05/09/2020

PROJECT: Half-Life 2 AR2, Update #5 - The Prototype

LINK TO PREVIOUS POST

The Rundown

After burning a few months getting the MMU2S up and running, figuring out the MMU2S is not multi-material, and releasing my custom firmware for the MK3S... I have finally got back to working on the AR2 ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

In my last update I had figured out the shell reload movement, so now it was time to 3D print the remaining parts and test how well everything works together. But before we get to the cool footage I want to show the functional blocks I plan to implement in the AR2. Currently I have the basic blocks (in green) up an running, these include things like servo/solenoid drivers as well as the main controller itself. In the future I plan to add extra features (in red), these are things like lights, sound, and safety measures


The Assembled Prototype

With all the "boring" stuff out of the way, here is some footage of the current AR2 prototype. You might notice that the body has strange arrows/scribbles, this is me marking what needs to be fixed in the final model...


Some Advice

Whatever you are working on, don't be afraid of making a rough prototype!

A personal example is that with my first professional job I was tasked with making a lead-acid battery charger. I recall spending many weeks simulating the circuit to make sure it was perfect. Looking back, I could have easily halved my development time by making up a crude prototype, and if anything this prototype would have shown me things that my simulation could not...

So the lesson is, don't be afraid of making mistakes and get that prototype out there ASAP

6 comments:

  1. Extremely cool work. Whenever you finish with this project, it would be awesome to see the Half-Life: Alyx Pulse SMG created.

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    1. Hey there. Sorry for the late reply, my spam filter was a bit too strong...

      Cheers :D
      I think someone else is working on that one. Like I saw someone on Etsy selling the plans for one

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  2. Wow, this is so cool! Definitely one of my favourite guns from HL2. I like your encouragement to make rough prototypes because I'm a perfectionist and have been scared to make my working prop of the Last Hope sidearm from Destiny 2 for fear that it won't look perfect. Looking forward to your progress!

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    1. Hey there. Sorry for the late reply, my spam filter was a bit too strong...

      Thanks! Yea I used to be way worse about making things perfect before I release them, but I have come to realise that making that 1st step/prototype is what really helps to move the project along. Like it does not have to be perfect, and if anything it's better that it's not as you can improve on it over iterations

      So defiantly make a prototype of that Last Hope! Make sure to share your progress on reddit or RPF, as that will help you build up motivation :D

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  3. How awesome is that?! :D
    Can't wait for more!
    Rlly needs the sound effects too

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    Replies
    1. Hey there. Sorry for the late reply, my spam filter was a bit too strong...

      Cheers :D

      Delete