Quote:
Originally Posted by built2shred
At the very least XM should make a note somewhere that "batteries are not included" so you can have some ready when he ships out...
The problem with doing a plugin is you would have to run the wiring all through his body, now if something goes wrong or the lights stop working there is no easy fix and your statue now lost value because the lights don't work, this has been an issue with SS statues that stop working. With the batteries, all the lighting areas are self-contained and can be easily replaced or fixed.
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I used to understand and agree with that argument but having done a lot of DIY 5-12v smart home lighting now, I think simple, elegant and cheap solutions would be a dime a dozen and XM are being lazing by not trying.
The failure point argument is suggesting the wires that are cast in will degrade and fail (as they are the only thing that differs to batt power). If cheap wire is used, maybe, but a simple 2mm channel in the base, leg and torso would mean wiring is easily replaceable anyhow making the argument moot. What I learned recently that actually makes that argument moot anyhow is the fact XM can’t replace parts after manufacturing stops. I’m pretty confident in saying if any XM piece has a light fail more than 6 months after distribution you won’t be able to get it replaced. Anyone know any different? Keen to know.
Considering trying to do it myself. If polly stone is easy enough to drill though the only hard part would be A: finding a long enough 2mm drill bit and B:knowing where to drill a straight line though the straight right leg where I won’t hit a metal rod support. After that it’s simply a 3D printed mock battery that has the +\- wires connected. At that point replacement of failed lighting pieces hasn’t changed at all. And a 3-4.5v transformer is going to run me circa $10. Call it $30 if I want it to work with my Philips Hue home lighting.
Failing the above (plus don’t think I have the balls to try drilling it!) I will run tiny wires barely visible up his legs and torso and, looking at Optimus now, it should be very easy to keep them very well hidden.
Yeah think I’ll do it that way for now.
If I can think of pretty simple ways after manufacturing surely XM can come up with better solutions to integrate into the manufacturing process to make it happen, if they wanted to.
For all those who TL: DR. Can’t blame you and I’m sorry...