Mar 29, 2024, 03:46 pm

News:

New, New TardisBuilders!


The next dose of insanity. Matt Smith-ish

Started by tailgunner30uk, Feb 17, 2012, 09:17 pm

Previous topic - Next topic

tailgunner30uk

Feb 17, 2012, 09:17 pm Last Edit: Feb 17, 2012, 09:30 pm by tailgunner30uk
So here we are again, at the start of a new project.

Initially this is all going to be drawings, plans, theories, plans, possibilities.  So at the beginning I am going to admit that some, in fact, a lot of inspiration has been drawn in the first instance from the build by EddyC, so this is my opportunity to ask, would you mind me borrowing from your excellent ideas.

I expect that this will be a significantly longer project  and these drawings are at a very early stage.  also I have no real idea yet, about how I am going to put this together, much less make the parts.

So without further messing about a couple of early draft pictures.

Closed
ms test1.jpg

Open and extended.
ms test2.jpg

Please leave comments, ideas, humorous anecdotes, what ever you do though, don't mention the CNC.....  oops ;D

Really, only joking Mr Rod, sir.  I really don't want to be immortal.. :)
Perhaps I'm old and tired, but I think that the chances of finding out what's actually going on are so absurdly remote that the only thing to do is to say, "Hang the sense of it," and keep yourself busy. I'd much rather be happy than right any day.

Quote from Slartibartfast.  Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.

the_temporal_mechanic

Is this going more in the direction of another custom project?  If so, I always thought that the emitter shape (green jewel) was a bit awkward and might look better as a round orb that wasn't fully covered by the claws. 

I also thought that the shape of the brass end cap was a bit boring.  I always wondered what the Eleventh Doctor's Sonic would look like with an end cap like the Ninth/Tenth Doctors sonic, but modified somehow.  I look forward to watching this come to life.

tailgunner30uk

This will be my imagining of the Matt Smith screwdriver, These drawings are the starting point.  At this point all options are available as long as it stays recognisable as the MS Sonic. I sort of like the hour-glass shape, but also like the idea of a single sphere supported within a parabolic reflector.
Perhaps I'm old and tired, but I think that the chances of finding out what's actually going on are so absurdly remote that the only thing to do is to say, "Hang the sense of it," and keep yourself busy. I'd much rather be happy than right any day.

Quote from Slartibartfast.  Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.

tailgunner30uk

Hi all, it's Saturday, so I must be in my favorite cafe in Wellington, Telford.  Well, I say this but it is not always a given,  I recently tried out the local Subway, but this is much better.  So, onward into today's thoughts. 

A brief conversation after the posting of the first pictures in this diary sparked a question in my mind.  How far can a build stray from the original, before it leaves the realms of the subject matter.  If I wanted something that was exactly like the original, I could buy it, and if I were wealthy, which I am not :(,  I could pay the $4000 for a reproduction made by the original designer.  Or I could go down the full customization route, my concept of a sonic screwdriver.  I think I have mentioned elsewhere, I used to build model kits,  accurate reproductions of aircraft, boats and vehicles from history, mostly military.  I am sure others here have done the same.  But after a while I started to want more, to make the subject unique, mine.

This is where I am with this project.  I could make it true to the original, an accurate reproduction of the original prop.  I am sure that there is enough reference material to accomplish this, pictures, drawings and the like.  But I hesitate, this would contain nothing of me but the skill, or lack thereof. I want it to be mine, for lack of a better word, I want it to contain a little of my soul.  I don't mean this in a religious fashion but rather a means to contextualize an idea.  So the design philosophy is such that the screwdriver must be recognizable as Matt Smith inspired, but with my own take on the design.

So on to some ideas.  I am thinking of using some features from the Ecclestone/Tennant design. The emitter, reduced in size, possibly supported from arms, set in a parobolic reflector, the claws will still be present and still open but more curvy than the original.  Finally the end cap, replacing the current one with a data port or maybe calibration/settings dials.

Sorry, I have to go now, the coffee has been drunk, and there are tasks that need to be undertaken.  I will commit some ideas to paper and add them to the drawings if I like them.

Please feel free to comment and sorry for the rambling nature of this post, that  unfortunately is my nature until a project settles down to some form of solid structure and I start cutting metal.  In this case that is some weeks away....


Perhaps I'm old and tired, but I think that the chances of finding out what's actually going on are so absurdly remote that the only thing to do is to say, "Hang the sense of it," and keep yourself busy. I'd much rather be happy than right any day.

Quote from Slartibartfast.  Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.

tailgunner30uk

Feb 18, 2012, 07:58 pm #4 Last Edit: Feb 18, 2012, 08:00 pm by tailgunner30uk
Hi there all.

Some new drawings, still very much in the preliminary design phase.  I have added the parabolic reflector, supports for the central emitter which for this set of drawings has been flipped upside down.

ms test4 old.jpg

ms test 5 old.jpg

ms test 6 old.jpg

ms test 7 new.jpg

ms test 7 old.jpg

ms test 8 new.jpg

ms test 9 new.jpg

ms test 10 new.jpg

ms test 11new.jpg

So what do you think?
Perhaps I'm old and tired, but I think that the chances of finding out what's actually going on are so absurdly remote that the only thing to do is to say, "Hang the sense of it," and keep yourself busy. I'd much rather be happy than right any day.

Quote from Slartibartfast.  Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.

Mark

I personally like the idea of the parabolic mirror. Kinda like focuses the energy.

JMinc

love the parabolic mirror, and the way that's developing!  now, if there was a way to adjust it while fully extended, ie: rotate the back of the handle to move the emitter further from/closer to the mirror/reflector...   or maybe it could adjust the angle of said reflector.  rotate clockwise to tighten the angle of reflection, making for a stronger, more directed sonic emission..  counterclockwise to widen the beam. 

the_temporal_mechanic

Feb 19, 2012, 06:09 pm #7 Last Edit: Feb 19, 2012, 06:12 pm by jarenelo
I like the look of the mirror. Gives the sonic a great classic sci-fi element to it. like the barrel of a ray gun. Would almost like to see the emitter a bit more rounded though. Without the step down in size it seems a little stunted. Love what is going on with this!

tailgunner30uk

Thanks for the comments,

Jarenelo,
I agree with the emitter being flattened doesn't work.  I am working on an idea of using a smaller version of the Tennant screwdriver emitter above the reflector, so first some sketches in the sketch book then if I like it I will put it into the drawing and upload the pictures  I may truncate the emitter supports and use a central pillar to support the emitter.

Jminc,
I did think of making the emitter move with respect to the dish, but the mechanism would be complicated as there are other parts of the design that could interfere..  I'll have a think about it, maybe there is something that will work.
Perhaps I'm old and tired, but I think that the chances of finding out what's actually going on are so absurdly remote that the only thing to do is to say, "Hang the sense of it," and keep yourself busy. I'd much rather be happy than right any day.

Quote from Slartibartfast.  Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.

tailgunner30uk

Feb 20, 2012, 08:20 pm #9 Last Edit: Feb 20, 2012, 09:31 pm by tailgunner30uk
Hi all,
I have done a little work on the screwdriver this evening.  The bauble emitter has been replaced with a more Tennant-esque metal enclosed emitter.  So here are some new pictures, for your enjoyment.

ms test 17 new.jpg

ms test 14 new.jpg

ms test 15 new.jpg

ms test 12 new.jpg

So what do you think?, Too far? Too much? too little? :)

I thought I might try something a little different this time.  I have uploaded a VRML file of the screwdriver to my dropbox file.  In order to view it you will need to install a VRML viewer for your browser, there are free versions that encompass most popular browsers.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/63265201/matt%20smith%20test%201.wrl

I hope this works
Perhaps I'm old and tired, but I think that the chances of finding out what's actually going on are so absurdly remote that the only thing to do is to say, "Hang the sense of it," and keep yourself busy. I'd much rather be happy than right any day.

Quote from Slartibartfast.  Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.

riftmaster

Hi,

Looks good so far. I was thinking... maybe you should make the top longer (stretch the claws a bit and move the emitter up?)
Keep up the good work :)

-riftmaster

tailgunner30uk


Thanks for that Riftmaster, have you tried the VRML I would really like to know if it works.
Perhaps I'm old and tired, but I think that the chances of finding out what's actually going on are so absurdly remote that the only thing to do is to say, "Hang the sense of it," and keep yourself busy. I'd much rather be happy than right any day.

Quote from Slartibartfast.  Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.

riftmaster


the_temporal_mechanic

I like the way the claws slot into the bottom of the emitter. 

tailgunner30uk

Feb 25, 2012, 10:50 pm #14 Last Edit: Feb 25, 2012, 10:54 pm by tailgunner30uk
The next update in the virtual build.

Hi everybody.  A little more work in the design of my interpretation of the Matt Smith Sonic Screwdriver.  I saw the diaries of the $4000.00 made by the originator,  Matt Smith sonic.  It has suggested some changes in my design, I will think about in the next few days but I think for now I like the way my design is moving.  Most of the changes have been internal and involve splitting up parts for assembly and working out how to make the parts move. As well as where switches, electronics and the batteries will go.  I think there will be a power switch in the bottom somewhere as well as the sound/light activation switch in the top of the handle.

I have also made some cosmetic changes to the top of the screwdriver.  I envisage cooling fins on the sliding silver parts of the top, connected to the emitter by copper tubes, rather than the support struts.  At the moment these are 2mm diameter but might get reduced to 1.5mm.

The itch to get out into the workshop and start cutting metal is starting to grow.  New tools have been bought, and material purchases are being planned so with any luck the build might start in the next few weeks.

Anyway, here are  some pictures to whet the appetite, as always comments, suggestions and witty comments are welcome.

matt smith 2 top.jpg

matt smith 2 top closeup.jpg

matt smith 2 top iso.jpg

matt smith 2 top high.jpg

Before I go I will leave you with this thought
.
.
.
.
.
If you didn't get it please check that someone hasn't stolen your psychic paper!   :)
Perhaps I'm old and tired, but I think that the chances of finding out what's actually going on are so absurdly remote that the only thing to do is to say, "Hang the sense of it," and keep yourself busy. I'd much rather be happy than right any day.

Quote from Slartibartfast.  Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.