Saturday, October 31, 2020

Halloween Props

Well before anyone question whether Halloween would even occur this year, I thought it would be fun to make a Men in Black neuralizer (or "neuralyzer" depending on the source). Halloween outfits that light up are always a crowd favorite and Mrs. Perry had been asking to do a couples costume idea for several years.

The prop design has changed drastically from movie to movie, both in in shape and light color. Rather than reproducing a specific model that no one would remember, I focused on a simple design with a bright light. Something that would be easy to use at night... and very memorable.

I designed the parts in Fusion 360 and fabricated them on a 3d printer. After some sanding and metallic paint, they'll have the polished chrome look from the movies.

The key piece of electronics is a high-power LED, intended for illuminating outdoor stuff like landscaping. The button instantly discharges the capacitor in a single, bright flash. Like a camera flash, it's brief and leaves you seeing a spot afterwards.

I built two models: red and blue. Very bright, very fun.

We're a rumor, recognizable only as deja vu, and dismissed just as quickly. Happy Halloween!