The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Everything Else => Topic started by: Hoagie_one on June 02, 2005, 01:34:30 pm

Title: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Hoagie_one on June 02, 2005, 01:34:30 pm
http://www.astromech.net/Default.htm
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: GGKoul on June 02, 2005, 01:39:57 pm
And I thought building a Mame Cab was expensive

http://www.astromech.net/Lists/Part%20Listings/currentitems.htm

BYOR2D2
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 02, 2005, 02:10:03 pm
You have no idea how much I want to do that.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Hoagie_one on June 02, 2005, 02:36:32 pm
i hear ya.....if you got the cash...do it
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Jabba on June 02, 2005, 02:57:33 pm
Heh Heh, I already built one. About 25 years ago...

http://pages.videotron.com/jfp/swgallery/anh/MPC_R2d2.html
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 02, 2005, 03:06:03 pm
i hear ya.....if you got the cash...do it

Well I actually only want a life sized stationary model so I think the really expensive electronic bits could be eliminated, other than lighting. Most of the body I'm sure I could fabricate with sheet metal and a mig welder. It's the dome that has always held me back. I have no idea how to go about building that.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Hoagie_one on June 02, 2005, 03:41:21 pm
It's the dome that has always held me back. I have no idea how to go about building that.

-S

$415 (http://www.astromech.net/Lists/Part%20Listings/DispForm.htm?ID=84&Source=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eastromech%2enet%2fLists%2fPart%2520Listings%2fcurrentitems%2ehtm)
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 02, 2005, 04:11:46 pm
I'm not sure why, but the parts listing page on that site just keeps coming up blank for me. The firewall  here at work interferes with a lot of websites. So is there a commercially available dome then?

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Hoagie_one on June 02, 2005, 04:18:16 pm
yes, they are very nice looking too (http://www.astromech.net/Lists/Part%20Listings/hosted_parts/barclay/images/Dscf0156.jpg)
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 02, 2005, 04:25:02 pm
Woo! That is nice! A little steep on the price side, but man I know I could build everything else. Gonna have to give this some serious thought.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on June 02, 2005, 04:42:21 pm
How are you going to fit a 25" monitor in that?
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Hoagie_one on June 02, 2005, 04:48:58 pm
you could put a psone lcd on it for sure and make it a jukebox
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: GGKoul on June 02, 2005, 04:50:55 pm
you could put a psone lcd on it for sure and make it a jukebox

Awesome Ideal!! R2-D2 Jukebox Project!!

You could easily fit a micro PC in R2-D2's head.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: nostrebor on June 02, 2005, 05:12:06 pm
If you make a jukebox, it MUST plant the Star Wars Cantina music. (I used to have the movie soundtrack... on vinyl :P)
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Zakk on June 02, 2005, 05:34:25 pm
http://www.astromech.net/images/homepageimages/OfficialC3Photo5x7.jpg

Check out Lucas in that photo (unless he was borrowed from the "make your own George Lucas club in the next booth).  Does he not look like he would just like to light saber all the geeks around him?
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: TOK on June 02, 2005, 06:51:46 pm
http://www.astromech.net/images/homepageimages/OfficialC3Photo5x7.jpg

Check out Lucas in that photo (unless he was borrowed from the "make your own George Lucas club in the next booth).  Does he not look like he would just like to light saber all the geeks around him?


You'd think the nerd chick would look worried. The nerd dude to chick ratio is about 45 to 1.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Dartful Dodger on June 02, 2005, 07:53:33 pm
The the parts listing page for their next project:

1 case of florescent bulbs
6 gallons of kerosene
1 match
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: sodapopinski on June 03, 2005, 08:16:22 am
Quote
http://www.astromech.net/images/homepageimages/OfficialC3Photo5x7.jpg
you shure thats not a virgin convention?
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on June 03, 2005, 08:44:53 am
Look at her.  They probably never figured out she's a chick (if she even is a chick).
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 03, 2005, 09:49:58 am
Quote
http://www.astromech.net/images/homepageimages/OfficialC3Photo5x7.jpg
you shure thats not a virgin convention?

Of course we all know that guys who want to build an arcade machine are oh so much cooler than guys who want to build Star Wars replicas. ;)

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: fredster on June 03, 2005, 09:52:35 am
That is soooo cool.

Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 03, 2005, 10:01:40 am
I'm such a geek. I was thinking about this last night and it occured to me that I might be able to cast the dome from fiberglass. Of course first I'd have to sculpt an original from which to pull a mold, which would take quite some time to do right. It wouldn't have that real metal finish like the one they sell on that site, but I think with some creative paintwork it could be simulated well enough. It certainly would be a lot cheaper than $400. Hmm. Still giving this some thought.

Also I like the jukebox idea. I think at the very least it would have to have a small MP3 player inside to create the appropriate R2 beeps.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Bones on June 03, 2005, 10:04:41 am
If I remember right I think this was another one of Pixels crazy obsessions.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Hoagie_one on June 03, 2005, 11:00:21 am
here's a finished dome on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=37887&item=6536881065&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 03, 2005, 11:05:32 am
here's a finished dome on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=37887&item=6536881065&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)

Got a feeling that one is going to skyrocket. I bid $150 on it and was outbid immediatly by a proxy. Back to contemplating my "cast your own" plan.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on June 03, 2005, 11:09:29 am
Why would someone go to that much trouble, with something that in demand, and use masking tape on the inside to hold stuff in place?
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 03, 2005, 11:12:18 am
This is only speculation on my part, but I'm guessing that he actually epoxied some things on from the inside and then covered it over with tape to prevent the epoxy from running out while it set up. I've done this with various projects myself.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on June 03, 2005, 11:13:09 am
And then LEFT it there for the auction pictures?  That would only undermine the auction.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Hoagie_one on June 03, 2005, 11:13:21 am
This is only speculation on my part, but I'm guessing that he actually epoxied some things on from the inside and then covered it over with tape to prevent the epoxy from running out while it set up. I've done this with various projects myself.

-S

further speculation:
And probably just left it on since no one is gonna see it anyways
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on June 03, 2005, 11:14:02 am
further speculation:
And probably just left it on since no one is gonna see it anyways

Except that he is auctioning it, and the buyers see it, and that is a very important thing on Ebay.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Hoagie_one on June 03, 2005, 11:15:22 am
email him and ask.  if we are right and it is properly epoxy'd then it will just keep the price lower.  if your right, then at least youd know.

either way, as cool as this is, I dont have teh disposable income for this project.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on June 03, 2005, 11:17:11 am
How cool would it be to build one and put brewing equipment in it?  you could have the world's only Brewing droid.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Hoagie_one on June 03, 2005, 11:19:09 am
just emailed him regarding the masking tape
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 03, 2005, 11:47:16 am
And then LEFT it there for the auction pictures?  That would only undermine the auction.

I never said that it was a smart thing to do, just that it might be what he did.

Can anyone think of any easy to aquire dome or sphere of the appropriate size that I might be able to use as the basis for a fiberglass mold? Not sure what the exact size would be. Most of the stuff at the Astromech.net site is inaccessable to me at work. I really need to check it out when I get home.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on June 03, 2005, 11:49:53 am
Hrm... the first thing that comes to mind is a salad bowl.  I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to find a mixing bowl of a similar size if you kept looking for it.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 03, 2005, 11:52:56 am
yes an R2D2 jukebox would be sweet.............
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Samstag on June 03, 2005, 12:08:57 pm
According to the astromech site, the dome is not really hemispherical and should be 18.25" diameter.  Either the ebay seller doesn't know the difference between diameter and circumference or it's a lot smaller than "life-size".  You may want to ask the seller to clarify.

I'm thinking the masking and duct tape are there to hold in pieces which were not glued because some people might want to modify them or motorize them.  It looks like the taped items are holo-projectors and the radar eye.

Also from the site: "Likely the cheapest option for making your own dome is by using a clear birdfeeder dome. These are fairly inexpensive, costing around $40 each."
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Hoagie_one on June 03, 2005, 12:30:24 pm
I want a full sized remote controlled R2-D2.  where i can wirelessly control the movment, and basic robotic movements as well.

and play mp3's
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 03, 2005, 01:20:13 pm

Also from the site: "Likely the cheapest option for making your own dome is by using a clear birdfeeder dome. These are fairly inexpensive, costing around $40 each."

Ah, like this:

http://www.doublebara.com/as-182.html

That would make a good foundation for an R2 dome. It's not quite full size, 18 inch vs 18.25 but that's close enough for me. Still have to build it up at the bottom so it's the correct shape, but it's a very good start.

-S

Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Dartful Dodger on June 03, 2005, 01:24:36 pm
Why would someone go to that much trouble, with something that in demand, and use masking tape on the inside to hold stuff in place?

The guy has a no feedback and that painted aluminum bowl is selling for over 200 bucks.

I need to start cashing in on these people with more dollars than cents.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on June 03, 2005, 01:28:22 pm

Also from the site: "Likely the cheapest option for making your own dome is by using a clear birdfeeder dome. These are fairly inexpensive, costing around $40 each."

Ah, like this:

http://www.doublebara.com/as-182.html

That would make a good foundation for an R2 dome. It's not quite full size, 18 inch vs 18.25 but that's close enough for me. Still have to build it up at the bottom so it's the correct shape, but it's a very good start.

You could easily just cover it with clay or papier mache in order to make it 18.25"
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 03, 2005, 01:31:45 pm

Also from the site: "Likely the cheapest option for making your own dome is by using a clear birdfeeder dome. These are fairly inexpensive, costing around $40 each."

Ah, like this:

http://www.doublebara.com/as-182.html

That would make a good foundation for an R2 dome. It's not quite full size, 18 inch vs 18.25 but that's close enough for me. Still have to build it up at the bottom so it's the correct shape, but it's a very good start.

-S



.25 smaller no big deal.........

get some silver paint and your off to a good start
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 03, 2005, 01:36:46 pm

Also from the site: "Likely the cheapest option for making your own dome is by using a clear birdfeeder dome. These are fairly inexpensive, costing around $40 each."

Ah, like this:

http://www.doublebara.com/as-182.html

That would make a good foundation for an R2 dome. It's not quite full size, 18 inch vs 18.25 but that's close enough for me. Still have to build it up at the bottom so it's the correct shape, but it's a very good start.

You could easily just cover it with clay or papier mache in order to make it 18.25"

I guess I'm really going to attempt this. I ordered one of those birdfeeder domes. I like your suggestion about building the dome out Chad. Rather than papier mache or clay (which would be difficult for me to control) I'm thinking that I will use the clear dome for a base and then skin it with 1/8 styrene sheeting. That way I can create the panels pretty easily. If I add 1/8 inch of styrene all the way around the outside, I'm building it up a total of 1/4 inch, which gives me the correct size dome after all.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 03, 2005, 01:41:57 pm
I guess I'm really going to attempt this. I ordered one of those birdfeeder domes.

-S

Keep us updated on your progress......

Hope to see your BYOR2D2 in the project anouncements.......

What are you going to use for the body and legs?
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 03, 2005, 01:53:23 pm
Not sure if the project announcements on this site will be the appropriate place for this project since it's not arcade related at all. I'll post updates here in EE though.

As far as the body & legs go, one step at a time. Gonna have to see how my "skin it with styrene" plan goes with the dome to see how that works. If it works well I'll probably go the same route with the body. I have access to a commercial tubing bender so I can make a frame for the body out of tubing. I'll probably wrap it with thin guage sheet metal or possibly another material if I come up with a better plan. Then I'll do the same styrene skin method to it as I plan to do with the dome. Legs- still giving that some thought. Maybe carve a master and use that to cast a matched pair. Maybe I'll fabricate them from sheet metal. Most likely by the time I get to that point I'll have thought of a dozen other approaches, so who knows.

I don't know how long it will take for the dome to arrive, but that will give me some time to think about it some more.

Suggestions are certainly welcome.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on June 03, 2005, 02:26:59 pm
Well, I tell you what.  I am very interested in this.  If you need someone to go in on the project, for cost purposes, I'm in.  We could split the production costs and all you have to do is produce two items from each mold rather than one.  Let me know if you're interested.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: str1der on June 03, 2005, 02:38:26 pm
When I was in the seventh grade our school was asked to paint garbage cans that would be put around the city. They were metal cans that had domed tops that looked just like R2D2 except the flap part. I painted mine to look just like R2D2 and it sat on that same street corner for years until the paint finally faded away. If you could get one of those kind of garbage cans it could be a good starting point.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 03, 2005, 03:10:28 pm
Well, I tell you what.  I am very interested in this.  If you need someone to go in on the project, for cost purposes, I'm in.  We could split the production costs and all you have to do is produce two items from each mold rather than one.  Let me know if you're interested.

At this point I'm not sure that I'm still going to do a mold. I think that the clear dome overlayed with styrene will be durable enough to use on it's own - bearing in mind that I'm still talking about making a static model and not a moving robot. However if after I get the dome construction finished, I still might consider pulling a mold from it before I paint it if enough people express interest in getting one, and it looks like I can do so without damage to the original. I'll certainly let everyone here know if it looks like pulling a mold will be practical.

When I was in the seventh grade our school was asked to paint garbage cans that would be put around the city. They were metal cans that had domed tops that looked just like R2D2 except the flap part. I painted mine to look just like R2D2 and it sat on that same street corner for years until the paint finally faded away. If you could get one of those kind of garbage cans it could be a good starting point.

As a matter of fact, my dad has one of those types of trash cans in his shop. I thought about that first thing when we started discussing this, but I'm certain the diameter of the one he has is only about 13-15 inches. Way too small IMO. I think the 18 inch dome that I ordered is a way better option.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Samstag on June 03, 2005, 03:13:05 pm
As for the .25" difference, it comes down to two things:


The fact that you're confident about taking this on makes me think you can easily modify the plans to suit an 18" dome.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 03, 2005, 03:20:13 pm
As for the .25" difference, it comes down to two things:

  • Do you care that much about making it "authentic" to go to the extra trouble?


No not really. I still think it would be easier to create the panel lines by skinning the outside of the dome with styrene sheet cut to size however (as opposed to trying to etch them into the surface). The way I see it I'm killing two birds with one stone with this approach.

  • Do you need to use the existing plans/blueprints as is (18.25") for the rest?

I plan to use the existing plans for reference, but at this point I think it would be easiest to complete the dome construction first and then build the body to fit it.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: str1der on June 03, 2005, 03:40:58 pm
Well, I tell you what.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 03, 2005, 03:51:50 pm
The one I'm talking about is more of a kitchen sized trash can.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: str1der on June 03, 2005, 04:21:55 pm
The one I'm talking about is more of a kitchen sized trash can.

-S

Here's one with a 18" diameter.

http://www.trashcandepot.com/product_info.php/cPath/240_311/products_id/1414
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Chris on June 03, 2005, 04:23:06 pm
The one I'm talking about is more of a kitchen sized trash can.

-S

Here's one with a 18" diameter.

http://www.trashcandepot.com/product_info.php/cPath/240_311/products_id/1414
$160 for a TRASH CAN?
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: str1der on June 03, 2005, 04:32:44 pm
Better than $400 for just a dome.  ;D
It also might be possible to by just a replacment lid. These were just quick searches. I'm sure there are others.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Chris on June 03, 2005, 04:39:12 pm
Better than $400 for just a dome.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Hoagie_one on June 03, 2005, 06:28:04 pm
I asked teh guy with the dome on ebay

Quote
Hi

What's the deal with the masking tape on the inside?  What is is
securing and will it fall apart?

his reply

Quote
Hi - it just covers the whole so that round eye piece won't pop out.
There's a small square in there that about the size of the acrylic eye.
It just holds in for now.  Some one with more time can figure out
something better.

 
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 04, 2005, 09:53:25 am
If your planning on making it for a jukebox, It would be cool to put a motion sensor in it so that when it detects someone walk by and it's not playing music to make some R2 sounds....

Kinda like an attract mode........
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Daniel270 on June 04, 2005, 12:39:17 pm
Not sure if the project announcements on this site will be the appropriate place for this project since it's not arcade related at all. I'll post updates here in EE though.

There might be a remedy for that... might cost a few more dollars tho...

In place of the "holo-projector", install one of those theater projectors mentioned in the movie theater threads....   then, install an ITX motherboard and PC setup somewhere inside R2's chassis....   Then... MAMETM him   ;D
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 06, 2005, 08:39:34 am
If your planning on making it for a jukebox, It would be cool to put a motion sensor in it so that when it detects someone walk by and it's not playing music to make some R2 sounds....

Kinda like an attract mode........

Found this software when searching for something else:

http://proaudio.zicos.com/news.php/n/156358/

Randomly plays R2-D2 sounds. I don't know how (or if) it would work with a motion detector, but it would be pretty cool to just have it running in the background. :)

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Chris on June 06, 2005, 09:07:28 am
Looks like it requires a Mac, though.  As if building an R2 unit isn't expensive enough already... :)

On the other hand, if you're going to put a PC in there to control sound, you could start really doing fun stuff... with a few sensors, you should be able to make it much smarter than an Aibo....  I wonder, how much stuff do you have to put in there before it stops being a fake robot and starts being a real one?

--Chris

Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 06, 2005, 09:38:19 am
Looks like it requires a Mac, though.  As if building an R2 unit isn't expensive enough already... :)


If I put a computer in there it would almost certainly be a Mac. I've got a bunch of them laying around anyway. Mine is't going to move, it's just going to sit there & make sounds.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 06, 2005, 01:51:24 pm
Mine is't going to move, it's just going to sit there & make sounds.

-S

it needs to have a few lights too. it would be cool though to come up with something to make the dome move a little bit when it was making the sounds......
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 06, 2005, 04:30:20 pm
Okay, I agree about the lights. Making the dome move sounds like more effort than I want to put into it. I'll give it some thought though.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Chris on June 06, 2005, 04:35:47 pm
Okay, I agree about the lights. Making the dome move sounds like more effort than I want to put into it. I'll give it some thought though.
There's a few threads on that in the R2 forum... probably not really difficult, especially if you already have enough power in the unit to drive a PC, and if you don't want the head to be able to spin completely around. Certainly easier than some of the motorized rotating monitor contraptions here...
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 07, 2005, 12:43:39 pm
Okay, I agree about the lights. Making the dome move sounds like more effort than I want to put into it. I'll give it some thought though.

-S

you know those motorized reindeer people have out at christmas time that the head or feet move.......

perhaps you somehow use that concept to get the dome to move.....

just an idea......
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 08, 2005, 08:26:42 am
Got the dome yesterday. You don't really appreciate how big an 18 inch dome is until you see it. Going to the model shop to buy some styrene sheets after work today.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Hoagie_one on June 08, 2005, 09:39:48 am
post pics of your progress as you go.

very interested
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 08, 2005, 10:39:47 am
If I make any progress, I'll be happy to report it. ;)

Oh and the dome is a lot tougher than I expected it to be. It's made of a fairly thick plastic that has some flex to it. I was afraid it might be a bit brittle, but I'm pretty sure it will hold up just fine.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 08, 2005, 12:49:19 pm
can't wait for the updates.............
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 08, 2005, 01:05:38 pm
Went to my favorite modeling shop to buy some styrene, cement & other misc supplies. Looks like they're out of business. :( Guess I'll try hobby lobby or one of the other big chains after work.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Chris on June 08, 2005, 02:37:39 pm
Went to my favorite modeling shop to buy some styrene, cement & other misc supplies. Looks like they're out of business. :( Guess I'll try hobby lobby or one of the other big chains after work.
How are you going to deal withthe seams between the sheets?

I think you're going to be far better off either cutting the sheet styrene into the various blue panels, or just scribing the panels on the dome.  The .25 of an inch you're missing on the diameter is less than 11/2% of the total diameter.  Nobody will notice it without a measuring tape.

--Chris
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 08, 2005, 03:14:48 pm
The seams will be filled with modeling putty & sanded out.

I do intend to cut the blue panels out of styrene, but I also intend to cut the white/ silver panels, and the spaces between the panels as well. If you look at this picture (http://www.astromech.net/Lists/Galleries/astromechs/r2d2/reference/ILM/imagepage5.htm) you can see that the panels should be flush with the surface and not raised above it. This isn't really about adding to the diameter, it's about creating the correct surface.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 09, 2005, 09:56:41 am
After doing quite a bit more research, it would seem that I'm not the first to come up with this method of "skinning" an R2 replica. At robotbuilders.net it's referred to as the "jig saw puzzle" method.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 09, 2005, 03:27:53 pm
I am really wanting to build one too, but I've got so many other projects I'm working on right now....

Everytime I pass a trashcan or something else that could be used for the body I'm measuring it to see if it will work with the Dome your using..........
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 09, 2005, 03:42:29 pm


Everytime I pass a trashcan or something else that could be used for the body I'm measuring it to see if it will work with the Dome your using..........

So am I. ;)

I saw a reference to using 18 inch PVC sewer pipe, which seems ideal to me. I have no idea where to buy such a thing though.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on June 09, 2005, 04:18:33 pm
Just dig one out of the street!
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Jabba on June 09, 2005, 04:21:04 pm
I am really wanting to build one too, but I've got so many other projects I'm working on right now....

Everytime I pass a trashcan or something else that could be used for the body I'm measuring it to see if it will work with the Dome your using..........

...I can see it now, an All Points Bulletin put out on missioncontrol by the local police force.....reason: theft of garbage can.......Opening scene: missioncontrol rolling garbage can down dark alley with cops in fast pursuit....
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 10, 2005, 09:13:03 am
Styrene is the same kind of plastic that most model kits are made from. It's also used for CD boxes, those plastic cups that you get at convinience stores & fast food places, and I believe it's also used in styrofoam. I expect that it is carcenogenic if you burn it and inhale the smoke, but I'll try not to do that during construction of R2. ;)

No pictures to post yet. I haven't done anything but look at the dome, do a bit of mad scribbling, and repeat. I have to help my mom move this weekend, so I doubt I'll do anything until next week.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 10, 2005, 12:42:12 pm


Everytime I pass a trashcan or something else that could be used for the body I'm measuring it to see if it will work with the Dome your using..........

So am I. ;)

I saw a reference to using 18 inch PVC sewer pipe, which seems ideal to me. I have no idea where to buy such a thing though.

-S

I tried looking in the yellow pages under Plumbing Fixtures & Supplies Wholesale & Manufacturers.......

and called a few of the numbers to get a price on the pipe, but no one had anything that could be used.......



Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 10, 2005, 12:45:42 pm
There's a wholesale plumbing place fairly near where I live. I'll probably go by there and check and see if they can get 18 inch PVC. I doubt they stock it, but they can probably order it. I'll probably end up having to buy a 12 foot lenght of the stuff though.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 10, 2005, 12:49:27 pm
I'll probably end up having to buy a 12 foot lenght of the stuff though.

-S

wholesellers usually sell their pipe at 20 ft.

so you may want to call first.........
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 10, 2005, 12:56:24 pm
Great, I can build a whole army of astromechs. ;)

I also found a place online that sells 18 wood tubes, but those are around $75. 20 feet of PVC probably wouldn't be any less. I may go back to my origianl plan of building a frame from tubing and skinning it with aluminum sheet. It would be a lot more work, but I could do it for just the cost of the aluminum, I have plenty of scrap tubing available.

I saw a trash can in front of McDonalds today that looked to be about the right size, and it was a cylinder, not tapered. I may explore that option some more.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 10, 2005, 01:13:41 pm
I am really wanting to build one too, but I've got so many other projects I'm working on right now....

Everytime I pass a trashcan or something else that could be used for the body I'm measuring it to see if it will work with the Dome your using..........

...I can see it now, an All Points Bulletin put out on missioncontrol by the local police force.....reason: theft of garbage can.......Opening scene: missioncontrol rolling garbage can down dark alley with cops in fast pursuit....
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 10, 2005, 01:21:27 pm
...All Points Bulletin put out on Stingray by Mayor McCheese and the local police force.....reason: theft of garbage can.......Opening scene: Stingray running from McDonalds rolling garbage can down dark alley...

Can I wear a Hamburgler costume?

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 10, 2005, 01:35:29 pm
The Diameter is 18 for the body but I can't find the length of it......
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 10, 2005, 01:38:41 pm
Neither can I. I still haven't checked the Astromech.net site when I'm at home. I can't access very much on that page from work for whatever reason.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: patrickl on June 10, 2005, 09:24:41 pm
an All Points Bulletin put out on Stingray by Mayor McCheese and the local police force.....reason: theft of garbage can.......Opening scene: Stingray running from McDonalds rolling garbage can down dark alley with All the MCDonaldland Characters cops in fast pursuit....
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 21, 2005, 01:54:38 pm
Any progress to report Stingray ??
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 21, 2005, 02:01:22 pm
Well I have the dome in the middle of my living room floor with the various panels drawn on it with a sharpie. I also have two gigantic sheets of styrene. So, not really very much to report yet.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: DarkKobold on June 21, 2005, 05:09:19 pm
How cool would it be to build one and put brewing equipment in it?
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 22, 2005, 09:35:34 am
Strangely enough, my wife seems to think the idea of building an R2-D2 replica is a really good one. I love that woman.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on June 22, 2005, 01:06:32 pm
Strangely enough, my wife seems to think the idea of building an R2-D2 replica is a really good one. I love that woman.

-S

That's cool....

Does she have a sister with the same interest.........
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 22, 2005, 01:38:22 pm
She does have a sister, however said sister is 14. She was born the year my wife & I started dating.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Franco on June 23, 2005, 10:05:39 am
Kinda on topic, BYO H-Wing+R2D2!!

http://www.shawnandcolleen.com/shawn/Pages//hwing/

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/Francoberasi/xwing01.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/Francoberasi/xwing09.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/Francoberasi/xwing06.jpg)
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on June 23, 2005, 10:58:35 am
Even I'm not nerdy enough to drive around in that. :)

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: rampy on June 23, 2005, 03:24:18 pm
You guys read MAKE magazine (http://www.makezine.com/)?

They had a whole thing about this sorta thing in this quarter's mag...

Plus it's got all sorts of cool projects each month, seems like it would be up many a byoac'er / tinker'ers alley...

*shrug*

rampy
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: rohan on June 24, 2005, 09:16:49 pm
That site is awesome!  They had a link to some really neat-o projects like this one:


http://www.specimenproducts.com/instru/pac.html
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on July 24, 2005, 02:32:19 pm
My boy must have been reading over my shoulder while I was reading this thread a while back.....

After he watched Episode 3 he told me that once I get done building the blue R2 then I could build a red and gold one too......
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on July 25, 2005, 09:05:47 am
Never get laid again. Except you are married, so you will.

You aren't married, are you?
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Havok on July 25, 2005, 12:31:59 pm
Cool - I picked up one of these babies for $25 two years ago in KB Toys, I wished I had picked up the other one, they sell for 5 times that now:

http://www.hasbro.com/r2droidfactory/pl/page.instructions/dn/default.cfm

I am toying with the idea of gutting it (gently, so it can put back) and putting a mini itx mobo in the thing...
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: DarkKobold on July 25, 2005, 01:10:44 pm
Never get laid again. Except you are married, so you will.

You aren't married, are you?

Clearly not. Are you insinuating that marriage is also a path to not getting laid?

Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on July 25, 2005, 01:14:42 pm

No insinuation, I am stating demonstrable fact.  Marriage is a darker road to zero sex than being single.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Havok on July 25, 2005, 01:26:18 pm
Agreed...

 :'(
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on July 25, 2005, 02:41:39 pm

No insinuation, I am stating demonstrable fact.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: DarkKobold on July 25, 2005, 03:04:21 pm
Don't you all find that to be a ridiculously depressing fact? Is it that she is actively avoiding it, or it just doesn't intrigue you anymore? Is it anger between partners?

I am sure all marriages aren't sexless marriages.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on July 25, 2005, 03:07:53 pm
I am sure all marriages aren't sexless marriages.

You're probably right.  Some people lie about it, the same as they did when they were single.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: dmsuchy on July 26, 2005, 12:12:43 pm
Stingray you gotta do this, anyone that builds a catapolt could get this project rollin!
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on July 26, 2005, 12:24:50 pm
I've done a little bit of scribbling on the dome and some test glueing to see if my plan will work in practice. Haven't done much else. It's summer, and I find it to be very difficult to stay focused on an indoor project when I could be fishing or doing something else outdoors.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: dmsuchy on July 26, 2005, 04:29:50 pm
Man, now I have been thinking about R2 all day. I looked on ebay and they have these Pepsi coolers with his dome clear and the blue plates painted on and it still looked kinda cool. I'm thinking of using the bird feeder thing painting it, attaching his "eye" and other details yet keeping the dome clear so you can look inside and see a 15" LCD screen for juke box functions. I'll have to scetch around first to get a better idea, but what a cool idea this thread is!
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: IAmDan on July 27, 2005, 11:52:18 am
I don't know if any of you have seen this but one my of my roommates is trying to build us one.

http://www.collegehumor.com/pictures/248420/
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: dmsuchy on July 27, 2005, 12:49:25 pm
Thats the pepsi cooler I was talking about. Nice web site though, man I don't remember college parties being that crazy! But I also don't remember most of college these days anyhow.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: dmsuchy on July 28, 2005, 03:40:18 pm
Stingray, any new info on your project?
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on July 28, 2005, 03:41:50 pm
Not really.

-S

I've done a little bit of scribbling on the dome and some test glueing to see if my plan will work in practice. Haven't done much else. It's summer, and I find it to be very difficult to stay focused on an indoor project when I could be fishing or doing something else outdoors.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: dmsuchy on August 15, 2005, 04:11:20 pm
Still nada?
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: missioncontrol on August 16, 2005, 11:44:38 am
you ever find the height of the body yet??
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on August 16, 2005, 11:45:51 am
I've actually completley lost interest, but I'm sure I'll pick it up again before long... after it gets to ge too cold to fish. ;)

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on November 14, 2005, 12:49:54 pm
And you guys thought I'd never build an R2-D2.

(http://www.stingraysmadness.com/images/photoalbum/22/27.JPG)

Slightly smaller than 1:1 scale.

-S
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: ChadTower on November 14, 2005, 01:02:25 pm

That thing looks like you found it while poking around your septic tank.
Title: Re: Build your own R2-D2
Post by: Stingray on November 14, 2005, 01:23:14 pm
I never claimed that I didn't.

-S