Project Overview

Welcome back! This project, as you can see, is a very complex one... but this is the fun part!  Are you ready to finally see your WowWee Alive Elvis transform into the "Elvinator"?  Then, read on...

1. Building a VR A/D board to replace the ELV-09 A/D converter board.
2. Making the Elvinator Eye
3. Making the Jaw Piston
4. Skinning the Elvinator and adding color
5. Discussing what will be done in the next chapter.

Building the Replacement ELV-09 Board

First, let’s get the supplies ready. You’ll need the following: 

• 7 each 220 ohm resistors ¼ watt at 5% color code (Red, Red, Brown, Gold)
• 7 each 1.0 uF tantalum capacitor... note the polarized lead. The + side goes to VDD . Do not flip these capacitors as they will explode if connected backwards.
• 7 each VR plugs from the original ELV-09 board. Use the correct color plugs. The only plugs you will leave on the original board are the green plug and the large white plug.
• 1 each PCB predrilled prototyping board. Make sure the board is the same size as the ELV-09 and that the mounting holes are in the correct location.

The following schematic is to be used for each VR connector. On your VR’s, the center pin on each plug is the center connection for the variable resistors.  When all 7 circuits are complete, connect all the Vdd connections together and connect all grounds together. A black wire will be connected to the ground or Vss for system ground and a red wire connected to the Vdd. For all I/O connections from the 220 ohm resistors I used the corresponding wire color for each plug to help identify what each wire is for.  Any means of construction is suitable for this board, which means you can make a PCB with a single or double sided copper clad board. As you can see, I used the traditional pin wiring building.

Once this board is built, the next step is to check all connections with your meter set at continuity check.  Make sure everything is correct; if not, re-solder or re-wire it. Set this board off to the side and well come back to it.  Next step is making the Eye.