More SmartJars work...

I haven't been putting out new designs for the laser tag project lately, because I've been obsessed with getting the SmartJars insert to be financially feasible.  I finally have a part that I think makes sense, but we'll just have to see if anyone decides to pick up a set.  I went through several iterations of the design to get a part that wastes less material, yet feels sturdy enough to use.

The open source hardware I'm really excited about is my SmartJars carousel, because it's a perfect opportunity to re-acquaint myself with OpenSCAD.  I used to use this amazing software a few years ago to make things parametrically.  This awesome software package allows you to write code that translates into 2D and 3D objects.  I only use it for things that I want to produce on the laser cutter, so this means 2D stuff.

Before OpenSCAD, I would create a 3D model in Alibre Design, and then create a drawing.  Then I would export this drawing to DXF and import it into CorelDraw.  An alternative way to design parts is directly in CorelDraw itself, but this can be painful for all but the simplest projects.  My 56 state quarter frame was done entirely in CorelDraw, but since it was just a bunch of circles, it wasn't a big deal.

The SmartJars carousel is the perfect application for OpenSCAD.  Once complete, you will be able to specify how many SmartJars on a panel (rows and columns), and how many panels in the carousel.  With this information, OpenSCAD will allow you to output DXFs for the panel and top and bottom carouself pieces.  Each SmartJar panel will interlock and screw into the top and bottom panels as well!  Check it out (I know that the holes aren't centered yet...)

Once I get this done and make the carousel, I have a really cool v2 already in mind.  :)