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3. Enclosure assembly

ploopyco edited this page Sep 25, 2019 · 21 revisions

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 M3x12mm flat-countersunk machine screws TODO is this right??
  • 4x M3x6mm socket cap machine screws TODO is this right??
  • 6x M3 heat-set threaded inserts TODO more detail needed for these
  • 3x roller bearings TODO more detail needed for these
  • 2x metal dowels TODO more detail needed for these
  • 1x silicone ring TODO more detail needed for these

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.

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 350C or 620F is hot enough.

Step 9: Assembling the base

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  • Electronics assembly
  • Base
  • Primary buttons
  • Secondary buttons
  • 2x M3x6mm 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: Preparing the top

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

Step 14: Put threaded inserts into top

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Take your time and go slowly. A soldering iron temperature of 350C or 620F is hot enough.

Step 15: Put roller bearings onto roller bearing dowels

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Step 16: Insert roller bearings into top

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Step 17: 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.