

Thanks for the tip.

[Ken Orme]

I like it as it would be good addition to any garden trucking setup

Ken.

[dabears]

looking great!! that's gonna be cool when done

[22fatcat]

Originally Posted by Blender

A little update. I recieved the printed parts. It's a bit bigger than I expected, but it matches my model which is scale...





Forgive the mess

Next up is to finish off the brass frame and sand, sand sand

Thats not a mess, nice build I like to see things out of the ordinary

[sparkycuda]

I agree with 22fatcat - no mess here! But it is a nice build of something we see daily, but don't normally model. Waiting for the video of working arrows........

kEN

[FlyingBeagle]

That is really neat. Very interesting build. I like seeing the unusual items like this especially when they are done as well as this one.

On a side note I saw your forklift videos on your youtube channel. Do you have a build thread for it. I have always thought that would be a really cool, yet complicated vehicle to build. Yours looks like it is done very well.

[sneff]

That is really cool. I'd love too see more builds like this.

[Blender]

Thanks for the kind words, guys. It feels weird to be so passionate over such a forgotten machine. I am very excited to wire up the arrow board after paint.

Is it bad if I've already ordered parts for a second variation? RGB LED array 16x32 pixel: not exactly the right aspect/pixel count, but my sickness has begun. A two line construction message board is next. It will be powered by an Arduino as well.



@FlyingBeagle: I've been struggling with the telehandler for maybe 5 years now. The version from the videos mostly functions, but i couldn't pack everything in for a final (detailed) assembly. Version 3 is in the works. I have a few prototype parts around as a proof of concept, but i'm trying to iron out all the details before i spend too much on parts. I'll post up a build thread once construction actually begins. My goal is to have something physical by the end of the year. For now you can peek through my renderings:

http://s6.photobucket.com/user/ToyTu...brary/Forklift

There's a printed axle casing in there as well as some overall shots. I worked so slow Caterpillar introduced an entirely new model which is why I changed the engine cover in the renderings. I wanted the match the newer TH407C.

[Blender]

Had some minor hickups with the elctrical, but i learned a thing or two and got it all sorted out. I killed an output pin somehow, but i can use another.

The rubberband hinge support works flawlessly. I also began working on the message board code while i waited for paint to dry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWjIApnqvgI

Arrow board pulls 45 mA maximum and the message board pulls 100 mA max both are way less than i expected. Next up is to detail the frame with outriggers and pintle hitch while i prep the body for paint.

Lmackattack's reccomendation of high build primer saved my bacon. Thanks!

[dabears]

Looks SWEET!!!! Love the boards!

[Snochaser]

Tenacious exacution. Well done. You should do some mass production.