Build your own Back to the Future Flux Capacitor Replica at MyFluxCapacitor.com
Last Updated (Sunday, 16 May 2010 16:34)
Well, I decided to finally start my Back To The Future - Flux Capacitor prop replica. I've been putting it off for some time. My last project was my Lost in Space B9 Robot and that took over 4 years to build. During that project, I learned how to mold, cast and work with many different types of materials. Those skills will be put to use on this project. While my wife won't let me display my robot in the living room, I'm hoping I can install the Flux Capacitor in the family vehicle. My goal with this site is to document the process I go through to make my flux capacitor and hopefully help others along the way.
It's been several months since I've updated my progress. Life has been getting in the way of my Back to the Future Flux Capacitor project but I am determined to get it back on track. I've had several inquiries recently about my Flux Capacitor and if/when I may have parts available. While I'm not quite ready to sell any parts, I am gearing up. I want to perfect my methods and tweak a few things first, get it right and then see what I can do to provide some reasonable priced parts for others.
Last Updated (Sunday, 16 May 2010 17:05)
I started by identifying the electrical box that was used for the real Flux Capacitor. Several web site seem to agree that it is a still available Stahlin Electrical box model J1210HPL. That means it is a Fiberglass 12 in. x 10 in. box. I located one on eBay (where else) for about $70. It's not the correct color and needs a window cut in it, but it's the right one. It's also the perfect starting point. MORE TO COME!
Last Updated (Friday, 26 February 2010 22:07)
Just how many lights are there under each of the fluxing tubes? I just don't know. There are at least 4, but there may be as many as 6 from what I've read on other BTTF web sites. While I'm sure having 3 would probably be fine, if I'm making the circuit from scratch, adding more lights is not a big deal.
I decided a little investigative work was in order. I popped in my BTTF DVD and imported the Flux Capacitor clip into my video editing software.
Now, I know all about film speeds and frame rates from 20+ years working for Kodak and there's just so much you can gather from looking at a DVD, frame by frame. I figured I'd count the lights I can see in each frame and plot their positions.
Click on the picture above for a closer look. I stepped through every frame I could and marked each light location that I saw. Except for occasionally seeing two lights at once (one turning on and one turning off) I never saw more than the 4 positions I have circled. Even considering frame rates and the possibility of missing a light, I'm not sure there are more than 4.
If you look at the spacing between the 3rd & 4th light (counting down from the top right) there may be enough room for another one. Also the first three overlap a little but #4 is all by itself.
So, the jury is still out as I need to do some further investigation!
