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Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

howacarworks.com

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Re: Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

#63

Post by pmarreck »

AlexMuir wrote: post #42
pmarreck wrote: post #38

The raw complexity here is astounding. Something something electric motors are far simpler. ;)

You know what I discovered doing this! It looks more complex but there's not much chemistry or invisible magic here. It's all pieces of shaped metal that fit together and move when a piston is pushed down. In an electric car you've got chemistry that you can't see or feel, magnetic fields that are invisible and electron flow that is hidden.

You're right! And that's why it's cool. It's tactile. Always loved mechanical things (and now am a programmer). The first mechanical thing I loved was the differential gear! More people should understand mechanical cleverness.

Re: Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

#64

Post by j-me »

Very cool video! Purchased.

I'm really interested in seeing where you go with the 3D modeling. As a coder/DIY mechanic (one of many I'm sure), I'm pretty psyched by how this tech could be used.

I also want to say that I appreciate your price point. I think it's at a good point where it might be less than the potential value of the product, but attracts those who would otherwise dropout of purchase or seek other means to obtain the media.

Re: Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

#65

Post by rosbrith »

AlexMuir wrote: post #3

It took 2,500 photos and 4 days to shoot, followed by about 8 days of photoshopping & grading.

I love the style, which to me was reminiscent of a demoscene production. It put me in mind of this one from a few years back: http://www.pouet.net/prod.php?which=50105

Re: Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

#66

Post by gr3yh47 »

j-me wrote: post #64

Very cool video! Purchased. I'm really interested in seeing where you go with the 3D modeling. As a coder/DIY mechanic (one of many I'm sure), I'm pretty psyched by how this tech could be used. I also want to say that I appreciate your price point. I think it's at a good point where it might be less than the potential value of the product, but attracts those who would otherwise dropout of purchase or seek other means…

this is cool but i had to leave part way through the main video. it gives me anxiety thinking about getting all those parts back together without loosing a screw or messing something up.

Re: Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

#67

Post by igravious »

AlexMuir wrote: post #17
igravious wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Absolutely superb. The patience involved, that's what I can't get over about stop-motion animation – the ability to see the big picture while you're inching along frame by frame. Incredible job, it really is. May as well put this here because it popped into my mind while watching your piece. You know, if we do move as a society from the internal combustion engine to the electric drive train something of great beauty,…

Thanks! The hardest thing is to try to remove multiple parts staggered over shots. Because the smallest distraction and you've forgotten which bolt you already turned and which needs to be turned more.

Very interesting insight. Thanks.

Re: Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

#69

Post by noonespecial »

Top notch! It looks so easy! But you forgot the part where you spend an hour banging, cursing, and blasting that one bolt with a torch because it. just. will. not. budge, only to have it snap off and realize you're going to spend tomorrow drilling it out and tapping that hole...
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