Solar Finder

Solar Finder

thingiverse

This is a solar finder. (Always use appropriate filters when observing the sun!) I designed it in small enough parts, so that I could print it on my resin printer. There are now 3 Versions of the target: - Original version ("Solar_Finder_Target.stl"): This version should be considered experimental! The printed spring should work with the right resin. It needs to be tough an remain flexible. Maybe a nylon-like resin might work? Be very careful when you remove the support, or you will break the "spring". - v2 ("Solar_Finder_Target_v2.stl" and "Solar_Finder_Frame_v2.stl"): This doesn't use any springy part. A bit fiddly to adjust, because you always need to turn 2 screws at once. - v3 ("Solar_Finder_Target_v3.stl" and "Solar_Finder_Frame_v3.stl"): This uses a spring from a ballpoint pen. A bit fiddly to assemble, but works great. I sourced the spring from a BIC ecolutions ballpoint pen. This spring has an outer diameter of 4.5 mm and a length of 25 mm. I also put a small piece of a toothpick (diameter about 2.5 mm, length about 12-13 mm) inside the spring to give it some lateral stability. Sand down the back side of the target until it freely slides. You will also need: - 0.7 mm drill (to clean out the pinhole) - 5 mm drill (v3 only, to clean out the hole for the spring) - 6 mm drill (to clean out the holes for the connecting rods) - M3 tap - 2 x M3 thump screw - 6 x M3 set screw - 2 x 6 mm rod, steel or other stiff material, approx. 200 mm long - v3 only: spring, approx. 4.5 mm x 25 mm (e.g. from a ballpoint pen) and a small section of a toothpick or something similar Print this with a tough, engineering type resin. (I used Eono ABS like resin from Amazon.) It should also work with a filament printer.

Download Model from thingiverse

With this file you will be able to print Solar Finder with your 3D printer. Click on the button and save the file on your computer to work, edit or customize your design. You can also find more 3D designs for printers on Solar Finder.