R2 Electronics Build Part 4: Connecting the Dome

The final part of the electronics system involves passing power and signal from the body into the dome. Since R2's dome needs to be able to spin and be removable, this creates some interesting challenges. Here I detail the components needed, and for the first time rotate a fully powered and functional dome.

Admittedly, the beefy slip ring I went with is overkill. I also ended up soldering some 22ga wires to the ends of the dome side of the slip ring so that I could use ferrule connectors for the signal lines. The signal lines carry next to zero current, so I'm not worried about the change in wire gauge.

I also forgot to mention that where the MagTag fastens to the dome gear, there are thumbscrews that protrude on the underside of the crossbar, so you cannot place the MagTag too far outboard or it will hit the dome gear and cause problems.

All of the Shadow and Marcduino code is stock. I will eventually customize the code to improve some minor annoyances such as the "flapping" of the dome panels when they close. I am hopeful I will be able to make some code changes to fine-tune the motor performance as well.

Dome Motor: https://www.pololu.com/product/4683
Dome Motor Bracket: https://www.pololu.com/product/1084
Small Slip Ring: The one I got is no longer available, but there are many similar ones on Amazon.
Beefy Slip Ring: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NSML4G6
MagTag thread on Astromech: https://astromech.net/forums/showthre...
Pololu Step-Down Voltage Regulators: https://www.pololu.com/category/131/s... The Pololu regulators are very efficient and of a high quality. They are highly recommended among droid builders.

3D Printable Voltage Regulator Mount: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vp2wz9...

Note: The voltage regulator that I show in this video (and for which the above mount is sized) is an older model that is not readily available, but if you happen to find one, this mount should work.


3D print files available from Mr. Baddeley:   / mrbaddeley  
(R2 files are available for free, but become a Patron to access dozens of other fun, Star-Wars-inspired 3D-printable droids).

Best resource for droid building: https://astromech.net/forums/index.php