MFX mass-storage add-on - Original Thread

[Martin A]

Steve,

you might have missed my terse update between Martin's posts - follow the link for more detail on how things developed to this stage

regards
Dave

I had a chance to check back on the e-mails. We started in Mid March. it's come quite a way in 10 weeks or so.

[gunrock]

Yes, @Dave I did miss your post, as it was squashed between two of Martin's expansive entries.

I read it yesterday at work (whilst "resting" - I was between bug fixing and testing) and it was a great, informative read. Not sure I'd ever be able to design and build hardware But fascinating reading about the iterative process and intuition/experience-led "guessing", in tracking down noise and component latency problems. Bravo!

Ten-weeks from genesis to prototype and pcb layout, is definitely in the realm of rapid-prototyping! Great job all-round and so good to see that so much of Andy Key's code was useful, even where parts were rewritten to match the extra design goals.

[Dave]

Latest preview of a possible PCB . . .
The footprint has increased substantially. The idea is that no breakout or extension cables will be needed - all of the I/O ports are to be accessible ia the end plate. A 3D printed end-plate will be used to replace the original. Obviously, this will mean an end plate made of PLA, rather than aluminium in order to keep the costs down.

MFX_big4.jpg (148.16 KiB) Viewed 19517 times

[gunrock]

Now that is a great idea! That allows an easier fit for components and with the custom end plate, a smart, flush fit. If the 3d printer files are made available, users can print in other colours/materials too.

I'm a fan of this idea.

[Potholepete]

as if by magic an alternative to PLA for the custom endplates

1654705254133.jpg (63.3 KiB) Viewed 19468 times

1654705254133.jpg (63.3 KiB) Viewed 19468 times

All I would need a a modified SVG file from my original and I can do a test cut on the laser for you Dave.

Jim

[Dave]

Thanks Jim,

that's much appreciated. I'm not sure that I have any 3D modelling skills (oh, just checked, and I don't!). Once I get some boards manufactured, I'll talk nicely to Martina and he might be able to help us with the modelling

regards
Dave

[Potholepete]

You can easily make any changes in Inkscape which is what I used originally and currently the stock image I imported into Lightburn is just a PNG file exported from Inkscape. My 3d skills (cad) are not good either lol.

Am happy to help once you know what will be needed and where.

Jim

[Martin A]

I'll talk nicely to Martina

Who's Martina ?

[Dave]

[gunrock]

Its only Martina at the weekends, Dave, ffs!