Rick and Morty Portal Gun

Dilan Tuff-Overes
January 25, 2018

Every year a group of my friends have an engineering Secret Santa. The rules are simple: make something cool for under $20 that requires engineering to complete. In years past we’ve seen Google cardboard VR headsets that are 6DOF, match stick rockets, 3D printed fans that explode when used, 3D printed rockets with cardboard launch controls, and a host of other semi dangerous, partially completed projects that are more than a little interesting.

This year I decided to create a portal device from the Popular Adult Swim show Rick and Morty. The device opens portals from one dimension to another by spinning a knob to select the target dimension number on a 7-segment display. With a background in electrical engineering, I thought that this was an excellent project to start tinkering on! Plus, the 3D printer needed a workout.

Parts List
• 1x Rotary Encoder
• 1x 7-Segment Serial Display
• 4x 10mm Green Diffused LED
• 1x 4.5m Green LED String
• 1x 2xAAA Battery Holder
• 5.0V Micro Boost Regulator

The Build
I based this build on Sparkfun's 7-Segment Serial Display, which has the desirable feature of being designed around the ATmega328P, a.k.a. the Arduino chip. I replaced the stock library that controlled the 7-segment display with my own, allowing me to use the excess power to control my project's logic flow.

To mimic the functionality of the portal device in the show, I combined the 7-segment display with a rotary encoder. I used a library online to read the grey code of the encoder and turn it into a basic clockwise/counter clockwise selection knob. The encoder's wheel also acts as a button for simple spin/set operation (seen above, showing the default dimension, C137).

Power comes from a simple AAA battery pack with built-in on/off switch  & pre-tinned leads soldered to a small 5V boost converter used to power the 7-segment, processor, and LEDs.

Although there are 3D STEP files online, I designed up my own implementation of the portal device in Solidworks before printing them on our Kossel Delta 3D printer. The CAD files need polish before we release them to a 3D repository, and we'll update the blog entry when they're available.
The large 10mm green LEDs round out the effects nicely. LED voltage drop calculations showed wiring them up 2 in series, 2 in parallel for a nice green glow without requiring current limiting resistors.

To enhance the glow to the top tube, SuperFlex LED strings were wired directly to the 3V battery source and stuffed unceremoniously into the tube. And as with all quick DIY projects, everything was assembled into the portal device with superglue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last step of the build was to add a little door at the bottom of the portal device so that the battery pack can be accessed. 

Although not quite perfect, it turned out rather well considering I only had two sleepless nights to get it ready. Revision 2 requires adjusted CAD files, a wiring schematic, and better matched tube/front LED colors.

C'mon Morty - there's something I need you to do....

MORE POSTS

February 13, 2009
Closed on Monday (the 16th) for Family D...

We will be so emotionally moved by the celebration of GPS Day tomorrow (the 14th) that we'll be taking Monday, February 16th off to recuperate. Go ahead and place orders or send emails - we'll get right back to you and continue shipping on Tuesday when we resume all business as usual. If you want […]

September 25, 2009
Things for Movin' an' a-Groovin'

Alriiiight - it's time to shake and twist and turn! We got three new toys to show off, and they're all about movement: Pololu Wheel Encoder (for 42x19mm wheel) Rubber Tire Replacements for RW2 Sanyo SMD Vibra Motor Now, these are fantastic and all, but we know that everyone has the same burning question that […]

January 20, 2021
ESun Filament - Back in stock!

We've just received our eSun filament restock - thanks for your patience. It's being sorted in the warehouse presently, and fresh stock will be up at the store shortly!

February 13, 2017
New Product: Scribbler, Grove & Buc...

Grove - Smart Plant Care Kit for Arduino CAD 85.28 / USD 59.90 A functional kit that helps monitor the environment and care for plant growth! 200W Buck Module CAD 22.00 / USD 16.90 When mini buck converters just won't do. Grove - Ear-clip Heart Rate Sensor CAD 16.80 / USD 12.90 Grove Heart Rate […]

Solarbotics Ltd Logo
Solarbotics has been operating for more than 25 years, bringing electronics know-how and supplies to both the electronics professional and hobbyist. We'll be happy to help you too!

Solarbotics, Ltd. is not responsible for misprints or errors on product prices or information. For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.

Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information. This item was manufactured prior to August 31, 2018.

cart