Dracotrooper Posted January 2, 2018 Author Report Posted January 2, 2018 Hi all, Quick update here - Super excited to have received my BlastFX - Essentially my electronic module that will enable sound, lights and rumble action to my Blaster! I am a proud owner of one as it is compact and meets my every need. Paul is a great guy to deal with and always at the ready to answer any questions you may have. I actually received it a while back but did a terrible blunder; I short circuited the module and likely burnt out the speaker rendering the module without sound. As he provides battery hook-up instructions, I recommend heeding to the direction provided closely. I ended up commissioning him for my battery and switch install as I proved myself a novice blundering the way I did. Paul was very accommodating and got me on my way with a fully operational BlastFX in record speed! Furthermore, it comes standard with a good amount of wiring which comes in handy during the installation stage; I don't forsee any significant challenges when I get to this step. As for my battery source; I chose the recommended Li-Po type and choose out at 3.7 volts. It is recharged via USB charger and attaches / detaches via JST 2 Connector. Mine will take upwards of 2 to 2-1/2 hours to fully charge from zero. As for what I think if it; superb. It's compact, loaded with features, lights are bright enough(red for blaster bolt/ blue for stun), and sound quality is good. The Stun mode is very vivid sounding; likely to give you goosebumps as it gave me. Rifling through options in blaster types and displays gives you control over how you particularly want to operate it - great fun! Oh, there's also a 'soon to run out of ammo' sound and a 'out of ammo' sound as well during operation, which plays to kind of the realism of the whole thing. Oh yeah, and there's a mute operation as well which reveals lights only at trigger pull, which may come in handy based on the scope of a given troop. Apart from a slight electrical hum when the module is turned on, I give it two thumbs up! I did attempt to channel the possible electronic hobbyist in me over the course of three months by doing a ton of research into Arduino Boards / Sound Boards and electrical know-how on experimenting with bread boards etc. but honestly concluded it was too much time/energy/money overhead for me for even to get anything working so I went with the quick and easy route of getting this ready-to-install module and I am not regretting it one bit. Again, given that it's compact and loaded with features, it's one of my treasured components for my e-11 build. TRamp BlastFX enabling light, sound and rumble for install into doopydoos resin e-11 blaster BlastFX main processor (arduino / sound board) with micro SD card at 128 MB. JST 2 battery connector of choice shown Display, LED light, speaker and rumble motor On / Off switch and trigger along with mode button Battery of choice - Li-Po at 3.7 volts 1200 mAh current capacity Operational instructions My test set-up before installation cheers, Jesse Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 4 Quote
T-Jay[TK] Posted January 3, 2018 Report Posted January 3, 2018 The TRamp BlastFX seems like a good choice for your blaster. Thank you for sharing this product with us in such a detailed way. Any chance to possibly (some day) get a little video clip of steps 2 to 6 from the instructions below? Really curious to see those changes in the display. On 2.1.2018 at 12:28 PM, Dracotrooper said: 2 Quote
CableGuy[TK] Posted January 3, 2018 Report Posted January 3, 2018 7 minutes ago, T-Jay said: The TRamp BlastFX seems like a good choice for your blaster. Thank you for sharing this product with us in such a detailed way. Any chance to possibly (some day) get a little video clip of steps 2 to 6 from the instructions below? Really curious to see those changes in the display. Hi Tino, Not sure if this video from Paul will give you your answers. :-) 2 Quote
T-Jay[TK] Posted January 3, 2018 Report Posted January 3, 2018 Perfect Dan Thanks for posting this link. Looks like all sounds are stored on the 128 MB micro SD card. Anybody having an idea, if the sounds are customizable/interchangeable? 2 Quote
Dracotrooper Posted January 3, 2018 Author Report Posted January 3, 2018 Perfect Dan Thanks for posting this link. Looks like all sounds are stored on the 128 MB micro SD card. Anybody having an idea, if the sounds are customizable/interchangeable? There’s a separate build community for those that have purchased BlastFX on Facebook with a total of 200 members to date. Here is a link to the Facebook group; I believe it is set to public for everyone to browse : https://m.facebook.com/groups/1246759182092517 Hope the link works - perhaps an answer can be found there. I noticed also, as of Nov. 28, an ‘ancillary kit’ is available for purchase on shapeways, with trigger switch housing, and of great interest, a hollow hengstler counter - only thing is, no eagle logo but instead ‘blastfx’ on the side of it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote
Dracotrooper Posted January 4, 2018 Author Report Posted January 4, 2018 Hi all , Yet another update installment coming your way. Magazine housing ejector is upgraded one last time; it bothered me that it was without the 'fin' on the lower end so I J-B Welded a thin aluminum sheet to keep it in place. Also had quick wins when it came to adding realism to my grip. Installed two screws that came with Tino's Completion Set. I am quite happy with the results. I'm really loving my workbench around now as it has enabled me to get working quickly to get these MODs down; an investment I am entirely happy to have done. Back end of ejector now sufficiently detailed following SMG references - little triangle piece, which was knocked off before, is now reinforced with a thin aluminum sheet glued using J-B Weld. Installed Upgraded ejector fin in magazine housing Grip lower screw - study for replacement strategy Using drill bit to take out resin screw top - round file to clean With bolt head accommodated for, measure and use drill bit to make way for the screw installation Allan wrench used to get screw into place - grip bottom screw installed Comparison of resin and accurate screw installation. Right side of grip and trigger housing Grip lock and Tino completion set screw shortened as other side of grip lock will be used for BlastFX mode switch install Dremeled away resin screw and drill bit applied to length of shortened screw, step drill used to recess to accommodate screw head Grip lock installed with screw driver Installed grip lock screw Before and after pictures of screw to lock grip Wish you all a fabulous rest of the week! cheers!! Jesse 3 Quote
Twnbrother Posted January 4, 2018 Report Posted January 4, 2018 nice work ... your E-11 is looking good. 1 Quote
CableGuy[TK] Posted January 4, 2018 Report Posted January 4, 2018 Lovely work, Jesse. What’s left on your to-do list? :-)Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote
Dracotrooper Posted January 4, 2018 Author Report Posted January 4, 2018 11 hours ago, Twnbrother said: nice work ... your E-11 is looking good. Thanks Mike! Happy you're finally on the paint / assembly stage; must be so exciting 9 hours ago, CableGuy said: Lovely work, Jesse. What’s left on your to-do list? :-) Hey there Dan, thanks so much I will see to enable the trigger next, we'll see. 1 Quote
pwhitrow Posted January 5, 2018 Report Posted January 5, 2018 Hi all, Quick update here - Super excited to have received my BlastFX - Essentially my electronic module that will enable sound, lights and rumble action to my Blaster! I am a proud owner of one as it is compact and meets my every need. Paul is a great guy to deal with and always at the ready to answer any questions you may have. I actually received it a while back but did a terrible blunder; I short circuited the module and likely burnt out the speaker rendering the module without sound. As he provides battery hook-up instructions, I recommend heeding to the direction provided closely. I ended up commissioning him for my battery and switch install as I proved myself a novice blundering the way I did. Paul was very accommodating and got me on my way with a fully operational BlastFX in record speed! Furthermore, it comes standard with a good amount of wiring which comes in handy during the installation stage; I don't forsee any significant challenges when I get to this step. As for my battery source; I chose the recommended Li-Po type and choose out at 3.7 volts. It is recharged via USB charger and attaches / detaches via JST 2 Connector. Mine will take upwards of 2 to 2-1/2 hours to fully charge from zero. As for what I think if it; superb. It's compact, loaded with features, lights are bright enough(red for blaster bolt/ blue for stun), and sound quality is good. The Stun mode is very vivid sounding; likely to give you goosebumps as it gave me. Rifling through options in blaster types and displays gives you control over how you particularly want to operate it - great fun! Oh, there's also a 'soon to run out of ammo' sound and a 'out of ammo' sound as well during operation, which plays to kind of the realism of the whole thing. Oh yeah, and there's a mute operation as well which reveals lights only at trigger pull, which may come in handy based on the scope of a given troop. Apart from a slight electrical hum when the module is turned on, I give it two thumbs up! I did attempt to channel the possible electronic hobbyist in me over the course of three months by doing a ton of research into Arduino Boards / Sound Boards and electrical know-how on experimenting with bread boards etc. but honestly concluded it was too much time/energy/money overhead for me for even to get anything working so I went with the quick and easy route of getting this ready-to-install module and I am not regretting it one bit. Again, given that it's compact and loaded with features, it's one of my treasured components for my e-11 build. TRamp BlastFX enabling light, sound and rumble for install into doopydoos resin e-11 blaster BlastFX main processor (arduino / sound board) with micro SD card at 128 MB. JST 2 battery connector of choice shown Display, LED light, speaker and rumble motor On / Off switch and trigger along with mode button Battery of choice - Li-Po at 3.7 volts 1200 mAh current capacity Operational instructions My test set-up before installation cheers,Jesse Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Great write up Jesse, many thanks. If anyone wants to know more, please message from my page facebook.com/trooperampBest,Paul 2 Quote
Dracotrooper Posted January 6, 2018 Author Report Posted January 6, 2018 I’m trying the figure out how the trigger worked in the real sterling machine gun - I see that there’s a trigger plunger - does the spring action here provide the tension for the trigger? Would appreciate any insight, especially from those that are owners of decommissioned SMG...Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote
Dracotrooper Posted January 7, 2018 Author Report Posted January 7, 2018 Hi everyone, I roll-up my sleeves a little higher here as I gather understanding and attempt to modify my doopy trigger and trigger housing to follow that of the real thing. I ready green stuff to soon add to my doopydoos trigger and make way in the trigger housing for a future installation. I finish off with a light show of sorts; enable better light transfer for my BlastFX LED light to travel down the receiver tube. I use a 1/2 inch outer diameter clear acrylic tube (plexiglass) to mimic the barrel following SMG references. Trigger housing as seen from the top following SMG references. Interesting to see component parts out. Here are some underside pictures of the trigger housing. The hole for the trigger goes all the way up and room to boot. Really liked studying these pictures of the FISD E-11 blaster reference photo compendium. Here, you can see the casing that goes over-top the trigger housing taken out. Here's a picture of Tino's replica trigger and SMG reference. This here breathes light on how the trigger actually worked. I gather that the trigger maintained constant 'push' pressure from that bullet looking component, the trigger plunger and in pulling the trigger, compressed the spring on the back of it. I will attempt to mimic this action but after modifying the doopydoos trigger piece and doing a little carving into the trigger housing. Use green stuff to add to doopy trigger to mold like the real thing following SMG references Tino's Replica SMG trigger used to mold after. Part of Trigger housing hollowed to make way for trigger and trigger axis pin installation To increase the light effects inside the barrel when invoking the electronics, will apply a half inch outer diameter with 3 / 8 inch inner diameter clear acrylic tube (plexiglass) over top the LED light. Frost it with 150 grit sandpaper. Frosted acrylic tube; it is no longer clear and can carry light down the tube Test light effects of frosted acrylic tube with red colored blaster bolts from BlastFX Test light effects of frosted acrylic tube with blue colored stun rays from BlastFX Thank you for checking up on me once again; have a terrific day! 7 Quote
CableGuy[TK] Posted January 7, 2018 Report Posted January 7, 2018 Superb! :-)Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote
T-Jay[TK] Posted January 7, 2018 Report Posted January 7, 2018 Cannot wait to see your work to mimic the trigger group interior. You are scaring me, man. This is such an outstanding build. 2 Quote
Twnbrother Posted January 8, 2018 Report Posted January 8, 2018 Amazing detail... looking forward to seeing the BlastFX installed 1 Quote
Dracotrooper Posted January 8, 2018 Author Report Posted January 8, 2018 On 1/7/2018 at 3:05 AM, CableGuy said: Superb! :-) On 1/7/2018 at 5:20 AM, T-Jay said: Cannot wait to see your work to mimic the trigger group interior. You are scaring me, man. This is such an outstanding build. 5 hours ago, Twnbrother said: Amazing detail... looking forward to seeing the BlastFX installed Thanks Dan, Tino and Mike - this is truly unchartered territory for me; with asking questions and figuring things out along the way, I may be able to put something together half-decent. Green stuff has cured; now to emulate the original trigger. Quote
Dracotrooper Posted January 19, 2018 Author Report Posted January 19, 2018 Greetings fellow SW enthusiasts! This is my plan as I set out to install the electrical components of my build into the grip. There's a small handful of custom pieces like the trigger guard and trigger plunger and have modified the doopydoos trigger. Also will be using Tino's rotary switch that comes with his Completion Set. Although it would be neat and tidy to chop up the wiring of my already operational BlastFX to funnel wires and reconnect to minimize the amount of resin destruction, I chose to keep my wiring intact and will go about with some creative work with thin styrene plastic pieces and aluminum sheets. That's right, I am going to gut out channels and housing compartments and recess them as needed, then cover up with plastic then mold in with green stuff (pattern Knurling where necessary). I will then have two aluminum sheets, cut to shape of the trigger housing part and cover it as well as have the little odd shaped piece around the base area of the selector switch. Feeling a little apprehensive but with careful planning, I hope I can pull this off half decent. Cheers, and happy building! 2 Quote
Dracotrooper Posted January 21, 2018 Author Report Posted January 21, 2018 I am seeking guidance from anyone whose prepared Tino’s rotary switch for installation. I am looking to install wires as well in case I want to get electronics going for it. How do I prepare the unit itself for install like where is the o ring that can or must be removed and also, how to understand what wires go where? Like positive and negative, I’m a bit of a dummy when it comes to electronics. Here is a build photo from Tino and how the underside of the switch looks like ... Thanks for reading; any direction is appreciated Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote
LTM[TK] Posted January 22, 2018 Report Posted January 22, 2018 Here is a listing for electronics using a rotary switch: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIGHTS-SOUND-DIY-KIT-for-Blaster-Master-Uber-E-11-Blaster-Rifle-Model-/232102221992 This is a three part series where he shows you how to build it: Not affiliated with him, but I have the kit and watched the videos. I also stayed at a holiday inn express (too old a reference?) 1 Quote
Dracotrooper Posted January 22, 2018 Author Report Posted January 22, 2018 47 minutes ago, LTM said: Here is a listing for electronics using a rotary switch: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIGHTS-SOUND-DIY-KIT-for-Blaster-Master-Uber-E-11-Blaster-Rifle-Model-/232102221992 This is a three part series where he shows you how to build it: ... Not affiliated with him, but I have the kit and watched the videos. I also stayed at a holiday inn express (too old a reference?) Thanks Lou for the pointing me to these videos! - Definitely worth viewing to get familiar with the process involved. Interested to see how he deals with the rotary switch, thanks again. 1 Quote
Dracotrooper Posted January 22, 2018 Author Report Posted January 22, 2018 3 hours ago, LTM said: Here is a listing for electronics using a rotary switch: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIGHTS-SOUND-DIY-KIT-for-Blaster-Master-Uber-E-11-Blaster-Rifle-Model-/232102221992 This is a three part series where he shows you how to build it: ... Not affiliated with him, but I have the kit and watched the videos. I also stayed at a holiday inn express (too old a reference?) It has already proved informative to check out the videos - fascinating to see how he installs the trigger switch, which is a much cleaner install than the method I thought of before. Decided to go about it this way (see graphic) Thanks again Lou. 1 Quote
Dracotrooper Posted January 23, 2018 Author Report Posted January 23, 2018 HI all, Here are some proof of concept pictures I have for the trigger components. I am really liking my custom trigger; after light sanding the aluminum, the rough edges are off and it feels pretty soft and the piece is sturdy. E-6000 worked great to adhere the metal, resin, and green stuff together. As for the trigger plunger, still want to tidy it up and deciding on how long to make its channel. I may have to pull the compression spring apart some to give the trigger some real pull action. Still brainstorming on how best to stabilize the trigger switch. Raymond (Blaster Master) pegs it, then hot glues it. Perhaps I can find tiny screws and do so that way? Nails? Thanks for reading although update only really a brainstorming session at best. If you have any ideas on how best to install / stabilize the various components, give me a shout, Have a terrific day! 2 Quote
LTM[TK] Posted January 23, 2018 Report Posted January 23, 2018 You are going to be putting some force behind squeezing the trigger (gloves and excitement at trooping) so you want it to be robust. Not to mention letting a child play with it for a "sec" and them really pulling on the trigger. Figure out the max throw you want (in mine it is 1/4 inch) and set your forward spring to bottom out on something solid. You could even simplify and use a piece of bent metal (like the bottom of the tube retainer at the rear). Over time whatever you use will need to be replaced so keep that in mind as well. More I think about it why not use the top part of a clicker ball point pen? Once you have the maximum throw, hot glue the switch in place where the contact is just made. This way you wont put any significant pressure on the switch. In mine the two small posts broke off, but the hot glue is more than strong enough to hold it. 2 Quote
Dracotrooper Posted January 23, 2018 Author Report Posted January 23, 2018 2 hours ago, LTM said: You are going to be putting some force behind squeezing the trigger (gloves and excitement at trooping) so you want it to be robust. Not to mention letting a child play with it for a "sec" and them really pulling on the trigger. Figure out the max throw you want (in mine it is 1/4 inch) and set your forward spring to bottom out on something solid. You could even simplify and use a piece of bent metal (like the bottom of the tube retainer at the rear). Over time whatever you use will need to be replaced so keep that in mind as well. More I think about it why not use the top part of a clicker ball point pen? Once you have the maximum throw, hot glue the switch in place where the contact is just made. This way you wont put any significant pressure on the switch. In mine the two small posts broke off, but the hot glue is more than strong enough to hold it. Absolutely, the trigger will be a well-worn part of the blaster; designing for maintenance around those inevitable tight trigger squeezes, for replacement etc. are smart moves. In reflecting on your pointers, I think I will do significant carving into the trigger housing and install a removable cover plate. This way, I can make sure alignment is there and access for future maintenance is there too. Oooh, important. Will install the trigger switch while the trigger is at maximum throw, point taken - thanks again. 2 Quote
Dracotrooper Posted January 28, 2018 Author Report Posted January 28, 2018 Hi all,It's been quite the ride contemplating on the design / modification of my trigger group components, especially in light of getting ready to have BlastFX component parts installed. I ultimately decided on creating two-piece trigger housing cover made out of sheets of aluminum as this will give me freedom to carve into the housing to obtain positional and functional correctness. Having a removal cover also helps me maintain BlastFX component parts, like the trigger switch, as I hear from troopers that, that's a common part to replace as enthusiam during troops tend to bust this part bad. As for this modification update, I had finally modified my doopy trigger and created a custom spring piece to make the trigger operational. These are now installed and I am SO happy; sufficient trigger tension and position is good ( nowhere near touching the trigger guard) I had tried my best to make the trigger group like that of the real sterling machine gun. Although there are some scale and positional deviations, I am quite happy with the results.....check out my progress.Part of Trigger housing hollowed to make way for trigger and trigger axis pin installationTrigger housing hollowing for trigger assembly installationAluminum sheet cut to left side of trigger housing coverDoopy trigger shaped with female tab using dremelDoopy trigger female tab cleaned using square fileTrigger male end of tab cut to shape using hacksaw and hole drilled for trigger axis pinTest assembly of modified doopy triggerReplica SMG trigger versus modified doopy triggerTrigger addition glued to doopy trigger after installing support pinTo further reinforce trigger pieces, it will be sandwiched between aluminium sheets cut to shape. E-6000 glue will be used to attach sheets. Where the trigger will contact the trigger plunger, an aluminum sheet is added to reduce friction at trigger pullPreminary attempts at replicating the trigger plungerE-6000 used for gluing aluminum sheets cut to shape to modified doopy trigger. Popsicle sticks used to evenly distribute pressure when clampingMark 2 Electronics Install Plan on GripMock placement of trigger, trigger plunger and trigger switch on trigger housingMock trigger component placement versus install planDrilled out trigger axle pin in the housing for trigger installationModified doopy trigger versus resin replica and real triggerProgression of doopy trigger modificationVarious angle views of modified doopy triggerTrigger pin hole created and an 8mm solid aluminum rod used as trigger pin - still need to cut to lengthWith rod in place, measure position of trigger at throw and at resting positionTrigger installed in housing with rod put through. Trigger at throw position; further carving needed to allow trigger to get to resting positionTrigger in throw position, inside and outside housing, compared to schematic of real thingCustom trigger plunger options; weighing out pros and cons of each. Longer spring option needs to be shortenedTrigger hole carved at the front to make room for trigger to be in rest positionTrigger at rest position inside housing compared to SMG referenceEstimate positioning and installed trigger at rest and throw positionsSmaller trigger plunger option chosen to begin with and channel carved with Dremel tool1/2 inch Chicago screw extension was cut for creating this trigger plunger head. It’s corners are filed to create bevel edge. Mock placement of it in channelInserted custom trigger plunger in channel - force now applied against trigger piece.Custom trigger plunger head needed to be pushing the upper part of the trigger so a retainer cover was created from an aluminum sheet to keep the plunger from jumping out. Now there is sufficient rocking motion with adequate tension applied to triggerTrigger plunger head positions at trigger pull and rest positionTrigger housing with modified trigger and custom trigger plunger installed - adequate trigger tension and positioning is obtained. Trigger does not touch trigger guardTrigger plunger installed - with and without retainerTrigger axle pin cut to length with cobalt hacksaw blade and lubricant to gather shardsTrigger components now complete, shy of the trigger switch, which will come in laterThree items checked off from trigger housing modification planWell, that's it for now; thanks for reading once again! Have a terrific day and happy building!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 Quote
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