• Unfortunate End

    Brandon Langdon • 08/24/2017 at 22:04 • 0 comments

    During a move we stored all my supplies and parts. Things have been a bit chaotic but when I went to retrieve everything I found everything covered in mold and mildew.

    We've been dealing with the recovery of many of our belongings and assessing the damage.

    Most of the electronics are okay but all the wooden parts are beyond saving due to severe warping.

    Unless I stumble across another 3D printer, preferably non-functional, for free I'm considering this project scrapped for the time being. I might revive this as a 2020 extrusion version in the future.

    Thank you for your interest.

    -BFL

  • Software Considerations

    Brandon Langdon • 05/31/2017 at 18:54 • 0 comments

    I have a couple options to look at based on:

    What I want:

    Front panel screen for slicer display, final model display, progress, and high level functionality. For this I was considering using the damaged chrome book and sending sliced files to a RaspberryPi which would control the stepper driver and output the image to the projector. User can then switch to the VGA output and front panel display option from the projector to view the currently projected displayed slice.

    Problems:

    I will have to spend time developing all of the software for this project as it will require a slicer, two-way communication via Ethernet or USB, and other customizations that I'm sure I've not even considered yet.

    Possible solution for more immediate test and progress:

    Build the printer as intended with the dual computer control. Use NanoDLP to setup a control system on the Raspberry Pi for testing and general practice use. The chromebook would just be installed as a future upgrade, sandbox, and communication with the RaspberryPi.

    https://www.nanodlp.com

    I'm hoping to get settled down and do some work on the CAD files soon.

  • Delays

    Brandon Langdon • 05/24/2017 at 21:44 • 0 comments

    Between life and work there isn't a whole lot of time for projects and this is made worse when parts don't arrive. I've been waiting on an adapter for the M1-D(P&D) to DVI-D cable adapter so while that's in transit I think we'll try using just the VESA-in to move the setup forward.

  • HDMI Adapter Arrived

    Brandon Langdon • 05/12/2017 at 17:46 • 0 comments

    Purchased a flat panel adapter (FPA) in early April and it took 38 days from that date to arrive, but it's here now. This converter is designed for the flat panel screen I'm using, LTN170WX-L08. These let you take any screen panel and turn it into a digital display with and HDMI, DVI, and VGA in. You can also ask the seller to do other connector types (ie display port or RCA video) but the price ramps up pretty fast for the custom functionality. Cost was $24 for this basic and common one. If one is to want to change the panel a new board will need to be ordered for that screen unless they happen to be the exact same connector. Irritatingly there isn't much of a consistent connector from panel to panel so one always needs to plan ahead for this.

    Flat panel connection:

    Comparison to the new adapter to manufacturer (top to bottom). Note the position of, what I assume, is power (in red/orange and copper,)and the more numerous data signal wires. I think I will add my own label before installing to always keep track on the position.

    A permanent marker is also useful for making an asymmetric mark that crosses from the cable and onto the connector (digitally drawn as example).

    Another item to show up was a CFL to LED converter which just so happens to be compatible with the flat panel adapter.

    The power connector header from the flat panel adapter is the same so it saves me a bit of soldering


  • Original 3D Printer 3D CAD

    Brandon Langdon • 05/11/2017 at 17:55 • 0 comments

    One of the areas that I struggle with in my projects is ensuring I have everything to finish it. To combat this issue I began to heavily make use of 3D modeling to get organized and plan. For this project and the "infinite build dual head 3D Printer" I started with a model of the original printer I am building from.

  • 3D Printer

    Brandon Langdon • 05/02/2017 at 05:53 • 0 comments

    Tore down the old FDM printer to only the components still useful for this project.

    We are left with:

    • Frame
    • Linear rods
    • iGus linear bearings
    • Nema stepper motor, this one is a Nema 11 with a built on screw. It can be any stepper motor with a screw coupled in some manner.