[edspengler]

Pretty excited to finally start my MSH shell with Pixel Props innards. I was also able to get a Freeky Geeky holster for it. Looking forward to getting it all together.

[edspengler]

Progress on my shell, I am going with a very light weathering. Soon it is time to get started on the interior.


View of the back portion

After the cloud spray of pewter it got another light coat of black. After that all cured it got a rub down with graphite. I am thrilled with how it came out and will now apply the clear coat.

[edspengler]

I generally don’t care too much for weathering, I am very thrilled with how this came out. Under certain lighting it looks new and clean and under bright lighting the weathering comes out.

[edspengler]

Exterior finalized, now on to the electronics…

[edspengler]

Finally started assembling the interior today. I almost finished the screen but had a slight mishap with one of the LEDs. Waiting on a solder sucker to be delivered tomorrow.

[edspengler]

Finally got some more work done and got the wings assembled and working. Such a simple task, but it seemed like it took forever to get the LEDs to sit just right within the wing. I’m happy with the progress


Here is a shot of how the PCBs sit inside the wings

[edspengler]

Assembled PCB removed from the wing.

[edspengler]

So this went dark for a while and I kept working on my PKE here and there as time allowed. I finally finished all the PCBs and got them mostly installed. As soon as I got the touch sensors wired into the top shell, the lights in the screen and top stopped working, even after extensive testing. I was able to carefully pull the touch sensors out (which is supposed to be a permanent installation) and found the one cold solder joint I had missed. We’re back in business!

[edspengler]

I was able to close it all up and get it working wonderfully. Although a lot of work the kit from Pixel Props is great and I would highly recommend if you are up to the task of putting it together. Note, I added the JST connections pictured as a way to disconnect the two halves should I need to take the pke apart in the future. I also bundled associated wires together using heat shrink tubing to keep things tidy. I used Velcro to position the speaker and Bluetooth unit within the pke on the back side of the top PCB.

[edspengler]

[edspengler]

[edspengler]

Here is a view of the holster by Freeky Geeky. Although a bit pricey, it protects the pke very well while it is on the belt. I was thinking this pke would be more of a shrine item, but I feel pretty confident wearing it out using this holster.

[edspengler]

One last thing, I reopened the pke and soldered the led in the handle to the battery charging led in the booster board. It is VERY small soldering work and I do not recommend it for unsteady hands, but it was the last piece of the puzzle for me. It now flashes when plugged in and the battery is charging.

[edspengler]

Here is the charging indicator in action. I chose blue because of the significance of the scientific breakthrough of the blue led, and one of Dr. Samuel Aykroyd’s spiritual guides from his sittings went by the name Blue Light. Fitting tribute to this challenging build.

[edspengler]

Here is a demonstration of the PKE operated with the Bluetooth feature:

[edspengler]

One more video demonstration with handheld operation

[edspengler]

For those interested in the scope of work required, here is a video that covers the build. I could have done a better job keeping the build diary, but other things got in the way.

[edspengler]

I ordered a display stand from Creative3DPrintingCA on Etsy and I am very happy with it. The stand is intended for the Matty Collector PKE, but suits this build perfectly. Perfect display instead of having it lying down holstered on the shelf.

[RealGhostbusterJay]

Looks sharp!