View Full Version : Let's talk about Flux Capacitors...
Totally 80s
12-07-2014, 01:45 PM
There are a number of options for Flux Capacitors and I was hoping we could have a civil discussion about them. Hoping to get input from folks who own flux capacitors and where they got them from and what they like and don't like about them.
I purchased the "Delorean sized" flux capacitor from Bruce C. about 5 years ago. It's a smaller version that fits in the Delorean without blocking the rear window. It's been a good unit. My only complaint is that I wish it came with some kind of mounting bracket designed for the Delorean. I basically zip tie it to the car which works ok but is not ideal. I'm not sure if Bruce even sells these anymore.
I am in the market for a full size flux and was hoping to get feedback about the different ones for sale. Has anyone purchased one from this seller on ebay? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flux-Capacitor-034-Back-to-the-Future-034-30th-Anniversary-Edition-Movie-Prop-/141448418245?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20eefb93c5&nma=true&si=v9fnFZVmuRRWkwqf5TuGLBCCWL4%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
They look nice but I don't like the fact that you cant just have it "flux" it has to do all 20 patterns and you have no control over what pattern it does.
Jedidentist
12-07-2014, 11:41 PM
Don't have one, but am subscribing to see what everyone has to say. One thought though....could you just use industrial strength Velcro? Completely reversible and hidden too.
Totally 80s
12-08-2014, 12:14 AM
Don't have one, but am subscribing to see what everyone has to say. One thought though....could you just use industrial strength Velcro? Completely reversible and hidden too.
I started with velcro but in the summer time the heat being in the car made the adhesive melt into a gooey mess.
If it weren't for this:
I am in the market for a full size fluxI'd say go with this (http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1dbd/). Been rockin' it since it came out, but I am looking to do a little creative relocating into the headliners. Even have a couple appropriately-sized circuitboards, so I may wind up with three when all is said and done. ;)
As far as full-size flux capacitors go, how screen-accurate are you looking to get? That's really the biggest question of all. If all you're looking for is the instant recognition of it as being a flux capacitor, I'd say try building one yourself. I know it's a job, but you can simplify the circuit using an electronic decade counter, or alternatively an Arduino (or a combination of both!)
But holy crap, I just googled around, and the cheapest one I could find is $400!!! I bought the parts for mine for less than half of that. No one's capitalized on this yet??? :8ball:
Timebender
12-15-2014, 05:34 PM
If you're good at all with a little soldering, some resin casting (or finding resin cast TORR relays), painting, and assembly, you could make your own using an arduino to do the sequence (here: http://www.myfluxcapacitor.com/the-electronics/controlling-the-lights or here: http://www.therpf.com/f9/bttf-flux-capacitor-arduino-160330/) google Arduino flux capacitor. I'd then hook up an accelerometer so as you hit, say, 80 mph it goes faster and when you hit 88 it does the full flux effect.
Lots of good resources and it'll cost you a lot less than $500 simoleons.
Jedidentist
12-15-2014, 07:35 PM
If you're good at all with a little soldering, some resin casting (or finding resin cast TORR relays), painting, and assembly, you could make your own using an arduino to do the sequence (here: http://www.myfluxcapacitor.com/the-electronics/controlling-the-lights or here: http://www.therpf.com/f9/bttf-flux-capacitor-arduino-160330/) google Arduino flux capacitor. I'd then hook up an accelerometer so as you hit, say, 80 mph it goes faster and when you hit 88 it does the full flux effect.
Lots of good resources and it'll cost you a lot less than $500 simoleons.
It depends on how much you value your time. I didn't do the math on the parts list, but it looks like it's roughly about $200-250 worth of parts. I'm no stranger to molding, casting, cutting, polishing, bonding, or electrical work...my two other hobbies were replica props (one of the original founding members of the RPF well over 15 years ago) and currently collecting and restoring arcade games. Even with my experience with all of this, I'm going to say there's at least 5-10 hours of work...assuming you don't screw it up your first go around. It's certainly a fun project to undertake, but you won't be saving any money by doing it yourself. It's very similar to the games I restore. Most of them cost twice the money in parts and 50+ hours to complete, but I do them for my own collection and enjoy the process...I would never make any money off the endeavor.
I didn't do the math on the parts listClearly, as you're way, way off on part estimates.
Old Cash box: $30 (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Buddy-Products-3-4-cu-ft-Metal-Cash-Box-with-Handle-0513-32/203994114)
Clear Cover: $3 (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plaskolite-8-in-x-10-in-Polystyrene-Sheet-1S08104A/202043333)
Two PVC pipe elbows: $2 (http://www.homedepot.com/s/pvc%2520elbow?NCNI-5)
Arduino: $10 (https://www.adafruit.com/products/2010)
LED's: $4 (http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/LTW-420D7/160-1782-ND/1835514)
Most everything else can be found around the house (wire, cardboard/wood backing, etc.).
Total: $49 in parts. Where did $250 come from? :hmm:
Jedidentist
12-16-2014, 03:19 PM
Clearly, as you're way, way off on part estimates.
Old Cash box: $30 (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Buddy-Products-3-4-cu-ft-Metal-Cash-Box-with-Handle-0513-32/203994114)
Clear Cover: $3 (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plaskolite-8-in-x-10-in-Polystyrene-Sheet-1S08104A/202043333)
Two PVC pipe elbows: $2 (http://www.homedepot.com/s/pvc%2520elbow?NCNI-5)
Arduino: $10 (https://www.adafruit.com/products/2010)
LED's: $4 (http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/LTW-420D7/160-1782-ND/1835514)
Most everything else can be found around the house (wire, cardboard/wood backing, etc.).
Total: $49 in parts. Where did $250 come from? :hmm:
It depends on if you're trying to build an accurate flux capacitor or a close enough version. Yes, a close enough version can be made with parts just laying around...if you've got that sort of stuff just laying around. Actually, I'm impressed with my $250 quote, as I just eyeballed it. If you go to the myfluxcapacitor.com site, you'll see that the guy made an itemized parts list (albeit he admits it's incomplete). I added up every line item this time...$245.50. I'm a stickler for accuracy, so "close enough" doesn't cut it in my book. Even though 99% of the people wouldn't know the difference, I would, and that matters most to me. So yes, you could build something close for $50, but if you're going to use the above mentioned site, it's going to run you $250+.
Timebender
12-16-2014, 05:40 PM
my two other hobbies were replica props (one of the original founding members of the RPF well over 15 years ago)
Cool! I love the RPF..
mluder
12-17-2014, 11:08 PM
I have a Diamond Select one that I bought used from a seller on eBay. Is it 100% screen accurate? Absolutely not but the average person doesn't know the difference so who are you trying to impress?
That being said, while the most inaccurate part is the case, the innards are decent... Eventually I'll by the appropriate box and scavenge the arts and control from the Diamond box and that'll be just fine.
If I had all the money in the world, I'd love a screen accurate one with sound effects but at this point the money is better spent on car parts.
I built a little wood stand for mine so that it can sit on the parcel shelf and I bungee in the top.
If you go to the myfluxcapacitor.com site, you'll see that the guy made an itemized parts list (albeit he admits it's incomplete).Which includes things like "label maker", "key fob", "rf receiver", "optional proto shield", "wire", even a resistor kit containing over a thousand other values you'll probably never use again for $13. He's got a ton of extra parts and functionality that are wholly unnecessary. Yes you can go down a list and add it up to "about $250", but just quickly glancing at it I'm already seeing $60+ worth of parts that just aren't needed. He's using a 5V Arduino Due, which will always need current limiting resistors, whereas the 3.3V Arduino/LED combination I posted above is both $5 cheaper and doesn't require the use of any resistors since the voltage drop is equal to the output voltage, 3.3V.
Even if I were to go with a 5V Arduino, I wouldn't double up the resistors like he's doing. Many LED driver chips have an output to ground that takes a resistor, which in turn means you only need one resistor period, not one for every LED plus one for each LED driver input etc. He's also shopping at Amazon for resistors, and has an entire page dedicated to perpetuating outdated technology (http://myfluxcapacitor.com/the-electronics), and even calls an embedded computer with a full-fledged OS "a new entry into the micro controller world". The guy clearly didn't know what he was doing at the time, and wanted to share his progress with others (which I applaud), in turn spreading a boatload of misinformation (which I don't).
the average person doesn't know the difference so who are you trying to impress?This is my point exactly. If you have an actual BTTF conversion in your garage, then yes you'd want screen accuracy and the cost skyrockets. However, if it's just a stock DeLorean with a flux capacitor in it, why shell out $600 for one of Bruce's or Videobob's flux capacitors when you could spend the money on actual upgrades and build your own for a tiny fraction of the price? Doesn't make sense to me.
Timebender
12-18-2014, 02:23 PM
To add to the last two posts, screen-accuracy is in the eye of the beholder. Some people will say "That's not screen accurate because...", while the builder, and the majority of the common public will go "Wow, nice Flux Capacitor!", or "Wow! You have a flux capacitor! Cool!!"
Being an R2 Builder, with an R2 that's been sanctioned by Lucasfilm and Disney, is used often for commercials or other Disney/LFL sanctioned things, and has received tons of compliments and questions as to how I managed to make him so accurate (including the weathering) to the film version, I can say that's all in the eye of the beholder. 99% of tyler time I get people asking me if he's the real one that was used in the movies.
I did the best I could, followed what other builders were doing, did what I could on as low a budget as possible, watched some of Adam Savage's videos on weathering, looked at some other R2's, and then went to town, knowing any goof I made was going to "add" to the aged look, versus the showroom new look some guys have. Is he screen accurate? Depends on what version of R2, how dirty he was in a specific shot, what the crew put on him or forgot to for a shot, and so forth.
If it's believable enough, it's not only screen-accurate but better in a lot of ways. Ever see the actual R2 that was used in the movies? One we like to call "Ol Rivety" for all the pop-rivets they used, while another looks like it was built by junior high students in their dad's garage (which isn't far off from any of ours btw). The one's we build look far better than the original movie used versions, and have to since they have to stand up to up close and personal interaction and aren't on film with lots of softening, etc.
I say take a whack at making one, using the simplest tut out there. If you're happy with it, and it gets good reactions, then all the better. Heck, I'm considering having someone film there's with an iPhone 5s or 6 at HD (or 3K video) with the door open, and then put that looped on a cheap android tablet inside a stahlin enclosure with a speaker and call it a day.
Unless someone gets super close to see it, no one would suspect it didn't have all the parts.
Timebender
12-19-2014, 12:41 PM
Can anyone here who has either the Diamond Select or Bob's or Bruce's take a nice high rez photo for me of their's, unit off, with the door open? I want to try something in After Effects and need a good straight-on photo of just the inside.
Thanks,
Greg
Nicholas R
12-19-2014, 02:41 PM
Hows this?
http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/ss94/NicholasRoedl/F5F4DF38-ADC5-4724-8B94-0D669E87FB84.jpg
Timebender
12-19-2014, 04:41 PM
Perfect! Thanks Nick!
Timebender
12-19-2014, 04:42 PM
Btw on a side note, I got to drive my buddy's 1973 Porsche 914 with an LS1 engine last weekend... WOW...
Timebender
12-19-2014, 04:44 PM
Hows this?
http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/ss94/NicholasRoedl/F5F4DF38-ADC5-4724-8B94-0D669E87FB84.jpg
Any chance you have a higher res version? If not no biggie
edit: Never mind - found it!
Timebender
12-19-2014, 07:55 PM
And here you go. Just put it on a cheap Android tablet, shove it into a Stahlin or similar enclosure, and voila, Flux Capacitor. I'm thinking of redoing the animation to make it feel more like pulsing energy in the tubes...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4XZceva_I&feature=youtu.be
bxtech
12-21-2014, 10:54 PM
Since we're on the subject of flux capacitors. What's the difference between the Diamond Select original unit and the later one that's labeled as Back to the Future Part 2? Is there a difference other than the box?
mluder
12-22-2014, 01:22 AM
Since we're on the subject of flux capacitors. What's the difference between the Diamond Select original unit and the later one that's labeled as Back to the Future Part 2? Is there a difference other than the box?
I believe the "corrected" the direction of the fluxing. If I recall, the original version fluxed the wrong direction and buyers complained. The later version reversed the direction.
Notice I didn't say which direction was correct, in-to-out or out-to-in? Because I really don't know and as I said before, neither does the average fan.
Mark D
12-22-2014, 10:06 AM
Out to in is correct for pattern for the lights...
From an accuracy standpoint Diamond select missed pretty badly on the design on their flux capacitors. I think it was partly due to the poor reference material they had to start with but simple details like the color and fluxing direction should have been easy for anyone to get right. I agree that non-fans of the movie will never notice and most fans will probably not realize either but it's a shame they could have made something great and it turned out half baked.
The biggest problem I have is the price tag...you're really not getting much for your money. For the same price you could go buy a real stahlin enclosure and build your own fluxing circuit with a decade counter and 555 timer. The rest of the guts can be replicated more accurately with real glass tubes from ebay (Eimac VS2 or VS4) and some 3/8" plexiglass for the diffusers. You can get castings of the relays from a few different builders, or make your own out of household materials that will look just as good, if not better than the diamond select relays. The placement of all the parts on the backing board is all wrong in the DS flux too... from a few screen grabs you can see how the angle between the upper to legs of the "Y" is too small. There are lots of other nitty gritty details they missed, especially some of the other components that mount to the outside of the case. Here's a shot of some of the extra cannon connectors and hoses that shoud be there (at least on the A/B car flux capacitors, the C car was slightly different)
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=32230&d=1419260472
Diamond select is getting better in terms of accuracy on some of their other props though. I know the Mr. Fusion (due for release next year) came a long way in terms of the initial prototype and the latest preproduction design they have showcased. I'd love to see them do another more accurate version of the flux capacitor that more closely matches the screen used props.
Diamond select [...] Mr. Fusion (due for release next year)Holy-, what??? I had to Google it for myself to be sure. I'll be damned... (http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/back-to-the-future-2-mr-fusion-electronic-prop-replica) But that's a whole 'nother thread in and of itself...
Anyways, considering how popular the flux capacitor storage doors were, I'm curious: how much would you guys be willing to shell out for a "good enough" flux capacitor like the Diamond Select ones? If there's enough interest, I may try to see if I can make a run of them with the tools I have on hand. I'm with everyone else on this one, $400 for a "good enough" flux capacitor is insane! I know part of it is licensing and branding, but surely the cost can be halved at least without sacrificing that instant recognition from a BTTF fan? What do you guys think?
Jedidentist
12-22-2014, 11:42 AM
I'm probably going to get one of Bruce's. It's the most accurate and has a lot of cool little bells and whistles...all of which matter to me. I used to make my own props because of cost and/or accuracy of the available options. However now, at this point in my life, I care about accuracy first and price second. I don't mind paying for something I know is good.
bxtech
12-23-2014, 09:58 AM
I believe the "corrected" the direction of the fluxing. If I recall, the original version fluxed the wrong direction and buyers complained. The later version reversed the direction.
Notice I didn't say which direction was correct, in-to-out or out-to-in? Because I really don't know and as I said before, neither does the average fan.
Thanks for the info. Interesting. I would've never known unless I had both of them next to each other and "fluxing" at the same time.
As for the Diamond Select ones, I know it doesn't satisfy most of the hard core fans who have pointed out all of the incorrect details....but I have a feeling that they were never meant to be? I'm thinking that this was just a toy company that got the license to build exactly what they do......build a toy for kids? I'm thinking that they had originally intended these to be played with by children and they had no idea that they would be collected by enthusiasts one day.
However, with that said the price of these things sure have gotten out of hand! The Diamond Select one should be something you'd expect to see on the shelf at Toys R Us for $39.95. For $400, I agree though that they should be much more accurate. That Mr. Fusion repro is sure expensive too!
bxtech
12-23-2014, 10:14 AM
Here you guys go! An autographed Diamond Select Flux Capacitor on Ebay for $10K or best offer! Gee, I'm thinking for that price, it should be a screen used prop. Or, at the very least it should include the opportunity to meet Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd in person!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MICHAEL-J-FOX-CHRISTOPHER-LLOYD-SIGNED-FLUX-CAPACITOR-BACK-TO-THE-FUTURE-PSA-COA-/181542961406?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a44cdc0fe
Jedidentist
12-23-2014, 11:32 AM
I'm thinking that this was just a toy company that got the license to build exactly what they do......build a toy for kids? I'm thinking that they had originally intended these to be played with by children and they had no idea that they would be collected by enthusiasts one day.
However, with that said the price of these things sure have gotten out of hand! The Diamond Select one should be something you'd expect to see on the shelf at Toys R Us for $39.95. For $400, I agree though that they should be much more accurate. That Mr. Fusion repro is sure expensive too!
Diamond Select doesn't really make toys for kids...they're toys for big boys. As many other companies before them (Master Replicas, United Cutlery, etc.), they are catering to the adult crowd that doesn't want to grow up. What they build satisfies 90% of the consumers out there, but they aren't always spot on. As Bruce has pointed out, Diamond Select used his FC as the model for theirs, but altered the accuracy to save on cost. Sometimes, if there's enough demand, these companies will do a second run, or limited edition version, to satisfy the accuracy nuts...but only if they can make money on them. Some companies, like Master Replicas, hired people in the replica prop community who were doing them "underground" and unlicensed as consultants to help make the most accurate prop possible, but even then, they still cut corners to save on cost. That's why if you really want accuracy, you typically have to stay away from name brands.
SIMid
12-23-2014, 06:08 PM
Here you guys go! An autographed Diamond Select Flux Capacitor on Ebay for $10K or best offer! Gee, I'm thinking for that price, it should be a screen used prop. Or, at the very least it should include the opportunity to meet Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd in person!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MICHAEL-J-FOX-CHRISTOPHER-LLOYD-SIGNED-FLUX-CAPACITOR-BACK-TO-THE-FUTURE-PSA-COA-/181542961406?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a44cdc0fe
Mine should be worth 5K with Chris Lloyd's sig then. And the poster as well, so make that 10K.
Nicholas R
12-23-2014, 11:44 PM
The original Diamond Select Flux capacitor also had 2 functions instead of 1. There were the pulsating LED's (that went from in to out), and there was also a single strobe light in the center of the box. My understanding is that the strobe lights were extremely failure prone so they removed it from the second version. The first version had 2 knobs inside instead of 1; one to set the timing of the pulsating LED's and one to set the timing of the strobe light flashing.
Jonathan
12-24-2014, 06:49 AM
There are a number of options for Flux Capacitors and I was hoping we could have a civil discussion about them. Hoping to get input from folks who own flux capacitors and where they got them from and what they like and don't like about them.
I bought a Diamond Select FC when they were originally for sale (directly from their website). I think it was one of the 1,000 limited editions or something like that. I believe it was just over $200 plus tax/shipping when I got it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liBPkRys3Vk
Nick is right about it having two knobs for the controls. One for the strobes (still working ok) and one for the fluxing.
Like others have said, I've never had someone at a car show come up and point out it isn't screen accurate. I've never actually met anyone at a cruise night that cared really. It's a lighter grey colour than it should be and the direction of the fluxing is apparently not to people's liking, but it's fine with me.
The piping elbow that is screwed onto the top isn't the greatest quality (it's relatively thin) and one of the two rubber "feet" on the bottom has come off before (needed to be reglued). Neither were a big deal. Batteries last quite a long time, but I don't leave it on very often. It's very distracting to leave on when driving at night if you have it behind you on the parcel shelf.
I don't have mine properly mounted or secured down in the car. I don't drive around with it sitting back on the parcel shelf because of this or maybe I don't have it properly secured down because I don't want to always be driving around with it? I mostly leave it in the trunk and sometimes it's left in the basement. I put it out on display for shows and often get big laughs when people see it. Guys will come ask you "where's the FC?" before they even look and I'll point and say "right there" as they look confused and THEN they look and seem even more puzzled because their hilarious joke went south.
The main reason I stopped keeping it in the car or even putting it out on display for shows was to try and get away from showing the car with a lot of BTTF stuff. I sometimes just stick to DMC things and keep the BTTF props to a minimum. I also found people need to get their picture of the FC from straight on so they tend to lean/climb right into the car to get their camera centred in front of it. As soon as I removed the FC, voila, very few people were leaning all the way in and I would rather have it that way with Joe Public at a car show or elsewhere.
That's my 2 cents. For it's intended purpose, I think it is just fine. The screen accurate ones at the time I bought this (2008 I think it was) were about $800 and I wasn't willing to spend that.
[post -- saving space here ;) ]+1, well written, accurate, and honest. :thumbup:
bxtech
12-25-2014, 09:52 AM
Jedidentist: I wasn't really familiar with Diamond Select, but I see that you're right. These companies definitely cater to adults that don't want to grow up so to speak. In the end, they are all about making money though. Makes sense on cutting corners with accuracy in the name of profit. Imo, I think they went with a happy medium for accuracy, but a little high on the profit side with the current price. Looking at Jonathan's post, he bought his for $200 which I think is fair. Obviously they were making a profit at that price. I know cost of things go up over time, but I can't believe the cost of manufacturing went up 100% in a few years.
Jonathan and Nicholas R: Thanks for the detailed info on the FC. Interesting about the center strobe light on the originals. Seems like they went through more effort and expense to make it less screen accurate.
I remember awhile back there was a thread on FC and someone here built one out of a cardboard box, straws and some lights. He broke the cost down for all the parts including a trip to McDonalds for the straws, etc. It was pretty funny. I can't seem to find that thread and pictures again. I think it might have been on the old DMCtalk.com website though.
Jedidentist
12-25-2014, 10:00 AM
Well, I have my temporary one...for individual travel purposes! ;)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y85/jedidentist/DeLorean/5b9b29f9c9e04db6257b69a7ec631fe3.jpg
Totally 80s
12-27-2014, 10:31 AM
I'm surprised how few members have flux capacitors. I was hoping to see some comparisons between Bobs and Bruces and ebay models.
mluder
12-27-2014, 12:03 PM
Thanks for the info. Interesting. I would've never known unless I had both of them next to each other and "fluxing" at the same time.
As for the Diamond Select ones, I know it doesn't satisfy most of the hard core fans who have pointed out all of the incorrect details....but I have a feeling that they were never meant to be? I'm thinking that this was just a toy company that got the license to build exactly what they do......build a toy for kids? I'm thinking that they had originally intended these to be played with by children and they had no idea that they would be collected by enthusiasts one day.
However, with that said the price of these things sure have gotten out of hand! The Diamond Select one should be something you'd expect to see on the shelf at Toys R Us for $39.95. For $400, I agree though that they should be much more accurate. That Mr. Fusion repro is sure expensive too!
So based on descriptions elsewhere in this thread... I have version 2 of the Diamond. I bought it used on eBay for less than $150. And, as I said before the casual observer doesn't know the difference. I usually am up front with people and say it's probably the least accurate but also the most affordable one out there.
bxtech
12-28-2014, 09:18 PM
So based on descriptions elsewhere in this thread... I have version 2 of the Diamond. I bought it used on eBay for less than $150. And, as I said before the casual observer doesn't know the difference. I usually am up front with people and say it's probably the least accurate but also the most affordable one out there.
You got a great deal on that! I don't think you can find them for that price anymore........not even used ones!
Jedidentist: Very cool watch! Where did you get that? I've never seen one before. What company makes those? Or is it a custom build?
Jedidentist
12-28-2014, 11:41 PM
http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1e2e/?srp=5
Fortunately, my wife got the hint (that I dropped twice) and got it for me for Christmas...before it sold out. Hopefully, they'll make more. They're already trying to sell them for 3x the price on eBay.
outatym2001
01-03-2015, 04:37 PM
I'm surprised how few members have flux capacitors. I was hoping to see some comparisons between Bobs and Bruces and ebay models.
Totally 80s I would love to reveal pictures of my Flux Capacitor I purchased from Coulombe Enterprises back on March 9, 2014 but I have not received anything, yet.
Via PayPal I purchased the Time Dispersal Series Flux Capacitor Item# TDSFC $699.00, Shipping and handling $42.00, Tax (6.000%) $41.94 for a grand total of $782.94.
Mind you if you purchase from Coulombe Enterprises it may take a while to get it exactly right. Why is it taking so long? I have no idea. I hope to receive it by next spring to display it at car shows.
Jedidentist
01-03-2015, 11:40 PM
I emailed them 2 weeks ago with a few questions and have heard nothing. Sounds like an unfortunate trend.
Nicholas R
01-04-2015, 08:28 PM
Totally 80s I would love to reveal pictures of my Flux Capacitor I purchased from Coulombe Enterprises back on March 9, 2014 but I have not received anything, yet.
Via PayPal I purchased the Time Dispersal Series Flux Capacitor Item# TDSFC $699.00, Shipping and handling $42.00, Tax (6.000%) $41.94 for a grand total of $782.94.
Mind you if you purchase from Coulombe Enterprises it may take a while to get it exactly right. Why is it taking so long? I have no idea. I hope to receive it by next spring to display it at car shows.
Holy crap are you serious? Are they made to order? Does the website list a lead time when you purchased it? 10 months is a long time to wait for anything, let alone a replica movie prop.
outatym2001
03-23-2015, 04:19 AM
Holy crap are you serious? Are they made to order? Does the website list a lead time when you purchased it? 10 months is a long time to wait for anything, let alone a replica movie prop.
Coulombe Enterprises web site gave no indication that these Flux Capacitors were made to order which made me assume they were already assembled and ready to ship. I am sort of losing confidence based on it has been one year since I sent payment via PayPal but I’m still holding out hope on receiving a Flux Capacitor. I don’t understand why Bruce Coulombe has dropped off DMC Talk. Maybe he is too busy?
Below is the very first paragraph in an email I received back on Monday, March 24, 2014.
Dear Purchasers,
I am emailing all of you to inform you of a delay we are having in assembling our Flux Capacitors for your orders. As I pulled one of the COA Flux Capacitors from our self, I notice a flaw (small air bubbles) in the replicated Torr relay acrylic clear tubes. These air bubbles are inherent through out our inventory of tubes. I will not send out any of our props that are less than high quality. Therefore, I have to inform all listed about that we will have a delay in getting these clear tubes replicated. We are told that from today we will have at least a two to three weeks in receiving our replacements. This means to you that we can not assemble your order for at least that time frame.
I've been emailing a guy in the Chicago area that told me he managed to get a response from Bruce less than a month ago about time machines for sale. Considering the circumstances, I'm sure this can be worked out somehow. When was the last time you emailed them? If it's been a while, I would say to give them the same info you gave us (plus the PayPal transaction ID) and ask where it is.
It's possible it simply slipped through the cracks somehow. From an IT perspective, there's a boatload of reasons why that may have happened, so I'm not going to jump to any conclusions here.
Jedidentist
03-23-2015, 08:12 PM
Has anyone just picked up the phone and called them?
driveintim
03-23-2015, 09:52 PM
It sounds like there is a void in the market place. If a person could manufacture flux capacitors. How many people on the forum would want one and what do you think is the price range would you pay to get one that is hand made.
Has anyone just picked up the phone and called them?Now now, let's not go with the simple and obvious solution ;)
(Actually not a bad idea, particularly since you can leave a voicemail if no one picks up)
It sounds like there is a void in the market place. If a person could manufacture flux capacitors. How many people on the forum would want one and what do you think is the price range would you pay to get one that is hand made.I made a thread somewhere asking if people wanted a cheaper alternative that wasn't quite as movie-accurate but was still instantly recognizable as a flux capacitor. I believe I manged to work costs down to $200 or less per unit (I forget the exact pricing), but the consensus was that I had missed the market by a couple years, so I passed on the idea. Still might make one just because, but there's not enough interest to make it a feasible product line unfortunately.
Dangermouse
03-24-2015, 10:38 AM
It sounds like there is a void in the market place. If a person could manufacture flux capacitors. How many people on the forum would want one and what do you think is the price range would you pay to get one that is hand made.
Surely they are all "hand made" ?
Surely they are all "hand made" ?Not the Diamond Select ones ;)
DMCMW Dave
03-24-2015, 11:51 AM
Not the Diamond Select ones ;)
Yep, them too. Just by Chinese hands.
Yep, them too. Just by Chinese hands.
I read that and I imagine an assembly line with a bunch of human hands on robot arms...
Yep, them too. Just by Chinese hands.I read the difference being "per request" vs. "per production run" (i.e mass-produced) -- to my knowledge, the only flux capacitor replica that's mass produced is the Diamond Select variant. Although if you want to get really technical, the only flux capacitors that are truly manufactured are the Thinkgeek flux capacitor chargers, but I don't consider those replicas since they also include a now-ubiquitous standard that didn't exist until over a decade later (you know, USB).
Although re-reading that post, "If a person could manufacture" doesn't make much sense to begin with :confused0:
Nicholas R
03-25-2015, 07:52 AM
Coulombe Enterprises web site gave no indication that these Flux Capacitors were made to order which made me assume they were already assembled and ready to ship. I am sort of losing confidence based on it has been one year since I sent payment via PayPal but I’m still holding out hope on receiving a Flux Capacitor. I don’t understand why Bruce Coulombe has dropped off DMC Talk. Maybe he is too busy?
Below is the very first paragraph in an email I received back on Monday, March 24, 2014.
Dear Purchasers,
I am emailing all of you to inform you of a delay we are having in assembling our Flux Capacitors for your orders. As I pulled one of the COA Flux Capacitors from our self, I notice a flaw (small air bubbles) in the replicated Torr relay acrylic clear tubes. These air bubbles are inherent through out our inventory of tubes. I will not send out any of our props that are less than high quality. Therefore, I have to inform all listed about that we will have a delay in getting these clear tubes replicated. We are told that from today we will have at least a two to three weeks in receiving our replacements. This means to you that we can not assemble your order for at least that time frame.
So a year ago they told you that it would take a month? And still nothing?
outatym2001
06-13-2015, 04:20 AM
So a year ago they told you that it would take a month? And still nothing?
On April 29, 2015 I finally called the phone number on their web site http://www.deloreantimemachines.com and spoke to Bruce directly and I learned my emails ended up in his Spam folder for some reason and he said sorry for the delay as some how my order had fallen through the cracks and was overlooked.
About two weeks after talking to Bruce on the phone I got my Time Dispersal Series Flux Capacitor and here are pictures of it. If you order one you must ask about the different power cords necessary to plug into your 12 volt Cigar Lighter in your DeLorean or the 120 volt electrical outlet in your home.
Under the Cigar Lighter socket you must have the negative (black) wire attached to the outer metal housing / cylinder. The other wires which are positive should be attached to the center terminal at the very bottom center of the Lighter socket.
Your Flux Capacitor will not light up if you don’t have the Lighter socket wired like I mention above.
Thread where I attached pictures of how you remove the Cigar Lighter metal housing / cylinder.
Loose in my Cigar Lighter
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?3620-Loose-in-my-Cigar-Lighter
DeLorean Time Machines sell an aluminum flat bar (not shown on the web site) that connects the Flux Capacitor to the top Clips that support the top of the Cargo Netting.
The four Clips for the Cargo Net are two long and two short. The two short Clips go to the outside and the two long ones go in the middle. Your Flux Capacitor hangs from the two long Clips in the middle.
JMLaux
09-05-2015, 03:08 AM
Does any one have a torr relay they might be able to get some measurements from? I am trying to size them with the reference photos I have but the dimensions just aren't adding up. For the diameter I am getting 2.125" with the height of between 1.25" to 1.375". I just can't narrow down the dimensions when I try to scale to my eimac glass relays I have. I know parts information for anything on the time machine can be very secretive at best but would really appreciate any help. Thanks.
Timebender
09-05-2015, 06:25 PM
There a guy who made resin Torr relays using the top part of the case from a Pittman motor. I can get that measurement if you want.
Timebender
11-23-2016, 07:35 PM
I believe the "corrected" the direction of the fluxing. If I recall, the original version fluxed the wrong direction and buyers complained. The later version reversed the direction.
Notice I didn't say which direction was correct, in-to-out or out-to-in? Because I really don't know and as I said before, neither does the average fan.
My BTTF2 "corrected" one fluxes from the center to the outside- but I do believe it's supposed to be starting at the outside then go into the center... and it would be nice it if were more than 3 LED's per strip.
Michael
11-23-2016, 08:36 PM
I bought a home built off eBay for 125 bucks. Looks great and has the LED sequencing lights. Not once has someone approached me and said it was inacurate. Trust me, it's not accurate but I like it that way because anyone that would know the difference and feel the need to point it out to me is someone that I want to have singled out well before he starts shooting up the place.
In case you didn't catch that, only a lunatic sociopath would feel the need to address such a thing, so having a screen inaccurate FC to identify those peope is a good thing.
Timebender
11-26-2016, 12:17 AM
Good point.
On another note, my first one was actually using the app "Time Circuits" in a cardboard box with elbow connectors and all, and when anyone saw it, they basically freaked out and thought it was the real deal.
SO, there's no accounting for people knowing there movie facts.
Which is a good thing.
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