My R2-D2 Building Progress

[mrivorey]

Many of you are keeping up with me on Facebook or TK394.com, but in case others are interested, here's some info on my R2.

I'm building an remote control 1:1 replica of R2-D2 (lights, sounds, and drivable). He will mostly be made of machined aluminum. He'll have a 12V, 28 amp-hour battery, weighing in at 23.5 lbs to power things. An NPC-2212 motor in each foot to take him where he needs to go. A CFSound III audio system to give him his voice. And a Futaba 9C transmitter so I can control him.

You can find all of my R2 pictures at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tk394/sets ... 596719726/

For here are a few to get you started:

[judge_hellfast]

Your R2 is coming together nicely. That will be a super cool prop to have and will be the talk of the town.

[madog5154]

Its looking great!

[kbfett]

Cool! You are more than welcome to store him at my place when you get him done! LOL

[TK 3181]

VERY nice.

Someday, I'd like to tackle one of those.

[Geo]

Chris, we definitely need to talk!!! I'm dying to build an R2 unit. Just joined the R2 builders club this week, finally.

Geo

[TK-1161 Curt]

Chris, we definitely need to talk!!! I'm dying to build an R2 unit. Just joined the R2 builders club this week, finally.

Geo

Dude, you going to build an R2 like you do armor? lol

4 years and counting. I'm about ready to tell your wife you have it so you will finally finish it.

[Geo]

Ouch! that hurt Curt.

At least I won't have to ask anyone to help me "fit it on me."

[mrivorey]

Hey Geo(rge?),

Ask away! And here's a little bit of light reading material for ya to help with your research.


Droid FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions... your first stop)
The Droid Wiki (a collection of resources... some listed below)
Tutorials (Guides for accomplishing certain tasks)
Parts Terminology (so you know what pieces we are talking about)
Gallery Reference Photos (A collection of photos of the real R2-D2s... and other droids)
Parts Listings (The place part runs are listed for sale)
The R2 Builders Yahoo Group (another place we discuss building)
Victor Franco's Blog (a VERY detailed account of building an R2)


PS: There is no way you can hide a droid (or the expenses for one) from a spouse.

[Geo]

Hey Chris,

Thanks for the info. I did join the Yahoo group and am frequenting the website. Downloading the blueprints.

Yes, I will not be "hiding" this one. Guess I'll have to trade out my R2D2 1:1 scale cooler for a "real" R2. : )

AND you should definitely give me your "old" wooden frame set up. lol

Thanks for the help/future help, we'll have to get together and you can show off yours!

Later,

Geo
(George)

[mrivorey]

I have a ton of parts that I'm not gonna be using because I decided I wanted to take an easier (yet more expensive) route. I'll have to research what I paid for 'em, but they're yours at cost, or maybe even cheaper if you want 'em.

I'll throw another armor party / BBQ sometime and you can come over and see what I've done so far.

And I know you've seen this, but for those that haven't, I just got the dome lights in last weekend. Here's a video of the test:

[Geo]

Awesome!


Still drooling...

[mrivorey]

My latest progress on the dome.

[madog5154]

Its looking great!!!

[mrivorey]

Been a while since I've posted an update. For that matter, it's been a while since I've worked on Artoo. Well, that's changed in the last month. He's finally standing on all three feet, the wheels, casters and drive system are all installed. He lights up, and makes all kinds of sound. The dome is done for now. And when the new batteries and motor controllers show up next week, he should be drivable. I think he'll be making appearances at conventions pretty soon (as a work in progress).