Author: James

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Making screw free joints for Blind Controller

To allow for quicker installation as well as improved asthetics of my automated blind controller I am redesigning the gear surround and cover to enable them to be joined to one another without screws.

Attempt 1.

For my first attempt I tried a push pin type connector, the resulting design snapped together but broke when I then tried to separate the two parts.

SnapDesign1.jpg

Attempt 2.

For my second attempt I am trying a dovetail join and have cropped the print such that I can test the joint before printing the piece entirely (should have thought of this the first time round!).

SnapDesign2.jpg

Success!

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How To: Smooth PLA Prints

In this brief article I will show you how I smooth PLA after printing.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Step 1. Rough Sand using a dremel

Get rid of any excess support material and major defects using coarse sandpaper or a dremel multitool. Wet and dry using warm soapy water.

Step 2. Fill holes with plastic putty

Cover rough surfaces with plastic putty and spread using fingers, leave some excess as we will be sanding this away after. I use, Masilla, it works great! Allow to dry for 2 hours.

Step 3: Sand excess putty

Using 400-600 grade sand paper, remove any excess putty leaving a flat, relatively smooth surface.  Clean and dry prior to next step.

Step 4: Prime

Prime part using numerous light coats of primer. Allow 30 minutes between coats.

Step 5: Final Sand

Once the part is fully primed, sand using 800 grade, clean and dry and sand again using 1000 grade. Finally repeat the process with 1500 grade. Clean and dry and the part should be perfectly smooth ready for painting.

Step 6: Paint!

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Welcome

Welcome to cabuu, Arduino and Alexa tutorials and projects to make you and your home smarter. Check back soon and subscribe to my youtube channel for updates.

James

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Automatic Blind Controller Alexa Demonstration

A demonstration of my automatic blind controller using Alexa via the remote. All parts were designed and 3D printed. Control is via an Arduino nano and RF switch. See my other videos for assembly. Further details and 3D printable parts available via thingiverse:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2631414

As well as the 3D printed parts, you will need the following items:

1 x L298N 2 Channel DC Motor Driver
https://www.banggood.com/Dual-Channel-L298N-DC-Motor-Driver-Board-PWM-Speed-Dual-H-Bridge-Stepper-Module-p-1162946.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ

1 x DC 12V Worm Gear and Motor (10-50 rpm)
https://www.banggood.com/DC-12V-356065110220rpm-Worm-Gear-Box-Reduction-Motor-p-1197020.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ

1 x Arduino Nano
https://www.banggood.com/ATmega328P-Nano-V3-Controller-Board-Compatible-Arduino-p-940937.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ

2 x DC Female Jacks
https://www.banggood.com/10pcs-5_5-x-2_1mm-DC-Power-Supply-Female-Jack-Socket-p-1062018.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ

1 x IC2262 RF Transmitter/Reciever (433/315MHz depending on country)
https://www.banggood.com/IC2262-2272-M4-4-Channel-Wireless-Remote-Lock-Receiving-Board-With-Remote-Control-p-1031857.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ

1 x Small PCB Board
https://www.banggood.com/40pcs-FR-4-Double-Side-Prototype-PCB-Printed-Circuit-Board-p-995732.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ

1 x 12V DC PSU
Various M3 Bolts
Ribbon Cables and Dupont Connectors
1 x Yellow LED
1 x Green LED
2 x Plastic Square Buttons
6/7 Resistors
1 x Photo Resistor (Optional)

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Automatic Blind Controller Assembly

A brief assembly video for my self designed and 3D printed automatic blind controller. Uses an Arduino nano and RF switch. Further details and videos to follow, in the meantime please post any questions in the comments below.

3D designs available via thingiverse:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2631414

As well as the 3D printed parts, you will need the following items:

1 x L298N 2 Channel DC Motor Driver
https://www.banggood.com/Dual-Channel-L298N-DC-Motor-Driver-Board-PWM-Speed-Dual-H-Bridge-Stepper-Module-p-1162946.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ

1 x DC 12V Worm Gear and Motor (10-50 rpm)
https://www.banggood.com/DC-12V-356065110220rpm-Worm-Gear-Box-Reduction-Motor-p-1197020.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ

1 x Arduino Nano
https://www.banggood.com/ATmega328P-Nano-V3-Controller-Board-Compatible-Arduino-p-940937.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ

2 x DC Female Jacks
https://www.banggood.com/10pcs-5_5-x-2_1mm-DC-Power-Supply-Female-Jack-Socket-p-1062018.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ

1 x IC2262 RF Transmitter/Reciever (433/315MHz depending on country)
https://www.banggood.com/IC2262-2272-M4-4-Channel-Wireless-Remote-Lock-Receiving-Board-With-Remote-Control-p-1031857.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ

1 x Small PCB Board
https://www.banggood.com/40pcs-FR-4-Double-Side-Prototype-PCB-Printed-Circuit-Board-p-995732.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ

1 x 12V DC PSU
Various M3 Bolts
Ribbon Cables and Dupont Connectors
1 x Yellow LED
1 x Green LED
2 x Plastic Square Buttons
6/7 Resistors
1 x Photo Resistor (Optional)