From the Loftsmith community

3" split sphere radome with N mount

A little weather cover for a small antenna, so the tip isn't left bare to the rain and the odd knock. It's a ball in two halves with a short lip where they meet, and a round stub underneath that fits an N connector. Change the ball size or the hole for your own gear.

2 parts · 37 g · 76 × 76 × 74 mm

Grey sphere split into two halves with a short round mounting stub underneath
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No adjustable sizes

Ask for the sizes you want to tweak, e.g. “make the width adjustable”.

Change it in the Studio

Parts

  • sphere-bottom · PLA · Rim and lip down on the bed

    Connector flange sits outside on the flat pad, and the nut tightens on the inner seat.

  • sphere-top · PLA · Rim down on the bed

    The antenna tube grows straight up from the bed.

Print settings

Layer height
0.16 mm
Walls
4
Infill
20% (the walls are basically solid)
Supports
Off
Notes
Use a brim on both halves because the rims are thin rings. Slow the outer walls and use full cooling so the inside of each dome stays clean.

Hardware

  • N-type female single-hole bulkhead connector (5/8"-24) with nut · Hole sized 15.9 mm with a 14.9 mm flat; adjust with the N bulkhead hole and D-flat sliders
  • Antenna element / rod, ~4 mm tip

Assembly

  1. Push the N connector up through the bottom pad from outside so the D-flat lines up, then tighten the nut on the inner seat.
  2. Screw or solder the antenna element onto the connector's center pin.
  3. Lower the top half straight down so the antenna tip slides into the center tube and the lip seats in the step. Add a thin bead of glue or tape the seam if you want it sealed.

Good to know

  • The inside of each dome near the top is a gentle overhang. Halves like this usually print fine with supports off, but you may see slight sagging inside where no one sees it, and the outside stays smooth.
  • The connector hole and lip fit are based on typical sizes, not tested. Print one bottom half and check the connector before you print the top. If the halves are too tight or loose, adjust the Lip fit gap slider.
  • PLA softens around 55 °C, so for outdoor use in the sun, reprint it in PETG or ASA.
I printed this Remix

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