tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10940850821421018612024-03-13T21:04:34.266-04:00John's Droid Building BlogRead about my adventure in building replica droids from the Star Wars Saga.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.comBlogger221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-70163294520499833312019-11-30T20:29:00.002-05:002019-11-30T20:29:55.163-05:00Blog updateSo in the last couple of posts I made, I had to find a new way of sharing my photos and videos and possibly a new home for this blog. Here's an update on that topic.<br />
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Years ago when I moved from my original blog host, the late Yahoo!360, it was a lot of copying and pasting around 100 blog post to Blogger. Now I have over 200 blog post and no easy way to export and import them onto another blog platform. So never mind. It's too much work relocating. I'm stuck here I guess.<br />
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As for the videos and photos, I already mentioned Google Drive will archive all the photos I insert in Blogger and it seams it'll work the same way for videos, provided the video file in 100MB or less per video. No problem there as my videos in FLV format are around 10-20MB's each.<br />
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I was trying to ditch Google altogether, but all the alternatives are too limiting, for free. So my plan is to use my Google account only for Blogger. I'll use a different email service for personal use. Now I just need to convert all my videos in FLV and reupload all my past photos and videos. You'll see I've already redone a few posts, but it'll take me a long time to fix all of them. I'll start with the most recent and work my way backwards through time.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-59415218539161281472019-11-26T11:38:00.003-05:002019-11-26T11:38:37.154-05:00YouTube, COPPA, The World Gone MadYou may have noticed that now the videos don't work. That's because thanks to YouTube trying to throw all the content creators under the COPPA bus, I have decided to stop using their service. I don't think I had to worry about my videos being thought of as "directed at children," but the way YouTube was handling the whole thing was irritating me. I'm even considering going as far as moving my blog and email from Google to something else, although I don't know where that would be. Remember that this blog started on Yahoo's platform before they shut it down.<br />
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In the mean time, I'll be looking for a new video hosting service. Shoot, at this point I might as well rent a private server. But $$$$$.<br />
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Lots to think about. <br />
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Stay tuned.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-79474598935687347822019-11-08T13:14:00.000-05:002019-11-12T02:53:11.765-05:00Photobucket LinksLong time. So you may have noticed all the picture links are now broken. That's because I deleted my Photobucket account where I was storing them. Apparently, a free account on Photobucket only gives you a 25MB max bandwidth and I was going over that limit by 300% and over a storage limit too.. As such all the photo's had a watermark added and were low rez, plus I couldn't upload any new photos unless I started paying a subscription. I don't know when these new restrictions started, but I wasn't having these problems when I last made a blog post. So instead of paying $5.99 or more a month (which I can' afford right now) I decided to delete my account with them and find an alternative solution....which I'm still looking for.<br />
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One idea I've been mulling over is switching from a Blog to a Vlog using my YouTube channel. This way I wouldn't need a new online storage for my photos but would make slideshow videos for all my existing photos and then new content would be in video form. Of course that could mean no more updates here except maybe a post with a link to my Vlog video. Still mulling it over.<br />
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Anyway, I've been very busy in real life and have had no time for Droid building, or anything else really. But I have recently acquired a LOT of free time so I might just try getting back into things here.<br />
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Stay tuned,<br />
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John<br />
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UPDATE Nov. 12th!!! I just learned that Blogger will store photos and videos using Google Drive. Wish I knew that a long time ago. So I'll be updating the photo links over time, starting with the most recent posts and work my back through over 200 posts....oh joy. Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-17475778392902109882016-06-16T08:18:00.002-04:002016-06-16T08:18:31.324-04:00Droid-Con 4 Is GO!Well as luck would have it, I am able to attend all four days of this years Droid-Con after all. Cya there.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-59096558555728492672016-05-06T21:44:00.001-04:002016-05-06T21:44:27.494-04:00Celebration Orlando (or Celebration 8)Yeah. So Lucasfilm recently announced "Celebration Orlando" in April of 2017. Yes, of course I'm going. R2 Builders Club is all ready buzzing about it and making plans. Maybe I can win the Droid Races this time.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-67175083867434615442016-03-31T20:52:00.000-04:002016-03-31T20:54:24.093-04:00Over Due UpdateYeah. Long time since last post.<br />
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I've had a lot on my plate lately so my Droid building hobby has had to take a back seat for a awhile. Main issue has been a little water leak in my workshop space in the basement when it rains. I've had to completely dissemble my workshop so I could fix it. I think I have it temporarily fixed so all that's left to to everything back together again.<br />
Second issue is after assembling the new legs I found flaws in the measurements. So back to square one with that. Will have to make a new template again and get a new miter saw. Current one is decades old, slightly out of alignment and can't be realigned. Once I get the shop put back together again I can start on Legs version 3.<br />
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Droid-Con IV is this June, but unlike last time I'll only be attending one day. Need the vacation days for something else.<br />
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One new project idea I recently thought of is making the head of the droid HK-47, the assassin droid from the RPG video game Knights of the Old Republic by Bioware. Haven't figured out how I'll make it yet. When complete I want him to have glowing eyes, servo-controlled head tilting and voice track playback. He'll be automated so when you get near him he'll start twiching his head and say a phase from the game. I don't think anyone else has done this before...that I can thus far find anyway.<br />
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[Closing Statement] "Will try to give another update soon....meatbags."<br />
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John Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-31558734445765286092015-10-20T00:55:00.001-04:002015-10-20T00:55:04.536-04:00The Circle is Nearly CompleteSaw the new "Official" full Trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. YEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm excited.<br />
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Just bought a ticket for the early showing and for the next day at my local 3D IMAX.<br />
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Nothing new about R6. Various things had to be prioritized time and money wise. Will resume when able.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-49397550136540069092015-05-05T22:09:00.003-04:002015-05-05T22:09:32.844-04:00Droid-Con 4Droid-Con has just been announced for June 16th-19th, 2016. The con will be held at a different Hotel this time because Droid-Con has gotten too big (head count wise) to fit at the previous place. The new Hotel is actually brand new and across the street the other one.<br />
Of course I'm going. Already signed up. I'm thankful they do this in Indiana every time. Once I'm done getting the legs usable I'm going to focus on finishing the head. I have a full year to do it so wish me luck.<br />
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As always go to <a href="http://www.astromech.net/">www.astromech.net</a> or <a href="http://www.droidcon.info/">www.droidcon.info</a> for more information.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-10551589996687168952015-05-04T18:40:00.001-04:002019-11-12T02:50:00.375-05:00Glue part 3Started first two pieces of right leg and added another piece onto the left leg.<br />
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Started work on a detail piece for the legs that I never got around to making for the first set. But I'm going to need buy the band saw attachment for my Mark V before I can make any head way on this piece.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-48242631890535410092015-04-28T19:02:00.000-04:002019-11-26T22:07:47.341-05:00Glue part 2Glue the next piece on. Wait another 24 hours. Repeat.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-59788220153356210672015-04-27T15:30:00.001-04:002020-04-26T06:28:14.251-04:00A spoon full of Glue?Today I did final prep on the legs and glue together the first two of several pieces.<br />
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Left leg pieces glued together. Only have enough clamps to glue one leg at a time so it'll be a slow process as I have to give each piece 24 hours before removing the clamps. But that's ok because it'll be over 24 hours by the time I come home from work tomorrow. And if I feel up to it I'll remove the clamps and glue the next piece on.<br />
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Just before I glued them together, I routed little indention's on the leg rod side of the piece where the leg rod attaches. This is to allow the leg rod assembly to fit flat against it.<br />
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That's about it for today.<br />
One thing I forgot to mention in the last post is the Star Wars: Rebels season 2 trailer was also released the same weekend as the 2nd teaser for Episode 7. The second season looks AWESOME! Check it out as soon as you can but I recommend getting caught up on the first season of Rebels first or some details might get spoiled for you.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-60708986868953034792015-04-19T09:52:00.002-04:002019-12-02T16:44:27.719-05:00Stuck at HomeThere's a Star Wars party on the west coast and I'm not there! Waaaaaaaaaa!<br />
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Sadly, I couldn't get transportation to Anaheim arranged so I'm stuck at home. But it's not like I'm missing everything. For the first time, StarWars.com is Live Streaming Celebration Anaheim which includes some of the panels. Over the last three days I got to see the Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and The Force Awakens panels plus the cosplay contest and various interviews. Plus all the photos and videos people are posting on YouTube and other sites. So it's almost like being there, but not.<br />
Rumor has it the next Celebration might be in Orlando again in two to three years but I'd like to see Indianapolis get it again. Fat chance though because Disney now runs everything and they'll likely keep this close to their theme parks for that extra $$ factor.<br />
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NEW TEASER TRAILER!!!!! So Excited!!!!! <br />
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Haven't done anything new with R6 yet. Been distracted by other things needing done. You know how it is.<br />
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Speaking of R6, I found out yesterday that the R6-unit, which originated in the Extended Universe, is now official cannon. You'll see R6 heads in the new movie in use by the X-Wing pilots. They look pretty much exactly like mine. So very pleased with that.<br />
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Since I never posted anything about my trip to Celebration 6, I'm going to take this chance to link the photos I took at that time. I'll also link my photos of Celebration 2 and 5 while I'm at it. You can find these photos and more anytime by using the link to my Photobucket page.<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ed9qq5TKtsQC85847" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Star Wars Celebration II, Indianapolis 2002</a><br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/P85JuySFwprhNZ3U7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Star Wars Celebration V, Orlando 2010</a><br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/sSAqhaX11iH41Dqe9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Star Wars Celebration VI, Orlando 2012</a> <br />
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Will try to do some more work on R6 soon.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-49947503918865406192015-03-03T07:43:00.000-05:002015-04-27T15:30:50.113-04:00Pits and ShouldersYesterday I worked on the arm pits and drilled the mounting holes for the shoulders.<br />
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I wanted to use a 1/4" diameter router bit with a top mounted pattern bearing but couldn't find one to save my life. All I could find was bits with the bearing on the bottom or both top and bottom but not top only. Weird. So I had to settle for using a 1/2" diameter bit with the bearing on top. It worked, but the inside corners are a little more rounded than I'd like. Later on after I get everything glued together, I'll try using a wood chisel to fix that. The bit I used was a little too long so I had to add more thickness to the arm pit template.</div>
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Next, the mounting holes for the shoulders. Not wanting to have to remake the shoulder hubs and pipe attachments, I needed to drill the holes to match the ones on the old legs. To do this, I had to cut open the old legs so I could use them as a template. No going back now.</div>
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Next weekend I might be ready to start gluing the pieces together. Will carefully examine everything I've done thus far. Don't want to forget anything.</div>
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John</div>
Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-88285746681569613282015-02-23T19:27:00.000-05:002015-02-23T19:28:09.570-05:00Continued Leg WorkAll right, so it took me a little longer than I thought to find an opportunity to get back into the shop. But finally I was able to get a little time in today, so here we go.................<br />
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Today I cut out the hole for the shoulder hub detail. I made it 1/16th of an inch smaller than the piece itself to obtain a snug fit (honestly it measured really close to 3-3/8ths at the widest so I made it 1/16th smaller for good measure. You can always sand off more, not less). Of course I had to test fit the detail pieces that will go there. Fits like a glove.</div>
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And while I was at it, I also drilled the 3/4" ankle bolt holes.</div>
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Next weekend I will focus on finishing the arm pits.</div>
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John</div>
Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-41893309060966060732015-01-25T22:21:00.001-05:002015-01-25T22:22:02.723-05:00More Leg WorkDid some more leg work this weekend. Made a template out of 1/4" plywood for cutting out the arm pits.<br />
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<a href="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x160/Trumon/R6-C9/Leg%20Construction/Leg%20Construction%20v2/r6legv2_005_zpsyhhavake-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x160/Trumon/R6-C9/Leg%20Construction/Leg%20Construction%20v2/r6legv2_005_zpsyhhavake-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I then used it to cut out the arm pits on the two 3/4" center pieces using a router with a pattern wheel. In addition I also cut out the center of the both 3/4" pieces. This provides room inside the leg for the bolts that attach the shoulder hubs to the legs, space for the wiring to the foot motors and helps make the legs lighter. You don't want to remove too much however or the leg might not be durable enough. Leave enough material for structural integrity and to glue the other pieces too.</div>
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Next I routed out a 4-1/8" circle out the two 1/2" pieces that face the body. These holes provide clearance for the shoulder hub pipe bolts.<br />
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All of this is just like with the original legs only last time I hand drew and cut out each arm pit on each piece independently. This time around I'll use the template to ensure all the arm pit cutouts match up. As a side note, despite not having used this arm pit template last time, I still somehow managed to get them practically identical to each other.<br />
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No updates next weekend. Will be too busy with something else. Hopefully the week after I can get more done. Until then,<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-46352439650376003252015-01-19T19:09:00.003-05:002015-01-25T22:21:50.256-05:00Pass Me A LegGot a lot done today. The template turned out real nice once I finished trimming and sanding it.<br />
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I then proceeded to cut out all the pieces for both legs.<br />
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They're mostly ready now. All that's left it to cut out the arm pit pockets. hollow out the center piece for the wiring and drill holes for the ankle bolts and shoulder hubs. Will tackle this next weekend.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-14858983181223868442015-01-18T22:14:00.000-05:002015-01-18T22:14:34.995-05:00Happened To Be In The NeighborhoodNo, you're not imagining things. This is an actual progress blog post.<br />
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Got bored today so decided to try doing a little something in my work shop. As I've stated before, I'm wanting to make new legs for R6 due to some minor imperfections occurring over time. I still have the original template I used for the first set of legs but it has become a little too worn out to be useful anymore. So I'm starting by making a new template. Now the template's purpose is to be the master cut that is used to make copies off of. Think of it like the piece of paper you scan on a copier or as a cookie cutter. I've tried making a new template a couple of times last year actually but they didn't turn out well so I never mentioned it. But today I think I finally have drawn the perfect (or near enough) template. Next trick however is cutting it without altering the outlines I drew. That has always been the trickiest and most troublesome part. I have already rough cut the template with a jig-saw and tomorrow plan to use a scroll-saw to fine trim the rest off. If that goes without a hitch, I can then use my router and a pattern bit to cookie-cut more pieces for making the legs.</div>
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The process will be the same as the first set of legs. Only difference will be better quality measurements and cuts.</div>
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I'll post again tomorrow if I get anything more accomplished.</div>
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John</div>
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Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-55236840869834588922015-01-10T10:02:00.002-05:002015-01-18T22:15:45.463-05:00Status update 2015I know, I know. I completely dropped the ball last year with any new news or old news.<br />
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So here's the deal. First, I have not stopped wanting to finish building R6-C9. I even started making new legs for him but made a huge mistake in making the new template that I didn't notice until I had already made several pieces....all of which I had to scrap and at that point I had to walk away and regroup. Second, I have my own house now so while that means I finally have space for a proper workshop, I also have the house itself that needs some TLC which must take priority over any hobbies. Plus the long hours at my job and you get little time and little money left over.<br />
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I hope to get started doing something with R6 this year, even if it's little steps at a time. Try to focus on one detail at a time. And if I can manage that, I'll post something about it when able. No promises when that'll happen.<br />
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As for back logged updates like Droid-Con's 2 and 3, I'll try to get those posted before I do any other postings.<br />
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BTW, the Episode VII teaser is released and looks AWESOME! Can't wait. Only 12 months until the new movie is in theaters! I plan to take vacation that week so I can get the earliest showing.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-45677505101707737512014-01-01T20:49:00.000-05:002014-01-01T20:49:02.831-05:00Life Goes OnHappy New Year!!! May people be wiser than last year for once (not holding my breath).<br />
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Anyways, long time no see. I apologize for not posting anything about Droid-Con 2 or anything else I've done since. Just got preoccupied with various things that had to take priority. This weekend I'll try to make the time to post about Droid-Con 2 and a few other important things concerning my droid building. But be assured, I'm still in this to the end. R6-C9 will be completed. Though at this rate it may be the last thing I do.<br />
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See you later,<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-71670600566020078772013-07-31T15:37:00.000-04:002013-07-31T15:37:25.175-04:00CELEBRATION VII and Episode VII NewsAlmost forgot to mention. Last weekend Celebration VII (7) was announced to take place in Anaheim, CA April 16-19th 2015, coinciding with the release of Star Wars Episode VII (7).<br />
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I would very much like to go, but California is twice as far as Florida is and will also be a more expensive trip. I have over two years to plan and save so I might be able to pull it off. I might even be able to find some travel buddies this time.<br />
I also find the timing perfect being the 7th celebration convention for the 7th movie.<br />
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In other news, it has also been confirmed that John Williams will once again compose and conduct the music for Episode VII. It just wouldn't be a Star Wars movie without his musical touch.<br />
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John.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-41554213045140389652013-07-30T15:21:00.003-04:002016-02-22T12:45:18.845-05:00Last minute buildingHad trouble finding time to build R6 and update this blog due to being very busy at work this past month. but now I'm on vacation this week for Droid-Con 2. Let the games begin.<br />
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Version 2 foot drives are now complete, assembled, installed and tested.<br />
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<a href="http://s182.photobucket.com/user/Trumon/media/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/r6drivev2_007_zps341dca70.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo r6drivev2_007_zps341dca70.jpg" border="0" src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x160/Trumon/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/th_r6drivev2_007_zps341dca70.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s182.photobucket.com/user/Trumon/media/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/r6drivev2_008_zps883f9010.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo r6drivev2_008_zps883f9010.jpg" border="0" src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x160/Trumon/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/th_r6drivev2_008_zps883f9010.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s182.photobucket.com/user/Trumon/media/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/r6drivev2_009_zps00620b20.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo r6drivev2_009_zps00620b20.jpg" border="0" src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x160/Trumon/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/th_r6drivev2_009_zps00620b20.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s182.photobucket.com/user/Trumon/media/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/r6drivev2_010_zpsf7e21fc6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo r6drivev2_010_zpsf7e21fc6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x160/Trumon/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/th_r6drivev2_010_zpsf7e21fc6.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s182.photobucket.com/user/Trumon/media/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/r6drivev2_011_zpsdea37c14.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo r6drivev2_011_zpsdea37c14.jpg" border="0" src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x160/Trumon/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/th_r6drivev2_011_zpsdea37c14.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s182.photobucket.com/user/Trumon/media/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/r6drivev2_012_zps2885eb76.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo r6drivev2_012_zps2885eb76.jpg" border="0" src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x160/Trumon/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/th_r6drivev2_012_zps2885eb76.jpg" /></a><br />
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It's a bit sluggish on the carpet, but I think I can fix that by tightening the drive belts a little more.<br />
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In addition, I've started working again on the Logic Displays. My big road block of late has been securing the fibers in the bezels. Recently it was suggested to me to try using a hot glue gun. Amazingly that worked perfectly. I now have both halves of the Front logic Display fibered up and ready for installing.<br />
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But before I do that, to give the logics more depth, I glued in another piece of styrene behind the logic cutouts in the head. When dry, I'll cut out the holes, fill the seams and then install the Front Logics.<br />
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To fill in all the gaps and seams on the head, I'll be using a product used for minor automobile body repair, Bondo. I've never used this stuff before but I'm told it's the best stuff to use for this purpose.<br />
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This weekend is the 2nd annual Droid-Con! If you're coming, see you there. Of course I'll be taking some video and pictures.<br />
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John.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-25544016802814687992013-06-27T11:47:00.001-04:002015-01-18T22:16:55.559-05:00Foot Drive Remake part 2So the Sunday following my last post I caught a bad cold, but the shop wasn't available to me that day anyways. The next Sunday was of course Father's Day so no time to work in the shop again.<br />
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Finally I was able to get into the shop last Sunday. The new foot drive brackets are 95% done. I just need to drill the mounting holes and then I can test them out.<br />
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Next Sunday I also hope to start work on the new legs. Any ones guess if I can get them made in time for Droid-Con 2.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-20669514106836725912013-06-02T22:13:00.001-04:002015-01-18T22:16:18.045-05:00Foot Drive RemakeToday I went to my arranged temporary work shop and started making new Foot Drive brackets.<br />
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The new brackets will be 2 inches longer than the originals to accommodate the swivel caster wheel I'm adding to the design. I'm also lowering the drive wheel axle by a quarter inch for better ground clearance of the foot shell. Otherwise, the design is the same.<br />
<a href="http://s182.photobucket.com/user/Trumon/media/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/r6drivev2_001_zps2ec3a2ba.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Alu brackets ready for cutting photo r6drivev2_001_zps2ec3a2ba.jpg" border="0" src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x160/Trumon/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/th_r6drivev2_001_zps2ec3a2ba.jpg" /></a><br />
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Thus far I've drilled most of the holes needed and, using my Dremal, cut out the drive wheel axle slots on the left bracket.<br />
<a href="http://s182.photobucket.com/user/Trumon/media/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/r6drivev2_002_zps1fb716e1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Half-way finished photo r6drivev2_002_zps1fb716e1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x160/Trumon/R6-C9/Electronics/Foot%20Drive%20v2/th_r6drivev2_002_zps1fb716e1.jpg" /></a><br />
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Next week I hope to finish cutting and drilling the brackets so I can get started on the center foot caster and then the new legs.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-18536680963953830582013-05-28T18:28:00.000-04:002013-05-28T18:28:20.875-04:00Coming Up.....I just realized I haven't mentioned anything about a couple of upcoming events me and R6 will be at later this year.<br />
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First up, DROID-CON II!!!! That's right. Once again the convention by the builders, for the builders is coming to Indianapolis August 2nd - 4th at the same Hotel as last time. Should be a lot more builders this time around. Here's the link, <a href="http://www.droidcon.info/">http://www.droidcon.info</a>.<br />
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Second, I will be bring R6 to another local convention I didn't even know about called Star Base Indy. It will take place the weekend after Thanksgiving at a Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. I was contacted by a member of the local Star Wars fan club, the Indy Knights. They asked if I could bring my droid to their table this year and talk to people about building droids and the Builders Club. Of course I accepted. Should be fun.<br />
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Well, with these two cons around the bend, I need to get R6 back in shape. And so this weekend I'll be borrowing my brother's garage so I can make only the most crucial repairs. The two things that need the most refinement are the Foot Drives and the legs/ankles. The foot drives only have the one wheel and as such the feet aren't well balanced. This has caused extra stress on the outer ankles resulting in the ankle locking bolts becoming loose because the holes in the wood are becoming bigger. To fix this I'll be adding a small swivel caster to the foot drives so they're balanced and have support on both ends of the foot. In addition, I'll be building new legs with built in ankle locks to avoid future problems. Unfortunately I can't add the new caster wheel to the current foot drive bracket so I'll be making a modified version with new aluminum (already ordered). It seems more and more pieces of R6 are being redone. First the body, then the head, and now the legs and foot drives. Oh well. As I've said in the past, I'll always be making improvements to this droid.<br />
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New post this weekend,<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094085082142101861.post-10552705173282534542013-05-12T22:48:00.001-04:002013-05-12T22:48:28.746-04:00Delays, Delays...So much for keeping up building momentum.<br />
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Right now I have a problem. Since the start of the year, I no longer have access to a work shop where I can use heavy power tools or make a big mess. I live in an apartment and no one I know nearby has a space I can freely use to do any loud and messy tool work. It's a problem I can solve by buying my own house with a suitable workshop space (garage or unfinished basement), but I'm not certain when I can pursue that. In the mean time, I'll do what I can but I'm starting to run out of things to work on without doing other things that require a workshop first.<br />
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That said, there a space I can use, but only in a limited way and not at will. Still, I should be able rebuild the legs in time for Droid-Con II.<br />
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I'll keep you posted as I'm able to get stuff done.<br />
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JohnJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410607170943435519noreply@blogger.com0