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Update 21.02.2023

Updated ALL Names for better understanding which part is for what it does and which revision and sorted them in folders. Over the years, the package is massive, I know.

The files are also sorted now. All Covers, Helix holders, etc.
Much easier to find the right one and so much more overview at all.

If you wanna be on the latest and greatest, always print the latest / heighest Version number with _Diavolo in the name!

But attention, the latest is the short 2 and 2.5turn helix version. That is maybe NOT where you wanna start while it is much more difficult to get this right. Not the prints, the helix resonance and radiation!

Start with 4.5turns and the Helix_Holder for your Wire diameter. I prefer under 2mm (1.5mm I am using) diameter wires, to reduce the “shadow” the wire produces on the LNB. On Narrowband the affect is not that noticable, but on DATV some OMs had more then 5dB drop in MER with thick wires and then said the HELIX is horrible for DATV! No it is not! Use smaller wire diameters. we are at 2.4GHz, you dont need 10mm²! 

Also making the helix a little wider in diameter helps too! That is why there are more then one Helix bend Helper, but there is one for all needs, be sure, also for your needs.

ALL COVERS are innerchangable! If your helix is not too long :)
I prefer the Ultra_Thin version, but it is on you.

The Main_Holder and the Holder_Lower are later the “clamping” parts. So print the same version number or maybe your N-Connector is not centered in the rounding.

There is also a SMA Reflector with different holes for the SMA Connector, but I ALWAYS build the N connectors. They are much more robust and can handle more power, maybe you wanna try DATV later :)

PARTS you need - to print or buy

• 4x screws for the N Connector M3x4, if the reflector plate is 2mm and standard N connectors
• 2xM4x25 Screws + Nuts - for the “clamp” mechanism with the 2 Holder parts
• 3xM4x16 for keeping “all” together with the Helix_Holder + 1 for the thread next to the N-connector
• I use some (3-4) washers to get the height right on the N-connector one….dont wanted an extra length for that screw, so I took the M4x16 and some washers. it does not matter
• 1x N-connector with small flange - it should look like this: https://amzn.to/3lYkixq - affiliate link!

• At least 1 Cover :) It depends on “how” strong it must be and of course the length of your helix - i use a 4.25 turn helix with the Ultra_thin Cover version now for 4 years, in direct all -year weather, without problems!
• 1x Holder_main
• 1x Holder_lower
• 1x Helix_Holder, depending on the wire diameter you are using and the turns your helix has. If you wanna build a short 2t, the one with 4holes is maybe too long for you.
• maybe - 1 Bend helper for helping you with bending the helix - the version with the holes are only to save plastic!

If you can, print the Holders and the cover with ASA, ASA is UV stable. I printed 3 years all parts in PETG and also very happy but the cover and the “outer” part of the holdrs I spray painted with colorless paint, like this: https://amzn.to/3EvPJFR 
After 3 years and some moss on the cover, I decided to print a new one in ASA. So if you can not print ASA, use PETG and spray paint it colorless.

Also use colorless filament for your covers. Some OMs told me that the black and red filament they used, blocked some dB of the signal. maybe carbon was used to color the filament, that is not good for HF :) So use colorless for the parts infront of the HELIX , the Main and lower holder is fine in the color you like!

If you like my design, it would be nice if you could support me with a small amount. It REALLY helps me as I am retired from work with massive health problems, no longer able to do my loved work :( I am really missing it. Also the social aspect!

Thanks for supporting me:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dm4ds
Paypal donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/dm4ds
BMAcoffee: https://buymeacoff.ee/dm4ds
Bitcoin: bc1qf426e46h6kdtmws4cjnu6wa3wtzy8qvctq9j9u
Etherium: 0x3447f956194706eCDab747314CFB92Bf55428F28

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Update 20.11.2022

Updated ALL Covers + MainHolder v1_diavolo for better printablilty!

Some slicers had problems with the thread part, this should be solved!

The parts fit with the old parts, so no need to print everything again

Update 19.11.2022

2.5T_Helix_holder_v3_1.5mm_Diavolo.stl

2.5T_Helix_holder_v3_2.0mm_Diavolo.stl

Helix holder for the short Helix for thinner wire! Choose the right one for your wire diameter. If you have 1.4mm , use the 1.5mm - if you have 1.8mm use the 2.0mm and so on

Sorry, I missed this one to upoad at the last update in March :(

I use 1.4mm diameter copper wire for my helix, the holes in this one are 2mm.

To hold the wire in its final position I use a drop UV clue....

Also updated the Covers for better and easier printing!

Update 02.03.2022

[files are uploaded again 03.11.22 while thingiverse database is a nightmare and looks like to forget things]

After testing and testing and testing , the NEW SHORT Helix with 2 or 2.5 turns is now included in the package! 52mm diameter - 36mm spacing. USE max 2.5mm wire!

Update

Cover and helix holder are updated for the short version , everything else is 100% the same! So no need to print it again.

Helper also online for the new shorter version with 55mm diameter, the wire will bend back a little and should be fine then. Enjoy building. Helper_2.5T_Helix_55x36_short_Diavolo_DM4DS.stl

The New Covers are made for VASE mode on the cover itself and normal printing at the Thread, so split your job at the height in the FILENAME! The number in the filename is the height where the thread beginns!

Have fun and thanks for supporting me via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dm4ds

Thanks for a TIP

Hello and thanks for the amazing interest on @twitter

Here is the Universal holder and some information about it.

"HOLY" stands for "Helix of last year" - thanks to Flo for the idea.

Read this carefully, Thanks

Update 24.10.2020

For enthusiasts I uploaded a super super super thin cover:

Universal_Screw_LNB_Cover_v1,2_ultra_thin_98_100

Update 24.07.2020

Updated Holder, Holder Lower and Helix Holder AND the Reflector for a special Version for the MEGASAT Diavolo LNB and 2.5mm² wire for the helix.

The Cover fits also an this version, so there is no need to print it again!

Update 05.11.2019

Updated Cover with a _thin and a _ultra_thin version.

What does it mean? The Perimeters are smaller, less infill.

Try it in your slicer and use which version you like

Update 01.11.2019

Upload another Helix holder (v2_5mm) for 16mm² wires with 5mm holes - I dont recommend such thick wire!

Update 16.10.2019

Uploaded a modified - stronger Helix Holder V2

Update 15.10.2019

It looks that some slicer identify the "screw part" at the main holder and the cover as 2 parts in 1. The body 1 part, the screw 1 part and the result are horrible travel distances!

If you have that problem, search for solid option.

If you dont have that option and you see no other way, contact me via twitter @ham_dm4ds or email (look at qrz.com). Why? I made 2 files with trilions of triangels. No slicer has a change to think anymore that these are 2 parts in 1. But they are big! 500MB each. i cant upload them here, Mail me for link.

sorry that i dont post my mail here but i get a lot of spam already...

Update: 10.10.2019

Added a new lower Holder with stronger N-Connector Part. v1 is 5mm , v1.1 is 7.5mm strong

Where it fits?

It is designed to fit every LNB with an horn+plastic diameter of 55mm.

The Cover

The cover is design to be printed like it is arranged, screw part down, WITHOUT support!

At the upper inner side is extra material with an angle of 65° overhang to make support not necessary. The photos show 30% infill - Full honeycomb

The Reflector

For the reflector. i added the DXF /DWG file for your use with a CNC or other purpose. Also added a picture with all dimensions

The helix holder

It is designed to FOLLOW the helix. As wire, i used 2.5mm² , it has a diameter of ~1.8mm. The holes on the holder are 4mm, so the helix fits with little space.

The MATCHING?

To transform the too high impedance of a helix, which is around 130-135 ohms, we need a transformation. In my design I'm using a 31,5-32mm* 10mm piece of copper. This does the job for us perfect. "Play" with the height you solder it to the middle pin of your connector to get the best result. You can also move little left/right. The matching is all :) . If you done everything right, you can cut the helix shorter if needed without need to modify the matching! As always, if you have questions, ask.

Update 01.11.2019:

Added a Version 2_5mm. That one is for 16mm² wire with ~4.5mm diameter. The Helix Holes are 5mm on that holder.

Bend Helper

To make it easier to bend the helix, i also added the Helix Maker. It is a helper to bend the wire with the correct angle and diameter. wrap the wire tied arounf the helper and you are good to go.

Main Holder

i printed it with the screw side down. Then the surface where later the reflector sits is the support surface and a little rough but later behind the reflector. The outer surface is then as smooth as your printer is doing its job. But you can print like you want.

Please print it with "Support from build platform only" settings , there is NO need to support the thread.

29.10.2019: Pictures added

Screw to hold it together

For the N-Connecter i ised a flange with 18mm distance between the holes. thats standard small size n-connector. to screw it to the reflector i use M3x4mm with a 2mm aluminium reflector

The Helix Holder is screwed with the reflector between to the main holder with M4x10 or M4x16. I use for the inner screw a M4x16 , the outer M4x10 - Use what you want.

Reflector - Main Holder

Next to the N-Connector is a M4 thread in the reflector! That is used to screw the reflector against the main holder across the Helix Holder to hold it while you screw your cable to the connecter, otherwise if you push too hard, you could bend the reflector to the inside.

Questions?

Hope not. if i missed something, please drop me an email! i am not very often on thingiverse and so your message will be lost. Write me an email!

If you need a modified version?

Write me an email!

Hope you enjoy the design and leave a positiv feedback and ALSO your MAKES.

Thanks

Sandor

DM4DS

Or a coffee? https://buymeacoff.ee/dm4ds
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dm4ds
Homepage: https://www.dm4ds.de/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HAM_DM4DS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dm4ds/
QRZ.com: https://www.qrz.com/lookup/DM4DS

Print Settings

Printer:

Homebrew

Rafts:

Doesn't Matter

Supports:

Yes

Resolution:

0.1 - 0.35

Infill:

15 - 30

Filament: ASA - PETG - ABS - PLA (do not use PLA for permanent outdoor usage! the glastemp of PLA is way too low for the sun!)

Notes:

The Cover is printed WITHOUT support!

It is so designed that you can print it completly without support if your printer can handel overhangs of 65°. Almost every printer can handle this, so no need for support.

The Main - Holder needs support "FROM BUILD PLATFORM ONLY" (sorry for Caps but you need to know that). I printed it with the screwside on the build platform, so the support surface is the backside of the reflector where it doesnt matter and the outer surface is topsurface and smooth.

See pictures with the red Main Holder.

Post-Printing

support for the main- holder - FROM BUILD PLATFORM ONLY

printed without support!

Short video to demonstrate how smooth the screw is working

Category: Engineering