The Ultimate Geodesic Dome Connector
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- čas přidán 25. 06. 2024
- Is this the ultimate Geodesic Dome Connector?
Check out the Kickstarter page here - goo.gl/m4DDHe
You can also order a set from the Kickstarter site.
I have been looking into geodesic domes for awhile now and was always turned off by the complicated measurements, angles, cuts, and connector options. Recently I was contacted to share this little genius connector that makes the process extremely simple and less expensive.
The connector is made of a touch and durable plastic that can withstand quite a bit of stress. Each connector is simple, inexpensive, and will allow for almost any material to be used as struts.
I will go into more detail on how to actually build one in a later article. For the simple dome I built here you just need two different length struts. Struts can be dowels, sticks, lumber cut into strips, or whatever you can think of that has a solid end to screw into.
The connectors fasten to the struts using a screw with a flat washer head (truss screws or other screws with a washer). It is best to use hardwood struts and predrill the holes so you don't split the wood, especially when using thinner material.
There are instructions provided with these connectors tells you exactly how long to cut the struts and how to connect them together using the screws, very simple!
Follow up video coming soon with a larger dome and step by step instructions on how to build it. Please check out the Kickstarter page here - goo.gl/m4DDHe to order a set for yourself!
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Thanks for letting me know about the Kickstarter campaign. I just backed it!
man i was just trying to figure this out!! great timing!!
Wow, thanks brutha! This was not only informative buy really incouraging and inspiring! Can't wait to watch your other videos! Love light and laughter to ya!
That is freaking awesome.
Nice design. Simple, cheap, and effective.
Yay!! finally the ultimate connector. Going to order for sure!
HOpe you let someone know how when you find out!
I'd order too if there was someplace to order them.
Nice one mate. Will be great to see what you can come up with.
Cheers.
I want to build a full size greenhouse but I am still trying to figure out how to properly cover it and also sourcing some good hardwood for the struts. You could use one of these over there in your garden I think:)
Would need a rather large one to cover the patch here I think. Might come in handy in covering a few of the smaller fruit trees though 👍
Cheers.
Excelente idea .
This is a cool product! Ever try Magidome geodesic dome connectors? It’s one strut length, and fits common hardware store 1x2” style timbers! It’s so easy. Nice dome!
very useful idea for me.
Hey! Great idea! Can you show how you would put together a dome with rectangular struts? Cheers
thanks
Soo cool!
cheers dude
I think you could make similar connectors with galvanized tin strip. Set up a jig to drill them at identical centres. You could make hundreds in half a day. To be tested.....and for comment
Hello! It's really great. Is it still available for buy it? Where can I order it?
I would like to get a sample pack of those to see if it is worth backing or not thank you randy thomas
Hi I’ve been trying with no avail to purchase these connectors, I can’t seem to back him or find a link to communicate with him as I’m eager to build a few of these. Cheers Paul
Neat idea, A potential issue is the individual connection points can allow the assembly to twist. The main issue i see is the screws will be entirely responsible for carrying the load as its transferred from one individual connector link to the next.
With a rigid tubular hub, the entire tube wall transfers the load. The screws simply hold the struts in position. Its almost impossible to get a rigid tubular hub to twist ;)
I think they would only work for a chicken coop or a toddlers play pen ... they look really weak to me.
The screws are only used to hold it in place and to assemble it, but if you want more strength then just add a cold rolled steel pipe about 2 to 4 inches in length with a diameter of which will fit snugly into the hole at the center of the hub. The forces push in on the hub, not pull away from it, so most all your strength is in preventing the movement of strut inward into the center of the strut, but with cold rolled steel in there, it's not going to budge.
But as far as twisting i am not sure what you are talking about other than you talking about the struts able to spin. But there is also a way to stop that, use 2 or even 3 sets of GEO brand connectors to allow you to connect 2x4 struts. Lay out the connectors in columns and in one row on the end of the strut, this way you can install 2 to 3 screws into each strut, depending on if you choose to use 1 extra(2 total), or 2 extra(3 total) connectors on each strut end. There will be no way it will spin now and also at the same time you made it so much stronger you could build domes bigger, even huge domes this way now. But remember the center of the hubs needs to be cold rolled steel in order to get tremendous strength. You could use pvc pipe for the core of the hub too, but know it is weaker, but lighter. But it will depend on what you are trying to build, if it is huge in size, then use real steel for the center of the hubs, but for small domes use pvc is easier to work with and lighter but strong enough for what you are doing.
@@TheRebelmanone
The forces push in on the hub, not pull away from it
Try to visualise the hub under pure compression and pure tension and then decide if the hub moves inwards or outwards :)
Hi, I don't see where you did any more videos on this little dome and how to make it. Also since the kickstarter is over I don't know how I can buy some of these connectors. I want to make a dome exactly the size of the one you have in this video only I will also need it to have a door for my dog to come in and out of. I'm a 64 year old small lady so I feel like I could probably build something this small but I don't know the number of boards or lengths or anything. Are you able to help me with this information? Thank you.
can all the peices be the same size or do you have to have two seperate size peices for it to work?
It much easier to cut steel pipes in the diameter of the hole of the struts and pre-drilling the holes in the cut pipe. Much stronger and more stabile!
Great!!!
Hey man, did you build anything bigger with these connectors?
How do they stand-up to UV light? Thanks for the review.
+JRC Homestead Texas these are prototypes so i would think he will use uv resistant plastic
Please share where these connectors can be purchased. Thanks
I'm interested in getting some. How do I go about doing so?
One of the problems with a wood connection using wood screw is that eventually they will work loose as they flex. I think that you should consider placing a screw insert into the wood so that the end result would be more viable over the lifetime of the structure.
Hanger bolts and tubular hubs provide a very sturdy connection
Yeah that's my concern too. Screwing into end grain isn't stable long-term. Hmmm...
where do you buy them?
where can I buy these connectors?
I think that's a realy good way to build a geodesic dome but where can I buy these connectors?
Is there a way to order this online now?
I'm no able to find th e connectors, where can I buy them. Steve. Manitoba
where you can buy them?
Really a neat idea. Are they on the market yet? If so how to order? Thanks, Mac
3 years later and still can't see where to buy them but they do want you to sign up and give them your email address! They probably sell your email! Great idea! Looks like no one makes them. Sad.
It’s January 1,2020. How is that dome holding up?
BETTER STILL TAKE 3 SIDES OF THE HEXAGON (AND NOT 2 SIDES) AND FORM A PIECE.
3 identical pieces are made. These 3 pieces (each side of this piece must be pierced) all three join overlapping on one side.
Can you use geodetic triangles to make a long structure like a tunnel or extensions to connect domes together
Yes you can. Look up Paul Robinson on CZcams.he has very extensive information on geodesic domes also has plans for a geodesic dome tunnel. The design can be used for over swimming pools are over along garden bed.
Hi, Are these still available to buy?
How much are they per vertex ... that is 5 or mostly 6 in corner?
Where can I buy the connectors?
Regards,
Mark
Think I"ll start making them myself. :-)
Hello. Can you still get them somewhere?
How many pieces did u use
Where do I get some of those connectors
These look great. Are the wood ends angled? how does it dome? I understand the angle principle of dome structures, how the angles meet and align to create the dome shape. These connectors are flat and can be manipulate to angles? or are the ends cut to the angles so each is designed with a flat connector to give that curve and shape?
I just checked your kickstarter page and think I understand better, the individuals lengths and sizes make the shape and pull the dome together. Great video!
Do you still know how to get these?
I agree that the connector is a cool idea, but other than picking up the dome, how do you get into it? I don't see a door. When you make the vid on how to build a dome, could you please include instructions for a door? Otherwise, I'm not sure how much utility we'd get out it. Thanks for sharing about the connectors, I'd not seen those before. Thumbs up to Rogdan!! Very entrepreneurial. I'll check out his kickstarter.
+Tooshie G loo, great point. This was just a "can i build one" test. I will do a larger one down the road but you can look on google at geodesic domes and see how most people put in doors. There are a lot of different ways but essentially you just cut in a rectangle and frame in the door
Hi Tooshie G , the answer to your question is here:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/25645348/geo-the-geodesic-dome-connector/posts/1626783
How can I buy some of these connector
Where can I order the connectors?
Airborne!!!
I really do wonder how strong those things are... Could you hang heavy stuff from the struts inside of a dome made with those? And would they weaken and break in the sun after a few years (I'm thinking greenhouses). I like the concept, though. I'm thinking of a small metal device of the same size/shape, made of the same galvanized steel as those construction joist hangers. Just some thoughts of mine.
Those are great points and as the idea evolves I'll bet he comes up with a UV resistant plastic and also maybe metal ones. The strength of these is in the struts and the type of wood you use. The connectors are the last thing that will break. I can sit on top of this one but since I used a bunch of old rotting deck boards I found on the side of the road this prototype is not as strong as his. In the kickstarter vide he hangs from his and stands on a small one to demonstrate the strength. Maybe I should do some of my own stress test and do a video, might be fun, thanks for the comment!
His connectors work great and are fairly strong for other than inserting imto the end grain of wood, the absolute worst place to join wood. I have no problem believing the connectors will greatly outlast the wood they’re attached to. Even then, it’d be best with a triangular arrangement of holes so there’s no rotation (though it’s certainly easier with a single hole for assembly) and it’d also be better to tightly wrap the end of the wood struts with something tensile strength to reduce splitting possibilities.
Possibly good ideal laminating fiber around the end of the struts to help prevent splitting. You can't really use more than one screw in each end of the strut because those GEO connectors are too short to allow wider struts. In other words those GEO connectors are designed to use a maximum of around 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" strut ends and trying to slam 3 screws into a 1x1 is insane, it will weaken it to the point it might just fall apart on its own only from gravity. But of course a person could still use for example 4x4 struts, but then the ends of them would need to be tapered down to around a 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" so you gain no real strength because the connection is limited. You might as well just use 2 x 2s because they are 1 1/2 x 1 1/2.
But that is the deal with those GEO dome brand connectors, they are awesome for small domes, greenhouses, sheds, etc... but nothing big, nothing really strong. It is for simplicity and economic.
But then again there is probably a way to use more than one GEO connector on each strut end, which will allow for bigger wider struts and more screws, then it can't spin like you were talking about and it will be much stronger, strong enough to build huge domes. For example you could put three layers of GEO brand connectors, not on top of each other but beside each other on the end of a single 2x4 strut and it won't twist, it won't be weak, and you could probably allow 10 foot of snow load on the top of a 40' dome built that way and it will be totally fine. But in order for a huge dome to truly be strong built this way, we need to add a cold rolled steel pipe into that center of the hub, because that where the compression happens when the dome feels the gravity and pressures. Place a 2 to 4 inch length piece of pipe with a diameter to fit snugly into the hole in the center of the hubs. This is for the struts to push against when it feels a load and it will be very strong with these pipes preventing movement and stress on the actual connectors. So it don't matter that we joined the struts together by screwing into the ends, because that is not what is taking the pressures, the force is pushing in the diabolical opposite direction the screw is screwed in, and the steel pipe hub is preventing it from budging. The forces are pushing into the center of the hub once the entire dome is built, it is not pulling out, it is pushing in. The screws in the ends are only holding it in place, but the hub centers are taking the forces, it is like that with any geo-dome.
I am interested in buying some and trying what i just talked about. But i would want to get em free because i am doing a mockup that the inventor never even tried, and i will post the results that he can also take a link and add it to his own page, which could totally boost his sales.
@@TheRebelmanone
If you are going to use steel tubes to strengthen the hub you may as well use a tubular hub and ditch the plastic connectors altogether. It will be far stronger and also simplifies the construction.
Is this still available? The connectors.
Whats up? have they gone into production?
How do you use it on PVC pipes?
You are the first person I have heard that says "geo-deez-ic" instead of "geo-des-ic"
Morning, have you heard anything else from Bogdan? I have tried contacting him with no luck. He had some videos on his CZcams video but they are 3-4 years old.
Again thanks for your time.
but what about the structural integrity? can you sit on the topmost part comfortably?
I have sat on this one and it holds me. I used a bunch of rotting deck wood I found on the side of the road so this prototype is not as strong as what he has on the kickstater using oak dowels.
You can see the original dome and equipment on my channel
I went to the kick starter page & I didn't see how tho order them??
He's stopped making them by the sound of it due to postage problems
Can you still buy the connectors ?
Hi, where can I buy the connectors?
Best regards,
Jorge
you can't get them anymore
The pledge is out of date on his page and I was wondering how else I could order some of these?
The kick starter is closed for now and he is busy filling orders. Once manufacturing is established I will post a new video with ordering instructions.
Sounds great, and good for him!!! Love hearing that!
Does anybody, please, have contact on the inventor od this connector? Or does anybody have the idea how to create one yourself? Maybe from silicone?
Can I be sent info on how to get some when he is ready for more orders please.
+Orealus I will do a video update on these when they are available for order
#nice
Not so sure about these. The dome will flex as you would expect but the screws could eventually move in the holes or the wood could weaken around the screw.
Where can we buy this post-kickstarter? Thanks
It appears he quit. Maybe he was not the best business man and didn't foresee what was truly involved in making this a successful business. Number one thing to make successful business is determination. But starting this kick starter maybe he didn't realize how to be determined after he later found out how much was involved. I am guessing the rate of return for his efforts he didn't think was worth the determination.
I could have answered that for him before he tried to kick start this thing himself. If he knew how to invest, then he would have already had the laser cutters and filtration systems required to do this job. He don't know how to research stuff before he goes blindly into it. It can happen to all of us, but that is where determination comes in, overcome the mistake and get it right now.
But idk, he could have just got sick, etc...
If you look on the kick starter comments section people who pledged are still waiting for their connectors.
Cool, but why not just use metal stripes like mounting band instead?
Great idea. Like plummers tape.
comment obtenir les plants pour m'en construire une Mercie. wooooow
Tried to order some Kickstart is too nosey wanted my full bio.
you can make the same thing with "pipe hanging wire" available at most hardware stores. you will have to cut it to length.
i suppose you can 3d print these things with the right filament... or laser cut these with a living hinge so it will bend.
"PIPE HANGING WIRE" - just cut it to length
possibly even little "L" brackets
So I know what i'm going to do with these things!! First of all I will use them as chicken & duck tractors. Second I have big bug problems in the bottom of sc this domes will help with bugs If I screen them in. We have 4 diff bugs that kill citrus trees nowadays. I will grow some dwarf citrus trees in 5 gallon pots then I will grow Squash& Zucchini plants around the pot. We have Squash Vine Bores so bad down here I have given up growing Squash & Zucchini altogether.
those are all great ideas, I am thinking about making a little chicken run or even an entire coop out of one. Using them as mini greenhouses or screened in areas for bug protection is an awesome idea
This genius ... cut down straight branches ... with a drill and maybe metal hinges instead of plastic. fill it ins with paper crete.
it is now 2020 and I never did you order another bunch of those connectors ...never did whatyou said ???
Or make your own from tire sidewalls.
Good point!!!
These domes would make a great, light weight easy to move chicken runs if you covered them with chicken wire. I can see a lot of uses for these.
+dan Hamakua i wad thinking, throw on some wheels and chicken wire and make a cool chicken tractor, maybe i could motorize it......
Remote control chicken tractor!
i suppose you could just use sheet metal for these!
Tricky as they wouldn't bend like the plastic
@@alexc1105 but they already are plastic. and metal gota be stronger. the thicker the sheet metal, the better too.
I know a man from Romania named Bogdan. It is pronounced BOG-dun, not BOEG-dun. Cool connector system though. How would you use it with PVC pipe?
How do you know how the guy pronounces his name, wise ass?
The plastic connectors may be bulletproof, but a single screw of any length driven into end grain is remarkably weak.
A simple workaround is to drill holes in the struts and install hardwood cross dowels. The screw anchors into the dowel providing a much stronger fixing
What happens when the plastic connectors wear out? CRASH!!!
I dont think the plastic pieces used in a large dome are a good idea, unless you are just using the mini dome for some tiny greenhouse, or such.
Well that Kickstarter page is a mess. Last update is half a decade ago, no obvious way to order.
Looks like you only guided people to a site that wants donations. Did they EVER start selling the connectors?
If you're not familiar with "word I can't pronounce" then let me tell you everything I know about "word I can't pronounce" because I am an expert in the field of "word I can't pronounce."
They look like they will break. Bending plastic makes it weak
I'm sorry I don't believe that the plastic connectors are "incredibly strong", I don't like the grooves, they are weak points and obviously plastic is not as strong as steel. Also, I know that you can get a lot of resistance from a screw in the end grain but you're not really supposed to do it.
On the other hand I can see that you can obviously build a plastic sheet covered greenhouse that would be a lot of fun. Also it might be OK for a temporary support frame, as used for AI Domes (perhaps).
I saw a really good and strong patented dome connector in my 1971 Whole Earth Catalog! Don't know what happened to it.
I think the design is flawed: it relies on screwing in the wood's long grain which is very weak.
just keep in mind there is no guarantee this guy will send the connectors if one pledges money to his kickstarter.
he has already gotten a local manufacturer in Romania and it sounds like he is able to produce them fairly quickly and effectively so I would feel pretty safe pledging to him. I am going to pledge and get another set as well.
Well good, cause I just pledged money! Just people should know that there's no guarantee with a kickstarter
Chaviva Friedman lol, that is a great point, this is the first time I have done anything with kickstarter myself so you better send them Bogden!:)
I'm a Kickstarter aficionado. I've backed numerous campaigns, and this one definitely passes the "smell test" for me. I went ahead and backed it. :)
I just read an update on his site from Nov. 14, 2016. Apparently he did have some production issues that caused delays, but he has now begun mailing out orders.
Geo deez ic...
Plastic becomes brittle in the winter, .. good luck with a snow load,...u said your screws would break before your plastic conecters, .. haven't run into any screws ever breaking but a green house collapsed in the winter because of the cold and load.
Please don't mislead people, waist there time and money.thanks for your time .
Geo-DESS-ick not Geo-DEE-zick
too bad this project died because of shipping
Far to much talking.