I have enjoyed the challenge of building my R2D2, got the batteries a little while ago and charged them up. Then, finally, I got issue 100 and full of anticipation, I started the start-up procedure.
Imagine if you can my utter disappointment when all my R2D2 did was to jerk forward - as expected - and display a red front light plus a blue light in each side foot!! NO head swivel and NO more lights. No arm waving - NOTHING!
I rechecked the batteries - nothing wrong there. I pressed the front buttons and all I got was a few chirps>
The onboard router is working as it displays on my android phone, but, of course I can't connect as there's no app!
And to make matters worse, my wife has now noticed the total lack of activity as is asking questions relative to cost!
Yes, I contacted De Agostini and I all I got was a pleasant email reply inviting to check the Forum.
PLEASE can anyone advise/help/shoot me??!!

CALL THEM

really, make a phone call....

if your testing during the build was done and gave the right results then the control board in the head or the large board in the body would be the probable fault *IF* all the wires are attached to the right plugs.

so re-check cable attachments and if you find no mixed up cables then call the company for help.

Hi figuerres. Thanks for responding. One other thing I forgot to mention - because of the red front light, I plugged in the charger and, according to the guide it should change colour when charging - it didn't!!
Yes, testing during the build was always okay.
I, like you, came to the conclusion that one or both of the control boads could be faulty and that is why, I belive, their response was to direct me here rather than tell me to buy the two issues which supplied these parts.
I'll probably try calling them as you suggest. (Don't you always doubt yourself though). Thanks again.
Regards

Me - hylander

Did you carry out the battery activation procedure (ensure it is switched off at the base), plug the mains charger in amd turn on at the wall, leave for a few seconds, then remove.

Are all of your batteries making good fuul contact in the battery pack and are all 6 batteries reading around 4.2v in the supplied tester with issue 92? They must be charged individually for the 1st charge to balance them.

Failing that, if there is a faulty part the only thing i could think is about the warnings for the circuit board in issue 99. If you didnt earth yourself to remove any built up static before handling it you could have possibly caused static shock and inadvertently damaged this board. It would only a fee millivolts to cause damage and you wouldnt even notice or feel it. To earth you can do things like hold on to a radiator or kitchen tap for a few moments, this would discharge any built up static energy in your body as usually these systems are earthed for protection. Static can build up just by simply walking across a carpet for example (think rubbing a balloon on your jumper and it attracts your hair)

I think maybe if some were contacting and others not there could be enough voltage there to partially power things? Just running some passing thoughts that's all.

I didn't know your job so wasn't aware if you knew about earthing procedures. Just trying to throw some ideas out there.

Out of interest, what batteries have you got?

I hope you manage to successfully resolve your problems. I have seen a video from a fellow builder who's droid fully works as it should at the moment (obviously no app yet so limited functionality) but he showed it starting up, saber going up and down, arms opening and patrol mode all operated from the button on the front. It really does look fantastic, and i am super excited to finish mine and get it switched on.

Maybe then the batteries themselves could be the problem. They might not have enough power - we need batteries that can output at least 3 amps of continuous current. I dont know what the spec of the ones you have are. They may have enough voltage, but cant dump enough power to run everything properly.

Im currently at issue 97 and awaiting final delivery. So yeah, i am completely guessing, but that is what i would be doing too if i had problems. Any help what so ever is better than no help?

They also come in a very wide range of current amperage too - anything from 0.5A upto 30A+. There was no mention of this in the magazine, but the question was asked a while ago and the admin here said a minimum amperage of 3A was required. You really need to check all the specs of the cells before purchase.

Hi Andy. Thanks for the input. Yes, I'll double check and get back to you although I don't see me completing the task before tomorrow evening at the earliest. Oh, such is life! lol

Hi Hylander

As you are getting more working by reinserting plugs ect I would investigate further along this path. I know this may involve some dismantling but after a complete check and things are not still working as they are now will indicate the things to re-check.


Andy

I had issues with the wiring. I had plugged the head motor into the right leg port and leg into head port. How I did that is beyond me. I'm normally good with the electronics.
So my right leg was turning slowly and the head, when I turned it to the stop, flew at top speed the other way. LOL
I suggest this. Take the head off and unplug the orange pi. You can switch it on without it. Then you can see the head motor turning. Insert a piece of card between the head sensor on r2's left. It should then turn the other way. If NOT, try the card in the other sensor.if the motor changes direction then it shows the sensors are plugged in the wrong way round.
I think a lot of problems stem from the control unit being mounted in an awkward position, and us lot trying to "judge" the correct port. If it unclipped so we could lift it up to see it better then things would have gone smoother.
Also check the connectors are fully home. I put my finger behind the board so I could get a better push on them.
Good luck!