Talk:How to Make a Box in One Hour or Less

Thoughts for version 2.0
Zerm-

I was thinking that for the next version of The Box we should redesign the actual layout of the actual box which is The Box.

Ok, so now that I have you thinking "Nutz...WTF??", I will go on! One thing that I have noticed is that, well...we simply have a ton of extra room which is not being used inside The Box! For that reason, I think that we could redesign The Box to not only reduce unused space but at the same time we could integrate ways to help with the storage of The Box as well as the Launch Platform electronics. I was thinking that we could use one singular storage box, which would contain the new Box and both ammo boxes.

Give me your thoughts, if you would, and Ill work up some blueprints and post them here.

-Nutz

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I don't want to redesign the box unless we are redesigning the whole "The Box." That being said, we've been riding an unreliable and inefficient system for two years now. Perhaps it is time for a radical change. It has been estimated for some time that a The Box 2.0 could be handheld due to relocating the battery and using rotary switches. These days, however, I have even grander ideas.

Features of a The Box 2.0
 * Battery relocated to down range with more power effecient connection.
 * Full RS232 or wireless serial communication between The Box and platforms.
 * Keypad and LCD display on The Box.
 * NiChrome based igniter.
 * SCR or power MOSFET drive as opposed to relays.
 * PIC based microcontroller in every module.
 * Printed circuit boards.

Granted these are lofty goals but they are still feasible goals. A The Box 2.0 will require as much or more work as the first. Also, it will likely be different kind of work. However, this is the best solution we could have a hope of achieving. This The Box will not be completed in a few days before the fourth, nor will it be completed in several months. This is a project of massive scope. If we began working casually this winter, it may not be done until July 4th, 2009. It just depends on how much time we are willing to invest. Anyway, just some food for thought I guess.

-Zerm

I found some parts on allelectronics.com that fit my vision for The Box 2.0. Just picture the following parts with circuit board and microcontroller mounted in an acrylic box while red LEDs flash to indicate armed.


 * http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/KP-23/300/16_BUTTON_KEYPAD_(4_X_4)_.html
 * http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/LCD-124/365/16_X_2_LCD_DISPLAY_W__LED_BACKLIGHT_.html
 * http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/DB-9S/191/D-SUB_CONNECTOR,_9_PIN_FEMALE_.html
 * http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/GC-612/160400/6_VOLT,_1.2_AH_BATTERY_.html

And here's a another angle to consider for The Box 2.0.


 * http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/CSE-47/145/17"#34;_ALUMINUM_LAPTOP_COMPUTER_CASE_.html

I even have a DOS laptop/brick that could be used.

- Zerm

Fellow Knights, I implore you. A decision of the utmost importance must be made. The most crucial component of a "The Box" has still not been considered. Of course I speak of the customary big red button. What instrument of annihilation would be complete with out that pivotal moment when your fingers brush that sleek red plastic. Big, round, and shiny, possibly illuminated and tantalizing like candy. The satisfaction of that subtle but firm mechanical click. That slight little motion which lets lose a chain reaction of chaos and destruction upon the world. Knights, we must select the perfect button.

Here are a few choices allelectronics.com has to offer:


 * http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/PB-211/700/RED_JUMBO_PUSHBUTTON_SWITCH_.html
 * http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/LPS-1R/700/12V_LIGHTED_PUSHBUTTON,_1"#34;_RED_LENS_.html
 * http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/LPS-2R/700/12V_LIGHTED_PUSHBUTTON,_1.5"#34;_RED_LENS_.html
 * http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/LPS-3R/700/12V_LIGHTED_PUSHBUTTON,_2"#34;_RED_LENS_.html
 * http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/PB-145/700/NORM.CLOSED_MOMENTARY_PUSHBUTTON,_RED_.html
 * http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/PB-138/700/SPST_N.O._PUSHBUTTON,_RED_.html

I also figured this was a given:


 * http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/KSW-1085/700/ON-OFF_KEYSWITCH_.html

- Zerm