Rhombicuboctohedron Solar Post Light

by thejester85 in Workshop > 3D Printing

189 Views, 1 Favorites, 0 Comments

Rhombicuboctohedron Solar Post Light

20210518_213427.jpg

Crazy name right? Wasn't til after I designed it that I looked up what the shape was actually called.. Its a 26 sided shape which a google search led me to its name Rhombicuboctohedron. I designed it around a 4x4 post for outside. I wanted a different colored light other than the white one out there.
The print time on the enclosure will make up most of the time on this project. It's printed in three sections top, middle, and bottom, and 4 housings for the panels. I choose green for the led colors you can choose your own. Just determine the voltage you need to run them and the panel size to charge the batteries during the day. I used this calculator to determine the resistors needed. I connected two 2v 160mA panels in series and connected another pair in parallel to get 4v @ 320mA. I did this for higher current charge.



As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The supplies linked are from Amazon.

Supplies

2N3904 Transistor"paid link"
Bright 5mm LEDs "paid link"
1N4007 "paid link"
2v 160ma Solar Cells"paid link"

Epoxy or E6000+"paid link"

Soldering iron
Solder

3d Print Your Parts

This step will take up most of your time building it. I didn't add slots for wires in the middle section so if you have the software be sure to add them for wires to pass through.

Gluing and Making Connections

20210517_172243.jpg
20210516_202958.jpg
20210519_083047.jpg
20210511_180334.jpg
20210520_200158.jpg

Solder wires to panels + and - poles using red or black or whatever color you have keeping note of what color is what. Glue the panels with e6000+ to the panel mounts and press them into the open sides. Glue those joints also. I glued the panels first and let them dry before putting into slots. Sanding maybe necessary on all parts. Solder connections according to the schematic attached.

Wrapping It Up

20210526_171536.jpg
20210526_171518.jpg

You now have a functioning solar charged led lit lamp post!