u/AcmeAerospace

This is the first of a series of catch-up posts talking about my ongoing modular terrain project, Hestia. If you haven't, please go back and check out my first post on this project; hopefully, it will give some insight into what we are trying to accomplish.

My original plan was to start these catch-up posts with the most basic components, columns and walls, and build upwards from there. Going to lights, then more advanced lights, finally to this: The Gate. But alas, I finished this tonight and decided I was too happy with it to hold back until I would otherwise get to posting it.

If you want to see a video of it in action, check it out here: https://youtu.be/xJlXfLhQKVw

This will constitute the medium-sized gate for project Hestia, and is two walls and two columns wide. It toggles between open and closed states with the press of either of the momentary switches on both the front and back. When toggling, the door uses a pair of limit switches to stop at the correct time.

The microcontroller used is a Seeed XIAO rp2040, which was selected for its ridiculously small size. The N20 gearmotor used to actuate the door is powered by an L293D dual H-bridge controller.

Overall, I am considering this version of the gate a partial success. I had several issues during assembly, and had to do some in-casing circuit surgery... not a fun time. As well as breaking the print during the assembly of the two halves (I'll have to fix this with plasticard and accept that it won't look great). I'll take these as lessons learned, and the next 2-4 copies of the gate that I make will hopefully go together much better.

Next up... We will probably actually go back and talk about walls and columns. Maybe not quite the same visual spectacle as the gate, but the backbone of the system, so stay tuned for that.

This is the first post of what I am calling The Hestia Terrain Project, named for the Greek goddess of the hearth and home. I want to continue expanding on this and will hopefully be consistent in posting updates. I have had a few false starts on this project before. But this time I've made enough progress that I think I'll be sticking with it for a while.

What is The Hestia Terrain Project? 

It is a 3D-printable modular Necromunda terrain project with a unique aspect I have not seen before.

Every wall-to-column connection is made with bullet connectors, meaning the whole board will have a 5V power supply powered by a single source.

Why are you making this system? 

I constantly see amazing terrain tiles with lights and screens, and sometimes even motorized components. And while my mechanical engineer brain is always so inspired by these, I have always felt that a modular terrain system would be more for me.

The hope is that Hestia will let me have both.

What modules have been designed so far? 

Hopefully the photos in this post give some idea of what modules are designed already, but here is a short list as well.

• Standard Column
• Column Stack Connector
• Standard Wall
• Standard Double Wall
• Wall Stack Connector
• Wall With Passage
• Wall With Lights
• Wall With Warning Light
• Medium Gate

I will make some more detailed posts on these over the next few days, and then we will see what kind of update rhythm I fall into as I finish designing new modules.

What other modules are planned?

• Pipelines with 5V rails
• Pipeline adapter walls
• Large equipment connecting via pipelines
• Smaller doors (electronic and manual)
• Larger doors (electronic)
• Detail plates to cover unused connectors on columns
• Street light style lights
• Elevated walkways 
• Stairs
• Walls variation (small pipes/panels/other details)
• Working notice boards using 192x64 LCDs

And probably a whole lot more... I'll be sure to let you guys know when I add to that list, and I cannot even begin to explain how much I would appreciate any inspiration or ideas you can give.

Will you be selling these designs?

This started as a passion project, something that I wanted and could not find, and so I am creating; I never intended to sell files or prints of this system, and I still don't. But if people want to become a part of this project, whether that is printing their own set of my designs or making their own compatible modules, I am all for it. If people ask, I'll see what I can do about giving free access to STLs and the design files, maybe even walkthroughs of how to make the internal electrical systems. After all, what's the point of a hearth without people around to share in it?

That's all for now, folks. I hope you are as excited as I am to see where The Hestia Terrain Project goes!