You have been Upgraded! - New parts

Today the brain of the whole operation arrived.

With lots of research and some luck I hope to make this little mind run a lot of k-9's features. I am totally new to this bored and it will take sometime I imagine. I will keep all of you updated on my progress.

Also, my clevis have arrived they are to fix up my currently 'MacGyvered' ear servos.

Yes the camera on my phone sux's I accidentally took it down the log-floom ride with my son - It got wet.

Parts I used ..Part 1

I promised a list of all the links I have. They are in multi comps and I have not yet put them all together so lets get back to that collection list.

My item Collection for --*spins the imaginary blue wheel of epicness* 

The Control Panel!

This is exterior items only.

First I built the actual panel using the plans I had chosen. Then I needed the parts;

1. Black Plastic Spray Paint - I bought this at my local hardware store. It is also available Here

2. The buttons - These I found on EBAY the Seller seems to still be supplying them.

3. The red display lights - I purchased translucent red Polycarbonite color lot 4401 I also used this to make his eyes. This was found on ebay as well but the seller no longer supplies it. I found many UK suppliers when I locate a US one I will link it here.

Mark I, II, III, IV....

Will you make a Mark or a Dummie? Or perhaps bubblegum pink?

K-9 as you know changed ..a Lot.

The back panel from black to silver; how far up or down it was seated in his back, the red on his ears, the black on his noes, his overall paint color and size variations. I will not go into each and everyone. In studies I have found dependencies even in statements given by those who built and maintained the dogs. Sufficed to say the best way is to find the K-9 that mentally says "thats him" to you and create that. Almost every builder alters their build in someway to personalize it to their own ascetic.

I personally favor the original "Invisible Enemy" K-9 in my own design choices. The only major discrepancy is the use of the front end of an old B&W monitor. I bought this even before I started any part of my build thinking wow that looks about the right size for K-9's monitor. Surprisingly enough I found it to be a perfect fit when I finally placed it in my build. I also had the luck of finding a digital picture frame that fit right into the old monitor mount. His is basically a flat screen, but I just love my display.

The only reason I am mentioning this is because as you collect your paints and your odds and ends you will want to keep in mind what your final visual goal is. I personally would just adore to see an out of the box build. Perhaps attach earrings to his ears XD and give add effects that will change him into a her? No matter how close you want to get to the original in the end this dog is going to be for you, enjoy that fact.

You have been Upgraded - Receivers

My very first upgrade has arrived!

For my controller I have been using a FS-TH9x it really works very well and using this vs a ps2 or 3 controller appeals to my classic mentalities. 

I upgraded the receiver box

to this receiver box

Not only will this allow me to use all 9 channels the transmitter offers but it has a built in fail-safe. If the receiver and the transmitter lose connection from one another this will automatically set all servos to start position and shut down.

Start Collecting

So now you have decided what to make your build out of. Its time to start collecting parts.
If your really up to the task start collecting for the interior needs as well. Otherwise I suggest taking it step by step and start by figuring out what your outer shell will need.

I expect I will post links in future as to where to obtain most items listed below however I will not add ebay because the items will expire and the links worthless. That said ebay is a great place to locate your needs. So for now consider the parts below and go Hey I can make X with Y!

Eyes - Red Acrylic, perspex, Plexiglas, polycarbonite, a red folder, stained glass, or any other semi transparent red material you can access.

Ears - Lots of choices here including: wire mesh baskets and pen caps from the dollar store to to steel rods and wire mesh. If the interest is there I can elaborate however it should be clear that these although seemingly scary items are not actually something to lose your head over.

Tail - Items ranging for a car antenna to varying sizes of aluminum galvanized rod.

Monitor - Plexi, acrylic, computer monitor, digital picture frame, mini etch-a-sketch. You will have to give this one some planning because what you choose to do will take up space inside your build.

Bumpers - Pipe insulation #1 choice of builders be sure to paint it.

Nose - Aluminum rod, or laser pointer. You may also find common items that will do the trick just fine. Even a painted AAA Battery.

Tail Boot - Pinion boot, steering rack bellows

Control Panel Buttons- Acrylic, Wood, Push Buttons, Something rectangular preferably semi transparent.

Neck -This is widely debated and may products have been used. I personally went with a 5" hose and covered it with a split intake air hose that had the correct look then I sealed it up with black liquid latex.