I'm also wanting to place a projector and smoke machine in R2 so he can project the "Obi Wan you're our only hope!" Hologram.

I was thinking I'd use a laser pico projector (due to the short focus capabilities) and multiple vaporizing modules to produce smoke to project onto.

Anyone have an good sources on those?

I've been scouring the net for a low cost (small form factor) vaporizer that could easily be triggered. Vintage robots STROBOT and Magic Mike have this feature but I'd like a whole lot more smoke.

I've been looking at Ultrasonic misters but I don't think those will work. I need something like a unit that burns mineral oil. Or maybe a miniature fog machine, but I'm guess that type of condensing system is much too large for a small robot.

Anyone have any ideas?

@RR don't be jealous! I learned a lot of electronic theory in school but truthfully it didn't help me nearly as much as having challenges to meet and mentors/co-workers willing to teach me.

Find yourself a local hacker space with some electronics guys and strike up a conversation with them Be warned! It might be difficult to engage them at first (due to the nature of people like me LOL) but I'm am 100% certain they would warm up to you in no time.

@jeremie not totally sure what he has onboard ( description is kinda vague) but i want to go to wally mart and check him out first hand I will report back if I get a chance to see him in person.

@Jeremie...

Quote:

warm up to you in no time

Thanks dude and the hologram idea would be really sweet...

:D come on @RR! Of course I'm talking about you!

Yeah I'm really skeptical the smoke system will work how I picture it but I really want it to work, it's been in my head for far too long!

This guy has a cool idea for a mini fog machine:

Not as much smoke as I had hoped but I think he's on the right track. I actually have one of those vacuum motors in my stock. I picked one up from Princess Auto years ago. I think Sparkfun currently sells those motors as well.

@Jayutmb I would be very interested to see how functional those R2s at Walmart are, maybe we can get a bunch of people building them and compare notes on our mini R2D2 builds. @RR has a head start on us all, so he can be our go-to guy!

Right now my R2 rolls around and does sound clips but he is currently headless while I figure out the sensor situation, lol.

@Jeremie.

The secret for a good holographic projection (which I haven't found yet) is a steady stream of smoke/steam to try and form a solid sheet. I had a similar thought for my E4-B4 project. Before I installed my Pico projector in to E4's head, I had a play using some dry ice and hot water.

Long story short, I used a piece of PVC pipe with some holes drilled in to it, connected it to a length of hose which went to a bucket with a lid (an old bird seed container). When I put the dry ice and water in the bucket and put the lid on, it did form some nice amount of vapours through the holes in the pipe, but when I projected something on to it, it was really distorted and you couldn't really see the picture very clearly. Because of that, I gave up on the idea as the projected image just wasn't good enough to keep running to the store to get some more ice, so I used the PVC pipe to make E4's leg covers instead. I did play with the idea of using glass and mirrors, but it never got any further than an idea. I'd be interested if you do find a good way to do it.

Hello All,

I got a Walmart R2-D2.. Has nothing in it! It has a battery compartment on the back but empty. The dome spins on plastic to plastic.

A shell is what you get for $50.00. I assume it is a good base. The detail looks good.

I have to think hard to see if I am going to hack it, or it goes back.

Ron R

So essentially it's meant to be an R2D2 Statue, lol.

Doesn't even look like it has plastic wheels to roll on, too bad.

*Edit: Thank you for doing the research Ron!