Dalek Fax (previously known as Fairfax Dalek, based on where we live) is a continuously evolving family project that has kept father-and-son team Andrew and Nick Maley (and friends) learning and creating together since Nick was a pre-teen. Inspired by Dr. Who’s iconic Daleks, Dalek Fax started from Project Dalek build plans and evolved into a robotic, interactive exhibit that mixes craftsmanship, electronics, and a playful sense of showmanship. Andrew led the mechanical build while Nick focused on the electronics and control systems, with contributions from students, friends, Mom and community members along the way.

The Dalek’s interactive features include a voice changer and speaker system that lets the team transmit audience audio and respond in an evil Dalek voice. In 2025 we added some upgrades: Nick created a new custom PCB board to unify the electronics , Andrew added brand new mecanum wheels and an improved drive train for omnidirectional movement. We added a movable gun mount with weapon-mounted lights simulate firing colors that complete the effect, added remote-controlled lighting and music, and reworked the hemispheres to put an epoxy resin finish with the black 3-d printed surrounds. Nick also added a bit of humor: the robot’s power-up sound is the Windows XP startup chime.

Last year, Ralph Gnauck integrated computer vision on a Raspberry Pi to add a sentry mode: the Dalek’s eyestalk can lock onto and track faces when the team is taking a break. Here is a complete evolution of the Dalek.

Dalek Fax is both a tribute to fandom and a practical, hands-on STEM project that continues to grow.

We hope you have enjoyed being entertained by Dalek Fax as much as we have enjoyed building him and entertaining you! The latest upgrades have been pricey, and if you’d like to contribute, please scan or click below for Venmo or Paypal. Thank you!

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Some vids for your entertainment! Note the changes from the 2023, 2024 and 2025

Thanks to the BBC for this awesome vid while we were at San Diego Comicon in July 2025

Thanks to The Time Scales for this vid at Bay Area Maker (Mare Island) 2024.

Nick explains how the Dalek works at MakerFaire 2023. Thanks to Hackster I.O for the vid!