Here is my blog on creating either the biggest mistake I have ever committed to, or producing a very cool astromech
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Bling, Bling ? Check.
Not much of an update, but I got a chance to throw in some neon light bars inside R2.
These are hooked up to an independent switch inside the body, as they really don't need to be on, sucking juice while R2 is fully assembled. They look great when the skins are off, and will certainly look cool when they are on, and the doors open.
After a little bit (ok - a LOT) of soldering for this amateur, I have assembled a little device called the MarcDuino. The MarcDuino board is the brainchild of one of our members who goes by the moniker "CuriousMarc". I hope his curiosity has no bounds, because he is producing what I consider some of the coolest hardware and software for the R2 builders out there.
Check out Marc's website here to show you how a REAL pro goes about building a droid.
For any wanna-be droid builders, Marc's web site and posts on the Astromech.net boards should be required reading. His craftsmanship, knowledge and attention to detail are impeccable. Even better than his skill set, he is sharing all of his knowledge with the club members. That is one thing that makes this little community so rich and exciting.
Marc has not only offered the schematics and Bill of Materials to build boards that control the dome panels..... he has written an iPhone APP to control the boards via WiFi. I know, insane.... and we love him for all his efforts.
It all starts right here. This is a WiFly Module that creates a WiFi network. The tech specs read as follows:
The RN-XV module is based upon Roving Networks' robust RN-171 Wi-Fi module and incorporates 802.11 b/g radio, 32 bit processor, TCP/IP stack, real-time clock, crypto accelerator, power management unit and analog sensor interface.The module is pre-loaded with Roving firmware to simplify integration and minimize development time of your application. In the simplest configuration, the hardware only requires four connections (PWR, TX, RX and GND) to create a wireless data connection. Admittedly, I really don't know what all of that means. What I do know is that R2 now broadcasts a WiFi signal that can be picked up with a mobile device. Don't get too excited, it is not an internet signal.... it only talks to the boards that are connected to the servos within the dome.
I gathered up what sub-par soldering skills I posses and followed Marc's instructions from the web page above, and with a LOT of help from my buddy Skip Hollowell, I got the .hex code loaded on to the ATMega chips and this thing WORKS !!!!
Here is a photo of the assembled board. Primarily so I can remember where to plug in the wires. The WiFly module is in the lower left, and feeds a signal to the ATMega chip (processor or "brain") in the center. This board is labeled "PANEL" as it will control the 10 servos for the doors on the dome.
The other board is assembled in a similar fashion, but has a different code loaded onto the ATMega chip. Basically, commands are sent from the iPhone app, through the WiFly receiver, and the ATMega chip decodes the signal. If it is a signal to be used, it will rotate a servo, or a number of servos. If the signal is not needed by the primary board, it passes it along to the second board that will be used to control the Holo-Projector movement.
With everything wired and powered up, I switch on my Ipod Touch and connect to the network I appropriately named: R2D2Wifly.
A couple of shots showing the beautiful interface that Marc created on the Iphone App. This page allows the user to select individual panels to open and close, do a wave, open only the top panels, the bottom panels...etc, etc. Marc has supplied the code so we users can make changes to the buttons and what they actually do when pressed.
This screen will allow the user to key in scrolling text on the Front and Rear Logic Displays. Currently, this is not available with the setup that I have installed in my dome, but I hear the recent DroidCon event sparked many ideas for Marc to integrate with other devices within the R2's electronic repertoire.
Another screen allows the user to control movement of the individual Holo-Projectors. Insane. This will add a level of realism to the droid that I can't wait to get up and running.
A final screen will allow control of sounds in R2. Again, I do not have the current setup that is integrated with the system now. (Actually, I DO have it, but I decided to go with the BluTooth option, as it better fit my abilities) Never fear, Marc, has also stated that he will be working on BluTooth compatibility with the R2 Touch App.
Finally, a little video of the whole shebang working.
Next comes the daunting task of getting the hinges on the doors aligned properly, and getting the servos and linkages set up so they don't rip the doors off while opening and closing.... wish me luck on that one.
in case I have not said it already... THANK YOU to Marc for offering this amazing piece of technology to our group. Your efforts and kindness are much appreciated.
This weekend, I took R2 to a minor league baseball game (Lake County Captains) that was having a Star Wars night.
What a great time. I have been in the 501st for 10 years, and this is a completely different experience. Less tactile - more responses from a larger audience. Most people can appreciate the effort in building a true, walking, talking droid - so even if they are not the biggest Star Wars fan, seeing a working R2 unit is still impressive. Thank all of you who helped bring me into this universe.
Here are some photos from the event. (yes, yes, he STILL needs to be weathered.....LOL)
In the Green Room:
The Captain approves :
Our killer Leia - Lisa Ford :
Her husband, Alex in a killer 3PO :
Your's Truly :
Your's Truly doing a little maintenance on the little guy. My dome drive shaft and booster covers got rattled senseless on the concrete during the night. Had to stop twice to re-tighten the bolts and set screws. I see loc-tite in my near future....
Overall it was a great experience. I was a little concerned with my first "non-Star-Wars-fan-only" event, but I only had to shoo away a couple of gnats (brats) during a 6 hour session. I am amazed at the battery life, as I only consumed about 20% of the available juice from the batteries. Thaks again for all who made this possible.
I promise that I will get back to posting items that cover the building process, but now that he is operational, he is simply too much fun to play with and show off.
A preview of a little bling-bling for his innards:
