Hackers everywhere have spent the last couple of weeks building the remarkable Saturn V Lego models that they got for the holidays, but [Kat & Asa Miller] decided to go an extra step for realism: they built a stand with LED lights to simulate launch. To get the real feel of blast off, they used pillow stuffing, a clear acrylic tube and a string of NeoPixel LEDs. These are driven by an Adafruit Trinket running code that [Asa] wrote to create the look of a majestic Saturn V just lifting off the launchpad with the appropriate fire and fury. They initially were not sure if the diminutive Trinket would have the oomph to drive the LEDs, but it seems to work fine, judging by the video that you can see after the break.
They also made a clamp that holds the tall model in place from clear acrylic to make sure that they did not, as they put it, “unintentionally recreate one of those early SpaceX landings (you know the ones… where it tips over and explodes).”. Kudos to [Kat and Asa] on a neat build and a nice write up, but where are the speakers and sub-woofer to create the earth- shaking sound of the real thing?
Great job!
This is a great display. I wish I had just a little bit of artistic talent to pull something like this off.
Nicely done! Looks fantastic.
Nice one! I need to build such a thing for my Saturn V as well…
I started by thinking of how one could use 555 timers for something like this, but I eventually realized that the simplest solution would be a rocket candleholder. Might have to make one of those.
They made incredible high-framerate high-definition footage of Apollo launches, which was used in a few movies too (Koyaanisqatsi is one I think), and what does HaD show? 360p video of a VHS recording.
I meant to say Saturn rocket launches, but you get the drift.
That is beautiful!
I’m still putting together a LEGO steam engine and passenger car that I got for Christmas 3 years ago, but I have put in a working LED headlight, and a flickering orange LED in the firebox. Will probably also do interior lighting in the coach.
Beautiful! Now add the gantry…
The umbilical/gantry tower is currently under evaluation on Lego Ideas. It might become an official set.