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Geodesic dome

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Sophi
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Joined: 03/22/2011
Geodesic dome

Has anyone built a Geodesic dome? Want to help me figure out how to build one (or eight)?
Discuss.
:)

thor
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Joined: 01/03/2010
Re: Geodesic dome

I've wanted to build one for a while. There are a bunch of calculators online to help figure out the proper strut lengths and such. If you're going to be at the meeting on thursday, I suggest we bring a bunch of drinking straws, some thumbtacks, and scissors and get crafty on some domes.

Sophi
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Joined: 03/22/2011
Re: Geodesic dome

Hello-
I won't be at the next few meetings :( I'll be traveling.
I propose a Geodesic Dome meeting in a month- say, May 26th
Straws and thumbtacks are a great idea!
Sophi

thor
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Joined: 01/03/2010
Re: Geodesic dome

That actually works out pretty well. I have been tasked with creating a pinata for a party this weekend, so that's what I'll be working on tonight.

I have already purchased the materials for the domes, though, so I might start playing around before the 26th. I'll be sure to take pictures if I do and bring whatever I've learned the meeting on the 26th to share. I'm already finding a lot more info than I did the first time and I'm starting to get excited about geeking out on some math.

Sophi
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Joined: 03/22/2011
Re: Geodesic dome

Oh making a pinata sounds fun too!
I will love to geek out on some math!
Check this link out if you haven't already http://www.desertdomes.com/domecalc.html

Here is the Project Concept (I am open to suggestions): There are 8 domes, installed outside. Domes are big enough for 1-2 people to be in lying down or standing up. So maybe 3.5'in diameter. A heart rate wrist band hangs from the ceiling. Once the HR band is put on, the heart beat sound comes from speakers inside the dome and also flashing light synched to heart beat. The triangles of the dome are covered in with gloss white painted cardboard (yay for free!) or translucent plastic. From the outside of the dome, you know if someone is inside because you see the dome blinking. Maybe you can feel bass (heart beat sound) through ground too from outside.

Wrist band transmitter: http://www.polar.fi/en/products/accessories/T31_coded_transmitter
Module receiver: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8660

Sophi

thor
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Joined: 01/03/2010
Re: Geodesic dome

That's awesome. I can't wait to see some of the intermediary work. Have you looked into the bluetooth devices they make? They might not be the cheapest overall but if you factor in re-usability they might be worth it. Also, if you'd like to expand the audio/visual experience I would LOVE to help if I can.

In any case I brought some materials to the mtg last night to experiment. Turns out, you shouldn't expect a 2v dome to turn out correctly if you cut struts for a 3v dome. You can see the result here: https://picasaweb.google.com/106848310446910867245/Projects?feat=directlink

My next step will be to make a strut-cutter and see how much that helps in manufacturing.

The math, btw, is crazy fun. We can def geek out when you're back.

 

/thor

Sophi
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Joined: 03/22/2011
Re: Geodesic dome

Those dome pics look great! I'm excited to come back and work on this!

I ordered the Polar heartbeat dev board from Sparkfun and a wrist transmitter already. I hadn't looked at any bluetooth versions but will do a search.

Sophi
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Joined: 03/22/2011
Re: Geodesic dome

I'm back, as of 2am last night, but picked up a head cold on the way home.

Will see you all next week.

I visited noisebrige and it was cool!

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