Making a Flux Capacitor from Back to the Future

Flux Capacitors are cool. So I made one! Check out my 7-month long journey of building a replica of this iconic prop form Back to the Future. I learned a lot and had tons of fun building this thing.

Wanna build your own flux capacitor? You can download my 3D STL files here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:516...

You can grab the code for the Arduino/LEDs/speaker and IR sensor as well as files for the dimensions on github here:
https://github.com/Rad-Bench/flux

Flux Backboard Template:
https://github.com/Rad-Bench/flux/blo...

Most of the 3D printed parts were modeled by me. I got some help from a really cool documentary called "Back to the DeLorean" AKA "Outatime". You can check out that documentary here:
https://www.vudu.com/content/movies/d...

The relay bodies and caps are a remix of a model found on thingiverse here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:430...

The build also uses acrylic for the Torr Relays, It's got an Arduino for controlling the LEDs, IR sensor and sound effects/speaker and it's built inside of a Stahlin j1210hpl fiberglass enclosure.

What would you have done different? Let me know what you think!


Parts list:
3D printer: Voxelab Aquila:
https://amzn.to/31O58kq

Stahlin J1210HPL(the box):
https://stahlin.com/product/j-series-...

Hot Glue Gun:
https://amzn.to/31O58kq

Label Maker(Note: find a vintage one if you can. Labels will be more accurate):
https://amzn.to/3pTEYVY

Spring-Back Multipurpose 304 Stainless Steel Wire
https://www.mcmaster.com/89085K87/

Acrylic Sheet(for window)
https://amzn.to/3SeMvvT

Push-on Seal with Glass Locking Slot
https://www.mcmaster.com/3275T22/

Clear Scratch- and UV-Resistant Cast Acrylic Bar
https://www.mcmaster.com/1227T42/

Solid Wire
https://www.mcmaster.com/8251T3/

Spring-Back Multipurpose 304 Stainless Steel Wire
https://www.mcmaster.com/9495K92/

Clear Scratch- and UV-Resistant Acrylic Rod
https://www.mcmaster.com/8531K13/

Clear Scratch- and UV-Resistant Acrylic Balls
https://www.mcmaster.com/1383K57/

Clear Scratch and UV-Resistant Acrylic Round Tube
https://www.mcmaster.com/8532K12/

Copper Tubing:
https://amzn.to/3yOV2fP

Tip Jack Connectors:
https://www.newark.com/johnson-cinch-...

4mm ID 6MM OD Tubing
https://amzn.to/3aH9q1X

Clear Gorilla Glue:
https://amzn.to/3RGJ2Wr

5V 4A Power Supply:
https://amzn.to/3RIxuSq

4-40 Round-Head screws:
https://amzn.to/3PRp7Td

Box Screws: #10-32 x 1-1/2 in. Machine Screw
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-...

Washers:
https://amzn.to/3PuHrkC

Champaign Mist Spray Paint
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Rust-Oleum-U...

Silver Mirror Spray Paint
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Krylon-Speci...

Flat Black Spray Paint
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Krylon-COLOR...

Satin Coastal Gray Spray Paint(Box)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleu...

Filler Primer:
https://amzn.to/3z9OlXh

WS2812B LEDs:
https://amzn.to/3IICMcM

Arduino Uno Kit:
https://amzn.to/3IMr293

Breadboard:
https://amzn.to/3X6FPCO

Mini Speakers:
https://amzn.to/3aRphuF

Arduino MP3 Module:
https://amzn.to/3MJkQCe

Jumper Wires:
https://amzn.to/3cauaiM

22 AWG Solid Core Wiring:
https://amzn.to/3P8UHf3

Spark Plugs:
https://amzn.to/49crEAT

Power toggle switch:
https://amzn.to/43y2MB4

Potentiometer:
https://amzn.to/3ckxHv0

White Board:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/24-in-W-x-36...

Intro 00:00
The Box: 00:30
The Board: 01:27
Outtatime Doc: 02:06
Relays: 03:46
Relay Tubes: 08:40
LEDs: 11:50
Wiring: 13:42
Spark Plugs: 14:50
Light Bars: 15:58
Board Assembly: 17:42
Window: 21:13
Box Assembly: 21:42
Light Timing: 24:09
Beauty Shots: 26:47
Modes: 27:17
Conclusion: 29:33

#backtothefuture #fluxcapacitor #arduino #bttf #nanoleds #leds #acrylic #DIY_Electronics #electronics #props #propmaking