Iron Man helmet with magnets: how to do it and how to light it up with them

R

RickyPizzi

New Member
Hi everyone! I created this thread because I'm having a "problem" with my mark42 helmet: I want to make it open and close with magnets simply by removing the faceplate by hand (I have made only "closed helmets" so far) and I want them to light it up too.

I saw something on YouTube but I don't manage to get the precise "instructions". I'm totally ignorant about electric circuits so I hope someone will explain me the project in details (position of magnets, wires required and so on).

Thank you! Hope someone will amaze me! ;)
 
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I bet you can pull this off with a well-placed relay switch. Relay switches can complete a circuit when you place a magnet near it. So... if you want the lights to come on when the face plate is attached, this could be the answer you're looking for. They have 5v relay switches at RadioShack (they probably have different sizes too). It should have a diagram on the package of how to hook it up (looks confusing, but it's really not). Go buy one and experiment with it for a while, you should be able to figure it out. Notice that when you place a magnet near it, it "clicks." That is the little metal switch inside that completes the circuit. It also works the other way around... i.e. it also completes a circuit when the magnet is removed. This means you can have a lit LED turn off as you move a magnet toward it - OR - you can have an off LED light up when you move a magnet near it. Of course, you might need a little basic knowledge of circuits... but if that's too much time, I can walk you through it.
 
ASOEdevo said:
I bet you can pull this off with a well-placed relay switch. Relay switches can complete a circuit when you place a magnet near it. So... if you want the lights to come on when the face plate is attached, this could be the answer you're looking for. They have 5v relay switches at RadioShack (they probably have different sizes too). It should have a diagram on the package of how to hook it up (looks confusing, but it's really not). Go buy one and experiment with it for a while, you should be able to figure it out. Notice that when you place a magnet near it, it "clicks." That is the little metal switch inside that completes the circuit. It also works the other way around... i.e. it also completes a circuit when the magnet is removed. This means you can have a lit LED turn off as you move a magnet toward it - OR - you can have an off LED light up when you move a magnet near it. Of course, you might need a little basic knowledge of circuits... but if that's too much time, I can walk you through it.
Click to expand...

THIS is what I was looking for! But unfortunately: yes, I have no basic knowledge of circuits..totally ignorant If you don't mind, I'd ask you to explain me the exact procedure (here or in PM)..in the meantime, thank you very much! I really appreciate your availability!
 
No problem... I was in your shoes a few months ago, this stuff can be tricky. I will build a circuit the way I think you want it to function and break it down for you. I will have time to work on it over the weekend... sorry it's going to be so long. Just so I can build it right, what power source are you using and how many LEDs (and what type/voltage are the LEDs)? Do you have a power source (batteries) and LEDs yet?

a quick video I found on youtube about relays and how thy work... in the video he is turning it on with electricity, but we want to turn it on with a magnet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8Os4WFUALA
 
I used a magnetic reed switch (what they use in doors for alarms etc, sounds like another name for the relay switch ASOEdevo is talking about) to make my helmet in my IP light up when the face plate was attached. I used magnets to secure and remove the faceplate, and had the two halves of the reed switch in the chin of the helmet and on the base of the faceplate so that when the faceplate was put back on it completed the circuit.
 
ASOEdevo said:
No problem... I was in your shoes a few months ago, this stuff can be tricky. I will build a circuit the way I think you want it to function and break it down for you. I will have time to work on it over the weekend... sorry it's going to be so long. Just so I can build it right, what power source are you using and how many LEDs (and what type/voltage are the LEDs)? Do you have a power source (batteries) and LEDs yet?

a quick video I found on youtube about relays and how thy work... in the video he is turning it on with electricity, but we want to turn it on with a magnet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8Os4WFUALA
Click to expand...

Take your time mate! Thank you! As regard my materials..I have nothing, the only thing I'm sure about is the number of LEDs: 3 per eyes (I don't want them to be dazzling). I'll follow your knowledge step by step :D:angel I'm just hoping I won't fail the materials' name translation so that I can find them easily in my country (Italy) :lol

I also found this video: this is exactly what I'd like my helmet to be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTEQpAkf298

I think that's what P4r4dox86 is referring to :thumbsup
 
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P4r4dox86 said:
I used a magnetic reed switch (what they use in doors for alarms etc, sounds like another name for the relay switch ASOEdevo is talking about) to make my helmet in my IP light up when the face plate was attached. I used magnets to secure and remove the faceplate, and had the two halves of the reed switch in the chin of the helmet and on the base of the faceplate so that when the faceplate was put back on it completed the circuit.
Click to expand...
This is what you're looking for, RickyPizzi, reed switches act the same way, just used for different stuff... probably more appropriate here. Thanks for mentioning it!
 
RickyPizzi said:
Take your time mate! Thank you! As regard my materials..I have nothing, the only thing I'm sure about is the number of LEDs: 3 per eyes (I don't want them to be dazzling). I'll follow your knowledge step by step :D:angel I'm just hoping I won't fail the materials' name translation so that I can find them easily in my country (Italy) :lol

I also found this video: this is exactly what I'd like my helmet to be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTEQpAkf298

I think that's what @P4r4dox86 is referring to :thumbsup
Click to expand...

Cool, I'll get you started with an easy design and then we can make it a little more complex (using resistors to maximize battery efficiency and control brightness). And don't worry too much about specific materials right now. It all basically works the same way and you won't be blowing anything up or getting zapped... you will just have room for improvement and, trust me, you'll be glad you know how to tinker with this stuff later.
P4r4dox86 sounds spot on for what you're doing, nice to know it has been done before!
 
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ASOEdevo said:
Cool, I'll get you started with an easy design and then we can make it a little more complex (using resistors to maximize battery efficiency and control brightness). And don't worry too much about specific materials right now. It all basically works the same way and you won't be blowing anything up or getting zapped... you will just have room for improvement and, trust me, you'll be glad you know how to tinker with this stuff later.
@P4r4dox86 sounds spot on for what you're doing, nice to know it has been done before!
Click to expand...

By the way, my helmet is made out of foam so there's no rigid part..don't know if this matters on your project :unsure

Thank you again guys, looking forward to seeing your works!
 
Just to add, when attaching your magnets (whether the neodynum for holding the faceplate or the reed switch), do not use hot glue. Apologies if you already knew this, but the temperature can demagnetize the magnets, making the installation a moot point.
 
Here you go... I made you a short video to explain the steps. This is only for 1 LED. Once you hook this up, I will make another showing you how to hook several LEDs in parallel.

I hope this is what you're looking for.

Would you mind posting some pics of your helmet so I can see what's happening on your end? Thanks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ur3Y5Azlyk
 
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ASOEdevo said:
Here you go... I made you a short video to explain the steps. This is only for 1 LED. Once you hook this up, I will make another showing you how to hook several LEDs in parallel.

I hope this is what you're looking for.

Would you mind posting some pics of your helmet so I can see what's happening on your end? Thanks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ur3Y5Azlyk
Click to expand...

Man, I'm really grateful to you.

My helmet has not been completed yet, two nape pieces missing. Just give me a couple of days and I'll post some photos, I'm having a busy weekend between work and other stuffs.
laellee, I'll use a strong bi-adhesive scotch tape then. Thanks for the tip.

Guys, you are really making my day!
 
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@ASOEdevo, here I am! Weary weekend :wacko

Here are some pics of my helmet, nothing has changed since I last wrote 'cause I really had no time to dedicate.
Don't pay attention to the shape of the helmet (jaw and temple), I'll shape them by glueing an iron-wire framework internally ;) This is the only fault of foam!

1.jpg 2.jpg 3.jpg
4.jpg 5.jpg 6.jpg

But thinking about it, with the method you posted on YouTube the whole circuit should be in the faceplate (otherwise the wires would be "free" and visible when the faceplate is up) but there's no space enough to place it..it seems that the only possible way is the one in the video I linked some days ago (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTEQpAkf298) but it looks much more difficult..I this is what @P4r4dox86 was explaining :unsure

OR I could try with a dry-reed (yes, I read up ;) ), which would surely fit in the back of the faceplate, but then I would need a very tiny battery pack :facepalm
 
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I used magnet as contact point to close electrical loop.
I suggest that you get a square magnet (3x10x3mm) and planted on the thickness of the foam.
Placed as many as you can. The more magnet, the more secure your faceplate become (your brainwave will be somewhat disturbed too).
Just make one pair as electrical connection.
Alternatively, just make a visible flaps to hold the magnet on the helmet, and align it with magnets on the facepate.

See my tips below.
I used a square magnet for securing the back side of the helmet. Round ones for the faceplate.
Hope it helps.
 
RickyPizzi said:
@ASOEdevo, here I am! Weary weekend :wacko

Here are some pics of my helmet, nothing has changed since I last wrote 'cause I really had no time to dedicate.
Don't pay attention to the shape of the helmet (jaw and temple), I'll shape them by glueing an iron-wire framework internally ;) This is the only fault of foam!

View attachment 302265 View attachment 302267 View attachment 302269
View attachment 302272 View attachment 302273 View attachment 302274

But thinking about it, with the method you posted on YouTube the whole circuit should be in the faceplate (otherwise the wires would be "free" and visible when the faceplate is up) but there's no space enough to place it..it seems that the only possible way is the one in the video I linked some days ago (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTEQpAkf298) but it looks much more difficult..I this is what @P4r4dox86 was explaining :unsure

OR I could try with a dry-reed (yes, I read up ;) ), which would surely fit in the back of the faceplate, but then I would need a very tiny battery pack :facepalm
Click to expand...

I had the entire circuit, minus the second non-wired magnet, on the faceplate. Was a bit tricky with the 9V battery powering it lol, but I positioned it above the bridge of my nose :p. I'll try and remember to take a picture of the inside of my helmet soon and post it here to give you a bit of a better idea as to what I'm talking about, but basically place the WIRED part of the reed switch along the bottom straight edge of your faceplate, then position the free magnet piece directly adjacent to where the faceplate meets the chin of the helmet.
 
P4r4dox86 said:
I had the entire circuit, minus the second non-wired magnet, on the faceplate. Was a bit tricky with the 9V battery powering it lol, but I positioned it above the bridge of my nose :p. I'll try and remember to take a picture of the inside of my helmet soon and post it here to give you a bit of a better idea as to what I'm talking about, but basically place the WIRED part of the reed switch along the bottom straight edge of your faceplate, then position the free magnet piece directly adjacent to where the faceplate meets the chin of the helmet.
Click to expand...

Thank you mate, waiting for your pics :thumbsup ;)
 
EDIT: Lets try this again.

Sorry it took me so long mate, I had to get it out of storage.

20140330_203634.jpg20140330_203647.jpg
 
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