3. Enclosure assembly

TODO PIX completed enclosure; underside and topside showing shit inside

In this section, you'll go over how to assemble the two halves of the main enclosure.

Step 1: Get the necessary tools

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• A soldering iron
• 2.5mm Allen key or screwdriver

Step 2: 3D-printed parts

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• Base
• Primary buttons
• Secondary buttons
• Scroll wheel
• Scroll wheel holder
• Scroll wheel holder holder (holder holder holder holder...)
• 3x roller bearing dowels
• Top

If you don't the capability to print the 3D-printed parts, then it's no big deal. We sell them, but we also have information on how to print them out yourself, if you've got access to a 3D printer. See Appendix B: 3D-printed parts for information.

Step 3: Hardware

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• 2x M3x6mm socket cap machine screws
• 6x heat-set threaded inserts
• 3x MR63ZZ roller bearings
• 2x 3mm x 18mm metal dowels
• 1x silicone ring

If you don't have the hardware, be not afraid. We sell hardware kits, and we also have a few tips on how to order these parts. See Appendix D: Hardware for information.

Step 4: Preparing the scroll wheel holder

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Prepare the following components:

• Electronics assembly
• Scroll wheel holder
• Scroll wheel holder holder

Step 5: Insert scroll wheel holder holder into electronics assembly

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• Ensure that the plastic part is oriented correctly
• The plastic part requires a bit of force to get into the PCB; be careful not to damage the electronics assembly
• Press the plastic part on its edges, NOT the middle, as you may break the part if you depress the middle too hard

Step 6: Insert scroll wheel holder into scroll wheel holder holder

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• Stop laughing at the names already.
• More importantly, the insertion step should be done very gently. These parts are quite delicate. Take your time and don't bend things unnecessarily.

Step 7: Preparing the base

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Prepare the following components:

• Base
• 2x heat-set threaded inserts

Step 8: Put threaded inserts into base

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Take your time and go slowly. A soldering iron temperature of 220C or 430F is hot enough.

Step 9: Assembling the base

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• Electronics assembly
• Base
• Primary buttons
• Secondary buttons
• 2x M3x6mm socket cap machine screws

Step 10: Place electronics assembly onto base

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The electronics assembly is seated on the base, but it does not attach. It will eventually be pressed down by the Top, so don't worry about that here.

Step 11: Screw secondary buttons into base

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Step 12: Screw primary buttons into base

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Step 13: Prepare scroll wheel

Prepare the following components:

• Scroll wheel
• Silicone ring
• 2x 3mm x 18mm metal dowels

Step 14: Insert dowels into scroll wheel

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Step 15: Thread silicone ring onto scroll wheel

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Step 16: Insert scroll wheel into base

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Step 17: Preparing the top

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• Top
• 4x heat-set threaded inserts
• 3x roller bearing dowels
• 3x MR63ZZ roller bearings

Step 18: Put threaded inserts into top

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Take your time and go slowly. A soldering iron temperature of 220C or 430F is hot enough.

Step 19: Put roller bearings onto roller bearing dowels

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Step 20: Insert roller bearings into top

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Step 21: All done!

TODO PIX completed enclosure halves

Congrats, you finished assembling the enclosure! Pat yourself on the back.

When you're ready, proceed to 4. Final assembly to continue.