Build A Mobile Bar - BaR2D2

Thanks for the compliments! While I "enjoy" the Star Wars flicks, I am not gung-ho about them. I have seen them all, but probably only a couple of times. As for the degree, I have one in advertising/public relations/journalism. Most of my crazy building projects are self-taught from experiences here and there. Note - the images you see on this instructable are the older ones without the computerized liquor carousel.

thanks. as for the extra room, at first, there was a steel container that held dry ice to help keep the beers cold. it did ok, but if I could put 3 more beers in there, it would hold an 18 pack. I had considered springs that would push the next beer into place after one left to fill the empty hole. jamie

for the limit switches to control the spin of the table and the elevator, you need to make sure these things happen: limit switch that is actuated by the elevator hitting its full down position. This allows the spin motor to energize. limit switch that is actuated by the "teeth" of the spin table. This will interupt power to the elevator unless the table is in a position for the elevator to go up without hitting a tooth. limit switch (reed switch) that is actuated by the beer bottle. This kills power to the spin table as soon as a beer hits it. when the beer goes up and the elevator goes back down, the next beer advances. A 3 way switch for loading, unloading, and off position. This reverses the table for loading, and then allows for forward motion of the table. In your application, another 3 way switch would probably be used to actuate the beers instead of a remote control. jamie

I used the chrome detail trim that is adhesive backed to cover all that. Comes in different colors, sizes, and styles at autozone and similar. check out www.jamiepricecreative.com and scroll through the pics. jamie

Are you building just the turn table and need to stop the beers, or are you building an elevator too? jamie

BaR2D2 will be appearing in an upcoming issue of Popular Science Magazine (should be May?). Also, it will appear on a Discovery Channel show that will air sometime in May (tentatively called Loose Screws). It will also be going to Atlanta for Dragon*con Labor Day weekend. thanks! jamie

Are you talking about the blue? If so, that is blue sintra plastic (about 1/8"thick). If you are talking about the black, that is spray on truck bed liner. jamie

I have seen that system. This system basically uses pumps and switches. You can get switches at Radio Shack and custom make your own plate. Another place to google is barmonkey. they have been experimenting with this type of thing. one note about washer pumps - some say they are fine, but some say they are concerned about the oils and seals in them being toxic. just something to think about.

Momentary switches are sold anywhere electronic parts are sold. As for their pumps, they are probably using food grade pumps or non-contact pumps. As for complexity, I thought the barmonkey setup was one of the more straight forward ones I have seen. jamie

No, I don't know where to specifically get the ones in the picture. jamie

Thanks! :) I appreciate the feedback. It was definitely a LONG build and I love to see people's reaction to BaR2 when he wheels around a corner. ps - did you see the upgrade progress on step 16? Almost done! jamie

I am farther along on the automated drink mixer now. Check out the new pics on step #16. This unit will replace the shot dispenser that is on the bot now. jamie

Thanks for the compliments! To answer some questions regarding the upgrade: I ordered the parts to be cut from the waterjetter this week (you can see the parts layout I designed (my buddy Ken helped draw them for CAD) in the last step). To give you an idea, the system uses a tiny compressed air tank (120psi) and regulates that down to about 9-12psi. That air is fed into 6 plastic ingredient bottles that are equipped with another outlet/siphon tube. The outlet is then connected to a solenoid valve (6 bottles, 6 valves). The solenoids are turned off and on with 12volts. I am getting a circuit board that does i/o switching and a drink database from a guy who designed the software. More on that when it comes... I will probably do a whole instructable on just the liquor system upgrade as many people might be interested in that... To the comment about putting a keg in a bot - let me try to disuade you - it will foam like crazy. Bottle and cans work great, but the keg didn't work for Shi%. The first iteration of BaR2D2 was called Keg2d2... he is no longer with us :) Remember to vote! :)

I am designing my air/bottle setup for this application. I am working from a design that I saw that used C02 and a little more complicated stuff. I opted for compressed air because I can use a miniature compressor to fill it in a minute or two while at an event vs having to find a co2 shop. The solenoids are off the shelf items from mcmastercarr. I will definitely shed more light on the system when the electronics are nailed down. :)

The automated dispenser is VERY close to being finished.. stay tuned :) jamie