Classic BSG Cylon Helmet Build

[Corellianexports]

This one has been a long, long time coming. The helmet was pulled from a "stunt" version in black fiberglass. That was probably around 2002.

Last summer I cleaned it up a bit by removing the "flash" and washing it.

 

[Corellianexports]

The next step is to make the "visor" that holds all the LEDs.

Here's some photos from an original helmet.

 

[Corellianexports]

From the looks of it, they used standard size LEDs. I'm counting 32 total. And if the reference photos is correct (CylonCenturion-Helmet) there's 5 LEDs lighting up at one time, which means a 6 or 7 segment flasher is needed.

I'm working on a template today for the "visor box". This one will be machined out of aluminum.

 

[TazMan2000]

There is a guy on eBay that sells the LED array (jupiter_elect), and Hytechtoyz sells the sound board and other accessories.
I have a helmet, as well as both the LED eye and sound board from the aforementioned sellers. Initially I wanted to do the chrome myself, but upon reviewing a whole bunch on products that were hit and miss, or wildly too expensive, I have put the project on hold.

TazMan2000

 

[Apollo]

Hyperdyne used to sell the “eye” assembly as well iirc

 

[propmaster2000]

Now a days with fairly inexpensive micro controllers available and much easier to use (compared to the old school way),
a nice representation can be built.
The "eye" itself is wide, gliding from side to side giving the impression it is mechanical.
The entire set of 5 LEDs are not blinking (on/off) as it travels.

When the leading LED goes on, the trailing one goes off so it "moves" smoothly across the eye slot, bounces off the end and returns again.

Many years ago, I made mine using a micro controller from Parallax BS2-IC (Arduino is the way to go these days).
My helmet was made to be worn with the light (never have worn it as a costume).
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Will be interested is seeing your finished result.
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[Corellianexports]

I ran into some trouble finding the right diffusion material and the old style LEDs, so I've ordered the kit from ebay.
I had forgotten that some one was making these, so thanks, guys.

I've attached some new progress photos.

 

[Duncanator]

What were you planning to do for the chrome finish? I have a cylon kit that has been sitting around because the cost of vacuum metalizing scared me off. Just recently someone turned me on to CoatofChrome, whose process looks very promising at a lower cost than vac-metalizing.

 

[Corellianexports]

I'm still researching different products, but a friend of mine recommended this:
Which Chrome Effect for me?

I'm going to test some chrome and mirror paints I recently purchased. I used the chrome paint on some Leia ceremonial necklaces and the finish is decent. I'm also going to give a local plating shop a call to get a quote. If they're not too spendy, I'll probably go that route.

 

[Corellianexports]

Here's couple of progress photos:

We finally got a couple of dry days, so I sanded down the helmet this morning and then painted it this afternoon. What should have been a simple Winter project is slowly extending into a Winter/Spring project. Hopefully, this will be the next to last coat of paint before taking it to the platers.

 

[Corellianexports]

Sanding and priming, sanding and priming. Almost done.

 

[Duncanator]

Filling and sanding never ends....

 

[Corellianexports]

It seemed to fill those long, winter nights.