The microphone; the containers; and the junction box.
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Last Thursday, I gave you my take on a parabolic microphone for SCEPTER. Friday, I decided [for cosmetic reasons and maybe recording sensitivity] to remove the core [shown in the photograph at the left] I was using and install the microphone where it is in the center of the dish and as close to the focus [sweet-spot] as I can get it.
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![Friday's [12/11] mod](http://northcarolinacyclist.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/crw_0969-crw_1.jpg?w=224&h=150 "Friday's [12/11] mod")
Next, the containers or boxes—two of them. My sports/gym bag to keep the laptop dry. I also had the battery in there to feed power to the panohead. As I added items, the 1” hole in the bottom was getting a bit tight for wiring. So, Friday morning, I began my mods by making the hole a 2.5” hole. It lined up fairly well with my hanging floor [with porch for my laptop—picture right].
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We have not delved into the inner working of this box yet. Once I complete the system, I plan to write it all up. I prepared an outline earlier. There it is simply referred to as “toolbox.” Within, there are all my electrics [power strips, light chargers, night light, tools, etc.] Now, add the laptop, battery for the pan and tilt device [panohead],associated wiring, and tools that were in the top tray. I have called this a “tidy box.” Well, it remains so. and even more functional. |
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Finally, the “junction box.” No mods here. This is a new addition to the SCEPTER [thanks Drew] creation. Using an OtterBox 3600, that I purchased [I think in 2006], I placed connecting cables for modularity and protection. They could be within the control box, but are more functional outside. There will be 5 wires/cables :
- Audio line [2 Radio Shack stereo extender cables]
- Main camera power [off the power strip]
- Panohead power wire [from 6-volt battery that last forever]
- USB for main camera [due 12/16]
- USB for heel camera [Creative Labs' Live! Cam Optia AF]
By using this box, the connections are protected from rain [I need another OtterBox cable-pass-through kit].
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Yet, to come—a fan to pull the hot air out. That suggest a vent for outside air to get in and not bring in water from rain. I’m thinking… [the results of my thinking, you see above].
Now, had I used a small bit, drilling through masking tape and then the larger bit, the hole would be better aligned and spaced. I can cover with some type screen grid [if I choose to hide the imperfections]. They are not visible from the outside of the box.
This is a wrap!
Jim
P.S. The fan is also done [you probably noticed the pictures in the container section]. I drilled holes for air intake on the bottom of an edge on both sides. This part of the project was completed around 11:00 a.m. Sunday, 12/13.
SCEPTER is moving into the category of “work of art” I do believe. Did you have this in mind with the original idea or has it been a nice journey of discovery of your own?
- Zeke
Hi Zeke,
I think more the latter–necessity being the mother of invention. When I began, I did not have a buggy [transport system] in mind until I was ready to take it outside for the first test. The journey has been fulfilling.
Today, I refined two components of my tidy box–a more silent fan, with a disconnect [the 3-prong motherboard connector] to easily shut it off and a near water resistant bottom plate for my OtterBox 3600 [no longer sold].
Now, I have nothing to do. Oh yeah, another camera comes Wednesday.
Have you built a snowman yet? When I was in college we [guys] built a snow woman. Imagine…
Jim
Looks great Jim! You must be retired to have the time for these cool projects.
Hi Jasper,
I am [paid my dues in two professions] and now work full time as a blogger.–FUN! Thanks! –jim
Jim,
NASA called looking for you. They want to borrow SCEPTER for their next mission to Mars! Lookin’ good!
David
I’ll bet you have real parabolic microphones in your profession. I guess if SCEPTER looks the part, it could perpetrate a number of roles. I just hope it does well at its single task [a part of the name that Drew gave it]. Thanks David! –jim
Hey,
As I recall, building snowmen or snowwomen predated my days of leisure in Boone, otherwise known as my academic career. We certainly had no shortage of snow with which to practice the fine art of snowperson building! I have stronger memories of post-ski moments around the lodge fires for that part of my life.
With respect to SCEPTER, I’m going to suggest that the next mod effort begins to address the issues of remote movement of the cart and perhaps a bigger treaded tire to climb over any boulders or debris that might be in the way. I’m beginning to get images of some of the robotic bomb defusers that law enforcement uses… The transport technology is clearly there.
- Zeke
Absent the mountains in Greensboro, NC, we had to make do. This was in 1965–it worked then. A bunch of guys shaping snow to fit the image of a BIG shaply woman. Anyway…
GREAT idea, now if I can find a sponsor to fund such and endeavor. I’m thinking, I gave up my wagon too soon.
Jim
Uh, how about DARPA? I hear they really, really like things along these lines. You might have to identify a more nefarious use of SCEPTER though in order to qualify. I’ll bet there are some themes in the old James Bond movies we could dig out and reintroduce!
- Zeke
(BTW, for some reason your responses aren’t coming to my email again…)
Sorry about the email. I’ll look into it.
I’ll pass on funding, etc. The project is for fun and to provide a live component to my blog. I’m wrestling with a USB interface today–bummer.
Jim
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