The Ominous Interrogator Droid - A quick and easy build project

[FrightMaker]

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Wanted to share a quick build thread on how to quickly make a version of the Interrogator Droid from Episode 4. The parts are ready made from online suppliers or hardware stores and some creative liberties were taken to simplify the design (i.e. I don't have an extra pair of OBGYN forceps laying around - but that's for another story).

It sits on a stand and also can be hung from a section of Flourocarbon fishing line to appear as if it's floating.

Let's do this!

 

[FrightMaker]

[h=3]Step 1:[/h]This project starts with a 15” – 20” Acrylic sphere, typically used as a lighting cover for post lights. Drawing a center line around the sphere provides a clear cutting path for the dremel rotary tool. Go slow and stead to reduce rework or sanding later.

 

[FrightMaker]

[h=3]Step 2:[/h]Once the sphere is split, other holes may be cut out to allow the other components to be placed. In this case, a 2-liter pop bottle, Sports Drink bottle, and plastic bowl all serve as bumps and indents on the droid. Once holes are cut, simply adhere the plastic components with 5-min epoxy.

 

[FrightMaker]

Step 3:

The inner rings are fashioned from foamcore board and the light ring is made using a diffuser panels from a fluorescent, over-head light fixture.



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Step 4:

A strand of 3528 or 5050 LED strip lighting is added to the center around a set of bolts which will later hold the halves together.

 

[FrightMaker]

Step 5:

The instruments of torture are derived from a number of accessory components include a shop clamp, a base for a Star Wars Vehicle, and some flexible tubing. The injection needle was quickly assembled from a plastic tube (purchased at Hobby Lobby) with a small aluminum tube and finished with aluminum flashing tape. LEDs are also prepped at this point and ready to be installed inside.

 

[DaddyfromNaboo]

Fantastic!

 

[FrightMaker]

Thanks Daddy!

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Step 6:

LED’s are adhered to the inside of the spheres to allow light to shine through and are masked from the outside. The LEDs actually shine through the white plastic when turned on. I installed a pushbutton switch behind one of the tools so the lights can be turned on/off.

 

[FrightMaker]

Once the spheres are spray painted gloss black, white pin striping tape is applied for the markings. Avery labels trimmed to various sizes add to the overall design.

 

[towelkeeper]

Looking really good!
That's actually a great idea for a build project... I think I have to put it on my list.

 

[CrossRhoda]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing the great step-by-step photos, too!

 

[FrightMaker]

By now you can tell I use many ready-made items for all of my prop builds - soda bottles, wine flutes, tattoo mixing cups, baby bowls, just about anything. For some of the arm assemblies, I have these all mounting brackets used to hang guitars on walls - they have a solid base and two aluminum arms that can be pivoted to different angles.

 

[FrightMaker]

The two halves are bolted together using some small aluminum "L" brackets and were simply screwed to the center base and then through the top dome (see the screw).

When it's powered on, the center ring will light up and the blinking LEDs will make it look like it's pulsing around!

 

[FrightMaker]

[h=3]Step 7:[/h]A piece of 25 lb. fluorocarbon fishing line was attached to the very top in order to hang this prop from a ceiling.

 

[FrightMaker]

Some final shots (including movie still):