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Having a wonderful son-in-law who also owns a posh 3D printer is one of those life's little joys. He is a clever, practical guy, who can turn his hands and brain to many of those DIY tasks from putting up shelving to constructing alcove cupboards. He also happens to be an electrics and IT tech wizard as well. The family 'skills' pool rose significantly when he joined the clan.
To date, using free download plans, he has printed me the following:
- three tripod clips to hold power banks
- two vixen dovetail style clamp bases for my Zenithstar 61ii
- a pair of cable organisers for my ASIair Mini
- a green pen laser holder that can be attached onto a vixen dovetail style clamp
Makes simple astrophotography procedures so quicker.
This green holder can now stay permanently on my green laser pen. I will replace the back two bolts in next couple of days for something similar to those at front.
The plans called for tiny metal inserts but I found just tapping and threading the holes worked well
The holder slots in place on the 3 D printed saddle clamp (black)
The whole set up is replacing my red dot finder - which I am finding difficult to use at times because it requires me bending down at very awkward angles.
I am very aware that using a green pen laser is not without its problems and is a contenious issue - so this is a trial.
The red ASIair cable organisers - a Godsend frankly
Three black tripod leg clamp bases with sticky velcro attached.
I can then just push my power banks onto the legs (they have sticky velcro on back of them as well)
I can even transport the tripod in the car with the power banks already attached
