Dji Avata 2 Prop Guard - how to mirror an STL file - STL print missing other half - Part 1
TLDRIn this informative video, the host guides viewers through the process of 3D printing propeller guards for the DJI Avata 2 drone. They address the issue of an incomplete STL file by demonstrating how to mirror the design in Cura software to create the missing half. The video also includes a test flight to assess the guards' impact on flight performance, showing that they do not interfere with the drone's antenna or camera. The host shares their experience with the print settings, including layer height, wall thickness, and infill percentage, to achieve a lightweight and flexible guard. Additionally, they discuss the importance of choosing the right filament color for visibility and provide tips for a successful print, emphasizing the need for a cool-down period before removing the print. The video concludes with a successful flight demonstration, confirming the propeller guards' effectiveness and ease of installation.
Takeaways
- 📦 The video covers printing propeller guards for the DJI Avata 2 and how to mirror a 3D print file in Cura for the other half.
- 🔍 An STL file for a 3D print may only print one side, requiring a mirroring process to get the counterpart.
- 🤔 The maker's website suggests mirroring the file, but doesn't provide instructions, which the video aims to fill.
- 📏 The prop guard for DJI Avata 2 is designed to print one at a time and requires careful bed placement due to its size.
- ⚙️ Custom settings in Cura are necessary for the prop guard to be flexible and light, with an initial layer height of 0.2mm, three walls, and 0% infill.
- 🚫 The prop guard should not impede the propellers or the drone's antenna, which is confirmed after a test fit.
- 🛍️ The prop guard fits into the drone's transport bag even when installed, indicating good design for portability.
- 🔄 The process of mirroring the STL file in Cura is demonstrated to print the right-side prop guard after printing the left-side one.
- ⏱️ Each prop guard takes approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes to print, and two are needed for a complete set.
- 🟡 The choice of filament color can affect visibility in case of a crash, with the video suggesting bright colors like yellow for high visibility.
- 🛠️ The final prop guards are tested for flight, ensuring they do not affect the drone's signal, camera, or flight characteristics.
- 📹 The video provides a disclaimer that the performance of the prop guards in different flight modes is not fully assessed.
Q & A
What is the purpose of the video?
-The video is a two-for-one special that demonstrates how to print propeller guards for the DJI Avata 2, discusses its impact on flight and antenna, and teaches viewers how to mirror a 3D print in Cura to print the opposite side of the object.
Why is it necessary to mirror an STL file in Cura?
-Mirroring an STL file in Cura is necessary when the downloaded file only prints one side (e.g., left side) of the object, and you need the other side (right side) to complete the item, such as a propeller guard.
What are the initial settings for the 3D print recommended in the video?
-The recommended initial settings for the 3D print are a layer height of 0.2mm, three walls, and an infill of 0% to achieve a flexible propeller guard.
What is the approximate weight of the printed propeller guard?
-The printed propeller guard weighs approximately 16 grams, making it lightweight for the drone.
How does the propeller guard attach to the DJI Avata 2 drone?
-The propeller guard attaches to the DJI Avata 2 by clipping into place, as demonstrated in the video.
What is the potential issue with the propeller guard during a crash?
-The potential issue is that the propeller guard might pop off during a crash, although it is designed to be lightweight and provide some level of protection.
How does the video demonstrate the effectiveness of the propeller guard?
-The video demonstrates the effectiveness of the propeller guard by showing a test flight with the DJI Avata 2 drone, noting that it does not impede the propellers or the camera, and fits securely on the drone.
What is the recommended color for the propeller guard filament?
-The video suggests using a bright color like yellow for the filament so that the drone can be easily seen from a distance in case of a crash. However, the choice of color is subjective and can be based on personal preference.
What is the impact of the propeller guard on the drone's camera footage?
-The propeller guard does not impede or 'photobomb' the camera footage, especially when the video setting is on 'wide', as shared by a member of the SL Forum on Facebook.
What is the process to mirror an STL file in Cura?
-To mirror an STL file in Cura, select the model, ensure your settings are kept, and then use the 'mirror' option to flip the model from left to right or as needed.
What is the approximate total print time for both sides of the propeller guard?
-The approximate total print time for both sides of the propeller guard is around 6 hours, considering each side takes about 2 hours and 13 minutes to print.
How does the video address the issue of the initial print not fitting as expected?
-The video acknowledges the issue and provides a solution by showing how to mirror the printed part in Cura to get the correct fitting side for the DJI Avata 2 drone.
Outlines
😀 Introduction to Printing Propeller Guards and Mirroring 3D Prints
The video begins with a special feature where the host explains that they will print propeller guards for the DJI Avata 2 drone and discuss its flight performance, including potential antenna interference. Additionally, the host addresses a common issue where a 3D print file only includes one side of a model. They guide viewers on how to mirror the print in Cura software to print the opposite side. The host also shares their experience with the downloaded STL file, which required mirroring to be functional and criticizes the lack of a complete solution from the original maker.
🛠️ Printing Process and Fitting the Propeller Guards
The host demonstrates the process of printing the propeller guard, emphasizing the need to print two guards for both sides of the drone. They detail the print settings, including layer height, wall count, and infill percentage, and explain why a zero infill is chosen for flexibility. The host also shares their experience with the fit and weight of the printed guard, noting its lightness and the snug fit without impeding the propellers. They mention using adhesive tape for extra security and confirm that the prop guard does not affect the drone's flight or camera functionality.
🔄 Mirroring the 3D Print in Cura for the Right Propeller Guard
The host encounters an issue where the downloaded file only prints the left propeller guard. They guide viewers on how to mirror the 3D model in Cura to print the right guard. The host emphasizes the importance of having a good STL file that includes all necessary parts and shares their workaround for the absence of a right-side file. They demonstrate the mirroring process in Cura, ensuring that the model is oriented correctly for printing.
📁 Saving the Mirrored Print and Testing the Fit
After mirroring the propeller guard in Cura, the host saves the file and proceeds to print the right-side guard. They discuss the importance of allowing the printed part to cool before removing it from the print bed, which makes the process easier. The host then tests the fit of the newly printed right-side guard, noting a successful and easy attachment. They highlight the guard's secure fit and its lightweight nature, which bodes well for flight performance.
🚁 Flight Test and Conclusion
The host concludes the video by taking the drone with the new propeller guards for a flight test. They confirm that the propeller guards do not interfere with the drone's signal or camera, and appreciate the practicality of the guards, especially for visibility in case of a crash. The host shares their thoughts on the color choice for the propeller guards, suggesting that viewers choose a color that suits them. They invite viewers to leave comments or questions and encourage them to like and subscribe for more content.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡DJI Avata 2
💡Propeller Guards
💡STL file
💡Cura
💡Mirroring
💡Infill
💡Layer Height
💡Print Bed
💡Double-Sided Adhesive Tape
💡Gimbal
💡Test Flight
Highlights
The video is a two-for-one special, covering the printing of DJI Avata 2 propeller guards and a demonstration of its flight performance.
The process shows how to mirror a 3D print in Cura when an STL file only prints one side.
The downloaded STL file for the propeller guard is missing the right side and needs to be mirrored for correct assembly.
The propeller guard is designed to be lightweight, which is crucial for drone performance.
The initial layer height for printing is set to 0.2mm, with three walls and 0% infill for flexibility.
The propeller guard is tested for fit and does not impede the propellers' movement.
The guard is secured to the drone with thin double-sided adhesive tape as an early solution.
The propeller guard fits within the drone's transport bag even when installed.
The video provides a disclaimer about the potential impact on flight characteristics, which are yet to be fully assessed.
The propeller guard is printed in a bright color for high visibility in case of a drone crash.
The video demonstrates how to mirror the propeller guard in Cura for the right side after the left side is printed.
The mirrored propeller guard prints successfully and fits correctly on the drone.
The final flight test shows that the propeller guard does not interfere with the drone's signal or camera function.
The video concludes with a successful demonstration of the propeller guard's functionality and installation.
The propeller guard is a practical addition for drone safety, protecting the drone without significant weight or performance penalties.
The video offers a comprehensive guide from printing to mirroring and testing the propeller guard on the DJI Avata 2.