Plug transition

The stalk is a 1/2″ galvanized steel pipe commonly call conduit. It’s used by electrical contractors to protect house wiring.

To make the transition to three stainless steel rods we create a 2″ tall plug that snuggly fits in the conduit. The plug is made of 3d printed PLA. The exact size is .63″ ID and ,711 OD. Three holes are formed .2″ short of the plug bottom. A fourth 1/8″ diameter hole goes all the way through the plug. This is for the three low-voltage wires needed to power and control the LEDs.

Branching transition

Another 3d printed part makes the transition to the 1/16″ stainless wires. These wires are cut up from 3′ solderless stainless steel welding rods. We have been using clear Gorilla glue to secure the wires into the branching part. The same glue is used to secure the seedpods onto the top of the wires.

If there is a weakness in the design, it is at the top of this part. We usually put 4 or 7 wires in the top. If they are too long they can create enough torque to snap off the head. We’re still working on a better solution.

The seedpod transition

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