3D Printable Ecto Goggles - Remixed Files and Custom Display Stand

After receiving the "Two in the Box" from Haslab, I was left with a general feeling of being something was missing. The Ghost Trap and PKE meter was missing a key accessory: the Ecto Goggles!

I have been using a set of modified Spirit-brand Ecto Goggles for over 6 years - they have served their costuming purpose well but I always felt they were the 'cut corner' of my trooping ensemble. The rest of my equipment has slowly been upgraded but my goggles were just the same old Halloween prop with a bit of added paint to spice them up.

After getting the Two in the Box, I was certain I could find a better option through the community of 3D printing and, sure enough, there are some good options out there. Many Ghostbusters out there recommended the Thingiverse files by user 'TheGoon' - and they certainly are a step up from my Spirit goggles. The details are great - especially the lenses and knobs. However, after inspecting the the shell and comparing them to the movie, I found that they weren't quite what I wanted. Another Thingiverse user - MakerGulbi - published some files that claims to be modeled from the original 'night vision' goggles used as the basis for the Ecto Goggles. The file looks great and the shell appears quite accurate to the movie... BUT it's Achilles heel is that the file isn't optimized for 3D printing. The STL file is made of thinner walls more suitable to formed plastic. They printed great but easily cracked when subjected to too much stress - not ideal if I planned on wearing them!

So what started as a fun project to print off some recommended existing files quickly evolved into a remix, recombine, and remodel effort. I took what I saw as the best parts from different file sets and combined them together. The biggest effort I undertook was to remodel significant portions of the MakerGulbi shell - holding to its exterior geometry - but adding essential thickness and structural integrity for 3D printing. I also made some adjustments to TheGoon knobs and lenses with consideration to my own printing sensibilities.

Following this, I went on a lengthy exploration of third-party accessories on Etsy and Amazon to add in snap buttons, face padding, head straps, lenses, thumb screws, and sticker labels. To top it off, I modeled my own display stand so it could sit comfortably among the Haslab family of gear.

So this post represents the result: a collection of what I consider to be a great collection of 3D printable Ecto Goggle parts along with a listing if third-party items you can use to complete the project.

I am providing this post FOR FREE given that it would not be possible without the Thingiverse contributions of TheGoon and MakerGulbi. I ensured that providing these files complied with their Creative Commons licenses as well.

Here is the parts list I used to complete my project:

• Matte Drab Olive Green PLA filament from Polymaker

• Matte Black PLA filament from Polymaker

• 15mm snap buttons, gun metal black (x6 pairs)

• 1" gun metal black strap loop (3x)

• 1" gun metal tri-glide strap buckle (3x)

• 1" olive green webbing (or black)

• 1" olive green elastic band (or black)

• 3mm (4x) and 4mm (4x) hex cap screws

• HTC Vive face pad

• Ecto Goggle labels by Moby Sign Company

• Ecto Goggle thumb screws by StickyGraphicsCanada (or 3mm machine or thumbscrew)

• Ecto Goggle lens kit (or measure and laser cut your own)

Happy building!