Here is an interesting simple wind power project of a small handheld wind powered Savonius turbine that charges your devices via USB port.
It has 3d printed housing and wind turbine with few electronic pieces and a small DC motor for a generator. The motor could be salvaged form old broken electronic devices.
It could probably be used outdoors in natural wind and indoors as a harvester on a AC unit. There are not many tests on it but it could be improved even if the original design doesn't work.
Matt Defenthaler had an old junked Netgear router and he remembered that it could run OctoPrint since it is based on Python. Most modern routers are actually quite capable small computers that can be upgraded by various open source firmwares to do many things. Matt made it work and documented the process.
Matt used the following setup:
Device: Netgear WNDR3700v1 (it is probably possible to use most OpenWRT compatibele routers but check it)
I participate in project called "Open Network" aka "OtvorenaMreza" where we deploy local mash networks open to public and we mostly use cheap and discarded routers running. The mashing software runs on OpenWRT and some members use them to run sensors, cameras and other interesting stuff, Now there is a new thing we could implement. Kudos Matt!
MatterHackers present their Android based touch screen controller: the MatterControl Touch. It is compatible with most (probably all) G-code 3d printers.
Some basic technical specifications:
RAM: 1GB
GPU: Quad Core 4x1.4GHz
Internal Storage: 8GB
External Storage: SD Card
USB interface
Camera Included
Voice Capable
Touchscreen
Wifi-Connectivity
Standalone Control
Web Monitoring
Price: 299 USD
Key features from the product page:
Simple Setup - Preloaded configurations make setting up your 3D printer a snap - plug it in and start printing in minutes.
Integrated Slicing - Give your printer the ability to directly generate print files from 3D models using MatterSlice.
Remote Print Monitoring - Keep an eye on your 3D prints from afar using your phone or any web-enabled device.
Automatic Print Leveling - Use software-based leveling to achieve printing excellence.
SMS / Email Notifications - Have your printer send a text message or email alert with a photo of your finished part.
Onboard Camera - Take a picture of your finished print or check on the status while printing.
Free Updates - MatterControl is a continuously improving platform and staying up to date with the latest developments is just a simple click away.
Open Source Software - MatterControl Touch is powered by open source software and libraries, including MatterControl, MatterSlice, the agg-sharp graphics engine, and the Android operating system.
Wifi Enabled, Not Required - Enjoy a fully standalone experience or connect your printer to the web to take advantage of cloud features
Send Files over the Web - Send models to your printer from anywhere, or transfer models between printers. SD Cards not required.
Model Editing Tools - Make simple changes to your 3D model quickly and easily prior to printing. Rotate, scale, mirror and position your models for the perfect print.
Full Preview - Preview and interact with 3D models prior to printing. Use the layer-by-layer preview to see exactly how your print will turn out.
Customizable Settings - Create and customize your own, or use built-in presets for material and quality settings to make switching filaments simple and convenient. No more failed prints because you forgot to change a setting.
Design Plugins - Get add-ons to make simple parts right on your printer.
Dual Extrusion / Multi-Material - Assigning different materials is a snap so you can take full advantage of any multi-extruder equipped 3D printer.
Mid-print Tuning and Adjustment - Fine tune your prints with on-the-fly adjustments to speed and extrusion rates.
Print History - Keep a record of your favorite prints so you can reprint your most impressive parts with the click of a button.
Design Library - Organize all of your 3D printable models in one searchable location for easy access.
Advanced Features - MatterControl Touch puts the full capability of 3D printing into the hands of power users. So if you want to adjust eeprom settings, create custom macros, or send terminal commands directly to your machine - you can.
Future improvements: Secure Cloud-based Control, Support for .x3g and .s3g 3D Printers, More Camera Integration (time lapse videos, streaming prints, etc), Voice Command, Developer API
Here is a video presentation of MatterControl Touch, it sure looks easy and powerfull :
Is this machine worth your money? Well it depends. If you are able to use open source software and a cheap Android tablet, maybe you can get the most of functionality (but not all) for no cost. You could also use paid Android software like gCodePrintr to get some extra functionality. You decide! Independent test and reviews are not yet available. We will se what will be user experiences in the future.
German RepRap just released their stand-alone 3d print server control unit. It can be used from web interface from any computer or smartphone, it connects to the internet via WiFi or LAN cable and with three USB ports to the controlled 3d printer. Web camera monitoring is also available via USB ports.
It is priced at 149 euro.
Is it too much? Maybe ... you can make something similar with Raspberry Pi and other similar devices from less money. I would like to see more test to see if there are any advantages like in stability, processing or reliability.
Solderdoodle is an open source portable, cordless, battery powered USB rechargeable soldering iron with 3d printed body you can easily make yourself. It is project made by Solarcyclepower.
Over the years I have obtained several soldering irons, but there is always room for one more, specially if it is self-made. It is always something special in working with tools that you made yourself. Making things for making things for making things. I hope I'll find some time to build this tool.
Solderdoodle technical specifications:
Time to Fully Charge Solderdoodle @ 5V 1A: 3 hours
Capacity: 3350mAh/3.6V * Type: 18650 Lithium-Ion
Diameter: 1.5 inches
Length: 7.4 inches
Charge Cable Length: 5 feet
Weight: 97g (3.4 oz)
Input Cable - Male USB 2.0 Type A Connector
Input - Current: 450 to 1300mA | Voltage: 5 to 6 Volts
Output - Current: 1400mA | Voltage: 5 Volts
Body Material: High Temperature Plastic
Battery Life Under Typical Use: 5 years
Replaceable battery
Provides over an hour of soldering
Solder up to 24 gage thick wire * Heats up to over 500ºF (260ºC) in just 20 seconds
For use with leaded solder. Non-leaded solder requires higher temperature to melt.
WARNING: Be careful when handling any Lithium-Ion battery because shorting the battery can cause burns. Always wear safety goggles. Please use recommended battery and circuit components because of the higher 2000mA max battery charge current involved. 3D printed parts may warp under high temperatures.
FCC Compliance: NOT Required because the circuit frequencies are below 1.7MHz
