Tron Legacy Costume

[Bfinkish]

LOOKS AMAZING!!! Great Job :love. Copyright question for any of you guys real quick: Is it illegal to create a replica of a prop or create a costume, desk, dresser, bed, ect. after a show or movie and then sell it for a profit?

For example: If you watch a Batman movie and build a replica costume and sell it is that illegal? Or if you were to build a replica spider man toy/figurine and sell it on ebay or craigslist would that be illegal? If it is illegal - How do you get around to make it legal? Thanks in advanced!

 

[ARC]

It's looking great! Did you abandon the idea of lighting the clear platform portion?

Matt's going to try to get some lights in there but we were crunched for time (he only gets to visit for 3 days every other week) so I made the sock extra long in case his plan doesn't work out and he just has to cover the platform. He decided the best way to get into the shoe was to hot-knife through the side wall, so depending on how well that cleans up, it may or may not be presentable. I really hope it works though because light up platforms would be great.

 

[Vew]

Yes, this is EL wire. If this brightness is satisfactory for you, by all means. Personally, I'd like it brighter. I ran very small 1AAA inverter. I need my dremel to fit it in and get the switch to stick out, but I let my buddy borrow it for his ghostbuster pack costume, so I won't be able to complete this until I get it back. What I did was pop off the transparent transparent inner circle. Ran the wire from the inside, twice, then hot glued over it. This will cause it to stick out of the top of the surface unless you dremel the height of the transparent ring.

If you go this route, I used just over 3.3ft, which was the max for this inverter. It just fit in a spot with no electronics. I'll probably have to remove the factory electronics to get the disk to shut, but I'm sure if you spent some time you could get it all to fit. Also, see the 2 dark spots? I accidentally snapped those portions. So be careful in disassembling.

 

[Vew]

Matt's going to try to get some lights in there but we were crunched for time (he only gets to visit for 3 days every other week) so I made the sock extra long in case his plan doesn't work out and he just has to cover the platform. He decided the best way to get into the shoe was to hot-knife through the side wall, so depending on how well that cleans up, it may or may not be presentable. I really hope it works though because light up platforms would be great.

Hot knife? Yikes, that's really not necessary. As I mentioned in the PM, the glue from the sole and the heel will separate. You just have to be careful not to ding the plastic up or the soft fabric on the sole up too badly. A lot of the damage you would do is covered up in the lip of the plastic, even being transparent. And at night, you can't even tell.

This is the 2nd set I've done by removing top sole. You can't see any blemishes. They were put back together with hot glue (you have to work fast). 2 3.5V LEDs @20mA running on 2AA batteries. I recommend a 100ohm resistor on each LED so you don't prematurely drain the batteries. They'll last about 30 hours. Here are a couple follow up photos I already sent.

Here it is at night.

 

[ARC]

Indeed, I told him he could separate the two pieces but at the end of the day, I'm leaving all the wiring business up to him. There will have to be a hole in it for the wires to come through, so I'm sure there was logic in it somewhere. We've thoroughly agreed that this costume is a quick and dirty thrown-together thing and we're already working on ways to make it better for the next version.

I do have a question for you, since you've done platform lights: Do you think it would be possible to coat the inside of the compartment with some kind of diffusing spray so the platform casts a sort of soft even glow rather than a bright sparkly light?

FYI, I can't get over how awesome those shoes look. I might have to commission you to spiff up my massive 8-inchers. B)

 

[Vew]

Indeed, I told him he could separate the two pieces but at the end of the day, I'm leaving all the wiring business up to him. There will have to be a hole in it for the wires to come through, so I'm sure there was logic in it somewhere. We've thoroughly agreed that this costume is a quick and dirty thrown-together thing and we're already working on ways to make it better for the next version.

I do have a question for you, since you've done platform lights: Do you think it would be possible to coat the inside of the compartment with some kind of diffusing spray so the platform casts a sort of soft even glow rather than a bright sparkly light?

FYI, I can't get over how awesome those shoes look. I might have to commission you to spiff up my massive 8-inchers. B)

Something for better diffusing? Absolutly. The problem is finding with what without using too many LEDs. You'll need ones with the widest viewing angle for the front platform. The one's I used were only 15 degrees which is pretty common. 1st step I would sand the inside of the clear heel with something like 400 grit. That should help diffuse a good bit, but you'll still see hot spots. There will be a lot of trial and error to achieve the effect you want. I'd practice on scrap pieces.

Those are also special pink LEDs I had a company send me a few samples. The only problem with them is that they're actually blue LEDs with a phosphorus like what you find in the light strips. It'll degrade over time with long use back to a bluish color.

I'm also already making plans for improvements on the next set. Next pair will be taller so I can fit in some electronics. The very least, I plan using rechargeable and integrating a charging port and shorter switch. I want to experiment with the LEDs blinking, blinking on movement, and if I can find the right chip without having to use two power sources, sound sensitive like you'd find in a club or those ricey modded cars.

I don't mind working on these, it's actually pretty fun. Did this set on my lunch break. She bought the heels so it cost me... well nothing. The LEDs were samples (free but $.50 at most), batteries, wire, switches, resistors, hot glue, were just scrap or stuff I had laying around at work.

 

[tim]

Ahh ok. And I don't need a power supply or anything? This goes straight to the inverter? Like I mentioned I feel bad about asking a question again that I'm sure has been answered but I just can't seem to find the answer I specifically need lol. It's like finding a needle in a haystack here with all the info that's now available. Not to mention the amount of trial and error and improvements as well.

No problem! You're right, too. You just need the battery holder and a 9V battery clip to connect it to the inverter and you should be all set. The 8xAA battery holder will give you 12VDC straightaway.

 

[Soulinertia]

Sweet boots ARC!

 

[Dovi]

Nice design on the boots! Can't wait to see the rest...

 

[HooDooMan1]

Those look great, ARC! You and Matt did a fantastic job! To me, the jersey knit cloth gives it a deeper black look, at least in the pictures. And as you said, it hides the wires better. Nice work!

One idea I thought of for lighting the shoe bases was that maybe you could use a cuttable EL sheet? If you could open the shoe like Vew described, You could cut out the shape to follow along the sides and front and press it against the clear acrylic wall. Then you would have the interior area to hold an inverter and battery, but I'm not sure if you could get a driver/battery combo small enough to fit in the base. I don't know if that would work, I was just brainstorming. But if you could get it to work, it would give you the even glow you're looking for without the hot spots.

 

[climbertron]

OK I need some help. I have all my EL tape on the way from Luminous Film and I need to configure my battery pack. Does anyone know how long 8xAA Alkaline batteries will last for 200sq in^2 which I think draws about 600mAh if I did the math correct?

Does anyone have a rechargeable that works? I see that Li Ions have a nominal voltage of 3.7V so I can't make the require 12V without under or over volting the EL tape?
If this topic has been answered before I apologize I have read and searched the whole thread but I read it over a 2 month period so if I forgot about it I apologize. If this is the case I would appreciate a link for it!

I did see VeW's Ni-Cd batteries but does anyone know how long this lasts?

Thanks and I can't wait till Halloween!

 

[Canobi]

HooDooMan1

One idea I thought of for lighting the shoe bases was that maybe you could use a cuttable EL sheet? If you could open the shoe like Vew described, You could cut out the shape to follow along the sides and front and press it against the clear acrylic wall. Then you would have the interior area to hold an inverter and battery, but I'm not sure if you could get a driver/battery combo small enough to fit in the base. I don't know if that would work, I was just brainstorming. But if you could get it to work, it would give you the even glow you're looking for without the hot spots.


If you wanted one small.... How about this one?:

It's a peacock driver rated at 1.3v. I got it from Coolneon.com but I've seen other places do the same size drivers if not the same brand.
The only drawback is it will only power about 1.5 feet


Here's what I did with my wife's boots:


Cut the rear of the sole off and found a cavity already there waiting. I then made a please for the switch (recessed for safety).

Wired and ready to go:

 

[Vew]

OK I need some help. I have all my EL tape on the way from Luminous Film and I need to configure my battery pack. Does anyone know how long 8xAA Alkaline batteries will last for 200sq in^2 which I think draws about 600mAh if I did the math correct?

Does anyone have a rechargeable that works? I see that Li Ions have a nominal voltage of 3.7V so I can't make the require 12V without under or over volting the EL tape?
If this topic has been answered before I apologize I have read and searched the whole thread but I read it over a 2 month period so if I forgot about it I apologize. If this is the case I would appreciate a link for it!

I did see VeW's Ni-Cd batteries but does anyone know how long this lasts?

Thanks and I can't wait till Halloween!

Actually, I used NMHi batteries. Assuming you have the same tape as the other person, yes, you'd have a draw of 600mA. Most alkalines are 2300mAh so you'd get a little over 3.5 hours of life from your batteries.

You should be fine overvolting the EL tape. More than likely your inverter was designed to take a range as most 12v applications can take a few volts over. Best way is to ask the company you bought it from for a spec sheet or just to ask directly. They'd know the best. Worse comes to worse, it'll be just slightly brighter and you'll lose some of its operating life.

Any reason why you want to go Li Ion? Although smaller and lighter, they're typically more expensive unless you go with cheap ones from China. And that takes a few weeks. With Halloween only a week away, I think you'd miss your deadline.

 

[HooDooMan1]

Hey Canobi, that's exactly the idea I was thinking of. Man, that thing is SMALL! LOL! But as you pointed out, the main drawback is the amount of EL it powers. But I guess if Matt and ARC used their same diffusion method in the base of the shoes, they probably wouldn't need much EL wire. And if a slightly larger inverter is available, it might be able to power a small amount of EL tape/sheet. Since it would be going into the inside base of the shoe, I can't imagine much EL sheet would be needed.

By the way, great job on your wife's boots! They look awesome!

 

[Pappaprime518]

Hello all! First off thanks for all your help. This forum is truly amazing!
So I have two question for my girlfriend and I's costume.

El tape: I am looking at two main companies:
Large Electroluminescent Panels and Strip Lamps - LED Panels - LUMINOUSFILM.COM --USA
and
EL Wire and Club Lighting Source | Electroluminescent Wire | Club Lasers

Ellumiglow is cheaper, but has anyone ever used them before? I have read the entire forum, but between my memory and the search feature I can't find anyone who has used ellumiglow. I don't mind spending the extra on luminous film (Annisse is correct Patrick there is very helpful, I highly recommend emailing them), but if the ellumiglow is just as good, my student loans would appreciate that option. Thanks!

Lastly after the recent battery discussion, I started to wonder how long my 8xAA battery pack will last with my luminous film setup that I was looking at getting. I have a similar situation (with the same inverter) I believe that Annisse was using (~200 in^2) and I was wondering about how long 8xAA will last? Thanks again for everything!

Climbertron, i am thinking about buying from Elumniglow, have you had any issues with them? I need to order tonite before Halloween?

 

[thecountofzero]

Finally finished modifying my Sam Flynn Identity Disc.

Pitcures and a detailed description of my process can be found here:

http://www.therpf.com/f24/tron-legacy-deluxe-identity-disc-mods-98306/index11.html#post1958244

 

[Vew]

Finally finished modifying my Sam Flynn Identity Disc.

Pitcures and a detailed description of my process can be found here:

http://www.therpf.com/f24/tron-legacy-deluxe-identity-disc-mods-98306/index11.html#post1958244

That looks great! Did you figure out how long it will last with all those LEDs?

 

[thecountofzero]

That looks great! Did you figure out how long it will last with all those LEDs?

Thanks man.

No I have not. I considered throwing a fresh battery in there and just leaving it on to see how long it last, but I've decided against that. I put a fresh battery in there, put it on my shelf and don't plan to turn it back on until I suit up and get on the grid next Saturday night.

Can't wait, but still so much to do on the suit...

 

[Vew]

Thanks man.

No I have not. I considered throwing a fresh battery in there and just leaving it on to see how long it last, but I've decided against that. I put a fresh battery in there, put it on my shelf and don't plan to turn it back on until I suit up and get on the grid next Saturday night.

Can't wait, but still so much to do on the suit...

If you tell me what all you put in there and where you got them, I can try to estimate the battery life for you. That's a lot of LEDs and I have a concern it might not last all night.

 

[thecountofzero]

If you tell me what all you put in there and where you got them, I can try to estimate the battery life for you. That's a lot of LEDs and I have a concern it might not last all night.

The LEDs are split into the following segments:

A strip containing 26 LEDs around the inner C-ring where I dremeled out the notches. Then that strip is connected to anther strip with 29 LEDs around the outside of the top half. That strip is connected to a strip that wraps around the outside of the lower half (outer ring) and that has 36 LEDs and then that is connected to three small sections each with 3 LEDs.

Yes, that is a lot of LEDs.

This is all connected to a single 23A battery.

I don't plan to leave it running all night. I will turn it on an off for effect and pictures. And I guess once I get to a certain point in the night, I might just leave it on.

Was hoping to dremel out the original battery compartment and use that to hold my 23A, but it was more work that I felt like doing. That way I'd be able to easily swap out the battery. As it is now I will have to open it up.

How long you think this sucker will last?