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R2D2 First Project

Hello all. This is my first post, and first project.

I picked up a R2D2 unit, thinking that it would be a good first project. Its 18' tall, and currently fully interactive with voice commands, motor, and turning head.

I haven't opened it up yet to find out how it works, but was wondering if anyone else has performed surgery on this bot.

Would I be able to integrate the current controls with EZ-B?

Thanks,
Ron


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Canada
#1  
A camera would be a good start, you can easily do face tracking and color tracking. Heck, you could even add some LED's lights up there! And/or a microphone for voice commands! Obviously he will need a turning head, you will probably need to use a 180* servo as you'll have the camera and lights in R2's head, and the wires would get tangled if you used a 360* servo.

Oh and you SHOULD add some sounds, like just of R2's beeps and stuff. If you feel like going the extra mile, try building a retractable leg; however I have read in the past doing so requires a lot of time, skill, and trail and error. One more thing you could consider is adding a Ping sensor, so he can avoid obstacles. Whew that was a lot...Hope that gave you some ideas!

~TXTCLA55
#2  
Hello,

Carlos here, form California. I actually have this R2D2 interactive droid. Its the best.
I am also way interested and will buy an ez board. i thought about gutting my r2, but really, it does everything you want it to do. (except joystick control) other than that, its perfect. infa-red, voice control, omnibot, special commands and no P.C. needed, completly independent.

So my first project will be a WALL-E.

Then I will have a nearly perfect R2, thats good to go right out of the box and a custom wall-e

Again , i love the idea, but really this r2 is awesome...no need to gut it.

but if you do, please please post pics.....i might be convinced.

Much lovE.


carlos.
#3  
Thanks for the feedback. I'll let you know how it turns out. There is a "Fake" camera that sticks out on top of his head. I was thinking of making that a real camera. There are also side compartments that could easily handle something like a grapling arm.

I think the retractable leg is way beyond my skill set at this point, but with time we will see.

Thanks,
Ron
PRO
Synthiam
#4  
Oh man! I would have so much fun with an R2D2 shell! Have you measured the body to see if a Mini-ITX would fit?

If so! That would be unreal to have a fully autonomous smart little R2 unit. You could have it locate a charging station, etc..
#5  
I was thinking about a Mini-ITX as well, but wasn't sure if it would fit. I haven't opened it up yet (still playing with its current functions). The external measurements are as follows:

Cylinder Circumference - 20"(50cm)
Cylinder Height - 8"(20cm)
Dome Height - 5"(12cm)

A Mini-ITX dimensions are 6.7X6.7(17x17), so based on external measurements, it would fit, but that's not including a power source, HD, servos, and EZ-B.
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