# Plastic back panel **URL:** \ **Category:** uConsole\ **Created:** [October 26, 2023, 12:52pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393 "2023-10-26T12:52:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![19th](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/19th/32/7092_2.png) [@19th](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/19th)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2023, 12:52pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/1 "2023-10-26T12:52:57Z")
Got my CM4+4G uConsole few weeks ago. Having same problems as others do with WiFi signal [Replacement wifi antenna - #52 by barry99705](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/replacement-wifi-antenna/10576/52) ![20231026_152504](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/b/b201481763bf76b1249d1b01149cffc7c98e6593.jpeg) ![20231026_154440](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/9/99b2b42b05dfaf6552fc8b92d061625bdfdbd52b.jpeg) So I’m interested in plastic back panel (ideally transparent one) which could solve following problems: 1. Wifi signal problems. Removing back covering improves signal a lot. Plastic shouldn’t have such interference 🛰 2. Scraping paint. Front panel paint comes off after just few weeks. Expecting same to happen with back panel in no time 😢 3. Maybe there is better solution to remove back panel than screwing/unscrewing all the time 🪛 😵‍💫 4. Transparent back cover would be much cooler from aesthetic perspective 🤩 Any ideas how transparent back panel can be made and where to start? 🤔 ---
**Author:** ![FlyWood](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/flywood/32/8227_2.png) [@FlyWood](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/FlyWood)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2023, 3:22pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/2 "2023-10-26T15:22:19Z")
metal back shell works as a heatsink, switching to a plastic one may cause high temperature. ---
**Author:** ![19th](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/19th/32/7092_2.png) [@19th](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/19th)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2023, 3:29pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/3 "2023-10-26T15:29:11Z")
You are right. As an option, plastic case could be made a bit larger to have space for a full CM4 heatsink. Actually, didn’t felt like back panel would be too hot, so maybe thermal paste would be just enough. ---
**Author:** ![dima.valiev.dv](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/dima.valiev.dv/32/7257_2.png) [@dima.valiev.dv](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/dima.valiev.dv)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2023, 8:38pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/4 "2023-10-26T20:38:58Z")
we need to wait for the 3d model. then solve the cooling problem. As a bonus, quick access to 18650 batteries. Now I’m waiting for the console itself, then I can experiment. ---
**Author:** ![hsavior](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/hsavior/32/7560_2.png) [@hsavior](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/hsavior)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 1:08am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/5 "2023-10-27T01:08:29Z")
A 3D printed back plate with a metal insert to keep the cooling running well with a removable port to exchange the batteries will be my first project for the uConsole WHEN I put my hands in one. EDIT: I might be getting mine on this batch!!! I can’t wait to start 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![cvdjr](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/cvdjr/32/7954_2.png) [@cvdjr](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/cvdjr)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 7:45pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/6 "2023-10-27T19:45:12Z")
If you go for a 3d printed back cover perhaps you could incorporate this fan and Heatsink it’s designed for the cm4. [Dedicated 3007 cooling fan for Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 CM4, low noise, with thermal tapes, 5V/12V power supply(Optional) | CM4-FAN-3007-12V | CM4-FAN-3007-5V](https://www.waveshare.com/cm4-fan-3007.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Cannonball7](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/cannonball7/32/7278_2.png) [@Cannonball7](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Cannonball7)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 9:58pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/7 "2023-10-27T21:58:12Z")
Just sand the whole thing in the meantime. ---
**Author:** ![Cannonball7](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/cannonball7/32/7278_2.png) [@Cannonball7](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Cannonball7)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 10:01pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/8 "2023-10-27T22:01:44Z")
I’ve emailed him so many times about it, I don’t know if they are ever going to post it ☹ They should literally just have the files (or the model to export the files to), I do the equivalent to what they need to do all the time. It takes about 5 minutes to export and upload everything if you don’t have a rhythm to things with some genuinely curvaceous objects and so-so internet. The model is simple as can be, I don’t know what they are doing. ---
**Author:** ![dima.valiev.dv](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/dima.valiev.dv/32/7257_2.png) [@dima.valiev.dv](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/dima.valiev.dv)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2023, 10:02am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/9 "2023-10-28T10:02:03Z")
If the 3d model is not published, I will be able to create it myself. The main thing is to have the device itself. ---
**Author:** ![Arkaium](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/57b2e6/32.png) [@Arkaium](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Arkaium)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2023, 4:07pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/10 "2023-10-28T16:07:09Z")
This is why the change from CNC aluminum was such a bummer to me. The flaking paint looks awful. I would gladly deal with a much heavier uConsole to get the added benefit of a clear ano aluminum. ---
**Author:** ![cvdjr](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/cvdjr/32/7954_2.png) [@cvdjr](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/cvdjr)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2023, 5:38pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/11 "2023-10-28T17:38:32Z")
They could have easily mold out of a strong plastic. I agree with hsavior you could then have an accessible battery cover to exchange batteries plus the lighter weight. ---
**Author:** ![hsavior](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/hsavior/32/7560_2.png) [@hsavior](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/hsavior)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2023, 7:01am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/12 "2023-10-29T07:01:16Z")
I plan to keep a passive cooler like this one I already have: ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/f/f5e81b143f9edaa387449ad73f17105816d69445.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![19th](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/19th/32/7092_2.png) [@19th](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/19th)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2023, 1:56pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/13 "2023-10-29T13:56:10Z")
I have the device, but never did a “scan” of anything. Is it an easy thing to do? ---
**Author:** ![FlyWood](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/flywood/32/8227_2.png) [@FlyWood](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/FlyWood)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2023, 3:34pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/14 "2023-10-29T15:34:04Z")
[https://weibo.com/2169039837/NoMsTEWDm](https://weibo.com/2169039837/NoMsTEWDm) someone made a custom back shell. ---
**Author:** ![hsavior](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/hsavior/32/7560_2.png) [@hsavior](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/hsavior)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2023, 3:55am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/15 "2023-10-30T03:55:48Z")
I am unable to open it. Edit: For some reason Firefox didn’t opened it, Chrome does: ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/3/325ec99de317e447955cc8a9f0dae60f288bedb4.jpeg) Edit2: I tried to create an account on weibo, couldn’t because the SMS confirmation will never arrive. Please someone try to ask that person to generously share the model 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![19th](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/19th/32/7092_2.png) [@19th](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/19th)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2023, 2:31pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/17 "2023-11-18T14:31:15Z")
Found this in other thread. Will try to print next week. > **[uConsole back Cover (10000mah battery & Cooling fan mod) by Leon2048](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6305529)** > > The original metal back cover would affect the wifi signal, > and the battery capacity that could be installed was small, > There is currently no official release of the shell model. > so I came up with the idea of ​​designing a printed back cover... ---
**Author:** ![19th](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/19th/32/7092_2.png) [@19th](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/19th)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2023, 2:41pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/plastic-back-panel/11393/18 "2023-11-22T14:41:04Z")
3D models released, back cover could be printed and modified now. > **[uConsole 3D models in OBJ format (FREE) | ClockworkPi](https://www.clockworkpi.com/product-page/uconsole-3d-models-in-obj-format-free)** > > ClockworkPi uConsole 3D Model files are released under GPL3.For free download please enter this coupon code: UC ![Screenshot_20231122_163337_Instagram](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/e/e66d975728df6ebe9907ea2734ab6630f63f42c5.jpeg)