Mobile Ultimaker Rucksack

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Here's my guide on how to get your Ultimaker mobile! I'll make sure to explain each part clearly. We'll start by showing you how to mount some rucksack straps without damaging your Ultimaker and then move on to the electronics needed to power it up.To get you excited, we're going to share some photos from EuroMold and FabCon where we used this setup to create quite a buzz:Guerrilla Marketing @ EuroMold 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany: https://plus.google.com/photos/116416453568555193309/albums/5816544452001110065FabCon 3.D Flashmob in Jena, Weimar & Erfurt, Germany: Let's get started... Part A: How to Mount the Rucksack StrapsThis is a relatively simple process that we'll break down into several steps: 1) Get yourself an old or used rucksack from eBay.2) Cut off the straps. Make sure you get enough fabric, and you can always cut off any excess later. Use glue or a lighter to prevent fraying, but I haven't had any issues with it so far.3) Decide which side of your Ultimaker to carry it on. After some experimentation, I found that carrying it on the side with the USB/power connector is the best option.4) Attach the rucksack straps to your Ultimaker using the provided screws. Part B: The Electronics Needed for Powering Your UltimakerThis part requires a bit more technical knowledge, but don't worry, we'll walk you through each step: 1) You'll need a battery pack that matches the specifications of your Ultimaker. I recommend using a 12V 4Ah LiPo battery.2) Connectors: You'll need matching connectors for the battery (HXT4mm style).3) Cables: Use black and red cables to connect the battery to the Ultimaker's power socket. Make sure they're not too thin.4) Charger: Any suitable LiPo charger will work, but I recommend using the IMAX B6-AC Charger/Discharger 1-6 Cells. Instructions: 1) Lengthen the connector cables and use heat shrink to cover all connections.2) Lead the cables through your Ultimaker as seen in the photos. Optional strain-relief: twist the cables around one of the electronic mounts to prevent them from pulling on the solder joints when you pull on the connector.3a) Solder the cables to the power socket as seen in the photo.3b) If you're concerned about accidentally pressing the on/off switch while wearing your mobile Ultimaker, you can also solder the red (+) cable to the connection in the middle of the on/off switch. Hints: * Power saving strategies: + Detach the fan cable (or deselect cooling within your slicer). You don't need a fan when running around - just drain some power. + Do the heat up to 200°C on a power socket, disconnect and then switch over to the battery to save a huge load of your battery power. * Usability: + Try fixing a cushioning foam onto the backside of your Ultimaker rucksack (see photo). This thing gets really heavy after a while. Personally, I still like to wear it with straps only. + Do yourself a favor and print the Ultimaker handle - it's so much easier to handle the machine while getting it on the back of somebody else. Printing strategies: * Select a long/slow print or something which ejects itself. Otherwise, you'll need to do maintenance all the time. * Take a buddy with you to help you with the machine, but also to talk to people who are standing right behind you. The huge crowds are always behind you. Credits & Acknowledgements: * Joris van Tubergen (http://rooiejoris.nl) & Protospace (http://protospace.nl) for pioneering the mobile Ultimaker concept. * David Braam & the Ultimaker team for helping out with the electronic side of things and general support.Enjoy & spread the word about Ultimaking!Best greetings,Florian