Starting work on a full body scanner

When I get a bug, I just can’t stop.  I’ve been trying to do a full body scan with Skanect and ReconstructMe but I just can’t get good results by freehanding.  And I can’t scan myself by hand.  So I’ve decided to try building a rig similar to OpenSkan.  It would be great if the OpenSkan project was actually open as in open source but other than a general description and demo video, I haven’t been able to locate any kind of build instructions so I will be documenting my own build here.

I spent the last couple days carving out a platform from low grade plywood, developing software for the arduino UNO, and assembling some electronics.  I am not trying to build the best scanner, just the best I can with what I already have laying around my workshop.

The Controller Project – Wrap up

I was able to send off the last prototype with spare parts to a guy in Sweden.  I think it’ll make his gaming easier and more enjoyable.  I can’t thank Caleb Kraft enough for the opportunity to help.  Check out his good work at The Controller Project

Also, I received my toolkit and mat today.  I am impressed with the quality and compact packaging.  This is the perfect kit for working on the smaller scale electronics.  I could have used this when I replaced the screen on my cell phone.

toolkit

The Controller Project – the penultimate entry

My how this thing has grown out of control.  I was browsing the forum at thecontrollerproject.com and saw someone needed a way to use the front buttons on a console controller with one hand.  So here’s my solution for them.  Files and video posted to: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:157678

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All those levers enable the player to control both sides with one hand.

Cool Beans!

The Controller Project – Video

Assembly video and function check now available at: http://youtu.be/HokVD6yf2xE

After perusing The Controller Project forums, I saw that another solution was begging to be made that pulls all the front buttons to one side so I’m currently printing another modification.

The Controller Project Contest Entry

Finished the initial design for the XBox 360 controller mod for The Controller Project contest.  Source files and instructions listed at Thingiverse:  http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:157222

This is sturdy and functional and can be printed on a 6 x 6 printer bed.

Will post assembly and demo video later.  Any suggestions for improvement will be acted upon!  Especially if you are using this thing.

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Blinds Keeper

I couldn’t find a set of those little clips that hold your blinds in place so they don’t thrash about when you open the door.  A few minutes with OpenSCAD and 18 minutes on the printer and now I have one more household project tackled!  It would have cost more at the store if I could have found them, and I’ve already spent more time looking at Lowes and online for these than I did making them myself.

Blinds Keeper (2)

Blinds Keeper

3d printed parts for my chess table

I’ve had some chess pieces for over 20 years that were too big for a normal chess table.  I set out to make a table that would accommodate the larger pieces.  During the construction, I realized that I didn’t account for drawer slides.  I wasn’t sure if the low profile slides would work and it seemed like a lot more effort to make them fit.  So I threw together a design in Sketchup and printed the mount and slide shown below.  This thing works great to center the drawer and prevent it from tipping or coming all the way out. It also saved me about $30 for a pair of slides.

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While I was at it, I downloaded the DrawerPullMaker.scad file from thingiverse and whipped up a couple of knobs for the drawers.

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And some checkers for the kids. I made a derivative of the checker on Thingiverse so that I could add my own graphics. My kids love that they can pick their own design.

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I blew the chance to use my CNC router to create some inlay work on the side panels. Now I’m looking at some options to 3d print or laser cut something to dress it up.

i2c Panel for the 3d Printer

Added a page for the i2c panel I made for the CNC Conversion.  This setup uses stock parts from Adafruit to get the i2c capability and the firmware from the Think3dPrint3d Panelolu 2.  I needed a second panel to run the CNC 3d Printer so I can leave the laptop available for the Laser!  Now to make an i2c breakout board for the Panelolu…