3D Scanning on a Budget - Part 2

Hey Steemers,

My apologies that this has taken some time, but here's the next step in how to 3D scan on a budget! In this step, we will build the scanner that we will use with the program we installed in the last post.

You'll need to buy an Xbox 360 Kinect. I recommend buying refurbished on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kinect-Sensor-XBox-360/dp/B005JX5IUK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1504233700&sr=8-6&keywords=xbox+kinect (At the time of writing this, used ones were priced at $21.96) MAKE SURE THAT IT INCLUDES THE USB AND POWER CORDS.

Also, it helps to have a grip on the thing! You can 3D print the one tbuser at Thingiverse designed: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:18125

Lastly, download the Software Development Kit for the Kinect, which gives you the necessary drivers for Windows to recognize it: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=40278

Once you've assembled your Kinect scanner, run Skanect (or ReconstructMe) and the software should immediately recognize the scanner. You can then use these programs to capture 3D models! Simply start the scanning procedure in Skanect and slowly walk full-circle around your subject to capture them as a model.

And it's as simple as that, folks. You now have a 3D scanner and software for less than $30! Generally speaking, it also helps to buy a multi-port extension cord so you can use the scanner while holding your laptop, ensuring that you get an accurate scan. You'll need a long enough cord to walk around your subject to capture a full scan of it/them.