This is a tutorial to make a low tech pipe compass that will enable easy measurement for placement of next superadobe bags during the construction on CalEarth Dome structures.

Final product: Low tech pipe compass. 

Pros

• It can rotate and maneuver over different construction elements easily. 
• It helps builders measure the exact location for the placement for the next bag. 
• It can fold flat vertically when not in use to accommodate uninterrupted movement on the build site.
• It is stable and easy to attach and detach and move to different layers. 
• It is affordable and robust. (can withstand dusty build sites)

The compass can be flattened vertically as shown in the image - It becomes a vertical member in the center of the build site and does not create any obstructions for the build process. The metal attachment enables builders to move the horizontal measuring pipe very easily without the need of any tools. 

Step 1: These two parts designed using Rhino where 3D printed. These will be the Part A and Part B of the Pipe compass. 

Step 2: A polyvinyl chloride PVC pipe is used as the measuring pipe and the 3D printed Part A is inserted into it. 

Step 3: The Part be is attached with a metal clip which can enable attached of the Part to the metal clamp. 

Step 4: Part A and Part B are attached to each other with a ball & socket joint which will enable the movement of the Pipes.

Step 5: All the parts are attached to each other and the measuring pipe can rotate and move on top of the Superadobe bag to enable measuring the placement of the next bag. 

Please watch this entire video to have complete understanding of how to install the vertical pipe to the ground. 

Next steps: 

• Pipe compass needs to be integrated with the digital measuring device. (Currently they are not) 
• Needs a product designer to convert the 3D printed files into moulds for casting Part A and Part B in HDP Polymer. Then the parts will be more durable and ready for testing on ground. 
• A test from start to end of production and assembly needs to be tested to make the product - Market ready. 
• A rough estimate of 5000$ is needed for this product to be made market ready.

This pipe compass will be sent to a build site for testing and user feedback will be gathered to make improvements.