Scotophor
Active Member
Hi all,
I've been reading here and at the Quantum Leap site, Al's Place, about the numerous attempts -- many failed -- to build accurate replicas of the Quantum Leap "rotten pile of gummi bears" handlink from season 3 and later. I found several excellent photos for reference (3 from Mark Dickson and 4 from The Leap Back convention display in 2009 -- be sure to get the large size of the Leap Back photos using the link at upper right of each page), a few decent screenshots, a few somewhat-inaccurate drawings, and some info on parts. No insults intended, but upon comparing the reference photos to the few completed projects, none of the projects seem to be as accurate as I would like, though Cyland's is very close. Most appear to come up short in the number and general appearance of the LEDs, some have acrylic and/or cast resin sections that are wrong colors or shapes, etc.
Studying the photos, I see that the prop was made using at least 4, possibly 5 or more different physical styles of LED "blocks" (multi-emitter light bars and single-emitter units), many of which were stacked together to form larger blocks. Checking my electronic components stash, I found that I have 2 of the large 2-emitter style LEDs, but the prop needs many more. A local friend may be able to help me get another handful or so, but not enough for the complete prop. I've had no luck at all yet on the 3-emitter lightbars, but I have discovered that the smaller 2-emitter lightbars and the square single-emitter units are still being made. I also managed to get one of the "T-shirt flasher" kits that apparently may have been used as part of the real prop's lighting control circuit. I believe I have enough acrylic in all the right colors to make the basic case, and sufficient electronics knowledge to build the lighting circuit, if only I knew more detail of what the original circuit was. For example, exactly how were the LEDs wired? Were any current-limiting resistors used, and if so where are they? How did the T-shirt flasher connect to the EPROM? How were the "touch switch" controls implemented, and what did each of them do?
So here's what I would like, and I hope someone here has and is willing to share:
I've been reading here and at the Quantum Leap site, Al's Place, about the numerous attempts -- many failed -- to build accurate replicas of the Quantum Leap "rotten pile of gummi bears" handlink from season 3 and later. I found several excellent photos for reference (3 from Mark Dickson and 4 from The Leap Back convention display in 2009 -- be sure to get the large size of the Leap Back photos using the link at upper right of each page), a few decent screenshots, a few somewhat-inaccurate drawings, and some info on parts. No insults intended, but upon comparing the reference photos to the few completed projects, none of the projects seem to be as accurate as I would like, though Cyland's is very close. Most appear to come up short in the number and general appearance of the LEDs, some have acrylic and/or cast resin sections that are wrong colors or shapes, etc.
Studying the photos, I see that the prop was made using at least 4, possibly 5 or more different physical styles of LED "blocks" (multi-emitter light bars and single-emitter units), many of which were stacked together to form larger blocks. Checking my electronic components stash, I found that I have 2 of the large 2-emitter style LEDs, but the prop needs many more. A local friend may be able to help me get another handful or so, but not enough for the complete prop. I've had no luck at all yet on the 3-emitter lightbars, but I have discovered that the smaller 2-emitter lightbars and the square single-emitter units are still being made. I also managed to get one of the "T-shirt flasher" kits that apparently may have been used as part of the real prop's lighting control circuit. I believe I have enough acrylic in all the right colors to make the basic case, and sufficient electronics knowledge to build the lighting circuit, if only I knew more detail of what the original circuit was. For example, exactly how were the LEDs wired? Were any current-limiting resistors used, and if so where are they? How did the T-shirt flasher connect to the EPROM? How were the "touch switch" controls implemented, and what did each of them do?
So here's what I would like, and I hope someone here has and is willing to share:
- Photos of the inside of one of the original, opened hero props. Detailed study notes of the wiring and electronics would also be a major help. It would also be somewhat helpful, but IMO not critical, if I could get identification of the exact model of switch that was used for the main on/off control, or at least a clearer picture of it than any of the above references provide.
- An accurately dimensioned drawing of an original prop. If need be, I can scale the reference photos from the known components (the battery and the LED blocks) but IMO a tracing or actual measurements of the prop would be much better. I read here that Mark "Mycroft Holmes" Dickson made a tracing of an original prop, and emailed a copy of it to ONE other member, but if the image was ever posted, it seems to be gone now. Who got it, and do you still have it? Is there some reason that such a tracing shouldn't be posted for all to see? Why was Mark banned, anyway?
- More of those pesky LEDs. Is anyone here who has completed his prop or given up on their attempt, willing to give up any of the correct LEDs you may have managed to obtain?
Astute readers of this post may have noticed that I've hinted that I have some more details but not completely spilled the beans... I'm willing to share my info but I'd really like to get something before I give anything away, at least until I have everything I need.
EDIT: Keep reading, I've shared quite a bit of info that I have not been able to find posted online here or anywhere else.
EDIT: Keep reading, I've shared quite a bit of info that I have not been able to find posted online here or anywhere else.
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