[ausev] Success on refurb of Gem E4 from Idiocracy!

[Vern Graner]

Good news everyone! :)

Just thought I would let everyone know that with the combined efforts of 
the folks from The Robot Group, plus a little luck, we have the Gem E4 
that was used for the movie Idiocracy up and running! Woo! :D

I put together a short video that combines stills from the initial 
evaluation of the vehicle, removal of after market wiring, discovery and 
removal of two of the original batteries, install of the new batteries 
and the first initial check-outs and tests.

The video shows how we had to saw open the hood, and our discovering 
that they had "foamed" in two of the original batteries making them part 
of the car body! We then show the first power-up and wheel motion with 
the front of the car up on jack stands followed by some of us acting 
like kids as we took the car for its first spin! :) I will be giving the 
car to our family Christmas morning as present.

Though we still have no 12vdc systems online, the propulsion system and 
72v battery charge system both seem to work fine. I need to get the DC 
to DC converter back online as it was disabled due to insufficient 
current capabilities (all the extra lights they put on drew too much 
current for the little thing). They added a 7th battery to run the 
lights for the movie scenes.

One thing I can tell you for sure is that we discovered the difference 
between an ECAR and a MOVIE PROP. The body construction, wiring and 
frame modifications were done for visual effect and with no apparent 
thought to longevity. We've already had welds break from just driving it 
on rough roads and the doors tend to pop open while driving. :(

Thought we have a long way to go before we get this back to a 
operational ecar, just getting to drive it around was a real blast! :)

Here's a link to the video on youtube for anyone who cares to see our 
triumph! :)

http://www.youtube.com/VernGraner

When the refurb is done, I plan to bring it out to various robot group 
events. Anyway, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! :)

Vern

PS: the Video is uploading as I type this.. It might be 1:00am or so 
before youtube makes it available. I'll check to make sure the video is 
present in the morning.

-- 
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