Return to the BUILD
“The main part provided this time is the printed circuit board (PCB) that connects the camera and microphone, as well as providing R2-D2’s Wi-Fi connection. Note that the cover that protects it from damage is removed during the installation, and not be refitted.“
WARNING: This issue deals with exposed electronics and they need to be handled with special care. Never place a PCB on any conductive surface as static electricity can ruin the delicate components. Do not touch the PCB with any metal tools or parts. Finally, before handling electronics, be sure to ground yourself by touching an earthed object for a few seconds, such as a sink tap or the metal case of a grounded electronic device such as a PC or Stereo. Even something as simple as walking on carpet can build up a static charge in your body, so please be careful!
Contents
Parts
Materials: Only the electronic Dome Circuit Board is provided in this issue.
Magazine
- Building The Galaxy – Job Done
- Droid Directory – BB-8 Astromech Part 6
- Understanding Robotics – Recycling Robots
- Build R2-D2: Model Instructions
Build
Fitting the Circuit Board
Steps 1-2
Remove the Dome Circuit Board from its cardboard box, carefully cut the anti-static bag open near the seal, and discard the bag.
We will also need the two metal Circuit Board Supports from the previous issue:
Steps 3-5
While holding the case near the vent slots, gently lift off the cover, taking care not to touch the circuit board inside.
We will not use this cover so it can be discarded:
Steps 6-7
Attach one of the Circuit Board Supports to the case with one (1) 2.5×6 mm silver flanged screw, as shown.
You may want to leave this flanged screw (and the next one) a bit loose for now to make aligning the supports into the Dome easier:
Steps 8-10
Attach the other Circuit Board Support to the case (noting the different angle) with one (1) 2.5×6 silver flanged screw, as shown:
Steps 11-14
Inside the dome, fit the Circuit Board Supports under these Dome Support Arms as shown, and secure the supports to the arms with four (4) 2.5×6 mm silver screws.
This step is why I mentioned leaving the flanged support screws loose in the previous steps so these supports can be rotated into alignment with the screw holes on the Dome Support Arms. Once you have the supports secured to the arms, you can go ahead and tighten the flanged screws fully:
Step 15-16
Make sure you have grounded yourself, then use a fingernail to carefully rotate this ‘clamshell’ connector to the open position, as shown:
Steps 17-20
Thread the free end of the Camera ribbon cable under the Dome Support Arm and gently slide it into this connector.
It is not clear in the instructions which side of the ribbon cable should face up towards you, so I circled the small wires that should be visible here:
While holding the ribbon cable seated in the connector gently rotate the connector to the closed position, as shown:
Step 21-22
Feed the Microphone (labelled MIC) cable up past the corner of the Dome Circuit Board and plug it into this two-pin socket:
Thoughts
With this issue behind us, the construction of R2-D2’s Dome is now complete. All that is left is some wiring connections and the back panel installation. This has been one heck of a build and I am ready to turn it on and see what it can do!
Next Up
Issue 100 – Mains Adaptor, Distribution Board Cable, PCB Cable, Extension Speaker Cable, Plastic Studs, Sticker, Cable Tidy
Can anyone confirm that this circuit board controls the language for the projector and also for the responses to the microphone. I only ask because I have the italian version of the circuit board which has Princess Lean and Luke Skywalker speaking perfect italian. I am assuming that R2D2 is therefore only going to respond to italian commands? It takes a long time to get any repsonse from customer support at de Agostini. I am thinking of emailing their head office in London.
I wiuldnt waste your time. The office in London is a solicitors. (And remarkably one that doesnt represent De Agostini or Fanhome), they simply act as a mail forwarding point for them. They have no staff, assets or personnel at the location. All they do is collect physical post and forward it to Italy
Hi I was wondering if you could help me I’m missing the 2 L SHAPED brackets not sure we’re I can get them without paying for another issue which are selling for at least 100 pound on eBay
Unfortunately, if you can’t get it from Fanhome/DeAgostini, then third party sellers on eBay or the various Partwork Exchange/Marketplace FB groups are your best bet.
I have some very GOOD news. I have been in touch with the Old Model Space team for sometime trying to get correct spares for my R2D2. Having just about given up, can you believe that FANHOME have sent the bits I needed to complete the model INCLUDING a brand new ENGLISH part 99 – so I am hoping to dismantle and rebuild with the new parts with my grandson soon. It has restored my faith in humanity. There are still some GOOD people out there. So someone somewhere has had the good sense to understand that when someone like Model Space goes bust there are always repercussions for the company taking over IF they are not mindful of the previous company’s position. I am just very grateful for the persistence of one particular employee who obviously believe in honest, transparent service.
Would you be able to get in touch as I’m in need of issue 98 if possible and 99 please cheers
I do not have any spare parts of my R2-D2 build. You may be able to get issues from Fanhome, but it more likely you will need to use the various Facebook partwork groups or as a last resort eBay.