2 Geeks Web Design logo mark in deep indigo and charcoal 2 Geeks Web Design
A polished aluminum astromech dome with blue and red illuminated logic display panels, set against a dark workshop background

Project Astromech, a 2 Geeks Web Design Presentation

Building a Life-Size RC R2-D2 Droid — a detailed build journal by Ryan, covering dome, body, legs, and electronics.

About the Build

Project Astromech follows the construction of a life-size, radio-controlled R2-D2 astromech droid. The build is authored by Ryan and hosted by 2 Geeks Web Design of Princeton, Illinois. Every major subsystem — dome, body, legs, and electronics — is documented with parts sources, wiring notes, and test results.

The project draws on the expertise of the astromech builder community, referencing Astromech.net for methods, parts, and shared knowledge.

77 Parts Cataloged
4 Build Categories
A dimly lit workshop bench with scattered electronic components, wires, and a brushed aluminum astromech dome in progress
"The beeps, buzzes and whistles — that's the personality we're building toward."

Build Categories

Explore each area of the droid build, from the polished aluminum dome to the drive electronics that bring it to life.

The Dome

300mm hydroformed 6061 aluminum dome by Daren Murrer, Teeces 3.2 Logic Display & PSI, CuriousMarc Marcduino control system, and servo-animated panels.

Browse Dome Posts

The Electronics

Pololu 18v25 and Syren 10 motor controllers, RC transmitter binding, dome lighting micro-controllers, and the differential drive system.

Browse Electronics Posts

The Body

Aluminum and steel frame construction, Lazy Susan heavy-duty swivel for dome rotation, and initial planning documented from the Astromech.net community.

Browse Body Posts

The Legs

Differential drive using scooter motors, Midwest R2 Builders Club DDR Foot Drives, and RC-based locomotion control.

Browse Leg Posts

Recent Build Journal Posts

Highlights from the build timeline, spanning November 2013 through February 2014.

A polished aluminum astromech dome with blue and red illuminated logic display panels February 24, 2014

Dome Electronics Pt. 1: Building CuriousMarc's Marcduino Dome Control System

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A polished aluminum astromech dome with blue and silver panel details, resting on a dark workshop surface December 27, 2013

Lighting Up the Dome: Building the Teeces 3.2 Logic Display and PSI System

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Close-up of a droid leg assembly on a workbench — brushed aluminum foot shells, scooter motor housings, and wiring December 25, 2013

Artoo's First Steps: Testing His Differential Drive System via RC

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Motor controllers and scooter motors mounted on a metal test platform with red and black wiring December 17, 2013

Testing My Syren 10 and Pololu 18v25 Motor Controllers with Drive Motors

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Parts Rundown

A comprehensive listing of 77 parts used across the build, organized by section with sources and descriptions. Key components include:

  • Dome: 300mm hydroformed 6061 aluminum dome (Daren Murrer), Kevin Holme Ultimate Dome Hinge Set for panel animation.
  • Body: Lazy Susan heavy-duty swivel for dome rotation.
  • Electronics: J.E.D.I. Controller System, CuriousMarc dome automation and holo lights, Teeces logic displays.
  • Legs: Midwest R2 Builders Club DDR Foot Drives, scooter motors for differential drive.
View Full Parts Rundown
"One of the most endearing things about Artoo that we all have come to love is what I call his 'personality.' The beeps, buzzes and whistles he makes."
— Ryan, Project Astromech