Dipping Sonar Transducer

This is a representation of the acoustic component of a helicopter dipping sonar. It was used by the U.S. and other navies for many years. It is designed to be hung by a string, but can be set on a pad for display on a flat surface. I used PLA silver matt for the Acoustic Array Clamps (print 2) and the Tail Upper Fin. Neither came out looking real, but the clamps are stainless steel and I don't know any filament that will come out like shinny steel. I painted the Tail Upper Fin with a RCM032 Gun Metal paint pen and it came out a respectable approximation. Everything else is PLA black matte. I enabled a 5mm outer brim, most pieces will print without this, but it is necessary for the top cover.

First you need to decide if you want to hang it or set it on a flat surface. Either way you might want to feed a string through so that it appears to have a cable attached. I used LUSTEMBER 2 mm x 330 Feet Satin Nylon Cord available from Amazon. Prior to assembly, clean off all brim and flash.

For assembly: 1. The TA Tail Fins, upper and lower have small groves that enable proper alignment/mating. These pieces must be glued together. (see photo) 2. Place a TA Acoustic Array Clamp concave side down on the top (side with the pointy end) of the TA Body. 3. Place the TA Cover down over the pointy end of the TA Body and seat it all the way down. It should hold the Array Clamp in place. If you are going to use this on a flat surface where it might get knocked over, you should put some glue on the TA Cover. 4. Place the assembled Tail, fins up, down onto the pointy end of the TA Body. Glue if desired. 5. Cut the cord to the length you prefer and feed the cord through the pointy end of the TA Body. Tie a knot in the end away from the point on the TA Body and then pull it up into the TA. 6. Add some glue on the perimeter of the Temp Cover and insert it into the bottom of the Nose, curved side out. 7. Place an Array Clamp, concave side up onto the upper end of the Nose, add glue on the upper perimeter and insert it into the lower cavity of the TA Body. 

For flat surface display, print the Base Pad and set the Transducer onto it. For hanging display, tie the cord at the desired spot.