Finally got around to fine tuning my 3D printer and have printed my lander base plate (the plate that the legs attach to). I haven't posted much on this because there wasn't much interest but figured I'd try to contribute in response to the current threads on the forums stating lack of activity.
Previous Lander builds were prototypes and were cut from ABS sheets and modified using a dremmel.
This is the lander main base plate printing, and the lander main base plate completed (see the hinges extending). The impressions allow the legs to angle (so they are not level with the base plate when locked). You are looking at the bottom, the rover sits on the top:
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This is the leg locking plate, it retracts pressing the legs into the recessed areas of the base plate (seen above):
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Here are some "dry fit" shots of a leg installed, and the base plate engaged (note the leg pitch in the last image ~ this is right side up ~ the rover would sit on top of this plate):
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Super cool. Been following this thread the whole time. I think your lack of activity is more due to having put this in Odd-Rocks which doesn't seem to get much activity compared to other sub forums.
3D printed electronics bay: Built it so it could be stacked/unstacked in the field ~ for pre-flight component prep and (hopefully) post flight component data download
2 Raven 3's (redundant) for flight event triggering, one Eagle Tree logger (I like the logging this does), and 2 808 #16 HD keychain cameras. The cameras are the good ones (the legitimate 808 #16's) with the D lens (wide angle). I have 15" and 25" extensions for the camera sensors themselves ~ they will be mounted on the lander to film rover maneuvers from two angles.
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Yes, sorry for the delays in updates ~ still a GO ~ I started a new job June 2nd so progress has been minor in June. I have been working on it, just nothing "exciting" to speak of but here's a quick update:
The stack (the assembled lander top to bottom I refer to as the "stack") is almost 100% printed and assembled. All the plates (power, rover, electronics) are done ~ although the electronics bay I redesigned again and is queued to print overnight. I had to re-engineer how the pyro circuit safety pin worked, and where it was located: Since the lander has pyros and sits inside the rocket airframe I need access to the pyro circuit safety pin from the outside (so the pyros are not armed until I am on the pad). The upper plate (where the pyros, main power switch, and chute attachments are located) is actually printing as I type this (on hr 8 of 8.5):
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The great thing about 3D printing is the freedom you are afforded (custom designs, 1 off parts, etc.). For me the greatest benefit is quick prototyping ~ on CAD (or paper napkins) solutions look good, then you print and realize it could have been done differently (even if only slightly). So you go back, start fine tuning and next thing you know 6 hours have passed (they fly by when on CAD ~ I have too much fun lol). You then have to wait another 5-8 (+/-) hours for the part to print. The fact that I keep tinkering and fine tuning is also a major reason it's slow going . And so it goes... 1 part may take an entire day, or up to a week depending on "life" and "tinkering".
This being the July 4th holiday weekend I have 4 full days off ~ of which I plan to use as much as possible to get the stack fully assembled, and if I'm lucky I may even get the electronics and wiring completed!
I'll post updates on this 4 day "sprint" as well. Thanks for the interest and keeping me accountable .
I'm using the Archetype Cable Cutter from Fruity Chutes (the red cylinder) to cut a Kevlar thread that wraps the lander (spirally from top to bottom) to hold the legs in place.
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