R2-IQ - Starting the build

Building R2-IQ

I've been given the green light to build an R2-D2 out of VEX IQ.  The current working name is R2-IQ, and my target completion date is 50 days from now, on December 18, 2015.

The plan is to build a full-sized astromech that can be driven by remote control, and has the ability to switch between standing on 2 legs to 3 legs and back to 2 legs.  It will be able to drive when on 3 legs.  I haven't decided if I want it to drive when on two legs.

The Body

The first challenge is creating the shape of the body.  I tried out a couple ideas in SnapCAD (VEX cad software) to see where I got the best round shape.

My first try was image #2.  The shape and size were very good (the body is just over 18" in diameter) however when I went to build it, I realized the pieces on the skin would not fit, because they were overlapping by about 1/2 inch.  (silly drawing mistake)

The second version (#17) was the perfect shape, but not the best size.  This version has about a 21" diameter.

Version #3 (image #1) has a less-perfect shape, but a better average diameter.  (~18.5")  This one will be a little harder to build, because of how some of the pieces will overlap.


I think the slightly larger diameter body will actually take less pieces internally, but I haven't decided, yet, if I want the better shape, or closer diameter.

Preparing Super Robo Rally for Gen Con

As Gen Con approaches, we're making some final tweaks to upgrades to Super Robo Rally.

This year, we have a new system in place that allows players to use the web browser in a wifi-enable device to program the robots.

In addition, we have acquired 10 smartphones to be used in the new system.

The custom web interface can be seen here

We're all looking forward to seeing how it turns out...

Vader - THE sumo robot

Vader is a LEGO sumo robot that I built when I got my first black NXT.  It has three motors, two light sensors, and two ultrasonic sensors.

This year at Brickworld, it won the sumo event for the fourth year in a row.  After being reprogrammed, it also won the joust event on Sunday. 

It's won a few other events in the last five years, and has done much n better than I ever expected.  At this point, I don't see taking it apart any time soon..

More Super Robo Rally

I took Super Robo Rally to a summer camp at Purdue on Wednesday.  It was a good chance to test out  a new feature that we'll have available this year at Gen Con, where robots can be programmed using tablets, instead of (or in addition to) the playing cards previously used.  With the tablets, players were able to enter programs faster, meaning they played more turns in the same amount of time.

 Take a look at a screen shot from the tablet/phone view

We were also in the local media:

JC Online

WLFI TV 18

VEX IQ Highrise scoring

In order to help us with scoring, I made a web page that we can use to keep time and score on a phone, tablet, or PC.

Check it out here: Scoresheet

VEX vs MINDSTORMS

I've recently been introduced to the new VEX IQ system, which is very similar to LEGO MINDSTORMS.  The plastic pieces snap together, with no cutting or gluing.

I made up a page to compare the two systems.

EV3 vs VEX IQ

I intend to compare the VEX IQ challenge to FIRST LEGO League in a future post.

My next hobby

Time to revive this blog with my latest hobby thoughts.  Starting with color...