Tip: 3d Printed Accessories

[dtw_rv6]

Here are a few of my 3d printed accessories - all in polycarbonate and printed on my home brewed Prusa i3 style printer. 3d modelling is in solid works, and I use both Cura and Slic3r to output the machine codes:

1. This is my overengineered drink caddy. It also includes pockets for sunglasses, two usb thumb drives, and a miscellaneous slot that I use for keys and/or usb cables. The vise grips were for a temporary fit up. I've replaced it with 2x #8 screws/platenuts since this photo was taken.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_...kpuRldwckN6S3c

2. Replacement battery box for my EarthX. On top of the weight savings of dumping my PC680, I realized that the aluminum box that came with my -6 kit weighs a lot too. This one checks in at around 1 pound.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_...y1ZTXFCMV9JVjQ

3. Bose headset volume controller cradle. I fastened this to the side of the cockpit. The arm hanging off to the side is just big enough to hang the headset on when I'm getting in and out of the cockpit. I mount it just under the panel elevation so I don't snag it on my leg. I also have one for my Zulu headset. The controller easily comes out for battery changes:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_...zNpcXpvQ2w0RWc

[Weasel]

I have a lot of fun playing with the 3d printer, it also really can push a guy close to insanity.

[Bob Martin]

wow...nice work...
I can barely use a paper printer.....I am old!

[dtw_rv6]

Originally Posted by Weasel

I have a lot of fun playing with the 3d printer, it also really can push a guy close to insanity.

I never really thought I had ADD until I installed a camera on my printer for controlling it remotely. I'm usually watching it on my laptop out of the corner of my eye when eating dinner or watching the evening news. I used to do it because I hadn't learned how to reliably get good bed adhesion, but now it's just mesmerizing to watch my parts growing out of the nozzle.

I built this printer after I convinced myself that I really didn't need a used bridgeport and lathe in my basement for making this type of stuff from metal. In the end I think I made a good choice. The printer is much simpler, quieter, and cleaner to have in the house. Not sure my wife fully appreciates that though

Don

[Steve Melton]

nice work Don.

I have an antenna that looks like this.



How can I make it look more like this and gain a few knots?



or this?

[Weasel]

Originally Posted by Steve Melton

nice work Don.

I have an antenna that looks like this.



How can I make it look more like this and gain a few knots?



or this?

Good idea Steve maybe if you would model the antenna that you have then give it some Clarence and make a fairing in the shape that you want around it. Basically a hollow fairing slipped over the existing antenna and use the same mount holes to secure it.

[rv7charlie]

Google the effective shape of a swept cylinder, 1st. You might find a better use of your time/plastic.
:-)

[Steve Melton]

didn't find much. not much sweep on this antenna.

[rv7charlie]

Originally Posted by Steve Melton

didn't find much. not much of sweep on this antenna.

I'm on the road & can't find the reference, but take an imaginary slice through the antenna shaft, normal to the air flow. It will yield a section fairly close to a streamline, or teardrop, without the pointed tail. Not perfect, but much lower drag than a cylinder. IIRC, that's why they are swept.

[Steve Melton]

ok, I understand the concept. thanks.

data from the website.
first antenna
The antenna is designed to operate at speeds up to 350 mph and altitudes of 50,000 ft. It has a drag force of 3.43 lb @ 250 mph

second antenna
The antenna is designed to operate at speeds up to 350 mph and altitudes of 50,000 ft. It has a drag force of 0.85 lb. @ 250 mph.