Build your own Back to the Future - Flux Capacitor replica at MyFluxCapacitor.com
Last Updated (Monday, 05 September 2011 12:51)
As summer 2011 comes to a close, I decided to start my second Flux Capacitor replica. I learned plenty building my first (which went to my nephew Ben). I plan on updating my web site with newer, more detailed pictures of construction details I may have glossed over the first time. I've have also had requests to supply some parts and while I don't really want to spend all my spare time making parts for others, I do plan on offering a few, starting first with the solenoid bases, since I made a mold of my replicas. Look for them soon.
The two months before Christmas, 2010 were very busy. I'd been wanting to finish my first Flux Capacitor to give as a Christmas present for my nephew Ben. I can happily say that it was finished in time and was a big hit on Christmas. He was very surprised when he opened the packaged and could not believe what was inside.
I took many pictures over the last several weeks of construction and I will be updating all of the sections with the final details. There are a few tweaks I will be making on my next one (for me) but I could not be more pleased with how it turned out. Keep checking back. If you have any specific questions, please let me know.
Last Updated (Friday, 27 May 2011 15:12)
Well, I decided to finally build a 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. Check my progress on the menu at the left.
Last Updated (Monday, 02 May 2011 11:47)
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 may still be out for some, but I've settled on 4 lights.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 28 December 2010 16:48)
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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. |
