Protogen MK2 NEO (V0.3) - M16 x Snowkat

This is a rework of the original MK2 Protogen by M16 Studios!

All credit for the original models goes to M16 Studios. I just modified them for easier use and build!

Main changes are:

• More headroom & easier fit
• Tons of added passive ventilation for the base
• Completely redesigned front frame for hassle-free matrix placement!
• Front frame now mounts a 4020 blower fan for better airflow
• Better screw hole pattern for joining the front frame to the base & the earrings
• Tighter tolerances for a more secure visor fitment
• Added a 2 piece base for those that have bigger printers
• Made a NEO front frame to retro-fit the original M16 version

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Version 0.3 (10/01/2025) - Front Frame remake & Error Fixes

The front frame has been modified yet again. Changes are as follows:

• Duct area increased even further.
• Duct geometry was simplified to allow less turbulent airflow.
• Second exhaust fan was added to remove used up air inside the head. (this change alone improved ventilation to the point where you won't even sweat when using the head)
• Matrix holes were redesigned. Previous version had a flat mouth mount that made the space inside the head too small to add any fans or big ducts, so we're back at the curved surface from V0.1, with some major changes to prevent the frame sticking in front of the matrices.
• Bottom flat part was removed to allow more natural airflow and make room for the new inlet and exhaust ducts.
• Both fans should be 4020 radial (blower) fans. You could trim the little mounts for the top (intake) fan and use a 4020 axial, but I haven't tried how that would work. I suppose it could dry out your eyes if it blows directly on them, hence I stuck with the radial pointed towards the visor.

Keep in mind the new exhaust fan and duct reduce the room for your head and chin even further!

This model is for people with relatively small heads (less than 61 cm in diameter, or up to XL size in most helmets).

Model fixes:

• 3 piece base had been exported before having modified the screw holes for the Neo style front frame, so the holes wouldn't line up. This error has been fixed and now the 5 screw holes should line up as intended. (Sorry to those who already printed it!)
• Fixed the eye supports and matrix crashing into the visor.

If you had printed the model with the wrongly placed screw holes, you can still make the holes on your front frame a little ovaled towards the center of the cheek hole, so you don't have to reprint the base.

The mouth matrix should be cut, angled and resoldered. This is because of the angled geometry of the face.

You could leave them straight, but you might have some issues with them scratching the visor or fitment issues (the matrices could stick behind the front frame and produce glare inside the visor).

You should aim to reduce the thickness of the matrices as much as possible. This means removing all the female pins from them and soldering the LED panels directly onto the PCBs. This will greatly reduce their size and make them much easier to fit.

Alternatively, you could just cut a few millimeters off the panel's pins and not mess with the PCB's female pins.

See attached images for an example.

This version marks the end of the MK2 Neo's public release updates.

With these corrections, the model now stands as a very sturdy and practical protogen head model. Ventilation is as good as it's gonna get!

Besides error fixes, all future addons or redesigns of this model will be hosted on Gumroad or some other similar service.

Same goes for any future models I make.

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Version 0.2 - Front Frame air duct & mount rework

The front frame has been modified to allow more air in.

Duct area was increased by more than 200% in some areas.

Previous front frame had very poor ventilation. I apologize to those that may have already printed it for this oversight.

This is still not the final version, as more airflow is necessary. But it'll take more than just a bigger duct. I need to make drastic changes.

You'll notice there are now 2 mount styles for the fan. 4020 radial and axial.

I personally use a radial fan, since I feel it does better when pulling air through a restricted area.

You are free to experiment with an axial fan.

I appreciate any feedback on this regard!

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Version 0.1 - Initial release

Models just came out of the oven!

Everything is test printed and prints fine, but not yet assembled.

Visor fit with the new screw pattern might be a delicate job, since it has a little less margin for error.

Better print instructions coming, but for now:

• PETG is recommended for every part. At the very least, for the front frame.
• For the bases: USE A THICK BRIM (5 to 10 mm)
• Use paint-on supports where necessary (tree supports recommended for the front frame)
• Print with many perimeters. The front frame & helmet should be solid in the thin parts!
• Only print the VISOR BUCK if you plan on vacuum forming visors. Again, PETG is a must here.
• A 3D printing pen is recommended for joining the base pieces together

For the electronics, I recommend following NCPlyn's build on GitHub!
https://github.com/NCPlyn/ProtogenHelmet-ESP32

For the easiest build, get MAX7219 LED matrices and an ESP32 with Wi-Fi capabilities.

Happy beeping!

If you like my work, consider supporting me on Ko-fi! https://ko-fi.com/arkoss

Also, if you'd like a modified version of this base (different fins, details, etc) you can hit me up on Telegram at https://t.me/ProtoArk and we can work out something!