Drone Sports Inc. and the U.S. Drone Soccer Association encourages Innovation, customization, and 3D printing opportunities when they come along. This project was shared with us from Greater Southern Tier (GST) BOCES.
Why Protect the Radio sticks
Gimbals, which are the sensors that allow the thumb-sticks to detect movement inside the controller. These sensors are digital and do not touch the stick itself in the Commando 8. Therefore the sensor is consistant, reliable, and designed to last. What can wear out over time are the mechanical springs that provide centering and provide feedback to control inputs. When the springs are compressed or stretched for extended periods of time in storage this can reduce the spring's effectiveness or cause the springs to fail in time. When an object presses on the sticks in storage, pushing them in one direction, the springs can wear out. This is why the sticks are removable for long-term storage even in a case. Both of the 3D printed covers below keep the sticks in a centered and neutral position to preserve your springs. One version protects the screen as well.
We recommend using the covers or removing the sticks between flights. This is a fun way integrate 3D printing into your program, add protection, and customize your setup with team colors or to keep track of which radio is assigned to each drone.
Links to the 3D Print Files:
Gimbal / screen protector: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5418705
Gimbal protector:https://makerworld.com/en/models/532596-iflight-commando-8-stick-protector?from=search#profileId-449440