I bought a red plastic folder from the dollar store, and cut out 4 circles of plastic. Simply pressed them into place, and get the same effect without needing to open up the piece. I was too worried about damage to open the whole thing. Cheap and easy for anybody worried about modding.
Thanks for the tip! I used this as a jumping off point, and did some experimenting. I ended up using two sheets of parchment paper for diffusion, and foil tape to cover all of the LED assemblies, leaving only the center LED on each one uncovered (stock plastic diffusers removed entirely). This solves the issue of the oval shape that the three LEDs form, and the foil reflects the light from each single LED so that it fully illuminates each cyclotron light on its own. I highly recommend this method, especially for anyone who, like myself, is converting their pack to 80s style. Very much has that classic look.
@@PeaceLoveAndGuns Absolutely. This is what I love most about the modding/hobbyist community. The circle of sharing ideas, and one person's idea sparking another person's idea, and another, and another, like an epic brainstorming session. Consider me subbed.
This is interesting, as I posted this same question on GB Fans about a week ago. However I'll be doing the mod on the outside of the cyclotron, covering each of the 4 lamps.
I’ve been waiting all this time for someone to figure out opening the cyclotron lid. I knew it could be done but I didn’t want to break anything igniting out how to open it. Thank you
Hey, jbischof71, I really appreciate the comment. The ones like yours really help to keep me inspired and making videos. I love know that I’ve given someone the confidence to undertake a project that they might not otherwise. Be well and do please consider subscribing to the channel for more proton pack and prop vids and maybe share this video with some like-minded friends!
@@jbischof71 Well, first of all, a video showing a variety of the permutations of cyclotron diffusion materials that I've tried, including some viewer suggestions, in a variety of combinations, and in a couple standardized lighting scenarios. I also want to post a how-to for the "keep alive" mod, so that the pack doesn't auto shut down when you're cosplaying.' And lastly, I just bought a 3d printer, so I'll probably print a few parts for the pack and maybe even do some wargaming miniatures and painting. Oh and the Hasbro/Nerf Aliens Pulse Rifle is getting modded, too, so if I need anything for that!
@@PeaceLoveAndGuns that’s great. I’m in my 30s and I have a pretty good working knowledge/ ability to retain new information.. but wiring electronics is not something I can function with.. if you can do me/us all a solid and make the keep alive mod “for dummies” including a parts list or affiliate links. I myself just recently got into 3d printing and last night I found someone who modeled the phoebe pack internals and one of the things I loved about it was the detail they got on the glass tubes in the pack.. another thing I wanted to try and do but was afraid of breaking stuff when trying to figure it out, is remove the clear plastic from the tubes(fuses?) inside and weather the inside detailing of the tubes. I’m sure the clear plastic comes off somehow but I haven’t fiddled with it enough. Keep it up, love your work so far (just realized I watched and used your vent deleted video a few years back.. can’t wait to see what’s to come
Thank you for showing this to us. I’m going to try this with parchment/wax paper taped to the back side of the red lenses (on the inside). That should be farther away from the LEDs and better light diffusion. Opaque, not solid and it won’t look too white through the outside red lenses.
@@PeaceLoveAndGuns I was going to suggest this too. If you do try it could you make a short updated video on it? Would love to see the outcome/comparison.
Hey, Mick's Darwin Life! Of course a new subscriber is always welcome, but I really appreciate the feedback. It really helps to keep me inspired making videos!
Did this with mine and then put the white lenses back in to give it even less of an LED effect. It also looks a bit dirtier for some reason but cool. Your mileage may vary.
Leave the existing diffusion in place and add pieces of rosco silk lighting diffusion gel that has elliptical spread to push the light away from the strip of three. Each piece will have to be oriented to spread the light perpendicular to the row of three LEDs for best effect.
I have some diffusion gels arriving today and coupled with some lenticular material, white printer paper, red gels, and or the stock diffusers, I should be able to come up with best-looking permutation. Video on this incoming very soon! Thanks for the comments and do please consider subscribing for more proton pack and prop vids and maybe even share with a friend!
The thing I don't like is the 3 LED's to begin with. The originals only had one light in each window. I'm going to take mine apart like this and cover the side LED's and if I can add a flashlight reflector around each area. I might have to grind them down pretty well though.
@@BecauseHYDE16 This is a good idea. I might try a variety of materials. Parchment is good too because it usually has some inconsistencies that may look like wear/weathering.
Really great video! Quick question with everything apart can you pop out the red lenses pretty easy without damage? I tired to zoom in on the video I couldn't tell.
This mod makes the Afterlife mode look so much better. I'm wondering how this would look with an opaque plastic film... or a piece of cloudy celluloid (does that make sense?)...
Yes, have some! Ans that’s exactly what my next video will be covering! Multiple permutations of diffuser material! Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
Thanks for the video. Quick question since this is the 1st time I've seen this part of the pack apart. Currently the red wire has a rubber elbow that plugs in. Is there clearance between what you removed and the shell to add a real elbow and a nut?
Hey, Mark Seip - maybe! It looks like there is at least a mm or two. Possibly greater. I have my internal cyclotron "ribbon cable" off presently, so if you removed that you would be able to see the clearance. (I'm just not sure presently how much the clip on the faux ribbon cable will take up internally. There is absolutely a way to do what you're talking about, though!
Following your instructions, I opened the light cover with minimal difficulty, but pressing along the edge, despite hearing snapping sounds, did not secure it back in place. I eventually had to go with double-stick tape.
I'm sure they could be glued there, but they are quite a difference in diameter, so it would probably look odd. That distance and same material (abs?) would probably work well, though.
You're really going to like my follow-up vid, then! I'm going to show a variety of permutations to allow the viewer to plan for what they feel gives the best output. Thanks for the comment, SJC Mark, and do please consider subscribing (which I've seen you before on here, so you might be but I can't see that)!
It was 1.5 or 2”… But i cut it down to the width of my steel ruler, which is probably one inch standard. I just layed the ruler on top and used a razor along the edge.
It diffuses the LED effect for sure. But using just a white piece of paper is kind of a rush job. this could work better with some clear, red plastic paper. The lights need to look dark and mysterious when off. By the way, have you seen the blu ray cover mod used to improve the power cell lights?
Definitely a rush-job, but free, and by no means permanent. My follow-up video will show various permutations of materials I've acquired and tried since. I have heard of the blu-ray mod, and I really love the creativity of the GB modding community. I have a couple acrylic drop-ins from Drew Vida's Etsy shop that I'll be seeing which I like better. He also has stick on/or glue on len covers if you don't want to crack this baby open! Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
I always wonder why you have the X next to the caution tape on the on the bumper in your thumbnail? Because I’m doing a very same thing and I don’t think that’s a bad idea.
Hey, ERiQTENDO, thanks! Honestly it was just to follow the sort of clickbait form for the thumbnail. I like the bumper, and in fact, added the reflective hazard tape from my local big box hardware store!
I've done some work on the outside of mine, but I'm not breaking inside it to do mods like this. My luck I'd do major damage to something. The pack as a whole is amazing but my major beef is with the stand. Hasbro dropped the ball here - they should've designed that stand to support the pack with the Alice frame installed as well as straight out of the box. I've attached an Alice frame to mine and it does not fit well at all on the stand now. I would hope that they redesign the stand so that it sits on it better with an Alice frame attached.
The alice frame doesn’t interfere at all with my stand. Sure, I do have to make sure not to sit it on the straps or whatnot, but the faux motherboard lines right up with the outer-most notch on the stand. It free-stands on carpet for me.
So I popped it all apart, put in some stencil plastic from the Walmart craft area…seems to work, however the inner and outer cyclotron is now loose (thanks to popping those supports). Any idea how to solidify that connection again? Or at least stabilize it?
If the friction fit on yours isn’t good enough to keep it together until the cyclotron bolt sandwiches it all or while exhibiting the inner cyclotron, I would say just put a drop of super glue on each of the broken pegs, line everything up and smush and hold. Alternatively, you could get some “green stuff” two part modeling clay/epoxi (“apoxie” sometimes spelled). A small ball on each peg and smush closed and probably wrap it till it sets. While freshly mixed, it has moderate adhesive properties to keep the pieces together and will custom fill gaps to ensure a snug fit.
I tried your technique and was harder to pop off then I expected. And I hit the wires that run around the top as I was going around. And I don't know the order they were in to sodder them back together. Anyway you can tell me the oder. The black and yellow wires came undone
@@genedavis1386 Sorry hear that yours broke in the first place, but I hope this helps someone in the future! Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
kuddos to you, but I'm not modding. it cost me pretty penny to get this and I dont want to risk breaking something but the bar graph mod is interresting thanks anyway had a good time :)
Hey, Rayne Kraven, kuddos to you for recognizing your tolerance for risk. These are expensive toys and literally breaking them open to mod them is definitely not for everyone. There are folks like at Drew Vida's Etsy, that have non-destructive external mods that you might like to look at, though I think with a little patience you would be fine to mod whatever you want on this thing. Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing for more!
Well, that’s a great question. I can tell you, now that I’ve just experimented with some lenticular material (video to come), that individual pieces require individual glue/tape/attachment… The single piece of paper (or lenticular or whatever) cut to fit…just… fits and stays put. Assuming there is light-bleed with a single piece of the ideal material, singles is exactly the way I will do the final version. That said, while I testing different materials, the single piece is quicker to mock up. Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
Damn dude, way too much pouting in comments sections on UA-cam. 🤣Just use the arrow keys or drag and scrub through to fast forward literally any video. Thanks for the video engagement with your comment and do make sure to subscribe for more educational videos with lots of talking!
I'd rather get into the action without a 4 minute intro! I'm going to do it... I will, I'm going to do it, watch me, I'm going to do the thing you came here for. That thing. I'm doing it. JUST.... DO IT! 🫷🏼💪🏽
Free? Yes. Best mod? Ehhhhhhhhhh. I think painting the platic/rubber wire cap ends a gold/brass color or grey plastic color like they are supposed to be. Especially since the wire just unplugs
Yeah, I agree. It’s an opinion for sure. The wires that fall off are not cool at all. As far as paint goes, though, the buggest offender for me is the horrid silver paint they slopped on to “weather” it and in the weirdest, unnatural places. Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
This is interesting, as I posted this same question on GB Fans about a week ago. However I'll be doing the mod on the outside of the cyclotron, covering each of the 4 lamps.
I bought a red plastic folder from the dollar store, and cut out 4 circles of plastic. Simply pressed them into place, and get the same effect without needing to open up the piece. I was too worried about damage to open the whole thing. Cheap and easy for anybody worried about modding.
Great idea! Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
Thanks for the tip! I used this as a jumping off point, and did some experimenting. I ended up using two sheets of parchment paper for diffusion, and foil tape to cover all of the LED assemblies, leaving only the center LED on each one uncovered (stock plastic diffusers removed entirely). This solves the issue of the oval shape that the three LEDs form, and the foil reflects the light from each single LED so that it fully illuminates each cyclotron light on its own. I highly recommend this method, especially for anyone who, like myself, is converting their pack to 80s style. Very much has that classic look.
Very nice! Thanks for posting this! I’m sure a lot of people will use this! Thanks for watching and do please consider subscribing!
@@PeaceLoveAndGuns Absolutely. This is what I love most about the modding/hobbyist community. The circle of sharing ideas, and one person's idea sparking another person's idea, and another, and another, like an epic brainstorming session. Consider me subbed.
This is interesting, as I posted this same question on GB Fans about a week ago.
However I'll be doing the mod on the outside of the cyclotron, covering each of the 4 lamps.
I’ve been waiting all this time for someone to figure out opening the cyclotron lid. I knew it could be done but I didn’t want to break anything igniting out how to open it. Thank you
Hey, jbischof71, I really appreciate the comment. The ones like yours really help to keep me inspired and making videos. I love know that I’ve given someone the confidence to undertake a project that they might not otherwise.
Be well and do please consider subscribing to the channel for more proton pack and prop vids and maybe share this video with some like-minded friends!
@@PeaceLoveAndGuns for sure! Can’t wait til the next one. What do you have in store for us coming up?
@@jbischof71 Well, first of all, a video showing a variety of the permutations of cyclotron diffusion materials that I've tried, including some viewer suggestions, in a variety of combinations, and in a couple standardized lighting scenarios.
I also want to post a how-to for the "keep alive" mod, so that the pack doesn't auto shut down when you're cosplaying.'
And lastly, I just bought a 3d printer, so I'll probably print a few parts for the pack and maybe even do some wargaming miniatures and painting. Oh and the Hasbro/Nerf Aliens Pulse Rifle is getting modded, too, so if I need anything for that!
@@PeaceLoveAndGuns that’s great. I’m in my 30s and I have a pretty good working knowledge/ ability to retain new information.. but wiring electronics is not something I can function with.. if you can do me/us all a solid and make the keep alive mod “for dummies” including a parts list or affiliate links. I myself just recently got into 3d printing and last night I found someone who modeled the phoebe pack internals and one of the things I loved about it was the detail they got on the glass tubes in the pack.. another thing I wanted to try and do but was afraid of breaking stuff when trying to figure it out, is remove the clear plastic from the tubes(fuses?) inside and weather the inside detailing of the tubes. I’m sure the clear plastic comes off somehow but I haven’t fiddled with it enough. Keep it up, love your work so far (just realized I watched and used your vent deleted video a few years back.. can’t wait to see what’s to come
Great detail, love that they have old school mode. 🥰❤️🔥 Background music was PURRFECTION!
Yes! 84 mode❤️ and the track is by Hephestus Music, attribution in the description!
That turned out really nice. Enjoyed the video and commentary. Free mods are sweet.
Aww, thanks! I appreciate the kind words. Other people said I talk too much and so I had to cry myself into my pillow to get to sleep... ♥️
Thank you for sharing this mod. I'm definitely going to try it out. I really want to convert my pack to a 1984 pack.
Thank you for showing this to us. I’m going to try this with parchment/wax paper taped to the back side of the red lenses (on the inside). That should be farther away from the LEDs and better light diffusion. Opaque, not solid and it won’t look too white through the outside red lenses.
Thanks for the idea. I want to try this, actually.
@@PeaceLoveAndGuns I was going to suggest this too. If you do try it could you make a short updated video on it? Would love to see the outcome/comparison.
@@JosephNasto Absolutely. 💯 I also want to try a sheet of lenticular plastic, like a salvaged fresnel lens from ans old projection screen tv.
Great video thanks for sharing deserved a sub. Good work man
Hey, Mick's Darwin Life! Of course a new subscriber is always welcome, but I really appreciate the feedback. It really helps to keep me inspired making videos!
Did this with mine and then put the white lenses back in to give it even less of an LED effect. It also looks a bit dirtier for some reason but cool. Your mileage may vary.
Leave the existing diffusion in place and add pieces of rosco silk lighting diffusion gel that has elliptical spread to push the light away from the strip of three. Each piece will have to be oriented to spread the light perpendicular to the row of three LEDs for best effect.
I have some diffusion gels arriving today and coupled with some lenticular material, white printer paper, red gels, and or the stock diffusers, I should be able to come up with best-looking permutation. Video on this incoming very soon!
Thanks for the comments and do please consider subscribing for more proton pack and prop vids and maybe even share with a friend!
The thing I don't like is the 3 LED's to begin with. The originals only had one light in each window. I'm going to take mine apart like this and cover the side LED's and if I can add a flashlight reflector around each area. I might have to grind them down pretty well though.
Fair is fair! thanks for the comment, and do please consider subscribing!
not a fan of how red the white paper makes the lenses look...im wondering how a black sheet of paper would work
That's fair! And easy enough to try. Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing for more!
I’m going to try this with parchment paper. Opaque, not solid and it won’t look too white through the outside red lenses.
@@BecauseHYDE16 This is a good idea. I might try a variety of materials. Parchment is good too because it usually has some inconsistencies that may look like wear/weathering.
@PeaceLoveAndGuns I'm going to actually try cutting up a shirt all the little microscopic holes in the fabric should defuse the light quite nice.
@@ThemeParkBeast98 Let us know how it goes!? Maybe share a link to a video?
Really great video! Quick question with everything apart can you pop out the red lenses pretty easy without damage? I tired to zoom in on the video I couldn't tell.
The red lenses appear to be glued/friction welded/melted the outer casement. Thank for the inspiring comment and do please consider subscribing!
Fantastic job!!
Why, thank you for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
@@PeaceLoveAndGuns Done :)
This mod makes the Afterlife mode look so much better. I'm wondering how this would look with an opaque plastic film... or a piece of cloudy celluloid (does that make sense?)...
Yes, have some! Ans that’s exactly what my next video will be covering! Multiple permutations of diffuser material! Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
Thanks for the video. Quick question since this is the 1st time I've seen this part of the pack apart. Currently the red wire has a rubber elbow that plugs in. Is there clearance between what you removed and the shell to add a real elbow and a nut?
Hey, Mark Seip - maybe! It looks like there is at least a mm or two. Possibly greater. I have my internal cyclotron "ribbon cable" off presently, so if you removed that you would be able to see the clearance. (I'm just not sure presently how much the clip on the faux ribbon cable will take up internally.
There is absolutely a way to do what you're talking about, though!
Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
Following your instructions, I opened the light cover with minimal difficulty, but pressing along the edge, despite hearing snapping sounds, did not secure it back in place. I eventually had to go with double-stick tape.
Try pillow batting for diffusion. Might give more depth and a 3d effect like smoke
Love the tape, where did you get it from?
It cost several bucks at The Home depot! BAM!
Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
Could you have put the rear circle diffusers in the front?
I'm sure they could be glued there, but they are quite a difference in diameter, so it would probably look odd. That distance and same material (abs?) would probably work well, though.
Looks great.
You're really going to like my follow-up vid, then! I'm going to show a variety of permutations to allow the viewer to plan for what they feel gives the best output.
Thanks for the comment, SJC Mark, and do please consider subscribing (which I've seen you before on here, so you might be but I can't see that)!
What size tape did you use?! I’m planning on doing the same thing!
It was 1.5 or 2”… But i cut it down to the width of my steel ruler, which is probably one inch standard. I just layed the ruler on top and used a razor along the edge.
It diffuses the LED effect for sure. But using just a white piece of paper is kind of a rush job. this could work better with some clear, red plastic paper. The lights need to look dark and mysterious when off. By the way, have you seen the blu ray cover mod used to improve the power cell lights?
Definitely a rush-job, but free, and by no means permanent. My follow-up video will show various permutations of materials I've acquired and tried since. I have heard of the blu-ray mod, and I really love the creativity of the GB modding community. I have a couple acrylic drop-ins from Drew Vida's Etsy shop that I'll be seeing which I like better. He also has stick on/or glue on len covers if you don't want to crack this baby open!
Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
I always wonder why you have the X next to the caution tape on the on the bumper in your thumbnail? Because I’m doing a very same thing and I don’t think that’s a bad idea.
Hey, ERiQTENDO, thanks! Honestly it was just to follow the sort of clickbait form for the thumbnail. I like the bumper, and in fact, added the reflective hazard tape from my local big box hardware store!
I've done some work on the outside of mine, but I'm not breaking inside it to do mods like this. My luck I'd do major damage to something. The pack as a whole is amazing but my major beef is with the stand. Hasbro dropped the ball here - they should've designed that stand to support the pack with the Alice frame installed as well as straight out of the box. I've attached an Alice frame to mine and it does not fit well at all on the stand now. I would hope that they redesign the stand so that it sits on it better with an Alice frame attached.
The alice frame doesn’t interfere at all with my stand. Sure, I do have to make sure not to sit it on the straps or whatnot, but the faux motherboard lines right up with the outer-most notch on the stand. It free-stands on carpet for me.
Try loosening the kidney pad.
So I popped it all apart, put in some stencil plastic from the Walmart craft area…seems to work, however the inner and outer cyclotron is now loose (thanks to popping those supports). Any idea how to solidify that connection again? Or at least stabilize it?
If the friction fit on yours isn’t good enough to keep it together until the cyclotron bolt sandwiches it all or while exhibiting the inner cyclotron, I would say just put a drop of super glue on each of the broken pegs, line everything up and smush and hold. Alternatively, you could get some “green stuff” two part modeling clay/epoxi (“apoxie” sometimes spelled). A small ball on each peg and smush closed and probably wrap it till it sets. While freshly mixed, it has moderate adhesive properties to keep the pieces together and will custom fill gaps to ensure a snug fit.
@@PeaceLoveAndGuns I would also suggest VHB tape (basically 3M double sided foam tape) as an alternative. It created a very strong bond.
Very good mod but the screw driver keeps popping out
great video.. thanks
I'm glad you found value in it! Thank you for providing the feedback and do please consider subscribing!
@@PeaceLoveAndGuns yeah good stuff if you do more I'll watch for sure 😁👍
what is that bumper caution tape. I can't find it anywhere?
Home Depot has it in the misc hardware section with like mailbox reflectors and stuff. Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
I tried your technique and was harder to pop off then I expected. And I hit the wires that run around the top as I was going around. And I don't know the order they were in to sodder them back together. Anyway you can tell me the oder. The black and yellow wires came undone
Ouch! It’s red, yellow, black, brown. From left to right with the plate oriented with the wires at 12 o clock.
@@PeaceLoveAndGuns thank you. I did figure it out and luckily I was able to resolder them back. And it works. I appreciate you getting back to me.
@@genedavis1386 Sorry hear that yours broke in the first place, but I hope this helps someone in the future! Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
Could try a sheet on lenticular
That’s top in my list, rn. Maybe a salvage fresnel lens from an old projection screen tv.
kuddos to you, but I'm not modding. it cost me pretty penny to get this and I dont want to risk breaking something but the bar graph mod is interresting
thanks anyway had a good time :)
Hey, Rayne Kraven, kuddos to you for recognizing your tolerance for risk. These are expensive toys and literally breaking them open to mod them is definitely not for everyone. There are folks like at Drew Vida's Etsy, that have non-destructive external mods that you might like to look at, though I think with a little patience you would be fine to mod whatever you want on this thing.
Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing for more!
@@PeaceLoveAndGuns thanks for your rely have a nice day!
Why cover the whole cyclotron cover with custom-cut paper when you could just cut circular shapes enough to cover the lenses instead.
Well, that’s a great question. I can tell you, now that I’ve just experimented with some lenticular material (video to come), that individual pieces require individual glue/tape/attachment… The single piece of paper (or lenticular or whatever) cut to fit…just… fits and stays put.
Assuming there is light-bleed with a single piece of the ideal material, singles is exactly the way I will do the final version. That said, while I testing different materials, the single piece is quicker to mock up.
Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
Damn dude... way too much talking. 😆 just get on with it.
Damn dude, way too much pouting in comments sections on UA-cam. 🤣Just use the arrow keys or drag and scrub through to fast forward literally any video.
Thanks for the video engagement with your comment and do make sure to subscribe for more educational videos with lots of talking!
I'd rather get into the action without a 4 minute intro! I'm going to do it... I will, I'm going to do it, watch me, I'm going to do the thing you came here for. That thing. I'm doing it. JUST.... DO IT! 🫷🏼💪🏽
@@penny_87 Just fast forward, lol, still going on about this. You should probably make UA-cam videos, too.
The warning overload orange lights on my spengler neutrino wand don't seem to be working correctly
Are you talking about the bar graph?
@@PeaceLoveAndGuns yes mate
Free? Yes. Best mod? Ehhhhhhhhhh. I think painting the platic/rubber wire cap ends a gold/brass color or grey plastic color like they are supposed to be. Especially since the wire just unplugs
Yeah, I agree. It’s an opinion for sure. The wires that fall off are not cool at all.
As far as paint goes, though, the buggest offender for me is the horrid silver paint they slopped on to “weather” it and in the weirdest, unnatural places.
Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!
This is interesting, as I posted this same question on GB Fans about a week ago.
However I'll be doing the mod on the outside of the cyclotron, covering each of the 4 lamps.
Drew Vida on Etsy has some really cool ones you might look into, then! Thanks for the comment and do please consider subscribing!