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Update:
Completely reworked the 3MF files:
- Newly defined print speed management saves about 40 hours of printing time.
- Printer type is still set to Prusa Mk3 - if you want to change the printer type, please first inspect the “Compatible printers condition” entries in “Print settings”→"Dependencies" and “Filament settings” →"dependencies" which both should be empty (due to a bug in PrusaSlicer I cannot set them to be empty by default).
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Update:
I made a (detachable) camera pod to use with the SIne qua non and a Runcam Thumb or Thumb Pro. So, if you would like to record your flights on video from an FPV perspective, just click the link above or go to the Remixes section. Here's an example video:
The cam pod can be retrofitted at any time.
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The Sine qua non II is the final result of a project I've occasionally been working on for about three years now. Unlike most other 3D printed RC aircraft, it is not just some kind of substitute for a model built in a conventional way but makes massive use of benefits that are proprietary only to 3D printing.
As a result, the model is extremely modular - meaning it's not just like “oh yeah, if you crash it, you can simply reprint it” but instead consists of 22 individually exchangeable parts, thus making sure that in case of an accident you will never have to reprint more parts than actually were damaged.
Oh yes, and it flies very well. It is very agile and responds to RC commands instantaneously, it can withstand some wind, and its broad speed range provides it's easy to master in those critical close-to-the-ground situations. It's not really a beginner's model (which, in my eyes, no 3D-printed model is), but if you can master a SkyCarver or FunWing, the Sine qua non makes a great next step.
Some flying videos I have taken:
Due to the model's self-locking plug mechanism not only the need of glueing parts together is minimized but also the model is built very quickly. You can start printing it on Monday, assemble it on Saturday afternoon and perform your maiden flight on Sunday.
I've added an extensive manual to the file set in which assembly is documented step-by-step. In the manual you will also find the bill of materials, a summary of filament choices, printing instructions (well, these are kept short thanks to the pre-configured 3MF files), and basic information about radio settings.
To print the Sine qua non II's parts you need a printer with a buildspace of at least 250 x 210 x 200 mm (W x D x H) - sorry, no Prusa Mini support. Filaments you need are LW-PLA (or LW-PLA HT) and PETG (and/or PLA, PC, PA, PA-CF…).
I have uploaded the printing files as 3MF (preconfigured in PrusaSlicer) as well as STL for those who can't use PrusaSlicer with their printers. So don't be overwhelmed with the sheer number of uploaded files - all you have to print for the standard configuration is 16 3MF files. The 3MF files are pre-configured for the Prusa I3 Mk3 (-S, Plus, Mk4, etc.), so if you have this/one of these printer(s), you will most likely not have to change any settings.
The author marked this model as their own original creation.