On a recent visit to the Chelsea library I noticed that they now have a 3D printer available!
On their recommendation I checked out thingiverse.com
And found about a million projects to ignore!
I searched for ham radio and found too many projects to consider
I then searched for IC-705 and found about 30 projects to consider and decided I needed a protective cage for my IC-705 as follows
It took about 7 hours to print at the library
The design is by Riccardo IU1OPK, an Italian engineer in Turin (near Milan) The cage looks very professional and seems strong enough.
Have not tried the drop test! Yet 😊
The library charges $5 for the first hour of printing, then $2.50 per hour so this project cost $20!
I have looked at a few more projects and learnt a bit more.
I will follow up on another project and also the printing process if there is any interest.
Nice job Colin. I think that's the best $20 I've ever seen spent. Have been tempted for a while to get a 3D printer, but I like the idea of using one at library.😐
I printed mine in 2 parts it saves time and that way if there is a mistake it only affects 1 part
https://www.printables.com/model/702770-icom-ic-705-shield I think it was around 3 hours with my K1 max
The file is available from
I found the quickest way to get the file was by searching for ‘IC-705’
When you select the project you can download a zip file which can be unzipped to provide a few images and read-me etc and the .stl files
The .stl file then needs to be imported into the bambu app as a new project.
Using bambu you can see the layout of your model and orientate it on the printing plate to stabilise it. Complex shapes like this cage need to be supported while the plastic is still warm and the bambu app can build support structures,such as trees, while it is being built. These trees are simply snapped off when it is finished.
The printers can take a variety of filaments and you can specify a few extra steps to increase the strength of your project. The library provide basic PLA filaments in a variety of colours.
I am impressed how tough this base level is.this cage used about 70 metres of filament including building the support trees!
This can all be done on the library computers or at home but you will need to install the Bambu app if you want to do it at home.
I found using the library was the simplest way to do it because you eventually need to put it on the sd card at the library.
73
Colin
Hi Colin.
Great project Colin. I would be interested in something similar for my KX3. Where do I need to look? Cheers.
Nioce work Colin !! Just need that actual file now. 😀
And a view from underneath. I provided then mounting screws and silicon feet.