Batman Returns, light up Batarang

[jhusel]

I picked up a static version of the Batman Returns movie in the junkyard several weeks back. I really wanted this to be cool. So I decided to make the screen light up. I stole the idea from Stapleton who used these blue screens in a prop he produced a while back. They are Turnigy RC Controller screens you can find on eBay. So I milled out the center piece, then on the backside, I made a lip for the screen to rest against. Then I began to work on the buttons, switch, and battery (which needed to be 6v for the screen). I ended up using a button cell battery holder and stacking 2 3v to power it. I had to do some creative sanding and soldering to make it not be too thick.

I milled out quite a bit on the back to make it all work, but in the end I was happy with it. Then I wanted the little figures to show up. So I drew some up in Illustrator and had a sign company print some out in white vinyl. Once done, I applied them to a clear transparency and placed it behind the screen's white diffuse paper. Once behind, the figures faded and you couldn't see them when it was off. Once you press the button, BOOM, there they are. They aren't as WHITE as I'd like and the pics don't quite match it in real life, but is close.

Anyway, thought I'd share.

Jhusel

 

[Kitty Butler]

That is so awesome. Great job! I've always wanted some of the older movie batarangs. I just have Dark Knight ones.

 

[Gphalen]

"I picked up a static version of the Batman Returns movie in the junkyard several weeks back. I really wanted this to be cool. So I decided to make the screen light up"

You lost me right there. I was like um doesn`t the screen light up when you start watching the movie? lol

 

[Phantombatman]

LOVE IT! Great work, excellent!
cool:thumbsup

 

[Logan Cade]

That is fantastic...Beautiful job!

 

[Nightwing Returns]

That is AWESOME!!! I always wanted to do that! I love it!

 

[jhusel]

Thanks guys. I wanted one of these, but just didn't think a static one would look good. I'm very happy with how it turned out!!

Jhusel

 

[Nightwing Returns]

Have you ever thought of doing a run of them?

I know you got the rang from the Junkyard, but that version has been recasted countless times. It was originally made by Steve (screen name here SD Studios). I'm sure, at this point since he no longer offers them, if you asked him for permission he may say yes.

 

[Etriganmx]

That's an amazing work! can you please tell me the measures? specially thickness. Thanks!

 

[Greeky04]

What size is the screen on these batarangs?

 

[jhusel]

I'm not really a kit maker, more of a builder. I could definately do some measurements and shots of how I wired it up, links to parts, and all if people are interested.

 

[Nightwing Returns]

That would be awesome! I have an original SD Studios one that Steve restored for me. I dare not try it on that. But if it's simple enough I will definitely pick one up off ebay and try my hand at it. I was going to make one from a nightlight a decade ago but never could figure it out.

 

[Greeky04]

Id love to see how you wired it all up and everything

 

[jhusel]

Ok, I'll take some pics this weekend and show how I did it. Trust me, if I can wire this up then ANYONE can do it. lol

 

[Greeky04]

Trust me, if I can wire this up then ANYONE can do it. lol[/QUOTE]

Dont be so sure about that haha.

 

[jpfx]

this is amazing if interested email me at jesterfx@ymail.com i would be interested in buying some form you depending on price

 

[Etriganmx]

Ok, I'll take some pics this weekend and show how I did it. Trust me, if I can wire this up then ANYONE can do it. lol

How about upload a video? I would love to see how the screen lights

 

[jhusel]

Sorry guys, been sick and working on making my 89 batmobile shoot a fireball out the exhaust. And I finished that last night!!

I don't have any for sale, sorry. I just had a casting and decided to make it light up. I'll try to post some inside pics and video soon.

So for a list, here you go:
First find a Resin batarang, obviously! lol
LCD Backlight kit (LCD Backlight Kit for Turnigy 9x ? Spektrum DX6i DX7S ? Glows Blue | eBay)
CR2032 Battery Holder (CR2032 Battery Holder : Battery Holders | RadioShack.com)
2 3V Button Cell batteries (Can't remember which ones I used, but they were thinner than the 2032s)
Micro High Tact Switch (SPST 12VDC/50mA 5.0mm High Tact Switch : Tact Switches | RadioShack.com)

And you don't HAVE to use this but I did. I just used the red button as my actual button and threw the switch into my junkbox
NTE 54-556 Pushbutton SPST 3A : Pushbutton Switches | RadioShack.com

I used my mill to do my installation work. You stack the two batteries together to get 6v, which is what you need to power the LCD screen. Then you wire the negative from the LCD to the negative battery leg, wire the positive from the LCD to the switch, and from the other leg of the switch back to the positive battery leg.

You'll probably have to cut down the LCD as it's a bit long, but a bandsaw will work fine and won't shatter it. It is a plastic, not glass. There is a white diffuse paper that faces you as you look at the front of the prop. I had some little figures laser cut from a sign shop to size, then applied them to a piece of clear transparency paper. Then put that behind the white diffuse paper and it disappears until you turn on the backlight.

 

[Greeky04]

Hold up you own an 89 batmobile?

 

[jhusel]

I DO!

It's a LITTLE hard to get in though, since I'm not 1/10th scale But it does go 35mph, lights and shoots fire out the exhaust!