[alphabeta001]

Hi everybody! Hi Dr. Nick.

Anyway, for this years run of conventions I decided our group definitely needed our own ECU for display and for use with all those Haslab traps out and about. And with our first convention on May 11th, what better time to start than April. 1 month to build and get lights and sounds done. I decided to be strategic and focus on the main box and worry about the back and wall later.

I have to give a massive thank you to both tobycj and prodestrian for their help and answers to my questions regarding accuracy and just general building. Both are legends and I wouldn't have got this done without their help.

I started with lots of research- the Ghostbusters Reference Library site, SAGB's ECU thread, Gush's build for some of the more detailed photos of locations for parts as well as 910doheads extensive build and research.

I then printed off Mike Nelson plans and SAGB's cut list for 6mm plywood. Popped to big B&Q in Reading and got the big 3 cuts done so it would fit in my car. Then the process of comparing measurements between the plans.

My thinking was to have the main body built and ready with lights and sounds...

I started out with the control panels, made out wood, but after layers of filler and sanding I wasn't happy.
So I remade them out of plasticard and I'm much happier. The handle I bought from workshopProp on Etsy.



I'm using the internals from GhostbustersGear's Patreon for clamping to the hasbro trap

[alphabeta001]

I continued with the build over a long weekend. Assembling and screwing panels together as I knew I needed to ensure this wouldn't fall apart while driving to the convention, especially without a "box" to hold it in.

Corner brace dowels were installed and filler was used to fill in the screw holes.


Cut out the window and installed the button and dial plates to see how it looked.


Very happy with how this has come out. I know my dial panels aren't accurate for the correct volt meter or buttons, the handle is also chunkier. This was intentional as this will be under a lot of stress so wanted something that will hopefully last.
Sacrifices were made for something that would work and look cool to the masses, so I can mostly live with that... for now anyway

[Mercifull]

Definitely following this. Making an ECU has been on our wish list for ages. I don’t really have the tools (or talent) though. Best of luck, watching with interest.

[alphabeta001]

Definitely following this. Making an ECU has been on our wish list for ages. I don’t really have the tools (or talent) though. Best of luck, watching with interest.

All I've used are a jigsaw, drill and impact driver and a set square and punch. Plus sandpaper and filler, lots of sanding and filler.

The big cuts were done at the big B&Q near me with a cross cut sled. It all then fit in my car.
Talent wise, measure twice and cut once is what I keep repeating to myself. Leave a gap between the final line and where I have to sand it back has helped it not get too wobbly.

You've got plenty of skill and I know it will be amazing when you do one yourself

[Mercifull]

I could measure thrice and cut once and still somehow manage to be on the scunt haha.

I don’t have a jigsaw at the moment only a multitool which is fine for lots of jobs but not clean lines. I do have a friend with a mitre so maybe I’ll need to enlist the help of a non-ghostbuster fan to assist.

[tobycj]

Definitely following this. Making an ECU has been on our wish list for ages. I don’t really have the tools (or talent) though. Best of luck, watching with interest.

You could probably get all the parts cut relatively cheaply. I got the door and all the parts for the internal "box" cut and shipped for less than £65. There's various online places that'll do custom cut MDF, so might be worth looking into!

[Mercifull]

My local Homebase used to cut for 50p a cut (once you've bought the materials) but its changed into a The Range now with no wood shop. There is another timber merchant in my town but they normally cater only to trade. Might be worth an enquiry though.

[alphabeta001]

Continuing with the build log I used some holiday and took a few days to get the ECu stage 1 finalised.

I built the chute frame and allowed for a couple of bolts to attach through base of the main ECU to hold it on. It will be light so this should be enough to hold it on. Worst case I'll add a bolt through from the backing board to inside as an additional anchor point.


Building my door after discussion with Toby I wanted to go for as accurate as I could. However the parts I'd want wouldn't turn up until after May 11th.
So I turned to simple door hinges and UV resin to make "fake welds" on the screws coming through the door. I can always swap out the door and frame for more accurate parts at a later date.




I started with attaching parts, realising that I had already painted the handle and its case and didn't want to spray it again, so made some notches to have access to where my screws would end up going.

This is now very much a mark 1 door.

[edspengler]

Not sure if you’re aware but Pixel Props Store has been working on an ECU electronics kit. Unfortunately Jason paused production of new projects due to the costs associated with the new tariffs imposed by dear leader. Perhaps sign up for updates to know when it becomes available.
https://pixelpropsstore.com/shop/ecto- ... -unit-kit/

I am enjoying following your build!

[Mercifull]

I was disappointed to see PixelProps discontinue development on their ECU board (I have one of their FE pocket Gizmos), however... there's an absolute ton of space inside an ECU so you should be able to replicate the functionality from off-the-shelf parts like an Arduino, amplifier, speakers and lighting. Or for more advanced functionality for the smoke effects then you could probably write some simple software to run off a Pi Zero 2 W

[alphabeta001]

Not sure if you’re aware but Pixel Props Store has been working on an ECU electronics kit. Unfortunately Jason paused production of new projects due to the costs associated with the new tariffs imposed by dear leader. Perhaps sign up for updates to know when it becomes available.
https://pixelpropsstore.com/shop/ecto- ... -unit-kit/

I am enjoying following your build!

Thank you very much. That means a lot coming from you with your awesome builds.

I was aware of Pixel Props board and that Ninjatunes2001 is developing a kit as well. I've just gone with an Arduino set up. I have no technical skill so bought a code off of Etsy. Bit overpriced honestly, but with my crunch time it helped me out and I have breathing room to now look into developing a bigger solution

[alphabeta001]

I continued on with building the attachments for the door. Checking fit and placement multiple times.

I tried to add both door check and hold backs (11 inch arm/ 13 inch slide rod- available through Amazon) but it just wouldn't close. Bit stumped on what I did wrong here. I'm assuming that I needed to place the vertical part further back to give it better angles? Where I'm not using real heatsinks I can get by with one hold back for now.


I then realised I needed to check this would actually close and not scrape against the frame before I went too far in building.

Success!

The next day I decided to tackle the trap catching mechanism. After a bit of struggle with GhostbusterGears clip not holding he cartridge i realised I had not got the base support printed out.
So I cut up some PVC pipe and used a heat gun to flatten it. Then reshaped it round an off cut of the wooden supports to form a rectangular tube. I cut out a middle piece with my not-a-dremel and bent 2 ears further to be a bit of support.
Surprisingly it worked. It is messy as anything but it holds the cartridge up and gives enough space to twist and release the cartridge after. I'll take that win.



Next was the Arduino code..

[Mercifull]

I’m very done a fair bit of ghostbusters related arduino projects. I’ve released some, like my KUD meter, code for free online. If you want a hand with modifying the code to change the functionality or add some additional bits and pieces then let me know.

[alphabeta001]

I may pester you about that later .

Your gear is stunning, the Narda and KUD are definitely ones I want to try and attempt at some point

[Mercifull]

I’ve just realised you (Berkshire busters) are exhibiting at Swindon stars of time this year. Unfortunately I won’t be able to come along to that to meet you as I’ve got an event in Portsmouth the day after.

[alphabeta001]

Ah that's a shame. Would have been great to meet you. Hope to catch up soon though

[alphabeta001]

Hope everyone had a fantastic Ghostbusters weekend.

Delving back into this I spent a day playing around with Arduino code. This was a big step for me, as I am not computer savvy, like at all really.
But finding out that I needed an older bootloader due to my elegoo nanos and chinese uno being 3rd party, I was able to get all boards to blink an LED. Then use a switch to turn on an LED.

I kept the ball rolling and started on the ECU set up. If I had 5 years I might have got myself to a point to design the code myself. But I didn't so I cheated and spent money on a code of Etsy. Is it perfect, no. Does it have all the sequences I want. Yes.


Brimming with confidence I wired up the switches and small speaker I was able to get for the DF Mini player with plenty of wire left over if I needed to reroute anything due to the physical build.
I hot glued terminals on the breadboard to ensure nothing would shake loose during travel or set up.

I stapled some black fabric over the back to hide the internals and add some mystery when the hatch would be open. I also bought some cheap garden LED light sticks to use for my red and green lights for the top as I wasn't going to have this as free standing or have anywhere to hang the lights at the convention.


On the 10th I went to get more of my chosen paint from Halfords, to find they were out and all nearby stores were also out. So I could leave the unit partially painted or swap to another colour of red and hope it was close enough... F@#%
Que a mad and all over the place respray with thankfully good weather some printed of labels held on with double sided tape and it was done.

We had a fantastic day at the convention and many compliments on the unit.
Definitely need to find better speakers that can be heard over the convention hall background but still happy with it.
Here is my brother Adam and team member Chris after our set up.