Selling Pro 6DOF Magnetic Tracker + CNC Machine + 3D Printer

[TheLostBrain]

Note: Please feel free to move this a more appropriate place... I couldn't find a "marketplace" forum, etc.

Good day gents!

With having gotten to spend a fair amount of time with the Rift I am 100% happy with the experience and will be looking to future Oculus products to satisfy all of my VR needs.

As such I am planning to sell off the last bits of my VR equipment collection and also some rapid prototyping equipment (3D printer and CNC machine) I was using mainly for HMD design.


So with that said I figured I'd post here first to give those on the board that might be interested a shot at the equipment before I went and posted it up on ebay and it got hammered, etc. As for prices just make some reasonable offers. I'm all about cutting out unnecessary expenses (ebay fees, paypal, etc.) and sharing the savings so if you're local (orlando/kissimmee FL) and interested you can just come pick stuff up, etc.


So, here's what I got:


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Ascension Technology Flock of Birds with Extended Range Transmitter
(Full TRUE 6 dof absolute position magnetic tracking within a 10 ft x 10 ft area)

Comes with:
1 -Extended Range Transmitter
1 -Extended Range Controller
2 -Flock of Birds Controllers (an extra...get another sensor and you'd have a 2 'bird' configuration).
1 -Flock of Birds Sensor with 30+ feet of cable

Here's a link w/ some shots of the equipment I posted back in August of last year:
http://www.mtbs3d.com/phpBB/viewtopic.p ... 244#p77526

Here's a link to a description of the equipment on Inition:
http://inition.co.uk/3D-Technologies/as ... lock-birds

And another to a youtube video posted about a year ago with someone using the same equipment (but with a smaller transmitter) for some personal project:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU_mvrsVymI



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CNC Machine
miCro M3 3 Axis Gantry Type CNC Router

This CNC was built quite a few years ago from a kit I ordered from a Company called Lumenlab. Unfortunately they've long since gone defunct but the design was pretty ingenoius and the machine still continues to work perfectly today.

I'll have to take some pictures of it but here are a few shots of the same exact model:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/ ... G_0015.jpg
http://vimeo.com/22245702
http://vimeo.com/14047839

I used this machine to make the 2nd DIY HMD (TheLostBrain) shown on the first page of the DIY Rift Forum:
(Funny enough the 3D printed one by WickedAndy immediately below mine was done on the same 3D Printer I'm selling (Ultimaker)):
http://www.mtbs3d.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=140&t=15247

Here's a shot of it having cut out the parts:
http://www.mtbs3d.com/phpBB/viewtopic.p ... 240#p81138

Here's a shot of it cutting out some custom lenses from block of cell-cast acrylic:
http://www.mtbs3d.com/phpBB/viewtopic.p ... 240#p81276

FYI: This machine is currently sitting on a MASSIVE Workstation bench I made for it with overhead mounted lcd panel, lighting and routed dust control, etc. There's really no description that would do thing thing justice... it's a REALLY NICE setup and I will just have to take some pictures. Let's just say you will need good size truck if you want the bench/workstation too.



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3D Printer
Ultimaker!

Fully assemebled and fully working
http://www.ultimaker.com/

These things can print rediculously fast...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2cgGTLMeCQ

...and with incredible level of detail:
http://www.hive76.org/insane-3d-printin ... -the-micro
http://blog.ultimaker.com/wp-content/up ... ose-up.jpg
http://blog.ultimaker.com/wp-content/up ... atured.jpg

Will take pictures of it when I get home as well.



Alright... post here or shoot me a message if interested. You can check ebay for prices of what things have sold for to get an idea of what they're worth, etc. but feel free to make other offers as well.


Thanks
Mike

[Zoide]

No more InfinitEye tests?

[zalo]

Okay, I have a general feel for what the CNC and Ultimaker are worth, but I can't for the life of me figure out how much a complete and working flock of birds is. Worldviz quotes $7,800 for the long range one, and $2,500 for the shirt range version. Oculus might be interested in it, but if you want to dispose of it for $100, I'll take good care of it

I'm really eyeing that CNC though. Custom cutting lenses from plastic just sounds too cool. Unfortunately, I'm broke and too far away to get good shipping rates.

Good luck selling them! You might try making some mods for the rift before you say goodbye. The "custom lense cup experiment" thread might be a good place to start with that CNC of yours.

[WiredEarp]

That collection of gear is great TheLostBrain. Jealous of that 3d printing and CNC stuff.

I don't suppose you want to sell the Ascension ERT and controller separately?

[TheLostBrain]

That collection of gear is great TheLostBrain. Jealous of that 3d printing and CNC stuff.

Thanks yeah it's all a lot of fun but trying to free up some time for "playing" instead of tinkering.

I don't suppose you want to sell the Ascension ERT and controller separately?

Actually it's all available separately, I never intended to suggest that everything had to be purchased together (although that would be cool). You mean all the Ascension stuff though right? Or do you literally mean just the ERT and controller minus the sensor?

[TheLostBrain]

No more InfinitEye tests?

No worries Zoide I will still continue with the InfinitEye testing as I can...really don't NEED the cnc or 3d printer for that although it does help with making really nice, precise enclosures, etc.

I'm sure at this rate though someone else is bound to make more progress than myself w/ this.

Just for the record I'd like to say that the InfinitEye design definitely works and the FOV is VERY large even w/ the 5 inch panels. As usual though there are always trade-offs to just about every design...you can read more on what I've already posted on that thread, etc.

[WiredEarp]

@ zalo: you can get 'Flock of Birds' base units for around $200 on ebay.
However, the transmitters and sensors are harder to get, can range from $500-$1000 if you are prepared to pay the ridiculous prices some try to sell them for on there. If you look for a package however, you can get a base unit, with a sensor or two, and perhaps a transmitter, for around $500-$1000.

The thing is, TheLostBrain has the 'Extended Range Transmitter', which has a much greater range than the normal transmitters (less resolution however). I haven't seen any of these going on ebay for a lately (or I'd have bought one).

@ TheLostBrain: what are you planning on using for your sensor tech after you sell the Ascension? Just going to use a Hydra?

[TheLostBrain]

@ TheLostBrain: what are you planning on using for your sensor tech after you sell the Ascension? Just going to use a Hydra?

You win. Yeah I actually just got to sit here (literally about 5 minutes ago) and demo the Hydra Tuscany demo for the first time. It's not perfect but it's enough for me these days.

I'd been wanting to write an ascension plugin for FreePie just don't see myself ever finding the time. :/ But that would be awesome because theoretically you'd have true absolute positioning 10'x10' for any hydra supported game.

Too many ideas not enough time.

[WiredEarp]

@ TheLostBrain:

Or do you literally mean just the ERT and controller minus the sensor?

Yep, that was what I was meaning. I have a Nest of Birds, 6 sensors with incompatible plugs (maybe for a different Ascension system?), but no transmitter. Also have ave a Flock of Birds with standard transmitter on the way from ebay, along with a sensor (maybe 2). Am hoping to find out if its possible to rewire/replug my existing sensors to work with the Nest...

[TheLostBrain]

@ TheLostBrain:

Or do you literally mean just the ERT and controller minus the sensor?

Yep, that was what I was meaning. I have a Nest of Birds, 6 sensors with incompatible plugs (maybe for a different Ascension system?), but no transmitter. Also have ave a Flock of Birds with standard transmitter on the way from ebay, along with a sensor (maybe 2). Am hoping to find out if its possible to rewire/replug my existing sensors to work with the Nest...

Ahh so you're the guy who bought up all the ascension equipment lol. I always check ebay for this type of stuff and saw most of that on there relatively recently.

If the 6 sensors have are old school ps/2 (keyboard) type plug and the wires are of different short lengths they are likely to be for an early motion star suit and unfortunately cannot be re-wired (at least not in any easy fashion). I only know because I had a few many years ago and actually got to speak with one of the founders of Ascension and he informed me that the standard connectors contain a bit of rom w/ calibration data that is unique to every individual sensor and it's different for the motionstar connectors.

The other thing I ran into early on was making sure all the equipment was on the same version...which I found out the hard way that some of the earlier bird units had a completely different timing crystal that couldn't simply be swapped out...and wouldn't communicate w/ the newer ERC/ERT.

The sensors are by far the hardest thing to find and you did good getting one or two. I believe they still actually retail for $450 direct from Ascension last time I checked.


As for splitting up the Ascension set... probably something I'd rather not do as it's likely more valuable as a full set... but if you're interested make an offer.
Never know..might not be much interest these days and you may wind up being the highest in the end and getting it.

[Ben]

I had no idea the Ultimaker resolution was so good. I was always under the impression FDM was kind of terrible compared to stereolithography. Shows how much I know! If I didn't live 4000 miles away I'd have a hard time resisting making an offer for that.

Looking forward to seeing pictures of the CNC setup too, if only so I have something to daydream about.

[MSat]

This thread makes me sad.

I just wish your excuse for getting rid of all this was so that you could buy bigger and better equipment.

[WiredEarp]

@ TheLostBrain:

If the 6 sensors have are old school ps/2 (keyboard) type plug and the wires are of different short lengths they are likely to be for an early motion star suit and unfortunately cannot be re-wired (at least not in any easy fashion). I only know because I had a few many years ago and actually got to speak with one of the founders of Ascension and he informed me that the standard connectors contain a bit of rom w/ calibration data that is unique to every individual sensor and it's different for the motionstar connectors.

Bummer. I was afraid of that. I was hoping if they were just dumb sensors it couldn't be too hard to rewire them once I had a working sensor as an example. They ARE the old school PS2 plug ones ;( Wonder if they are worth anything to anybody?

The other thing I ran into early on was making sure all the equipment was on the same version...which I found out the hard way that some of the earlier bird units had a completely different timing crystal that couldn't simply be swapped out...and wouldn't communicate w/ the newer ERC/ERT.

Hmm, some great info, thanks!

The sensors are by far the hardest thing to find and you did good getting one or two. I believe they still actually retail for $450 direct from Ascension last time I checked.

I haven't actually received them yet. They should be showing up RSN! Funny thing is that there are some sellers (optimists?) who sell secondhand sensors on ebay for $500...

As for splitting up the Ascension set... probably something I'd rather not do as it's likely more valuable as a full set... but if you're interested make an offer.
Never know..might not be much interest these days and you may wind up being the highest in the end and getting it.

If you haven't sold your stuff by the time my incoming gear arrives I'll probably make you an offer. I just want to see what hardware I actually have showing up before I drop $ atm - been buying up lots of VR gear lately and I want to buy a 3D printer as well atm. What sort of price were you thinking of selling the Ultimaker for? I guess it would probably be ridiculously expensive to ship to NZ anyway...

[mores]

TheLostBrain: I don't see FoB power supply in the list. If you have, Are you willing to sell it separately?

[TheLostBrain]

TheLostBrain: I don't see FoB power supply in the list. If you have, Are you willing to sell it separately?

Won't sell separately but will get you the model of the power supplies I used. It's actually an 3rd party power supply that you can get relatively cheaply.

You will need some soldering skills though to put the correct end on it, etc.

[mores]

Thanks a lot! Any info would be appreciated.

[TheLostBrain]

Thanks a lot! Any info would be appreciated.

I used the AULT SW300.

It's the one Ascension recommended many moons ago and is listed on page 147 (157 according to the pdf viewer) of the FOB manual:
ftp://ftp.ascension-tech.com/MANUALS/Fl ... l-RevC.pdf

The pinout, etc. is all listed on that page.

May have to hunt around for it (I did years back) but you should be able to find a few reasonably priced.

Good luck


BTW to anyone who may have been following this thread. I'm thinking of throwing the whole Ascension Set up on ebay, etc. for ~$1000 Buy It Now. I *think* that's a good deal even by today's standards especially with the Extended Range Controller / Transmitter.

[TheLostBrain]

EDIT: Some of the guys on the Ultimaker Forum let me know that some new upgrades came out since my original purchase so I revised the auction description and lowered the price.


FYI Listed the Ultimaker on ebay for about 100-200 less than what they usually sell for on there.
Also including the NetFabb license as long as no issues w/ transfering.

Saving ~$1000 when factoring in:

-Assembled unit: ~$2200 (1700 euro)
-Shipping from the Netherlands: ~$150
-netfab license: ~$200

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151042087895

[WiredEarp]

I'm thinking of throwing the whole Ascension Set up on ebay, etc. for ~$1000 Buy It Now

Seems very reasonable to me. Considering a flock with a single sensor and no transmitter goes for around $500, thats a very good price. Especially with that lovely long range transmitter ;-0

If I hadn't already wasted $1000 on a nest of birds, AND a flock, i'd buy it . Bit broke atm unfortunately due to recent purchases.

I received my flock of birds, only has one sensor unfortunately (has the mid range transmitter however!). Shame the guy never answered my email questions, or I'd have bought the other set he also had for sale. Its still in the original box from 2001, never been opened. Now I need to buy a serial card ;/

[TheLostBrain]

Well hello all! Looks like the boards have been busy since I've been away

Finally had a chance to list the Ascension Technology equipment:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151058167157

Let me know if you're interested, etc.

Thanks