R2D2, Part 14 - Back to Brick Clicking

 Now that the lighting is installed, it's time to get back on the actual build with bag #12.

The parts therein build up the middle level of Artoo's domed 'head'.

Gotcha: one section of the construction consisted of an internal assembly in one of the corners.

To my consternation, this interfered with some of the wiring that was already in place.

I had to do some major dis-assembly of a portion of the earlier work and do some creative substitution of parts to allow the wires to be routed around the new addition.

Should have read ahead in the set instructions.

Anyway, I got it figured out and all is well.

Ready for the 13th and final bag o' parts!

R2D2, Part 13 - More Droid Lighting

 Today, I completed the task of wiring up the LEDs and installing them in their various spots on the model. A total of eight are required to do the job. 

I tested them all out by plugging them into my circuit breadboard. So far everything looks real cool.

The next step is to complete the final two parts bags of Artoo's dome, then start figuring out how I am going to design and build the electrical circuit board, switch system, and power supply.

Here are pics of the finished lower dome section. I had to raid my parts stash on several occasions to find alternate elements that provided holes to allow wiring to pass through, while maintaining the integrity of the exterior detailing.

A couple of the LED locations were quite challenging in this respect.

R2D2, Part 12 - Droid Lighting

 Today, I changed my mind and decided that this point in the build would the best place to engineer the LED lighting effects. All of the components that will receive the treatment are easily accessible.

The initial step consisted of finding the features that would be the easiest to modify, then tackle the tougher ones later.

The first parts are the two vertical openings to the left of the trans red disc.

The original parts consist of two 1x1 'lantern' elements with trans light blue 'dome' elements inserted in the back.

These trans blue are simply replaced by a pair of 3mm blue LEDS. Some 22 guage wire is soldered onto the leads prior to attaching to the model.

The LEDS are a slightly loose fit into the holes of the LEGO pieces, so a drop of CA is necessary to keep them in place.

I'm usually averse to using glue on LEGO unless it's absolutely necessary.

I'm good with it here since this set will remain assembled and on display.

It must be noted here that I am designing the lighting system on the fly. Once all of the LEDS are in their respective places on the model, I will then decide what kind of power supply I want to use, as well as a switching arrangement. A small circuit board will be built to accommodate all of the limiting resistors needed for the individual LEDs.  These resistors must be selected to not only provide protection for the LEDS, but to also set their overall brightness level.

For the time being, here is a quick functional test on one of the LEDs:

Cheers...!

R2D2, Part 11

 Today's part of the Artoo build focuses on the lower section of the droid's dome.

The section is layer-built with lots of smaller plates, bricks, and detail elements.

As I built, I paid close attention to areas where some LED illumination could be added.

There are several, and most appear to be very easy to add. 

I will likely wait until the build is completed before I tear into the lighting aspect.

Only two more bags to go....

R2D2, Part 10

 Day 10... Parts bag 10.

This has definitely been an enjoyable build.

Here, Artoo's main body frame is completed with the construction of the back panel.

This section is very similar to the front panel, except there is much less detail.

The final steps in this part of the build include inserting some small push rods that activate the retractable tool features on the front side.

Next phase - Artoo's dome!

R2D2, Part 9

 This part of the Artoo build fills out the final details of the front panel, which then gets affixed to the main frame by a group of Technic pins.

The final assemblies to go on are the small moving panel sections that cover the droid's retractable tools.

Getting closer to completion...

R2D2, Part 8

 The basic frame and upper/lower detail sections of Artoo's front panel are completed with parts bag #8.

Again, basic plate, brick, and slope elements make up the assembly, with a smattering of Technic  elements to add some moving parts.

Check back tomorrow for bag #9 !