Brilliant
TOS Communicator Build
- Thread starter turner3d
- Start date
turner3d
Active Member
I thought I'd post something that wasn't a red communicator test print for a change - this is a static build (none of the insides) of my model after getting most of the final treatment. So, the one I'm building with sound and an animated moire will look just like this one.
Everything was FDM printed on a Bambu P1S except for the gems (which are the correct size and color rhinestones used in the Alpha) and the moire pattern, which was laser printer on plain old paper.
Everything was FDM printed on a Bambu P1S except for the gems (which are the correct size and color rhinestones used in the Alpha) and the moire pattern, which was laser printer on plain old paper.
turner3d
Active Member
The new beta release of Orca Slicer (v2.3) has some new fuzzy skin algorithms which look promising. When I was using the original engine with the .05x.05 settings, I went with a .2mm layer height to get them spread out as much as possible since it randomizes the noise for each layer, with no connection between them. The chunky layer height made some of the accuracy suffer.
The new algorithms persist patterns across layers, so I was able to go back to .08mm layer height and get some decently sized features, as seen in these 1/2-width samples from the bottom shape. They're at a .2mm depth which is a little too much, but you get the idea.
Left
Algorithm: Voronoi
Point distance: 0.02mm
Skin depth: 0.2mm
Feature size: 0.4mm
Right
Algorithm: Ridged Multifractal
Point distance: .02mm
Skin depth: 0.2mm
Feature size: 0.4mm
Noise octaves: 1
turner3d
Active Member
BTW, this is for anyone wanting to 3d print a pretty convincing haircell. AFAIK, this algorithm is only available in Orca Slicer beta 2.3:
Layer height: .08mm
Wall generation: Arachne
Fuzzy Skin: Contour
Algorithm: Voronoi
Point distance: 0.02mm
Skin depth: 0.1mm
Feature size: 0.4mm
The "classic" fuzzy skin algorithm just randomized the position of the nozzle a little on each layer, with no continuity from one layer to the next. As you can see from this closeup of a slice, the new fuzzy skin algorithms generate shapes which cover multiple layers. It's not exactly a haircell, but it's really close to the general look and feel of it.
Layer height: .08mm
Wall generation: Arachne
Fuzzy Skin: Contour
Algorithm: Voronoi
Point distance: 0.02mm
Skin depth: 0.1mm
Feature size: 0.4mm
The "classic" fuzzy skin algorithm just randomized the position of the nozzle a little on each layer, with no continuity from one layer to the next. As you can see from this closeup of a slice, the new fuzzy skin algorithms generate shapes which cover multiple layers. It's not exactly a haircell, but it's really close to the general look and feel of it.
turner3d
Active Member
Well, I have good news and I have bad news - more than one of each.
- Good News: I got all of the decorative stuff printed out for the front, and the chrome pieces painted with Molotow Liquid Chrome.
- Bad News: Liquid Chrome has to cure for at least a week before it's sturdy enough to be handled without smudging and turning into what looks like white ash.
- Bad News: My clock motor died. Nothing traumatic happened - it was just working one minute, and then not.
- Good News: It was so cheap that I ordered a 2-pack when I bought the clock, so I have an extra.
- Good News: nothing is glued or permanently mounted in the communicator - all components can be disconnected and removed without destroying anything.
This just keeps getting better and better!
turner3d
Active Member
For anyone curious, this is what's on the inside. As I think I've mentioned already, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this DFPlayer board. It sounds great and is plenty loud, but it requires a LOT of juice - I'm pretty sure it's not meant to be run from a battery. A 3.7V Lithium Polymer drone battery does the trick, but you have to be really careful when dealing with that much power in such a tight space.
That does look great! Can't wait to see this finished.
finalfrontier
Well-Known Member
Love it, GREAT work and design!!
turner3d
Active Member
While putting the finishing touches on the design, I decided it needed a display stand. I like the Wand stand's vibe with the angled presentation, but didn't want it to sit so high up and also didn't want to have to mess with magnets. Two small hooks grab the midplate at the bottom and hold it at an angle that works for both open and closed display.
Also fun - having built the communicator model, it was very nice to be able to copy curves right out of that model into the model of the stand. It makes for a crazy perfect fit.
Also fun - having built the communicator model, it was very nice to be able to copy curves right out of that model into the model of the stand. It makes for a crazy perfect fit.
turner3d
Active Member
Absolutely. It will be on CGTrader to start (will be under $20). I'm currently working on an assembly guide and polishing up the whole package, hence the new stand
