To create a smooth curved surface, I printed it at a 45-degree angle from the bottom edge, but this required a large amount of support material, making it quite difficult to remove.
Now, as for my impressions after actually using it… it’s too smooth—there’s no texture to the surface, so it doesn’t offer much grip.
I find it easier to hold when the surface has a bit of texture, like the original back panel or the custom back panels you often see.
Also, not being able to use a wire stand is surprisingly inconvenient.
Unfortunately, this panel is a failure.
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我正在设计一个可以安装pwm风扇的后盖，考虑用铜和亚克力来制作，由于不会使用三维软件，可能只能拼凑。
如果成功了，我会发布。
@proteus , do you have a link to the white 3D printed back panel? I like the vents and the big battery door.
When my uConsole arrives I’m hoping I might be able to fit a pair of 26650 cells in place of the standard 18650s.
Actually… I lost the data on the white back panel due to a PC storage issue.
So I tried making a new green back panel, but it didn’t turn out the way I wanted, so I’m making it over.
Oh no! That white cover looked quite interesting. i was going to second the request for the STL.
I’m working on a new 3D printed back for the uConsole right now. v02 is slowly printing as I type this. When I know everything fits OK I’ll let you know here and share on Printables.
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I look forward to seeing it!
I have published the design at uConsole bottom panel to fit 26650 cells by nickwest | Download free STL model | Printables.com . If there is interest, I can add a writeup or some instructions in a new thread on this forum.
So far the design “works” for me, but I’m still waiting for my new carrier board from HackerGadgets. So,I have verified that it powers on, the keyboard works and I can connect to the web and do a software update. But I haven’t actually used it much to get an idea of the increased run time, charge time etc.
It’ll definitely need adjustment for the HG carrier board, but that looks very promising! I have a 3-cell battery pack made up of 18650s and that battery well looks like it might be deep enough to accommodate it.
Oh wow, it sure does! I feel a bit silly for not noticing this when I did the original design. Isn’t it great that we live in age where a new 3D print is so cheap and easy!
I am changing the design of the back plate and the CPU cover. The new design will accommodate either the HackerGadgets carrier board or the standard ClockworkPi version. I will post results/photos here when I’m finished.
I was actually able to figure out how to move the hole in the back plate to accommodate the difference in position, which was surprising since I’m FreeCAD-illiterate. I’ll be interested to see your mod when it’s done.
The new models are up at uConsole bottom panel to fit 26650 cells by nickwest | Download free STL model | Printables.com
I do plan to slim down the battery cover a little bit - there is some wasted space in there and it’s the thickest part of my uConsole. So making it ~5mm thinner will actually make a difference to the uConsole. As usual, I will post the new models when done. Sigh, the job is never quite “finished.”
I am presently running the calibration script on my battery. I’ll put the results here when complete.
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I have updated the battery cover on Printables. Still working to get the battery properly calibrated.
Using the 3D printed back plate has an unexpected benefit. When I attach the wifi antenna to the plastic backplate instead of the metal chassis, I get a stronger wifi signal. I was already using a plastic spacer to separate the antenna from the metal chassis… But when I moved the antenna + spacer from the top of the metal chassis to the backplate, my wifi sgnal strength went from 38% to 53%. There are rooms in my house where the wifi signal was unusable, with the relocated antenna I now see a stable wifi signal.
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uConsole Omega-Chassis in actions
Ultimate version
Tune the fan-curve to have both active or passive cooling options based on preferences. Support up-to 10 antennas without camera module, still low profile to carry around without fiddle with antennas.
with custom grills
Compact top antenna, no sticking out and wasted spaces, NO modification required for the original body frame.
Both Ultimate & Essential build support 3x18650, maintain the same low profile body. In addition, support HackerGadget battery board with NVMe, compatible with full sized NVMe as well! All the existing kit you have works with it. Cooling for the NVMe is supported through the backplate.
Essential version with customisable grills
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Wow - that’s just beautiful!
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Finally: hard reset button fix check this