seaCell - User contributions [en]

Open-Source Design page

2026-06-24T17:47:28Z

Alexis-outside:

trunkCam is an open-source hardware project. If you would like to make your own, you will need:

* the parts from the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cBpvzQr5q_kBL8JIbCuVbll7WQdTomYz7Iyf3H-uzQA/edit?usp=sharing Bill of Materials]
* the 3D printed parts listed below. Follow [[Print your own parts for a DIY build|this instructional guide to print your own]]

The design files for trunkCam are in Fusion, and are viewable and downloadable [https://artiswrong.autodesk360.com/g/shares/SH28cd1QT2badd0ea72b09c4bda8e03e7a87 at this link]

3D printable parts:

*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nhba4fyzemnofcnn25k9v/spine.stl?rlkey=vkjyh6xm5edj83zc38mt15h7f&dl=0 Spine]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/35qyq8swjdmjm9aexrpgb/AIFEZDlOs5cbNKS9yfUb09g?rlkey=q2xplfyatjtkbfyulckbh5wwp&dl=0 Endcap]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fytbg9tymygbl1bh1w3ju/clamping-arm.stl?rlkey=n1sd80l2pjr6ynch9e16l261n&dl=0 Clamping Arm]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8ax8vzx473ua6b33oxz8q/Tensioning-Cap.stl?rlkey=l6vl8kjd8qrk2b1bqnt3h8fd1&dl=0 Tensioning Cap]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cldlrd4b36p1qducs5qeb/Capstan-Cap.stl?rlkey=siy05is7p7fekk11ys4pz5r3m&dl=0 Capstan Cap]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lg43cgystblrcfejwm9hr/Capstan.stl?rlkey=lw0n8m6vclv3rcen0zkv3jznv&dl=0 Capstan]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qmfn8ch0mbx0xh9hj39l3/Handle.stl?rlkey=1f1cnj4letr3njx6c5a2skpzn&dl=0 Handle]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kb8lcip7b54k6z8actd8j/Key.stl?rlkey=6q665wtswzc2e3ax86mbmbfno&dl=0 Key]
A zip file of all the STLs [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/u478st2k1163ilufqfyta/trunkCam-v1.0.zip?rlkey=q4ysn00zdf6z2ip2sndwk3kcj&dl=0 is available here]

If you have an improvement that you'd like to add to the core design, please share your design file, photo/video of it working, and a description of your improvement on the [[Modifications]] page. We review these regularly and will consider integrating with the main design, with attribution to the creator.

There is also a series of [[accessories]] that can fit onto the trunkCam to help film in different ways, with design files, photos and STLs.

Print your own parts for a DIY build

2026-06-23T20:15:09Z

Alexis-outside: /* What it is: */

This is the manufacturing doc for printing your parts entirely from scratch. You will need:

* A standard FDM printer with at least a 220mm x 220mm print bed
* PETG filament -- a full set takes 330g of filament
* Time -- on the lab printers (flashforge Adventure 5m and Qidi pro), it takes ~12.5 print hours to do everything
* 12 M4 heat-set inserts and a soldering iron or heat-set tool

The print settings for each part is detailed below. Please pay extra attention to the part orientation, support requirements, and fill settings

== capstan handle ==

=== What it is: ===
This is the handle that you use to bend the spine back and forth -- it attaches to the capstan.

=== Print Settings ===
This needs to be strong -- it's one of two parts that experiences significant mechanical force, so print at 50% sparse infill density. Enable supports for this part.
[[File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 3.57.22 PM.png|none|thumb]]
☢

=== Print Time ===
1 hour 22 minutes

=== Print File ===
== capstan cap ==

=== What it is: ===
This is the part that slides over the PVC pipe and acts as an axle holder for the capstan. Also supports the phone mount.

=== Print Settings ===
This is the other part that experiences mechanical stress, so print at 50% infill density. No support needed.
[[File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.00.35 PM.png|none|thumb]]

=== Print Time ===
1 hour 49 mins

=== Print File ===

== Capstan ==

=== What it is: ===
The capstan is a round drum that the string wraps around. Rotate the capstan, the string changes position, and the spine bends

=== Print Settings ===
Standard PETG settings, 15% sparse infill, no support
[[File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.14.32 PM.png|none|thumb]]

=== Print Time ===
1 hour

=== Print File ===
== spine ==

=== What it is: ===
This is the main flexing part for the camera. It acts like a spine -- it has rigid 'vertebra' and living hinge 'discs' which allow it to flex up to 90 degrees. There are channels for the cable to run through, and a center channel for the camera to pass through it. The Endcap bolts onto the end and holds the camera in place, and the whole outside threads into the Tensioning Cap, which lets you stash it safely in the pipe for travel, or bring it out and tension it for use.

=== Print Settings ===
Print without support, flat edge on the print bed, as shown in the screencap below. Depending on the size of your print bed, you may need to rotate it by 45 degrees so that it fits on the bed.[[File:Spine.png|thumb|none]]
Print temperature is *super* important for the flexibility of the living hinge. The first layer can be whatever you want for adhesion, but I *strongly* recommend keeping the print temp as close to 240C as you can get away with (some extruder/filament combos want a bit higher temp). I've found that the living hinge becomes much more flexible, but weaker, at higher print temps. 260C is very flexible but very fragile, and for day-to-day use, I really recommend you get a sturdier spine, by keeping your print head at 240C.

Most of this print is pretty slim, so I don't worry about infill -- I print at 2 wall loops, 4 top shells, 3 bottom shells, and 15% sparse infill

=== Print Time ===
About 5 hours on my flashforge Adventure.

=== Print File ===

== tensioning cap ==

=== What it is: ===
This goes on the other side of the PVC pipe and acts like a nut that threads over the spine. Spin the tensioning cap, and the spine moves in and out of the pipe, letting you stash it for travel or quickly extend and tension it for use.

=== Print Settings ===
Standard PETG print settings. Print with the handle on the bottom, no support, 15% sparse infill
[[File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.04.40 PM.png|none|thumb]]
☢

=== Print Time ===
1 hour

=== Print File ===

== Endoscope Top Cap ==

=== What it is: ===
This is a small part that bolts on to the tip of the spine and holds the camera. There is another part, the Swing Arm, which can pivot about one of the bolts and clamp firmly onto the barrel, clamping it against the top cap and preventing it from rotating or sliding.

=== Print Settings ===
Standard PETG settings, no support, 15% sparse infill. Be sure to print flat-side down
[[File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.07.17 PM.png|none|thumb]]

=== Print Time ===
18 mins

== Swing Arm ==

=== What it is: ===
This is a small, pivoting arm that clamps the camera against the top cap part.

=== Print Settings ===
Standard PETG settings, no support, 15% sparse infill. Be sure to get the flat side down.
[[File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.09.52 PM.png|none|thumb]]
☢

=== Print Time ===
8 mins

=== Print File ===

== Key ==

=== What it is: ===
This is a small part that glues into one end of the PVC pipe and keeps the spine from rotating inside the pipe

=== Print Settings ===
Standard PETG settings, keep the flat side down
[[File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.12.16 PM.png|none|thumb]]
☢

=== Print Time ===
2 mins

=== Print File ===

File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.14.32 PM.png

2026-06-23T20:14:49Z

Alexis-outside:

Print your own parts for a DIY build

2026-06-23T20:12:49Z

Alexis-outside: /* capstan cap */

This is the manufacturing doc for printing your parts entirely from scratch. You will need:

* A standard FDM printer with at least a 220mm x 220mm print bed
* PETG filament -- a full set takes 330g of filament
* Time -- on the lab printers (flashforge Adventure 5m and Qidi pro), it takes ~12.5 print hours to do everything
* 12 M4 heat-set inserts and a soldering iron or heat-set tool

The print settings for each part is detailed below. Please pay extra attention to the part orientation, support requirements, and fill settings

== capstan handle ==

=== What it is: ===
This is the handle that you use to bend the spine back and forth -- it attaches to the capstan.

=== Print Settings ===
This needs to be strong -- it's one of two parts that experiences significant mechanical force, so print at 50% sparse infill density. Enable supports for this part.
[[File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 3.57.22 PM.png|none|thumb]]
☢

=== Print Time ===
1 hour 22 minutes

=== Print File ===
== capstan cap ==

=== What it is: ===
This is the part that slides over the PVC pipe and acts as an axle holder for the capstan. Also supports the phone mount.

=== Print Settings ===
This is the other part that experiences mechanical stress, so print at 50% infill density. No support needed.
[[File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.00.35 PM.png|none|thumb]]

=== Print Time ===
1 hour 49 mins

=== Print File ===

== capstan ==

=== What it is: ===
This is the main part

=== Print Settings ===
This is the main part

=== Print Time ===
This is the main part

=== Print File ===
This is the main part

== spine ==

=== What it is: ===
This is the main flexing part for the camera. It acts like a spine -- it has rigid 'vertebra' and living hinge 'discs' which allow it to flex up to 90 degrees. There are channels for the cable to run through, and a center channel for the camera to pass through it. The Endcap bolts onto the end and holds the camera in place, and the whole outside threads into the Tensioning Cap, which lets you stash it safely in the pipe for travel, or bring it out and tension it for use.

=== Print Settings ===
Print without support, flat edge on the print bed, as shown in the screencap below. Depending on the size of your print bed, you may need to rotate it by 45 degrees so that it fits on the bed.[[File:Spine.png|thumb|none]]
Print temperature is *super* important for the flexibility of the living hinge. The first layer can be whatever you want for adhesion, but I *strongly* recommend keeping the print temp as close to 240C as you can get away with (some extruder/filament combos want a bit higher temp). I've found that the living hinge becomes much more flexible, but weaker, at higher print temps. 260C is very flexible but very fragile, and for day-to-day use, I really recommend you get a sturdier spine, by keeping your print head at 240C.

Most of this print is pretty slim, so I don't worry about infill -- I print at 2 wall loops, 4 top shells, 3 bottom shells, and 15% sparse infill

=== Print Time ===
About 5 hours on my flashforge Adventure.

=== Print File ===

== tensioning cap ==

=== What it is: ===
This goes on the other side of the PVC pipe and acts like a nut that threads over the spine. Spin the tensioning cap, and the spine moves in and out of the pipe, letting you stash it for travel or quickly extend and tension it for use.

=== Print Settings ===
Standard PETG print settings. Print with the handle on the bottom, no support, 15% sparse infill
[[File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.04.40 PM.png|none|thumb]]
☢

=== Print Time ===
1 hour

=== Print File ===

== Endoscope Top Cap ==

=== What it is: ===
This is a small part that bolts on to the tip of the spine and holds the camera. There is another part, the Swing Arm, which can pivot about one of the bolts and clamp firmly onto the barrel, clamping it against the top cap and preventing it from rotating or sliding.

=== Print Settings ===
Standard PETG settings, no support, 15% sparse infill. Be sure to print flat-side down
[[File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.07.17 PM.png|none|thumb]]

=== Print Time ===
18 mins

== Swing Arm ==

=== What it is: ===
This is a small, pivoting arm that clamps the camera against the top cap part.

=== Print Settings ===
Standard PETG settings, no support, 15% sparse infill. Be sure to get the flat side down.
[[File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.09.52 PM.png|none|thumb]]
☢

=== Print Time ===
8 mins

=== Print File ===

== Key ==

=== What it is: ===
This is a small part that glues into one end of the PVC pipe and keeps the spine from rotating inside the pipe

=== Print Settings ===
Standard PETG settings, keep the flat side down
[[File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.12.16 PM.png|none|thumb]]
☢

=== Print Time ===
2 mins

=== Print File ===

File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.12.16 PM.png

2026-06-23T20:12:33Z

Alexis-outside:

File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.09.52 PM.png

2026-06-23T20:10:14Z

Alexis-outside:

File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.07.17 PM.png

2026-06-23T20:07:38Z

Alexis-outside:

etc

File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.04.40 PM.png

2026-06-23T20:05:01Z

Alexis-outside:

File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 3.57.22 PM.png

2026-06-23T20:02:41Z

Alexis-outside:

File:Screenshot 2026-06-23 at 4.00.35 PM.png

2026-06-23T20:01:55Z

Alexis-outside:

Print your own parts for a DIY build

2026-06-23T17:03:10Z

Alexis-outside:

File:Spine.png

2026-06-23T17:02:26Z

Alexis-outside:

spine on print bed

Print your own parts for a DIY build

2026-06-23T16:51:27Z

Alexis-outside: initial page

Make Yer Own Abbott

2026-04-10T18:03:45Z

Alexis-outside:

Latest Version
----[https://a360.co/4tBlZi0 V1.5]

Fusion design files

[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/m2esrfs7yznjtbsombqgd/AJqDrybqwqdhnwJymV04Hjc?rlkey=1ts0z4we00vnyb2s2kgk5r1zl&dl=0 All STLs]

----

Make Yer Own Abbott

2026-04-09T12:15:36Z

Alexis-outside:

Latest Version
----V1.5

Fusion design files

[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/m2esrfs7yznjtbsombqgd/AJqDrybqwqdhnwJymV04Hjc?rlkey=1ts0z4we00vnyb2s2kgk5r1zl&dl=0 All STLs]

----

Make Yer Own Abbott

2026-04-08T22:25:01Z

Alexis-outside: Created page with "a"

Abbott

2026-04-06T19:33:09Z

Alexis-outside:

== Abbott Design page ==

Abbott is a web-controlled, articulated octopus that responds expressively to emojis in a zoom chat. It is named in honor of one of the tentacled aliens in Arrival.

Want to make your own? Head over to the [[Make Yer Own Abbott]] page

This is a design page for the general conceptualizing/exploring of possible mechanisms/designs for Abbott. Please feel free to edit, nothing is set in stone. Any trouble with the wiki (it's new and has not been put through its paces), please write alex@alexhornstein.com / 401.688.0489 and I'll fix it ASAP.

=== Distributed prototyping philosophy ===
The idea here is to have people in different locations collaboratively develop hardware approaching the speed of software. The things which enable this are:

* everyone has a minimal, [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E2dhqLpAWhcRfN7Ml61jg7elpqfRhyic0ex8C5cSnjs/edit?usp=sharing common set of materials]
* all developers can access a 3D printer
* the parts are designed with the constraints that you can make them work with the common materials
* All developers working on this get a complete, working thing when they're done

I put a bit of thought into a bill of materials, trying to keep it as cheap and as complete as possible. If you're not comfy improvising with hardware, just buy the stuff and it'll work for you. If you are comfy improvising with hardware, pick and choose as you see fit. Take a look at the spreadsheet below and let me know what you think. This is still a rough revision, but I think it's within ~80%

[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E2dhqLpAWhcRfN7Ml61jg7elpqfRhyic0ex8C5cSnjs/edit?usp=sharing Common Bill of Materials (for rapid MVP prototyping in different places)]

=== Brain ===
I think a pi zero 2W is a good brain -- it is a linux-based system, making it easy to use software libraries to plug into stuff like the zoom API, and can also control low-level things like servos and LCD screens

=== Body ===
I don't have a design yet for the body, but I like the idea that it should be 3D printable and fit on the smallest printer bed that any collaborator has. I forget if the recurse printer is an A1 (250 x 250mm bed) or an A1 mini (180 x 180mm bed). Anyone know?

I'm kind of imagining a body like some sort of framework, roughly like a menorah but pointing towards you. Also all the candles are tentacles. It's not a perfect simile.

=== Tentacles ===
Well, that's why we're on this site. This is a wiki for an open-source 3D printed tentacle device that I think we can adapt to this. The tentacles are a clever, living hinge design that pops off the printer in one piece, and they articulate in just one axis. There's also a hole running through the center of the tentacle which can be used to run, say, an LED light or another servo for the tentacle tip.

[[File:Dipstick.gif]]

The tentacles are cable-driven mechanisms. The "spine" is the living hinge part that's moving, and that blue thing is a tensioning cap which lets you easily adjust spring tension in the tentacle.. The spine is threaded like a big bolt, and the tensioning has internal threads like a big nut. More details/files/3D models on the [[Open-Source Design page|design page]]. The spine also has two holes that run all the way through on either side, and those are for running the string which puppeteers the spine.

On the other end of the pipe, there is a capstan -- this is like a drum, and a piece of non-stretching string runs from one end of the spine, down through the hole on that side, wraps around the capstan a few times, and then goes back through the ''other hole'' in the spine, before getting tied off at the tip.

It's one of those things where a picture is worth a thousand words

[[File:TrunkCam cross-section.png|800x800px]]

In the manual version, when you turn the handle one way or the other, it pulls the string and the tentacle tentacles. For Abbott, I think we could basically put a servo on the capstan, get rid of the pipe, and make the base of the octopus something that has many pipe-like appendages, where we can put the

=== Eyes ===
[[File:Eyes.jpg|thumb|none]]I think it would be good to have expressive LCD eyes. These are [https://www.amazon.com/AITRIP-Display-Interface-240x240-Raspberry/dp/B0BL7G3HTP/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3C9N783QQ710J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rPMBCSoQfJOxcFlgJWeFwEYgZDE80VF5P3Z5qCqqyziLVO1t_-zrLwn_swgF-Krn_Ofgt98qNQdYwcWCw9107fGYTqhNltJHSIXHgJCB8RkdQCSZKuejWWjtkWsnyY-tAdGJzajR9pyWPtx8LGGV_sgO9nPs-zgB9RliLnHxuM-4JHFsyII6fLRv_I0MlXLotN2vOJZU1KO0yHmWP0JWOHdh7YJvIi5aLHl9QU7w3-M.UcP8I_4IzX2ksZ6TPqZ2zCw0aoKeRRAtKIQFXuQzHao&dib_tag=se&keywords=round+LCD&qid=1774969108&sprefix=round+lcd%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1 cheap, round LCD displays] that run for ~$7 a pop on amazon, and we could presumably drive them with a raspberry pi via SPI.

For ~6x more money, they [https://www.amazon.com/ESP32-S3-Bluetooth-Dual-core-Processor-Connector/dp/B0CSYVVV2N/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2SK55AS637ZT1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tMVVGwMr6zelGhXcN5xe44damDLx_JtZ3U_73Sah8NQgyxemQ7Gy2LWPHcYxfCVyuUn8EC76vqzK0qTTlwhV2QOyfoO0-vEL2tWElXYRes90xiU5iC5oPmZW8mvwTIvl1Dy0goquWcUfmKsr58MF7XNo4Km28VGDF3YHgYTWtbCM-FG6xjga3V_KnpWzdPYuucos653QSmCAUkkwFaCSRmJgkuFxy4bvR-oNTjApUd1OhKImWvjSOzLxNDkddz53Z8MrgiscxNUEOH2MVY72Ea21OFYJlYuYiZM2dL4C5s0.HONyNz5RUEYplg47KQjdwvb0zlwhurIq8Sr0zedt1co&dib_tag=se&keywords=ESP32+round+LCD&qid=1774969274&s=electronics&sprefix=esp32+round+lc%2Caps%2C209&sr=1-2 make some eyes with built-in ESP32s], so they have a standalone way to control them over wifi, and need no wiring. It's tempted and very modular, it's just a difference of $7/eye vs $23/eye

WDYT?

Abbott

2026-03-31T16:41:03Z

Alexis-outside: /* Tentacles */

== Abbott Design page ==

Abbott is a web-controlled, articulated octopus that responds expressively to emojis in a zoom chat. It is named in honor of one of the tentacled aliens in Arrival.

This is a design page for the general conceptualizing/exploring of possible mechanisms/designs for Abbott. Please feel free to edit, nothing is set in stone. Any trouble with the wiki (it's new and has not been put through its paces), please write alex@alexhornstein.com / 401.688.0489 and I'll fix it ASAP.

=== Distributed prototyping philosophy ===
The idea here is to have people in different locations collaboratively develop hardware approaching the speed of software. The things which enable this are:

* everyone has a minimal, [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E2dhqLpAWhcRfN7Ml61jg7elpqfRhyic0ex8C5cSnjs/edit?usp=sharing common set of materials]
* all developers can access a 3D printer
* the parts are designed with the constraints that you can make them work with the common materials
* All developers working on this get a complete, working thing when they're done

I put a bit of thought into a bill of materials, trying to keep it as cheap and as complete as possible. If you're not comfy improvising with hardware, just buy the stuff and it'll work for you. If you are comfy improvising with hardware, pick and choose as you see fit. Take a look at the spreadsheet below and let me know what you think. This is still a rough revision, but I think it's within ~80%

[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E2dhqLpAWhcRfN7Ml61jg7elpqfRhyic0ex8C5cSnjs/edit?usp=sharing Common Bill of Materials (for rapid MVP prototyping in different places)]

=== Brain ===
I think a pi zero 2W is a good brain -- it is a linux-based system, making it easy to use software libraries to plug into stuff like the zoom API, and can also control low-level things like servos and LCD screens

=== Body ===
I don't have a design yet for the body, but I like the idea that it should be 3D printable and fit on the smallest printer bed that any collaborator has. I forget if the recurse printer is an A1 (250 x 250mm bed) or an A1 mini (180 x 180mm bed). Anyone know?

I'm kind of imagining a body like some sort of framework, roughly like a menorah but pointing towards you. Also all the candles are tentacles. It's not a perfect simile.

=== Tentacles ===
Well, that's why we're on this site. This is a wiki for an open-source 3D printed tentacle device that I think we can adapt to this. The tentacles are a clever, living hinge design that pops off the printer in one piece, and they articulate in just one axis. There's also a hole running through the center of the tentacle which can be used to run, say, an LED light or another servo for the tentacle tip.

[[File:Dipstick.gif]]

The tentacles are cable-driven mechanisms. The "spine" is the living hinge part that's moving, and that blue thing is a tensioning cap which lets you easily adjust spring tension in the tentacle.. The spine is threaded like a big bolt, and the tensioning has internal threads like a big nut. More details/files/3D models on the [[Open-Source Design page|design page]]. The spine also has two holes that run all the way through on either side, and those are for running the string which puppeteers the spine.

On the other end of the pipe, there is a capstan -- this is like a drum, and a piece of non-stretching string runs from one end of the spine, down through the hole on that side, wraps around the capstan a few times, and then goes back through the ''other hole'' in the spine, before getting tied off at the tip.

It's one of those things where a picture is worth a thousand words

[[File:TrunkCam cross-section.png|800x800px]]

In the manual version, when you turn the handle one way or the other, it pulls the string and the tentacle tentacles. For Abbott, I think we could basically put a servo on the capstan, get rid of the pipe, and make the base of the octopus something that has many pipe-like appendages, where we can put the

=== Eyes ===
[[File:Eyes.jpg|thumb|none]]I think it would be good to have expressive LCD eyes. These are [https://www.amazon.com/AITRIP-Display-Interface-240x240-Raspberry/dp/B0BL7G3HTP/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3C9N783QQ710J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rPMBCSoQfJOxcFlgJWeFwEYgZDE80VF5P3Z5qCqqyziLVO1t_-zrLwn_swgF-Krn_Ofgt98qNQdYwcWCw9107fGYTqhNltJHSIXHgJCB8RkdQCSZKuejWWjtkWsnyY-tAdGJzajR9pyWPtx8LGGV_sgO9nPs-zgB9RliLnHxuM-4JHFsyII6fLRv_I0MlXLotN2vOJZU1KO0yHmWP0JWOHdh7YJvIi5aLHl9QU7w3-M.UcP8I_4IzX2ksZ6TPqZ2zCw0aoKeRRAtKIQFXuQzHao&dib_tag=se&keywords=round+LCD&qid=1774969108&sprefix=round+lcd%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1 cheap, round LCD displays] that run for ~$7 a pop on amazon, and we could presumably drive them with a raspberry pi via SPI.

For ~6x more money, they [https://www.amazon.com/ESP32-S3-Bluetooth-Dual-core-Processor-Connector/dp/B0CSYVVV2N/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2SK55AS637ZT1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tMVVGwMr6zelGhXcN5xe44damDLx_JtZ3U_73Sah8NQgyxemQ7Gy2LWPHcYxfCVyuUn8EC76vqzK0qTTlwhV2QOyfoO0-vEL2tWElXYRes90xiU5iC5oPmZW8mvwTIvl1Dy0goquWcUfmKsr58MF7XNo4Km28VGDF3YHgYTWtbCM-FG6xjga3V_KnpWzdPYuucos653QSmCAUkkwFaCSRmJgkuFxy4bvR-oNTjApUd1OhKImWvjSOzLxNDkddz53Z8MrgiscxNUEOH2MVY72Ea21OFYJlYuYiZM2dL4C5s0.HONyNz5RUEYplg47KQjdwvb0zlwhurIq8Sr0zedt1co&dib_tag=se&keywords=ESP32+round+LCD&qid=1774969274&s=electronics&sprefix=esp32+round+lc%2Caps%2C209&sr=1-2 make some eyes with built-in ESP32s], so they have a standalone way to control them over wifi, and need no wiring. It's tempted and very modular, it's just a difference of $7/eye vs $23/eye

WDYT?

File:TrunkCam cross-section.png

2026-03-31T16:21:29Z

Alexis-outside:

cross section

File:Dipstick.gif

2026-03-31T15:48:51Z

Alexis-outside:

tentacle

Abbott

2026-03-31T15:41:45Z

Alexis-outside:

== Abbott Design page ==

Abbott is a web-controlled, articulated octopus that responds expressively to emojis in a zoom chat. It is named in honor of one of the tentacled aliens in Arrival.

This is a design page for the general conceptualizing/exploring of possible mechanisms/designs for Abbott. Please feel free to edit, nothing is set in stone. Any trouble with the wiki (it's new and has not been put through its paces), please write alex@alexhornstein.com / 401.688.0489 and I'll fix it ASAP.

=== Distributed prototyping philosophy ===
The idea here is to have people in different locations collaboratively develop hardware approaching the speed of software. The things which enable this are:

* everyone has a minimal, [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E2dhqLpAWhcRfN7Ml61jg7elpqfRhyic0ex8C5cSnjs/edit?usp=sharing common set of materials]
* all developers can access a 3D printer
* the parts are designed with the constraints that you can make them work with the common materials
* All developers working on this get a complete, working thing when they're done

I put a bit of thought into a bill of materials, trying to keep it as cheap and as complete as possible. If you're not comfy improvising with hardware, just buy the stuff and it'll work for you. If you are comfy improvising with hardware, pick and choose as you see fit. Take a look at the spreadsheet below and let me know what you think. This is still a rough revision, but I think it's within ~80%

[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E2dhqLpAWhcRfN7Ml61jg7elpqfRhyic0ex8C5cSnjs/edit?usp=sharing Common Bill of Materials (for rapid MVP prototyping in different places)]

=== Brain ===
I think a pi zero 2W is a good brain -- it is a linux-based system, making it easy to use software libraries to plug into stuff like the zoom API, and can also control low-level things like servos and LCD screens

=== Body ===
I don't have a design yet for the body, but I like the idea that it should be 3D printable and fit on the smallest printer bed that any collaborator has. I forget if the recurse printer is an A1 (250 x 250mm bed) or an A1 mini (180 x 180mm bed). Anyone know?

=== Tentacles ===
Well, that's why we're on this site. This is a wiki for an open-source 3D printed tentacle device that I think we can adapt to this. The tentacles are a clever, living hinge design that pops off the printer in one piece, and they articulate in just one axis. There's also a hole running through the center of the tentacle which can be used to run, say, an LED light or another servo for the tentacle tip.

=== Eyes ===
I think it would be good to have expressive LCD eyes.

There are some round LCD screens with SPI interfaces that seem to have good pi support, and then there are some with built-in ESP32s with wifi support.
[[File:Eyes.jpg|thumb]]

Abbott

2026-03-31T15:11:38Z

Alexis-outside: Reverted edit by Test-user (talk) to last revision by Alexis-outside

== Abbott Design page ==

Abbott is a web-controlled, articulated octopus that responds expressively to emojis in a zoom chat. It is named in honor of one of the tentacled aliens in Arrival.

This is a design page for the general conceptualizing/exploring of possible mechanisms/designs for Abbott. Please feel free to edit, nothing is set in stone. Any trouble with the wiki (it's new and has not been put through its paces), please write alex@alexhornstein.com / 401.688.0489 and I'll fix it ASAP.

=== Distributed prototyping philosophy ===
The idea here is to have people in different locations collaboratively develop hardware approaching the speed of software. The things which enable this are:

* everyone has a minimal, [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E2dhqLpAWhcRfN7Ml61jg7elpqfRhyic0ex8C5cSnjs/edit?usp=sharing common set of materials]
* all developers can access a 3D printer
* the parts are designed with the constraints that you can make them work with the common materials
* All developers working on this get a complete, working thing when they're done*
*

I put a bit of thought into a bill of materials, trying to keep it as cheap and as complete as possible. Take a look at the spreadsheet below and let me know what you think. Some elaboration

[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E2dhqLpAWhcRfN7Ml61jg7elpqfRhyic0ex8C5cSnjs/edit?usp=sharing Common Bill of Materials (for rapid MVP prototyping in different places)]

=== Eyes ===
I think it would be good to have expressive LCD eyes.

There are some round LCD screens with SPI interfaces that seem to have good pi support, and then there are some with built-in ESP32s with wifi support.
[[File:Eyes.jpg|thumb]]

Abbott

2026-03-31T15:08:29Z

Alexis-outside: fleshing out the page

== Abbott Design page ==

Abbott is a web-controlled, articulated octopus that responds expressively to emojis in a zoom chat. It is named in honor of one of the tentacled aliens in Arrival.

This is a design page for the general conceptualizing/exploring of possible mechanisms/designs for Abbott. Please feel free to edit, nothing is set in stone. Any trouble with the wiki (it's new and has not been put through its paces), please write alex@alexhornstein.com / 401.688.0489 and I'll fix it ASAP.

=== Distributed prototyping philosophy ===
The idea here is to have people in different locations collaboratively develop hardware approaching the speed of software. The things which enable this are:

* everyone has a minimal, [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E2dhqLpAWhcRfN7Ml61jg7elpqfRhyic0ex8C5cSnjs/edit?usp=sharing common set of materials]
* all developers can access a 3D printer
* the parts are designed with the constraints that you can make them work with the common materials
* All developers working on this get a complete, working thing when they're done*
*

I put a bit of thought into a bill of materials, trying to keep it as cheap and as complete as possible. Take a look at the spreadsheet below and let me know what you think. Some elaboration

[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E2dhqLpAWhcRfN7Ml61jg7elpqfRhyic0ex8C5cSnjs/edit?usp=sharing Common Bill of Materials (for rapid MVP prototyping in different places)]

=== Eyes ===
I think it would be good to have expressive LCD eyes.

There are some round LCD screens with SPI interfaces that seem to have good pi support, and then there are some with built-in ESP32s with wifi support.
[[File:Eyes.jpg|thumb]]

File:Eyes.jpg

2026-03-31T15:03:02Z

Alexis-outside:

Abbott

2026-03-31T14:37:31Z

Alexis-outside: Created page with "Abbott Design page: Abbott is a web-controlled, articulated octopus that responds expressively to emojis in a zoom chat. It is named in honor of one of the tentacled aliens in Arrival."

Abbott Design page:

Abbott is a web-controlled, articulated octopus that responds expressively to emojis in a zoom chat. It is named in honor of one of the tentacled aliens in Arrival.

TrunkCam Accessories

2026-03-30T23:31:46Z

Alexis-outside:

== List of Accessories ==

=== Tripod ===

=== Dolly ===

=== Carry Case ===

=== Lure Arm ===

===== Making your Own =====
If you want to make your own, a helpful place to start is the snap-on profile. We use two, one that snaps onto the 1.25" PVC pipe, and one that snaps onto the tip of the trunkCam.

1.25" snap (good for dollies, racks, tripods, etc)

* [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/09wuqfcw3kzkiw60g5t5b/accessory-template.svg?rlkey=23owywqnlocb402blwo0cl0jq&dl=0 SVG]
* [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1uxr1irlocnz9cev2k14b/accessory-template.dxf?rlkey=r9pd0kn7yndtefo07tfpt8km4&dl=0 DXF]
* [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/efurhpymb2pihz3vmqpw0/accessory-template.ai?rlkey=0e7c6orbyz1ydpxqjm1vduyfq&dl=0 AI]

tip snap (good for things that interact with the subject)

* SVG
* DXF
* AI

Open-Source Design page

2026-03-30T23:25:23Z

Alexis-outside:

trunkCam is an open-source hardware project. If you would like to make your own, you will need:

* the parts from the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cBpvzQr5q_kBL8JIbCuVbll7WQdTomYz7Iyf3H-uzQA/edit?usp=sharing Bill of Materials]
* the 3D printed parts listed below

The design files for trunkCam are in Fusion, and are viewable and downloadable [https://artiswrong.autodesk360.com/g/shares/SH28cd1QT2badd0ea72b09c4bda8e03e7a87 at this link]

3D printable parts:

*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nhba4fyzemnofcnn25k9v/spine.stl?rlkey=vkjyh6xm5edj83zc38mt15h7f&dl=0 Spine]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/35qyq8swjdmjm9aexrpgb/AIFEZDlOs5cbNKS9yfUb09g?rlkey=q2xplfyatjtkbfyulckbh5wwp&dl=0 Endcap]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fytbg9tymygbl1bh1w3ju/clamping-arm.stl?rlkey=n1sd80l2pjr6ynch9e16l261n&dl=0 Clamping Arm]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8ax8vzx473ua6b33oxz8q/Tensioning-Cap.stl?rlkey=l6vl8kjd8qrk2b1bqnt3h8fd1&dl=0 Tensioning Cap]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cldlrd4b36p1qducs5qeb/Capstan-Cap.stl?rlkey=siy05is7p7fekk11ys4pz5r3m&dl=0 Capstan Cap]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lg43cgystblrcfejwm9hr/Capstan.stl?rlkey=lw0n8m6vclv3rcen0zkv3jznv&dl=0 Capstan]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qmfn8ch0mbx0xh9hj39l3/Handle.stl?rlkey=1f1cnj4letr3njx6c5a2skpzn&dl=0 Handle]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kb8lcip7b54k6z8actd8j/Key.stl?rlkey=6q665wtswzc2e3ax86mbmbfno&dl=0 Key]
A zip file of all the STLs [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/u478st2k1163ilufqfyta/trunkCam-v1.0.zip?rlkey=q4ysn00zdf6z2ip2sndwk3kcj&dl=0 is available here]

If you have an improvement that you'd like to add to the core design, please share your design file, photo/video of it working, and a description of your improvement on the [[Modifications]] page. We review these regularly and will consider integrating with the main design, with attribution to the creator.

There is also a series of [[accessories]] that can fit onto the trunkCam to help film in different ways, with design files, photos and STLs.

Modifications

2026-03-24T20:47:37Z

Alexis-outside: Created page with "trunkCam Modifications"

trunkCam Modifications

Open-Source Design page

2026-03-24T20:46:53Z

Alexis-outside:

trunkCam is an open-source hardware project. If you would like to make your own, you will need:

* the parts from the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cBpvzQr5q_kBL8JIbCuVbll7WQdTomYz7Iyf3H-uzQA/edit?usp=sharing Bill of Materials]
* the 3D printed parts listed below

The design files for trunkCam are in Fusion, and are viewable and downloadable [https://artiswrong.autodesk360.com/g/shares/SH28cd1QT2badd0ea72b09c4bda8e03e7a87 at this link]

3D printable parts:

*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nhba4fyzemnofcnn25k9v/spine.stl?rlkey=vkjyh6xm5edj83zc38mt15h7f&dl=0 Spine]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/35qyq8swjdmjm9aexrpgb/AIFEZDlOs5cbNKS9yfUb09g?rlkey=q2xplfyatjtkbfyulckbh5wwp&dl=0 Endcap]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fytbg9tymygbl1bh1w3ju/clamping-arm.stl?rlkey=n1sd80l2pjr6ynch9e16l261n&dl=0 Clamping Arm]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8ax8vzx473ua6b33oxz8q/Tensioning-Cap.stl?rlkey=l6vl8kjd8qrk2b1bqnt3h8fd1&dl=0 Tensioning Cap]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cldlrd4b36p1qducs5qeb/Capstan-Cap.stl?rlkey=siy05is7p7fekk11ys4pz5r3m&dl=0 Capstan Cap]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lg43cgystblrcfejwm9hr/Capstan.stl?rlkey=lw0n8m6vclv3rcen0zkv3jznv&dl=0 Capstan]
*[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qmfn8ch0mbx0xh9hj39l3/Handle.stl?rlkey=1f1cnj4letr3njx6c5a2skpzn&dl=0 Handle]
A zip file of all the STLs [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/740uiyas56pjelawxag4q/trunkCam-1.0.zip?rlkey=f30ed6rwqlvloc5ig7b2ae8md&dl=0 is available here]

If you have an improvement that you'd like to add to the core design, please share your design file, photo/video of it working, and a description of your improvement on the [[Modifications]] page. We review these regularly and will consider integrating with the main design, with attribution to the creator.

There is also a series of [[accessories]] that can fit onto the trunkCam to help film in different ways, with design files, photos and STLs.

Open-Source Design page

2026-03-24T20:38:05Z

Alexis-outside:

Open-Source Design page

2026-03-24T20:33:39Z

Alexis-outside:

trunkCam is an open-source hardware project. If you would like to make your own, you will need:

* the parts from the Bill of Materials
* the 3D printed parts listed below

The design files for trunkCam are in Fusion, and are viewable and downloadable [https://artiswrong.autodesk360.com/g/shares/SH28cd1QT2badd0ea72b09c4bda8e03e7a87 at this link]

MediaWiki:Copyright-footer

2026-03-24T20:31:36Z

Alexis-outside:

All documentation on this site is available under $1 unless otherwise noted.
The hardware design itself is also made available under $1.

More details about the license are on our [[LicensePage|License Page]]

MediaWiki:Copyright-footer

2026-03-24T20:31:10Z

Alexis-outside:

MediaWiki:Copyright-footer

2026-03-24T20:30:56Z

Alexis-outside:

MediaWiki:Copyright-footer

2026-03-24T20:29:46Z

Alexis-outside:

All documentation on this site is available under $1 unless otherwise noted.
The hardware design itself is also made available under $1.

More details about the license are on our (License Page)[LicensePage]

MediaWiki:Copyright-footer

2026-03-24T20:29:05Z

Alexis-outside:

MediaWiki:Copyright-footer

2026-03-24T20:27:29Z

Alexis-outside: Created page with "All documentation on this site is available under $1 unless otherwise noted."

All documentation on this site is available under $1 unless otherwise noted.

LicensePage

2026-03-24T20:24:21Z

Alexis-outside: Created page with "All documentation for trunkCam, as well as the hardware design for trunkCam itself, is released as open-source hardware under the Creative Commons [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ CC-BY-SA-4.0]license, the text of which is below: Under this license, == You are free to: == # '''Share''' — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially. # '''Adapt''' — remix, transform, and build upon the material for a..."

All documentation for trunkCam, as well as the hardware design for trunkCam itself, is released as open-source hardware under the Creative Commons [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ CC-BY-SA-4.0]license, the text of which is below:

Under this license,

== You are free to: ==

# '''Share''' — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially.
# '''Adapt''' — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
# The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.

== Under the following terms: ==

# '''Attribution''' — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and . You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
# '''ShareAlike''' — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original.
# '''No additional restrictions''' — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.

== Notices: ==
You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation.

No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material.

File:Exploded view.png

2026-03-23T11:40:35Z

Alexis-outside:

exploded view of components

Manufacturing files

2026-03-16T15:45:04Z

Alexis-outside:

The [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/cnsw40nekfqq7xx7vn2q7/AFaL3ceCtvrKOWCpCU1baWM?rlkey=xrlaz68yd2pdbs3uwimnpf1mf&dl=0 core 3D printing files are here], and you will also need to pick up the parts from the bill of materials

Manufacturing files

2026-03-16T15:44:43Z

Alexis-outside: Created page with "The core 3D printing files are here, and you will also need to pick up the parts from the bill of materials"

The core 3D printing files are here, and you will also need to pick up the parts from the bill of materials

Image examples

2026-03-11T17:44:25Z

Alexis-outside:

Image examples

2026-03-11T17:43:46Z

Alexis-outside:

Image examples

2026-03-11T17:43:01Z

Alexis-outside:

Image examples

2026-03-11T17:39:43Z

Alexis-outside:

Image examples

2026-03-11T17:38:48Z

Alexis-outside:

File:White.png

2026-03-11T17:36:54Z

Alexis-outside:

File:Black.png

2026-03-11T17:36:42Z

Alexis-outside:

File:78fabbb3-984f-44f6-9030-9830e612f267.png

2026-03-11T17:36:30Z

Alexis-outside:

File:24ebc0dd-8498-4119-9947-ca7883a7453e.png

2026-03-11T17:36:02Z

Alexis-outside: