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Cellphone/Camera Stalk Perch for MK3S  

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BobG
 BobG
(@bobg)
Eminent Member
Cellphone/Camera Stalk Perch for MK3S

I need to be able to monitor my printer from other rooms.  I intend to use an old cell phone as a camera.  But I will need something to clamp a cellphone stalk (one of those gooseneck stalks which clamps onto the phone at one end and clamps on to something else - e.g. a table top - at the other end) to.  So I am thinking about a length of t-slot, fixed perpendicular to the existing piece of t-slot which forms the right side of the MK3S frame, and thus sticking out to the right horizontally.  The gooseneck stalk would clamp onto the added piece of t-slot - i.e. the perch.  I've attached a photo of the existing piece of t-slot I am talking about.  Although I have to admit that in the photo it does not look much like t-slot.

My question:  I am new to the t-slot concept (but very intrigued by it).  Can I purchase any old piece of t-slot and auxiliary pieces (mainly two right angle braces) and it will work?  Or are there size and configuration things I have to worry about?  I have learned that it comes in different sizes and I know that the piece I would be attaching to is 30mm square.  I guess my main concern the the size of the slot.  Are they all the same?  AND what's a good source for t-slot parts for a hobbyist?  Someone who will sell me just a 6-8" length and a few braces, screws, etc. ?

ALSO does anyone know if I will be able to make the t joint (to join the perch to the existing t-slot in the MK3S frame) without any disassembly of the MK3S or drilling any holes in the existing t-slot?  In everything I have seen so far on YouTube every assembly seems to involve either drilling a hole or sliding a nut into the t-slot from an open end.

Thanks,  Bob 

 

 

 

 

USA / PA / 17821 : Fusion 360 > PrusaSlicer > Prusa MK3S

Posted : 04/03/2021 3:55 pm
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
RE: Cellphone/Camera Stalk Perch for MK3S

Just a thought before you do this: If you're putting weight out on the end of a long stalk, it's likely to vibrate at resonant frequencies as the printer moves the nozzle around. This might be sufficient to impact part quality. You might want to consider a shorter or more robust mount, or moving it off the printer frame altogether.

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 04/03/2021 6:11 pm
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