Several Great Projects to Celebrate The Revenge of the Fifth

(Image credit: Pixabay)

Now that May the Fourth be With You is over, it’s time to celebrate the dark side of the force with the Revenge of the Fifth. While large gatherings are prohibited in many parts of the world due to the ongoing pandemic, the Sith holiday can still be fun, especially when there are great projects involved. In this roundup, we will take a look at several projects that pay homage to the dark side that have a difficulty range from garbage technician to full-on Sith Lord.

1: Build an L3-37 “Alexa” Droid

(Image credit: PatchBOTS via YouTube)

PatchBOTS designed an excellent recreation of L3-37, the droid featured heavily in Solo: A Star Wars Story, only instead of being voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, it takes its speech from Amazon’s Alexa. PatchBOTS designed the droid using a Raspberry Pi 3, Pi microphone, an HS-805BB+ servo, and an Arduino Nano. It also packs an SBEC for the servo, NeoPixels, an audio amplifier, and speaker, all packed into a 3D printed enclosure. PatchBOTS used the Raspberry Pi 3 as it allows an L3 wake-word to be programmed for use with Alexa. When activated, L3-37 responds with “What?” which is representative of the attitude the onscreen version uses.

2: Stormtrooper LEDs 

(Image credit: Alex Bate via Raspberry Pi Blog)

Another tremendous dark side project comes from digital content manager Alex Bate, with custom molded Stormtrooper LEDs. The project uses dome LEDs, a ton of hot glue, and flexible ice trays, which act as moulds. Alex points out that testing should be done with the LEDs to make sure they can handle the heat off the glue. The build process is simple, use any decorative ice trays (in this case Stormtroopers), fill with hot glue, then push in the LED, making sure to leave the pins exposed. Once the glue is cooled, pop the mould from the tray and test the LEDs to make sure they function.

3: Motorized Sound-Reacting AT-ST Bandai Model

(Image credit: PardoPoz via Instructables)

This project from PardoPoz transforms a Bandai AT-ST model into a partially motorized version that reacts to sound and turns toward its location. PardoPoz modified the top portion of the model to outfit with a micro servo motor, which actuates the head and is driven by an Arduino Nano. A pair of microphones is embedded into a 3D printed base, which offers a scenic platform, and also acts as an anchor to keep the AT-ST steady while tracking sound. It also features a push-button that activates the model. When sound is picked up by the microphones, the Arduino determines its location and turns the head of the model in its direction, and then begins scanning for sounds to locate rebel scum.

4: Execute Order 66 Darth Sidious AR-Controlled Hologram

(Image credit: Ron Dagdag via YouTube)

Software engineer Ron Dagdag created a simple, but no less ingenious augmented reality-controlled Darth Sidious hologram based on the “Execute Order 66” scene in Star Wars Episode III. Ron designed his project using a Stormtrooper image he taped to a glove, which acts as the base for the hologram for his AR app. He then used a LittleBits wireless receiver and Cloudbit to project the hologram (made with Unity 3D) onto the glove, which can then be controlled using a simple slide controller.

5: DIY NeoPixel Kylo Ren and Rey Lightsabers

(Image credit: Modustrial Maker)

Modustrial Maker’s (AKA Mike Clifford) DIY Kylo Ren and Rey lightsabers makes excellent use of NeoPixel LEDs, which offer a standard Light up Mode and a unique “Party” mode that flashes different color animations. The sabers were designed using polycarbonate tubes, which are packed with WS2812 and WS2813 144 LEDs to simulate the blade. The hilts are made using plumbing fixtures, PVC pipe and popup drains, which house an Arduino Nano R3 to drive the LEDs. It also contains 4X 1.2V NiMH AA batteries to power the entire platform.

These are just a few examples of what can be done using the dark side of the force, which is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural. There are a ton of others that are no less impressive, and next year should prove to be a more significant celebration with new and exciting projects. Until then, execute order 66! 

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