Update for @evilC I hope V8 will be good for a while, it’s my 4th version in 4 years with 128x192 resolution and 6 panels (from rigid, to powerbanks instead of lipos, to ABCDE flexible panels and ABC PWM panels and metal frame)
Big thanks to @board707 for recent help and contributions to this project, which did allow me to make v7 work after I had to switch to ABC panels that were slow before his new shift register driver.
And even bigger thanks to @kingdo9 who added support for multiple PWM panels, which I was forced to get for my new GOB protected panels, and would not have gotten working without his new experimental driver
My new v2 with 200mm radius bend is 34.4 degrees off flat at each end
For the v1 (250 radius), that same figure is 27.5 deg
If your manufacturer spec is the same as mine (Curvature of 611mm diameter), that equates to ~25.5deg
TLDR - I think you can go a LOT more on the curvature. Also, steel frames for 6 panels has to be very heavy surely ?
3D printed is the way to go IMHO mate - as I said before, if you want CAD files, I’ll happily supply.
Mine are only for 2 panels, but I reckon I could make things work for 3, although at that size, finding a printer big enough to print in one go would be a challenge - might need to split it into parts.
Glad you at least have something better tho, 10 panels in 1.5 years is, as you say, unsustainable.
I am dreading the day when I go out and panels die on me pre or mid event - the kind of one day events I go to, bringing spares is not an option.
For bend, my radius is only 5 to 10 degrees, I didn’t feel that I wanted/needed more than that, it fits my chest just fine (which for me remember, has to go from belly button to just below my neck)
The frame weighs a bit, but not as much as you think, it hasn’t felt that heavy so far, so I’ve been ok with it. Sure 3D printed with magnets would be lighter, but this frame was built and shipped by the manufacturer, and tested for fit before being shipped, so that was a huge plus for me. As you said, a 3D printer that can print the entire thing is not that simple, the metal frame will never break (3D printed can break in luggage and planes) and of course the metal frame works great with magnets, even if I change panels and the magnets move to a different location (which, guess what, they do)
