• Finished. Movie.

    Mark Howe • 03/09/2021 at 20:28 • 0 comments

  • Final Touches

    Mark Howe • 03/07/2021 at 14:25 • 0 comments

    Essentially finished. I think the surface turned out about the way I had hoped. Will make a movie of the whole landing sequence and then call this project finished.

  • Building the Moon

    Mark Howe • 03/04/2021 at 20:24 • 0 comments

    All software is done. Starting to build up the lunar surface. Layer of spray glue, sprinkle with grout, repeat. So far so good, I think. Maybe a few more layers, then let the humidity in the air do the final curing.

  • Finishing Touches

    Mark Howe • 03/04/2021 at 14:45 • 0 comments

    Closeup of the back-lit Earth.

  • Control Box and Electronics

    Mark Howe • 03/01/2021 at 18:28 • 0 comments

    Finally the electronics are done and installed into the control box with all the cables shortened and tucked away. Today put the final touches on the bulk of the programming. Added in modes to abort a landing at any point. Getting close. The finish is in sight.

  • Testing Moon Surfaces

    Mark Howe • 02/14/2021 at 16:54 • 0 comments

    One thing I've have to have to make this project stand out is a good lunar surface.  My current plan is to wet the landing surface with water, sprinkle on some grout, let it set for 30 minutes,  remove any excess, then repeat until it looks reasonable. I think this may work....

    A slight mod to the suface testing. Now spray the surface with adhesive, sprinkle on some grout, spray again, repeat. Also trying to insert a few random rocks into the mix. I think this is better and getting very close to the effect I'm looking for.

  • Electronics Work Begins

    Mark Howe • 02/14/2021 at 13:50 • 0 comments

    The PCB arrived from JCLPCB. Arduino Nano and sound card from Adafruit also now here. It's a simple circuit -- just a couple of motor controllers and some voltage convertors which could have been easily done with a perf-board, but I think having a real PCB makes everything look more professional.

  • Drag Chains and Limit Switches

    Mark Howe • 02/07/2021 at 17:56 • 0 comments

    Drag chains for cabling,  limit switches, adjustable limit switch contacts, and hard-stops in place.

  • First Test of the Stage Lighting

    Mark Howe • 02/05/2021 at 21:10 • 0 comments

    Finall got some of the neopixels wired up for a quick test of the stage lighting. Almost ready for final assembly.

  • Major Printing Done

    Mark Howe • 01/27/2021 at 22:27 • 0 comments

    Major printing is done. Gluing, filling, sanding, and painting next.