discussion / Biologging  / 14 September 2017

Repository for 3D models of tracking devices

Hello everybody,

This message is to start a repository for printable 3D models of tracking devices.

It is never easy to get an idea of the size and proportions of tracking devices: manufacturers' pictures are often very technical and dry, and galleries of deployed tags, though placing the tags in context, often show important parts hidden by feathers or fur. 

With the development of 3D printing, it is now possible to easily and affordably print 3D dummy models of tracking devices, for training, design or testing purposes. Here, I encourage manufacturers and fellow trackers to share 3D models of the devices they produce and devices they use.

  • Model designers should endeavour to design models whose dimensions are as close as possible to the actual devices. As much as possible, they should describe how their designs are different from actual devices (sharper corners, indents, antenna, materials, etc). 
  • Model users should remember that shared models are only intended to give them a better idea of the proportions of devices: models are dummies made by amateurs and should not be expected to exactly reflect the specifications of actual tracking devices. Users ought to contact manufacturers and should not make purchases based on 3D models only.

3D models can be designed with a variety of software. Among them, SketchUp (https://www.sketchup.com/) is a free, user-friendly 3D software with a large amount of community support (please do not use this thread for software or design support: this thread should be for finished 3D models only). Designers should incorporate a way to add weight to the dummy, as the printed model will be lighter than the actual device.

Ensure that the finished model is printer-ready by checking it for design errors:  the website Materialise Cloud (https://cloud.materialise.com/ 10 uploads allowed with a free account) allows to check for errors and "repair" 3D models, decrease number of triangles, check wall width, etc., and to download a printer-ready .stl file

3D files can be shared as .skp or .stl files. WildLabs currently does not allow to upload these formats  but it is possible to get around the restriction: change the file format from .skp/.stl to .pdf (erase ".skp"/".stl" in the file name and type in ".pdf" instead; accept the warning) and upload the file to WildLabs. Make sure to precise the original file format.

3D models can be printed locally and at affordable prices via 3D Hubs (https://www.3dhubs.com/). Users can choose from a variety of materials (the cheapest is usually fine).

 

I hope this will grow to be a useful repository,

Yvan




Here is a 3D model of Xerius' Alteos-26g (http://www.xeriustracking.fr/satellite-system/alteos-argos-gps-vhf/).

I create a 3D model of the tags to test harness designs.  Note that I do to have the tag in hand: I designed the model from pictures I found on Xerius' website and from outside LxHxW dimensions given to me by Xerius. The model, though it has the general shape of a Xerius device, is only a rough estimation of the actual device.

Known flaws: Location, size and shape of harness tunnels are not correct. Base of antenna and back sides of model do not include the grooves. Actual device has smoother angles and slightly concave sides.

The 3D print will need to be sanded to smoothen the edges and to get the soft angles of the original Xerius design. I also designed the tag with a hole where the solar panels should be: this is to add weight (metals nuts and bolts) to reach a final mass of 26g (the mass of the print is ~9g). I then patched the hole with Sugru (5g packet).

Attached files: 

alteos26_3d.skp.pdf: SketchUp 2016 file. Change file name back to .skp

alteos26_for_3d_print.stl_.pdf: Printing file. Change file name back to .stl

Yvan

PS: I will share a finer model once I have the actual tags in hand.

alteos26_3d.skp_.pdf alteos26_for_3d_print.stl_.pdf

3D model of GeoTrak GT-22GS-GPS (http://www.geotrakinc.com/products/solarGPS/PTT-22g-solarGPS.html).

Known flaws: Size and shape of attachment loops are not correct: the actual material is too thin to allow for a strong 3D printing so I decided to make the loops thicker; the actual loop hole is also slightly wider. Base of antenna is shorter than actual one. Actual device has smoother angles and slightly convex top (where the solar panels are).

The 3D print will need to be sanded to smoothen the edges and to get the soft angles of the original design. I also designed the tag with a hole where the back solar panels should be: this is to add weight (metals nuts and bolts) to reach a final mass of 22g.

Attached files: 

gt-22gs-gps_3d.skp_.pdf: SketchUp 2016 file. Change file name back to .skp

gt-22gs-gps_for_3d_print.stl_.pdf: Printing file. Change file name back to .stl

Yvan

gt-22gs-gps_3d.skp_.pdf gt-22gs-gps_for_3d_print.stl_.pdf

3D model of custome-made GeoTrak GT-65GS-GPS with slanted front face (adapted from http://www.geotrakinc.com/products/solarGPS/PTT-65g-solarGPS.html).

Known flaws: Size and shape of attachment loops are not correct: the actual material is too thin to allow for a strong 3D printing so I decided to make the loops thicker; the actual loop hole is also slightly wider. Base of antenna is shorter than actual one. Actual device has smoother angles and slightly convex top (where the solar panels are).

The 3D print will need to be sanded to smoothen the edges and to get the soft angles of the original design. I also designed the tag with a hole where the back solar panels should be: this is to add weight (metals nuts and bolts) to reach a final mass of 65g.

Attached files: 

gt-65gs-gps_slanted_3d.skp_.pdf: SketchUp 2016 file. Change file name back to .skp

gt-65gs-gps_slanted_for_3d_print.stl_.pdf: Printing file. Change file name back to .stl

Yvan

gt-65gs-gps_slanted_3d.skp_.pdf gt-65gs-gps_slanted_for_3d_print.stl_.pdf

Hi Yvan,

Steph directed me to this awesome resource. These units look so well made! Are you potting in the solar panels? Also, if you are interested, we've been working on a timed drop-off for avian tracking devices similar to this, which I am happy to share details about. 

Anyway, in the spirit of your efforts, we've uploaded some collar housing designs and associated .stl files to our Website here: https://www.wildspy.com.au/resources.php

Shall add more as we design more. 

Great initiative Yvan!

Cheers,

Rob