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SN35 Mini Update #04 – Not the end yet! – Hack Like Heck

binaryben

SN35 Mini Project Update #04

 

I've never done a lot of the things I have attempted over the past few weeks. So far on this project, I have:

 

  • Learned the basics of using a green screen
  • Learned the basics of editing film
  • Become heaps better with Fusion 360
  • Explored the basics of using ECAD software (Eagle specifically)
  • Given up on learning how to design custom footprints in Eagle for now, and hand drew my biggest board yet! (lol)
  • Worked with a tiny LCD (I've never used one in a project before)
  • Played with Retropie for the first time
  • Somewhat successfully used a desktop CNC router

 

Unfortunately, what I have not done is made a completed episode for the contest. My design relied too heavily on having a custom PCB (or two apparently), and for various reasons, I couldn't fabricate one in time. I also grossly underestimated how long it would take to produce the video itself having never made one before. I am honestly gutted by this. This was an opportunity to get what has honestly been a dream job of mine for a couple of years now (just ask my partner). It would be easy to say something like "I wish I had of seen this contest earlier", or that other things in life didn't get in the way, especially when a few extra days and I could have potentially ordered a board. But I also have to say that in this instance, I was trying too many new things at once and it backfired. That is ultimately my fault image

 

Hopefully this is not the end of my future journey as a content producer though, maybe not even the end for working under the element14 brand as Heckendorn has for so long now. The opportunity to push myself, and to interact with Ben Heck and the team has been fantastic. It is also certainly not the end of the SN35 Mini project. It is easily one of the most professional looking designs I've created to date (though printing using a Formlabs printer helps a lot with that), and I would hate to not get to finish it.

 

 

The Design So Far!

 

Since I don't need to wait for everyone else's videos, I figured now is a good time to show off where I had gotten to in the design process. The front case is mostly ready to go (baring a few minor tweaks to the shoulder buttons) and I now know where the various mounting holes are located – this was important to be able to properly layup the PCB for the buttons. Once I am more fluent with ECAD, I can transfer my hand drawn traces into the software and get the board professionally made, ready for testing. I also have the circuit to drive the LCD ready for testing on that PCB (or a seperate module) which I am eager to try out.

 

It looks even better with the screen on, but it's a bit hard to get a photo of as the original driver board sits very awkwardly on the case.image

 

 

Where to Next?

 

Now that I don't have the formal deadline, I think I will take the time to properly learn Eagle (or CircuitStudio/Altium Designer). Then I will send of for a professionally fabricated PCB. This will allow me to just focus on getting the overall design right for now, without complicating the build with too many error-prone fabrication processes at once. I can improve my DIY PCB process in time for the next build or two... especially once the makerspace at my university is reopened (my apartment is very, very small). The design has really grown on me though, and I'm left wondering if there would be enough interest to warrant looking into a Kickstarter campaign or similar in the future? I also feel like I figured out how to structure the video in the end, so this is something I would like to finish – even if only for my sake as a learning experience.

 

In terms of what else needs to be done. I had decided that the video I was going to submit was going to be frames as a Part I, with the basics of the design done and the front panel working. So I was hoping it would be playable. Part 2 was going to focus on the back panel, which includes getting the speakers working, and hopefully adding some analog triggers. Because I am now considering this as something to sell, a Part 3 may even eventuate looking at how to polish up the design - possibly even looking at altering the case for manufacturing if needed.

 

In the mean time, I would like to wish all of the remaining contestants who managed to create something and upload a video the best of luck. It's been an absolute blast seeing the updates and comments. I look forward to watching the videos (hopefully there is actually the minimum of 10 entries required by the T&C's!).

 

  • in reply to rocits

    Sorry Rory, I some how missed this. To be honest, my original plan was to make it grey like the original. The clear was just what was in the printer at the time.

     

    However, I was considering some RGB LED's like in the Future Boy build. Someone else suggested I could use some glow in the dark paint instead and put it on the inside of the case (apparently, you can get paint that is still pretty translucent once dry).

  • So close , The overall design looks fantastic Benny! I presume you are going down the back-light route eventually? I was testing a basic light tracker and accidentally left the leds under the ps1 controller pcb, I don't think I've seen it purposely done before as in a specific pattern backlit in the traces themselves, like text or specific shapes etc.. the leds create very crisp little projection so you could just have shapes cutout. Also was trying to use translucent HDPE/milk cartons etc.. in various ways, like trying to create a up-cycled AR Headset version..maybe for  type III! The back lighting and leds have great potential for a whole transparent/translucent style of modding! You could call it 'glass shrimp mods' or something that would give it a kick-start.. lol'

     

    image

     

    It amazing what you can learn in a short space of time alright , same here, learned a tonne of new stuff, and the competition pressure really helps to push your ideas further!

  • in reply to binaryben

    Sorry, to answer your question — neither! It's printed on a Form 2 in clear resin. Some of the wall thickness is 1mm and I couldn't get it printing cleanly on the Ultimaker.

     

    unfortunately that means anyone attempting the build at home may need to get a 3D print from an online provider, or I might look into injection moulding?

  • in reply to a531016

    It sure was. I was even okay with the possibility of just getting to the point where the front case was working and the project had visible life beyond the screen.

     

    As the title says though, I don't expect this to be the end though

  • That is such a shame, it was looking like it was shaping to be awesome!

     

    I that clear PLA or Nylon you have printed in?

     

    I am looking forward to seeing it complete, sorry you missed out on the video edit!