DIY Custom Charging Station

In 1979 Ridley Scott directed one of our favorite films . . . Alien. But I bet Mr. Scott never thought someday a chubby geek from The Smugglers Room would create a Custom Charging Station to pay tribute to one of the obscure props from that film. Well, we did. Our not screen accurate custom Alien Motion Tracker Charging Station has arrived, and we are bring you all along for this ridiculous ride!
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[@contrivit5806]

Man, I love how you turn something mundane into something that has tons of character

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Contrivit thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.

[@darrinplank]

This is the most awesome “non commercial” commercial great find and build

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL Thank you!!!

[@TheCrafsMan]

A good friend of mine sent me this video, and I'm glad he did. I like the look (and functionality) of this thing right here! :D One of these days I'm gonna break down and learn that Arduino stuff. :)

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

That’s so awesome! We are very glad you found us, please thank your friend for sharing our channel with you. Check out The Programming Electronics Academy if you are interested in learning how to program Arduino, that are perfect for learning this stuff.

[@RocketPunchHero1]

Sensei Crafsman! Big fan of yours, brother!

[@purrosleukos253]

I’m just all charged up over this electrifying build!!!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL! Thank you!

[@FigmentsMade]

This is such a great idea! I love it! "Prevents usability by the user" Hah!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AndyCPugh]

Oh Brian! I think this might be one of my absolute favourite KZbin channels! So much style and greeblie genius.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so very much! So glad to hear this!

[@erickaufman1923]

A lot of us droid builders made our GNK droids charging stations, since, you know, it's a power droid.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Yes indeed!!!

[@Daniel_Palmqvist]

Man, after seeing this it reminds me i need to make more routes to the junkyard's electric department. That bundle of joy looks so awesome, now i have another thing for the checklist. Thank you.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Awesome, thank you! Yes you do, I have made friends with several local AV dealers in my area. They are constantly pulling electronics out of peoples homes when they upgrade. It's been a great way to get more stuff than I know what to do with!

[@theheathendiaries2352]

I was laughing all the way through this, best advertising ever! Great looking project man! 'Greeblification' lol...

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL thank you so much. So glad it brought you a little laughter and geekness on this day in August!

[@CajunJedi66]

Ditto

[@AdamSchumph]

Thanks for the enteraining spin on building something practical and useless at the same time! Especially love the dancing facehugger at the end -- great tribute to Spaceballs!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it! We are huge Spaceballs fans around here!

[@GratuitousSets]

It is by will alone that I set my mind in motion. It is by the juice of Sapphu that thoughts acquire speed. The lips acquire stains. The stains become a warning. It is by will alone that I set my mind in motion. Your "sheer will" stuff reminded me of that Dune quote- lol Absolutely beautiful

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Gratuitous Sets LOL!!! Thank you!! “He who controls the spice, controls the universe!”

[@GratuitousSets]

True fact 😆

[@moko5228]

"Solong it doesnt exceed the 2$ budget" Thats always my mindset lmao

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Indeed!

[@horman1973]

I was laughing all through this video... Thx mate, again! Great fun, great style, great idea and great inspiration!

[@dfcprops3849]

Man, this video made me laugh so many times! "Face hugging prevention" lol.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

So glad to hear that!! Thanks for watching!

[@davidkanengieter]

Better than any infomercial, ever. "It's big, it's clumsy, it can't save your life,, but it's soooooo cool!" The epitome of Truth in Advertising.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL!! Thank you much!!

[@kennethterry7175]

I would love to acquire a similar projector for some of my prop builds as well.

[@blizatrex]

the voice over was some of the best hype one could ask for in a non for sale non item. It will look great with all the usb devices.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!!! We had so much fun doing that and just going way over the top with it. So glad you liked it!

[@cocayoo]

This is awesome. It’s practical, and looks cool! Maybe add a compartment to keep your phone inside, but other than that, perfect!👌

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Oh! I like that idea. Thanks for watching!

[@steveleggett4728]

Hey Brian, brilliant and with so many Alien references which were also excellent btw as well as the finished product, totally useless as a tracking device, but awesome looking for charging your phone and stuff I think i may need to ask my question on this video due to the Alien references, IF i were to want to try re-create the Alien nest in LV-426, ya know, its some sort of screted resin, but secreted from what i hear you ask, well this is exactly my issue ? what in RL can i make look like this , any ideas ? I used spray foam insulation in my roof space and was going to try and use this and still may to create my looks melted ceiling in places, but what do you and others think please ? thanks in advance

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

That's a great question. We have often wondered wheat could be used. I think carving all the shapes out of XPS foam is how I would approach it to start. Then you could use a PVA glue like mod-podge to seal it. After that I'm not sure on the finish. Then there is the question of the drips and such. Epoxy seems to be the most logical product . . . you know resin ;)

[@steveleggett4728]

@@TheSmugglersRoom yes exactly my thoughts too, i also wondered whether you could use the foam cleaner you get with the gun to semi melt the sprayed foam allowing it to melt slightly, all needs to be tested but love that with the pva idea too, thank you so much, when i get to that I will let you know how it turns out, or if you get a chance to try it first, please let me know :) be happy secreting your resin =)

[@occamsrayzor]

I love it, and the voice-over style was perfect!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! So glad you liked it. It was fun to make!

[@ivangonzales5667]

I always enjoy your videos, not only because your creative props and stuff, also because the creativity to make the video 😉 Stunning job as always 👏👍

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

So very appreciate this comment. Thank you for always watching and supporting us!

[@makeorbreakshop]

"Knobs that do absolutely nothing" should be the tag line of your entire channel. Love this thing, and who puts an Arduino in a USB mutli-outlet? Smugglers Room. That's who.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL,, thank my friend, very much appreciated!

[@TimeKaiser]

This is eerily close to an idea I've been considering this week - using a fidget spinner as part of a vawt usb charger

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

That sounds like it has serious potential to be awesome!

[@Tigrillo]

it seems like a real part of the movie...thanks for share

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you, you bet! We hoped it would fit into the used universe look.

[@ACslife23]

oh hell yeah as a huge huge HUGE Alien & Aliens fan this has made my day would love to see more Alien & Aliens inspired geek builds brother

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

So glad to hear that Adam! We are likewise HUGE fans of the franchise, and I can promise you that we have a Nostromo load of projects planned. I'm thrilled that you are interested in more Alien/Aliens projects!

[@ACslife23]

@@TheSmugglersRoom hell yeah :)

[@fsj197811]

You're a comedian. I love it! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks for watching!

[@trisv1974]

dude you are so funny, you got the amazing ability so speak a lot and say absolutly nothing!!!!! thumbs up to you!!!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL!! Thank you!

[@perello23]

I’ll take two!!! A great, fantastic & incredible job once again!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Ed Perello SOLD!!! Thank you sir!

[@perello23]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!😱. 🤣🤣🤣🤣‼️😅

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Ed Perello LOL!!!🤣🤣😁

[@perello23]

We need to meet one day.😅👍👏👏🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Ed Perello we have my friend. We met in Anaheim at Star Wars Celebration briefly in 2015. I was drooling over your droid and the amazing accessories you have created. We’ll be back in Anaheim next August, and I’m hoping you will be there!

[@RocketPunchHero1]

I admire the fact that you go beyond building props and also teach people how to create useful items. Not saying props aren't useful... Just saying. ;)

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! We appreciate it. We love functionality out of our builds, it really makes some of them more interesting. Thanks for watching!

[@mstruvmgc07]

darn advertisements always interrupting my videos ;-P... I'd buy it though lmao

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL!!! Thank you!

[@Horror_Hero]

My budget is dollar tree. I'd love to see you do a dollar tree build

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

We need to do that for sure!

[@Quidium]

It is nice to just have fun and build.

[@justinbunyard5740]

This might be my favorite video yet!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Love hearing this, we were a little concerned this would not be well received. Thank you!

[@cuzuman]

This is great stuff, love it.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much we are very glad you liked it!

[@jasonkovach1354]

You are my hero! Your work has inspired some of my own. Great channel!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much for saying Jason, we really appreciate the kind words. Is there anywhere we can go to see your work?

[@jasonkovach1354]

I'm on the RPF as 13doctorwho. I recently did a lightsaber with a display stand based on your methods. Here's a link www.therpf.com/forums/threads/original-lightsaber-with-custom-stand.304270/#post-4652904

[@seekrbots6350]

Hahaha, you're hilarious Brian. I really enjoy the vids buddy, keep it up!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!!! We really appreciate you watching!

[@TheRetroStuffGuy]

Looks pretty cool! Kinda wondering not to bother fixing my projector or make one of these now....

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

YES!! DO IT!!!

[@ArmouryTerrain]

Don't shut up and don't take my money! I love the corporate feel to this video and the spaceballs reference at the end deserves a big thumbs up.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

HA!! Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.

[@FamineStudios]

That Weyland cup! I have a few bowls from ThinkGeek but never saw the cups.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

The cup is actually vintage with a decal. An awesome member of the replica prop forum gave it to me in a secret santa Christmas exchange years ago. It was super cool!

[@mcopado]

The narration on this is awesome!!!!! There are too many choice bits to quote.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL!!! Thank you so much!

[@FeynmanFan]

It would be nice to program the Arduino to pulse and fade the blue lights. Awesome build.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Yes, that is a great idea. I will take that advice for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@1972Russianwolf]

Fairly sure that that "unknown thing" is a Servo Actuator for the flaps from a Lear Jet.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks Michael! I just looked that up, and I think you are correct. Very cool!

[@BrucesWorldofStuff]

That is hands down the coolest "Do Nothing" BUT "I Look Cool" for the Xenomorphs thing I have ever seen! Oh and it charges your Phone too! Great Video and I just Love you Humor!!! An, I'll Buy That For A $Dollar"..... Lol :-D LLAP

[@scratch3406]

$29,995,999? I guess pizza is gonna send out for YOU!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

YES!!!!

[@beardedgremlin8117]

And now my Monday is complete! Luv ya Brutha ~BG

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks buddy! Always appreciate you coming by!

[@beardedgremlin8117]

U should check out skill tree. He has great videos and could use a shout out if u could. Also there’s a link in his tri maker tournament video to a discord. I would love to see your submissions to any of our different builds

[@beardedgremlin8117]

I’m hoping I’m able to get down to my shop this week and build the mug for the first challenge and have videos posted by end of the month

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

@@beardedgremlin8117 awesome, thank you, i will check it out!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

@@beardedgremlin8117 is Skill Tree the name of hsi channel? do you have a link?

[@AndyGreenWildlife]

😂 really excellent video as always. Great writing as well 👌🏼

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you Sir!

[@idiotluggage]

Great video! I was laughing the whole way through. If you were just using the Arduino board to make the lights flash, you should look at the ATTiny85 chip. It can be programmed using the Arduino IDE and is a lot cheaper.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Hey thanks! Yes we absolutely need to look at some others board options, that’s for the suggestion 👍

[@Galacticbreaker]

You're like the Alton Brown of the prop world! I'd love to see longer vids

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

That might be the single best compliment ever! Thank you! We are planning some longer content in the coming months. The Room build will certainly provide us opportunities. What are we missing from our episodes that you would like us to expand on? Specific techniques? Materials? Would live to know what you would like to see more of.

[@Galacticbreaker]

@@TheSmugglersRoom Definitely a little more in depth detail on technique! Love your show as it already is though!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Backup thank you, we’ll work on that.

[@joshuatrujillo1888]

Yes! I’ll start saving up

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

You need a raise!

[@thesovarian4464]

This has been super helpful for me! I've been trying to find a way to integrate chargers into my star wars bedroom, and no wss I have a good idea. Thanks!

[@ArmouryTerrain]

I built some into a mouse droid, it also holds my glasses at night.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Awesome!!! Just think, "how can i make a ridiculously ridiculous charging station" . and BOOM! Magic happens!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

@@ArmouryTerrain WHOA!!! I want to see that!!!

[@ArmouryTerrain]

@@TheSmugglersRoom the video is in my upload list, I will post a link when it goes live.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

@@ArmouryTerrain awesome!

[@davidamoody]

loved this video, so entertaining!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!!

[@5avan10]

This has inspired me to make a Tosche Power Station.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

What!!! Oh wow, I want to see that for sure!

[@vectorrobot8092]

I noticed how you have a hollow tube inside of your droids and I also noticed that you are using motorcycle batteries what we suggest is that you get lithium ion batteries and stuff them inside of that hollow tube that should give you enough room to work with

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you much, we actually just recently upgraded to the lithium ion batteries and it has indeed helped with space, and also cut down on the weight. 👍

[@MattWinchell]

Great video man! Somewhat related question, but mainly a general one. Where do you buy your greeblings for the square plexiglass tiles & rocker switches?I recently acquired a huge Hardigg Military crate and I am planning on redesigning to fit a crate in the Star Wars universe, preferably something from Batuu. I just really want to know what greeblings you used, because I have a couple of reference photos from Galaxy's edge that I am using.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Hey there, the rocker switches we custom made and then molded them. They are static currently but I’m working on a design that we will sell in our store in the near future. The tiles were made for me by a friend who owns a laser cutter. They are 1/8” acrylic. Sorry, that’s not much help.

[@DwayneHicks426]

Mr.Weyland approves your support.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL!!! Awesome!

[@DwayneHicks426]

@@TheSmugglersRoom by the way, I remember commenting on your ALIENS tracker video a while ago. I have some clean sound files of both the "pop" and movement. Would your be interested? (Free of course)

[@CooccahnEttle]

Mother says greeble is pronounced GREEBL and "the aliens are comin. I'd run! 😬

[@atmosphericx1901]

would you take 30,000.000?

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL!!! SOLD!!!!

[@TheAtariCreep]

Thats great.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank You!

[@Sammich004]

You should make your own sci fi spaceship model.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

We really want to make a full model of our ship design. I’m glad that would be of interest. Consider it on the list!

[@shawnbartlett8138]

So cool

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@mnhs06]

I love the name.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@Atlantismonkey40]

It’s a water pump. Cool

[@alexwolfe5956]

You should make the interior of a car look like the falcon or the cockpit of some ship

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

How about turning a Polaris RZR into a ship/Time Machine/ Geekness? Because my friend . . . that is on the project list 🤓

[@FutureLaugh]

how do you do your stencils? do you use a vinyl cutter?

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

We use a Cricut Maker which has the ability to cut a ton of things including the stencils. We did a quick episode on it, if you want to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnSWmmV9hLCChbM

[@troopertrent]

Dude, Best Video Yet! Had me laughing out loud. SO NON FUNCTIONAL!!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL, thank you my friend. We were nervous this build would not be well received, glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidhanger5795]

I'm thinking of a Gonk power Droid charging station.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Love it! I have a Gonk on the list as well. The world needs more Gonk droids!

[@thefwaynes]

Sr trak... is that a star trek reference... nice

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL, it wasn’t intended to be, but it does work🤣. The “SR” was for Smugglers Room, and the “Trak” was for tracker. But again, it works either way 😉

[@xxxxzorroxxxx]

Where do you get your part do this job

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

If you mean the Bell and Howell projector, we found that on eBay for around $20. All the greeblies and bits we used for the details are random parts we collect from all over. A lot of which are from old cameras or electronics that we have stripped it taken apart.

[@gothboschincarnate3931]

if you lose batteries or powered devices...use you hands to help locate them. reiki and mugwort tea are pathways to abilities some consider to be unnatural.

[@MigMonkey]

I don't think this home shopping ad will bring you much business traffic (especially with that last second disclosure) but it sure was entertaining! That big greeblie at the front had a very Ghostbusters proton wand feel to it.

[@rick2bees]

Top sales pitch.... :p :D

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@Tommy_Collada]

0:16 I thought that was a hand and I had a full body repulsive reaction.

[@JonMadsen70]

:)

[@mistytharpe3991]

🤣

[@crackin2000]

Hug your wife. She's great

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!!!! She’s the best thing that ever happened to me. Much appreciated!