R2D2 5 Port USB Power supply unit. This is the droid your looking for. by Grasshopper1221
I have all these nice USB  lamps and other thing's I have been making and I needed a power supply for these so they don't use up all of USB's on my PC. So I had this old R2D2 toy from like 1993  that has been collecting dust & cigarette tar for the last 18 years so i figured why not make him into a cool USB power HUB.
The USB HUB I am using don't transfer data but the power side works just fine, For those of you who want the whole shebang find a good working USB HUB that will fit in him.
 
Remove these adsRemove these ads by Signing Up

Step 1: Part's & tools

SNC00618.jpg
SNC00695.jpg
SNC00655.jpg
SNC00673.jpg
Safety is always FIRST!!! 
This Instructable  requires the use of a very sharp knife,dremel rotary tool and a drill.
Be sure to wear gloves and Eye Protection!!!!
_________________________________________________________________

 PARTS

1. 6 inch StarWars R2D2 toy.
2. Spare USB cable.
3. Female USB receptacle.
4. 4 Port USB hub. (mine was broken only power)
5. Red LED  for this project, you may add as many as you like I went with only 1.

TOOLS
 
1. Good solid utility knife with a shape Blade.
2. 1/8 & 3/16 Flathead Screwdriver's #1 Phillips Screwdriver.
3. Soldering Iron, flux & solder.
4. Hot glue Gun.
5. needle nose pliers.
6. wire cutters and strippers.

Winged Fist says: May 5, 2012. 12:34 PM
Hey Grasshopper: Just came across a Japanese company that is marketing an R2D2 USB Hub! I like yours better;-)
Grasshopper1221 (author) says: May 5, 2012. 4:10 PM
They must have seen it here first. :)
Thanks for the support.
Winged Fist says: Feb 22, 2012. 10:46 PM
Grasshopper - I found the perfect companion for your RSD@ USB hub: The Millennium Falcon G4 Server!;-)

I just happened to have acquired an old G4 Powerbook, but I don't think it will ever make the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs;-)
Grasshopper1221 (author) says: Feb 22, 2012. 11:45 PM
That is the coolest thing I have seen yet for starwars! thanks for the link!!!
Winged Fist says: Feb 5, 2012. 10:06 AM
This is an awesome idea, fantastic implementation and a really well documented instructable! I'd just like to see a few photos of this R2 unit powering some of your fine steampunk USB lamps!;-)
Grasshopper1221 (author) says: Feb 5, 2012. 10:24 AM
Thank you! I'm working on that photo now I gave a few lamps away to family so I am waiting for them to return them for a photo shoot. :)
If all goes as planed the photo will be up by the end of the day!
Winged Fist says: Feb 6, 2012. 9:35 AM
Love the photos of R2 powering your lamps! Now that's the droid I was looking for;-)

I've got a collection of USB powered lamps (Steampunk USB mini-lantern, and Dieselpunk USB lamp, and more to come;-), and you've given me some great ideas for a steampunk themed USB hub to plug them into... Thanks!
Grasshopper1221 (author) says: Feb 6, 2012. 9:37 AM
Can't wait to see it!!
Winged Fist says: Feb 5, 2012. 11:32 AM
Hey grasshopper - If you can't get all your lamps on set at the same time for a photo shoot, there's always photoshop!;-)

Just had a thought: Maybe a Star Wars Pez dispenser usb lamp to plug into R2D2? I bought one of these for my brother for Christmas last at Toys-R-Us for a few dollars...
Grasshopper1221 (author) says: Feb 5, 2012. 2:37 PM
Ok there be a couple photo's of the gang. I got a crap ton of those pez dispensers I will fix ya something up!
Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

PDF Downloads
As a Pro member, you will gain access to download any Instructable in the PDF format. You also have the ability to customize your PDF download.

Upgrade to Pro today!