I know what I'll be doing over the holidays (other than ArduPilot projects and the T3-4 contest): assembling my new MakerBot. An open source 3D printer for less than $1,000. I can make ABS plastic objects with .4mm precision up to 4"x4"x6". What should I make?
I made a canopy for my FPV camera using my FDM machine. It's the same concept. It's only 1.5mm wall thickness and weighs~ 25 grams. I'm going to redo it for the AP, remove the camera features and put a mount for the Pitot tube, radio, GPS etc. I'll share this weekend when it's done.
Look over http://www.flickr.com/groups/makerbot while you're waiting at your day job to go home & get some work done. It doesn't print layers as much as it weaves a bead. It could make a mold but not a canopy.
If i may make a suggestion....
Easy canopy..definitley...as we have lost and or hollowed out a number of twin star canopies as AP holders....
BUT...
Pan and tilt carrier..not the normal type, but a sphere, split in 2 with the top 1/3rd open, gear teeth around the inside, then with 3 ball bearings and the board cam fitted to the ball, with 2 aligning pegs(to stop it continuusly rotating or paning), you have a full 360, with 0-90+pan, its somthing we have been working on, but getting a plastic ball of the rigth size is next to impossible, so we have been using chilrdrens ,play set balls, with limited success.....if you see waht im getting at?
no longer trying to make a 120 deg servo push over 180, but only run inside with gears to create the 360...
just an idea....
been drooling over Z Corp 3d printers for years......this is very cool.
+1 on the easystar canopy idea. My ArduPilot has gotten a little beat up on some insufficiently planned landings =), and it would be nice to have it up out of the way.
I assume the material is fairly "carve-able"? ie: I use magnets to attach my canopies.
Comments
Easy canopy..definitley...as we have lost and or hollowed out a number of twin star canopies as AP holders....
BUT...
Pan and tilt carrier..not the normal type, but a sphere, split in 2 with the top 1/3rd open, gear teeth around the inside, then with 3 ball bearings and the board cam fitted to the ball, with 2 aligning pegs(to stop it continuusly rotating or paning), you have a full 360, with 0-90+pan, its somthing we have been working on, but getting a plastic ball of the rigth size is next to impossible, so we have been using chilrdrens ,play set balls, with limited success.....if you see waht im getting at?
no longer trying to make a 120 deg servo push over 180, but only run inside with gears to create the 360...
just an idea....
been drooling over Z Corp 3d printers for years......this is very cool.
Nice one chris!
Looks like my next project. Thanks for the inspiration :-)
I assume the material is fairly "carve-able"? ie: I use magnets to attach my canopies.
Definitely jealous!
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