Hands-On Classic Cryptography. Unique manual key generator. You learn it, you use it, you control it.
The OGRE The Off-Grid Retro Encryption 3D Printed Toolkit has raised over 169% of its initial fundraising goal on Kickstarter. Described as, “A project that brings together low tech classical cryptography with high tech 3D printing. Modular in design. Educational, but also functional. Unique key generator, straddling board, cypher disk, grilles, one time pads and more,” this project has 18 days remaining for it’s Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.
Michel Cygelman, the creator of the project, describes himself as a software engineer. “I have been programming professionally for over 15 years. I also have been a 3D artist/developer for many years now. I have successfully started and maintained my own businesses before, including one in manufacturing and one in 3D design.”
With this new endeavor, Cygelman aims to “bring together low tech classical cryptography from the old days with modern tech 3D printing. My goal is to create something modular so that different flavors of classical cryptography could be swapped in and out with and played with.”
Check out the project description below:
Current State of Affairs
The OGRE is still in beta. I have been using an entry level Printrbot Simple 3D printer kit which is an absolutely fantastic affordable little printer to learn with. It has even enabled me to prototype some concepts, but to get further with this project, I really need to upgrade to a printer with better resolution, repeat-ability and reliability…the Printrbot Simple is frame-less and uses fishing line instead of belts, etc.
The good news is one of the the most complicated items has already been printed as a working prototype (albeit with some sanding!) – the flag-board. I was even able to print a 10 magazine version with tiny little plastic inserts inserted in the magazine.
What I have not been able to print with acceptable quality has been the individual little characters for the straddling board, I really want those engraved so that labels are not needed. My current printer also does have the bed size needed for full frame supported hinges.
I also have not printed the shell system that will accept the modules – I have instead relied on bolting things together with nylon bolts and washers. The goal is to move away from this towards an open shell and latch system as seen in the cad design above.
I have not been able to print perfect circles with the current printer. The next printer I buy will have no problems after calibration – and even the Printrbot Simple could do it after I tweak it some more.
The Next Step
A new 3D Printer: If funding is successful, I will be able to order a new 3D printer with the subsidized funds. Currently I am looking at the MakerGear M2, Airwolf AW3D XL and the Ultimaker 3D printers. Depending on what is in stock, these printers can take up to 10 days to ship. They thankfully, have pre-assembled versions. I am leaning towards the Airwolf due it is enormous bed size. I would be able to print 4 modules at time with the Airwolf. I also am able to obtain Amazon financing on the Airwolf as it is for sale on their site.
While I wait for the new printer, I will continue to use my Printrbot and work on finalizing my CAD designs.
Be sure to check out the Kickstarter project in the next 18 days!
