Hello again. I'm taking a break from working on the project to post a status update! This week I've gotten a fair amount done, but between sleeping, job-working, and generally slacking off, I don't have as much spare time as I'd like. :) I have begun to build the bottom-half of the arcology. The main unit will be supported by a 4 inch PVC pipe, attached with L-brackets. I've cut notches in the top and bottom with the jigsaw so that all the extension cords can pass through to the base. The plan is to cut a small plate out of plywood that will house all of the connections, and attach it to the bottom of the model. I'll need to rig up power, DVI, audio and mic cables, and 2x USB extensions for use. I have a wireless card for internet, but maybe if I'm bored I'll put a switch at the bottom as well. Anyway, I spray-painted the PVC silver to disguise it among the ship's legs, which will probably consist of flexible dryer duct. Ducting? As you can see, my spray can had an accident on the tarp.
I spray-painted the SonoTube silver as well, and sanded 1/4 inch off the sides with the Dremel. I will eventually have to cut holes in the sides for the case fans, the DVD rom drive, and the LCD screen. Perhaps even more stuff that I add on a whim!
The sides were carved down to make room for the vinyl edge trim. It's not perfect, but it already looks a helluva lot better than the cardboard sides. I haven't decided if I want to keep it white or spray it silver as well. I'm probably doing this in the wrong order, but you can make one yourself, thank you very much. I had to jam the corners with superglue and clamp them overnight, because they really wanted to warp rather than do my bidding.
Hooray, the dome(s) have arrived! Why do I have two, you ask? It's easier to buy a custom-sized plastic ball than a dome. It looks great, much more like what I envisioned than the tacky, decorated punch bowls from the party store. I've acquired some small Christmas lights that will line the base of the dome to give it some sense of being a standalone structure. I may return them in favor of cooler (literally) LEDs, but they are a backup plan.
More to come this weekend, so don't launch anywhere! Yet.
I spray-painted the SonoTube silver as well, and sanded 1/4 inch off the sides with the Dremel. I will eventually have to cut holes in the sides for the case fans, the DVD rom drive, and the LCD screen. Perhaps even more stuff that I add on a whim!
The sides were carved down to make room for the vinyl edge trim. It's not perfect, but it already looks a helluva lot better than the cardboard sides. I haven't decided if I want to keep it white or spray it silver as well. I'm probably doing this in the wrong order, but you can make one yourself, thank you very much. I had to jam the corners with superglue and clamp them overnight, because they really wanted to warp rather than do my bidding.
Hooray, the dome(s) have arrived! Why do I have two, you ask? It's easier to buy a custom-sized plastic ball than a dome. It looks great, much more like what I envisioned than the tacky, decorated punch bowls from the party store. I've acquired some small Christmas lights that will line the base of the dome to give it some sense of being a standalone structure. I may return them in favor of cooler (literally) LEDs, but they are a backup plan.
More to come this weekend, so don't launch anywhere! Yet.
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