Description

Build and study a bench-scale 10 x 12 inch experimental collector frame with this complete printable file pack. Version 1.1 contains eight resliceable STL files, including the physically fit-tested V3 full-thread frame-seam bolt and matching nut, plus editable source formats, documentation, checksums, and practical print guidance.

INCLUDED FILES

– Front retainer upper STL
– Front retainer lower STL
– Back frame upper STL
– Back frame lower STL with rear wire route
– Detachable PVC neck STL
– Frame splice strap STL (print quantity 4)
– V3 full-length coarse-thread frame-seam bolt STL (print quantity 16)
– Matching V3 frame-seam nut STL (print quantity 16)
– Editable four-plate Bambu-oriented frame 3MF
– Editable 16-set V3 bolt/nut Bambu H2C 3MF
– STEP and Fusion 360 source files
– Print guides, hardware checklist, release notes, license, and SHA-256 checksums

FIT-TESTED FASTENER UPDATE

The included V3 bolt uses a 5.95 mm full-length printable coarse thread designed around the frame’s 6.20 mm seam bores. Its matching nut and complete 25.00 mm threaded length were physically test-printed and confirmed to fit correctly. Print one bolt and nut first, confirm full hand-threading and frame fit, then print the required quantity at 100% scale.

DESIGN DETAILS

The frame is sized around a 254.0 x 304.8 x 0.5 mm collector plate. The complete frame is intentionally divided across four physical build plates. Import STL files in millimeters at 100% scale. The original Bambu H2C frame reference used a 0.4 mm nozzle, 0.20 mm layers, 5 walls, 40% gyroid infill, 6 top and bottom layers, build-plate-only tree supports where needed, and a 3 mm brim. The V3 fasteners use 0.10 mm layers, 5 walls, high/solid infill, a vertical bolt orientation, a flat nut orientation, and no thread supports as tested starting settings. Reslice for your own printer.

MEMBER ACCESS

FriendBeacon members can download this file pack free while logged in. Non-members can purchase the complete digital download for $3.69.

IMPORTANT PROTOTYPE NOTICE

The printable bolt and nut are included for bench fitting, alignment, and print testing only. They are not structural hardware and must not replace qualified metal fasteners, washers, locking nuts, or sleeves in a real installation. The collector plate, electrical circuit, conductor, terminals, mast, qualified metal hardware, PVC, and weatherproofing are not included. No electrical output, radiant-energy performance, structural capacity, outdoor durability, or fitness for a particular purpose is claimed or guaranteed. Bench-test all fits, keep conductors on the rear side, and do not use the printed frame overhead, above people or property, outdoors, or in storm or lightning conditions without qualified structural and electrical review.

SCALING AND ATMOSPHERIC CHARGE COLLECTION

A larger frame can support a larger effective collector area. Under comparable test conditions, more collector area may intercept more ambient ions and charge carriers, potentially increasing measured charge collection approximately in proportion to effective area. Mounting the collector at greater elevation may also expose it to different local atmospheric electric-field conditions. These effects are experimental rather than guaranteed: actual results depend on elevation, weather, humidity, air conductivity, geometry, leakage, grounding or reference, and instrumentation. A larger frame does not by itself reach higher atmosphere; collector area and installation height are separate variables that should be measured independently.