Work after Launch.

After the launch of the works FireBike (https://en-gb.facebook.com/EssexFireBike ) for the new season, it was home to clear the DMW floor space and work on the plan of action.

A little bit of sanding on the booster covers was followed by gluing some covers inside the skirt (just in-case the wind blows). A quick mix of P38 and the gaps were filled to make the skirt look a bit tidier. 

As the temperature was dropping and a steak was begging to be cooked, it took nano-seconds to decide that a few bits needed to be sprayed. 

Oooh!

So with one hand shaking the can, the other set up the spray booth on top of Skye's Toylander. A coat of grey primer was placed on the horseshoes and booster covers and a few coats of black on the rear section of the Data Port logic surround type bit thing!!!

Let's Build - well do a few bits

With the exam out of the way, I can crack on with building R2. This is a bit more urgent as Skye's school has asked me to take R2-ST in as part of their design and technology lesson after the Easter hols. So it would be nice to have a bit more done.

To start with and because it was a nice day, I thought I'd make the dome support ring. Copying an idea from  James ( http://astromecheadaches.blogspot.co.uk/ ) with his router to make the circle, I obviously improvised. A screw in the centre, a piece of string looped round the screw and router, and a router guide bar to help prevent the router from twisting.

Straight from the school of Bodge-it

 It looks crude, requires careful adjustment to make the diameter smaller BUT it works!!!!

Ta-dah!

It worked out that well that this was the end result. I quite please with how well it fits, but may need to make it smaller for the inner dome.










There was no wind this day, and the dust made a lovely cover over my van and my step-sons lovely Clio F1.  Hi-ho!

No piccies - but more bits

No pictures for this update.
I've received a few bits from the USA last week. A nice superb quality set of rubber gizmo's for the domes PSI lights that diffuse the leds and look fantastic.
Also a SK-10 pack from Alex Kung who has made his whole droid from plastic in a slot and glue together form. The SK-10 is a data panel port that goes on the body and you'll never guess what!!!!! It means I have to cut'n'shut the frame a little for it to fit. But at last this part will still give a bit of strength to the frame.  Pictures will be posted as the panel is built.

Opening the Back Doors!

I sketched a front and back view of R2 to work out what bits I wanted on it - like a gripper, USB ports, LED lights etc. And a thought occurred to me (I side was a bit of a concern have fully rested from this now) I wonder if I can join the aluminium droids and have an opening back door. As my droid is styrene, the structural strength was a concern. Making a cuppa to keep me warm in the DMW, I trudged off and started cutting away.

Its not too late yet!

After the first cut it was no turning back. I cut through 2 uprights and through one of the rings. Another 2 uprights were removed (worryingly this was quite easy).

It is definitely too late now!!

The uprights were removed from the section of ring and this was then glued to the cut off uprights. Confused! Its simple if you look at the photos.

Ta-Daa!

The theory is that the skins will add strength plus I have a nice little idea that I've discussed with Skye to give a bit of strength and a nice little touch too (can't say what until its done)

More electronics!!

Another productive bit of a day even though Skye (my co-builder!) was sent home from school with a funny tummy - yep! that old chestnut!.
After quickly, but properly, soldering the LEDs in with no filing to be seen it was time to program the Arduino to see it working.
Using my new netbook (xmas pressie from the wife) I had to download all the software and try and upload the program. It took me all afternoon for the netbook to pick up the COM port (?) but perseverance paid off and the result is below. I do need to solder on some wires and LEDS for the battery monitor. Like the dome displays these cant be added until a much later date when everything else is done. Little steps!!!

A little progress

The dome has acclimatised indoors and I have printed off some plans with dimensions on so I can start marking out in the near future.

On other news, I have just spent about 2 hours watching the TV whilst filing the small lip off of 77 3mm LEDS. I did try swapping hands but it wasn't as effective.
These will now be soldered into the front logic boards tomorrow and that will be the dome lighting finished - hence the near future marking of the dome

Believe it or not some are blue!!

wot no piccies - boring!!!

Since the success of getting R2-ST moving on Boxing Day, I have spent a little time in the DMW (Design & Maintenance Workshop) doing little bits.
Both PSI's are now completed and tested, work has begun on the front logic displays and this involves filing each 3mm LED to ensure the bezel fits. Slow progress.
The backs of the utility arm boxes have been cut out and are drying as I type.

As the weather is getting colder, I have managed to sneak a dome indoors to acclimatise. This will then allow me to start marking out the panels etc, ready for cutting. The cuts will determine where the cuts are needed for the inner dome.  Going to be nervous cutting it out, cos if it all goes wrong!!!!!!!

Got to start working on it in earnest now as there's a big event up North that the UK R2 Builders have been invited too for the Help For Heroes charity. Check this link for guests, dates etc https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=287421114711896&set=a.287420724711935.67818.278960765557931&type=1