New project - MSFS C++ USB interface

[Demon]

I love FreeCad. I don't have to print the whole frame to do a test; I can just crop out the rest until I get the button section right.




I still have to make a clear LED chimney in that 3rd hole from the left.

Buttons and cable fits snuggly in the frame.




I don't think Im even going to bother making caps for those pushbuttons. They are easy to operate.

[Ioannis]

It is really amazing what you can do with a relatively cheap machine these days! Endless possibilities.

I suppose the LED is between 4th and 5th button, right? Can you 3D print transparent plastic guide?

Ioannis

[richard]

clear UV set resin is great for making small transparent windows in housings, laser cut acrylic sheet can make light pipes [best used edge on], you lose a bit of brightness though

[Ioannis]

With resin you need a mold I guess.

But with laser cut acrylic sheet, the pipe may not be cylindrical, or is it?

Ioannis

[richard]

With resin you need a mold I guess.

I just tape the back side and fill the hole [if you use the thick stuff you can get a nice dome if your quick], shine led for a few seconds and ..
volar instant clear led bezel.

easiest if light pipe hole is rectangular and edge on for best effect. i have used those miniature diamond hole saws to get circle shape on the edge of acrylic sheet but its a bit fiddley. its handy out when the leds don't line up with the holes in the case, like when you 3d printed a mirrored image of your stl for 7 hours and don't have the heart to do it again

[Ioannis]

Thanks for the info.

Ioannis

[Demon]

...I suppose the LED is between 4th and 5th button, right? Can you 3D print transparent plastic guide?

Ioannis

Yup, and yup.

It's not even worth making molds to pour plastic light pipes. Since this is so small, I can 3D print a whole batch in no time.

Clear ABS:
https://www.amazon.ca/Gizmo-Dorks-Fi...dp/B00GU2FZQQ/

Clear polycarbonate:
https://www.amazon.ca/Polymaker-Fila...9KKMLKRF/?th=1

Clear PETG:
https://www.amazon.ca/OVERTURE-Filam...dp/B07SB761QR/


It's not worth using PLA, it won't survive UV light. At the moment I'm leaning towards ABS because of cost, but polycarbonate is the clear winner according to google.

[Demon]

I've been playing with FreeCad; testing different ways to align the holes for the connections to the controller board. I finally got the splice tool working properly (I didn't want to watch videos ).




I reproduced the controller, with clearances under the board for protruding pins, areas for fasteners and added flares to the front of the 4 connectors. This is a lot easier, I can relocate the controller as I want, and generate new holes on the fly.

[Demon]

Turn out I can print the main parts in one piece. I'm pushing the limits of my Ender 3 S1 Plus, but in theory "it should work". The parts should have enough rigidity to withstand the stresses of being printed at an angle. I just need to add supports.

Case front is pretty much finished. I just have to add rounded edges and a bezel, but I'm only adding them last. FreeCad is a pain with those when you make slight alterations to the shape (probably cause I don't know all the minute intricacies of updating in FreeCad).




Nearly finished the interior brace. I just have to add attachment points for a VESA-spec mount in the center.




Just got the back panel to design, that's probably the simplest of all 3.

[Ioannis]

Never thought of that, printing to an angle so it can fit in the area!

I like this thread more and more!

Ioannis

[Demon]

You just like me for my pictures...