Flat Box / FlatField for Astrophotography - English Version

thingiverse

Version Anglaise : http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1841213 After I bought my first telescope, I looked at a lot of forums to find a solid flatbox plan, but I didn't find one. I decided to model it myself. At the end... I thought: why not share a customisable flatbox with all the community of amateur astronomers? And here it is! WARNING! 3D printers have some issues: they usually make smaller holes than planned. I recommend making a printing test with this customizable part: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1841206 The box is in 4 parts (you just have to "Split Object" on Repetier Host or in another software): 1) Floor (optional but recommended Supports) 2) Walls (As the cylinder walls will surely be too thick, they'll need sanding for fitting into the slots) 3) Plexiglas holder 4) Roof Post-Printing Additional material: Bright LED Ribbon Flexible Sticker (length to be defined according to the size of your box) Soldering iron and tin Plexiglass (2-3mm) Tracing paper Glue or Adhesive The middle parts (2 and 3) are optional, white cardboard for walls is enough, and the plexiglass can be glued (corners) to the bottom piece. Cut equal stripes (on the dotted lines and in right length), weld them together to create a led carpet into lid (see photos, oh and... when you connect, be careful not to be blinded). Cut a plate of plexiglass (inside walls) and glue (in the corners) 2 or 3 layers of tracing paper for merge the lights into one uniform source of light. If you don't print walls and replace them by some cardboard, it will be necessary to make space for the supply cable and close correctly the lid.