Return to the BUILD
“In this issue, you will join the steering wheel to the steering column. Next, you will fit the printed circuit board into the scanner and connect it to the battery compartment to test it.“
Contents
Parts
Materials: The Front Right Chassis is metal, but the other non-electronic parts are plastic.
Magazine
- The Series – Startup
- Build Your KI.T.T. – Step by Step
- Secret Files – Knight Industries
Build
Steering Wheel
Step 1
Retrieve your Steering Wheel, Steering Column, Knight Foundation Emblem, and GM screws from the previous stage:
Fit the Emblem into the hole of the Steering Wheel from the back.
The flat edge of the Emblem should face the bottom of the Steering Wheel, as shown:
Step 2
Fit the Steering Column to the back of the Steering Wheel and secure these parts together with two (2) GM screws.
This is your friendly reminder to try using 3-in-One Oil on all screws going into metal:
Scanner Light Test
Step 3
Retrieve your Front Bumper assembly from Stage 2. Fit the Scanner Light Printed Circuit Board (PCB) to the Scanner Base with the LEDs facing the holes, then secure the Scanner PCB to the Scanner Base with two (2) AP screws. Do not over-tighten these screws as the PCB is delicate.
As you install this PCB, it will need to bend in the center to fit flush to the Scanner Base. There are notches cut into the center of the PCB to help this process, but take it slow anyway. I tightened each screw gradually and alternated between them to balance the stress to the board:
Step 4
Fit the Scanner Inner Housing to the back of the Scanner Light PCB as shown, and secure it into place with two (2) BP screws.
Make sure the wiring of the PCB comes out the left side of this Inner Housing, as shown:
Step 5
Fit four (4) AAA batteries (not included) into the Battery Compartment with Switch, matching the polarity of each as marked inside the slots:
Step 6
Plug the wire from the Scanner Light PCB into the plug of the Battery Compartment.
Make sure these plugs are connected correctly. The colors of the wires should match on either side of the two plugs:
Turn the Switch to the ON position and your Scanner should start scanning left and right:
When you are happy with the operation of the Scanner Light, disconnect the plugs and remove the batteries.
Thoughts
As the ‘eyes’ of K.I.T.T., having this Scanner light up correctly with the iconic sweeping pattern was important to me. I was hoping there would be a way to set the speed as the real car could scan at different rates, but I did not see any adjustment control. Still, I am very happy with the appearance of the Scanner! Store the unused Front Right Chassis safely until we need it again in Stage 9.
Next Up
Stage 6 – Front Axle Crossmember, Control Arm Brackets, Tension Arm Bracket, Right Upper Suspension Control Arm