Another NodeMCU Case

thingiverse

A Modified NodeMCU Case and Lid I present a remixed version of xxxxx’s (unfortunately I have lost the user’s name :-( ) original design which I have remodelled to suit my specific needs for multiple types of ESP boards and peripheral devices. I give full credit for the originating design. I freely admit there isn’t a lot of the original left in my remix but I thank the author. Note that this remixed design is a work in progress and will continue to be added to and refined to suit my needs as they arise. The README Quote from original author for reference:- “## NodeMCU v3 Roomy Case with Ventilated Sensor Bay A spacious case for the NodeMCU v3 made in openSCAD. Has enough room to hold the board, plug in dupont connectors, and route the connectors to a ventilated sensor bay (eg for temperature sensor). #### Note: Not a snug fit! The NodeMCU will likely fall off the supports without tape or the tension of the dupont connectors to hold it in place. I made this case so that I could use NodeMCU v3 boards that I had as part of a wifi MQTT temperature reporting system without desoldering the DuPont connectors. Using DuPont connectors requires a few centimetres of clearance from the PCB, and the temperature sensors need to be a good distance away from the board to avoid being heated, so the case is quite bulky. ## Print instructions - Print the main case without support - Print the lid with supports (not strictly required but the snap fit triangles will droop a bit otherwise) - I printed on an Ender 3 with PLA at 0.28mm 60mm/s 20% infill and found the results acceptable” Outline of design: The aim has been to provide cases for IoT sensors around my home that provide data for my Home Automation system. I started with a PIR sensor using an Adafruit Huzzah ESP8266 board but found I could redesign the case for other sensors. In particular a microwave motion detector (for the cat flap). Many other sensors are to be designed (e.g. light level detection in a poorly illuminated area area) hence the WIP flag. I use OpenSCAD and Prusa slicer for this design. The design has three files; a parameter file (nodeMCU_modified_params.scad); a NodeMCU body file (nodeMCU_modified_body.scad); a NodeMCU lid file (nodeMCU_modified_lid.scad). Use of a parameter file: As is my practice, I have separated commonly used parameters into a parameter file and as far as possible eliminated ‘magic numbers’ in the body and lid files. There is extensive use of ternary logic (since ‘if’-’else’ are not available in the parameter context) to size various parameters and there may be a need to add new sets of values in future as desired. Many options are selected by un-commenting and commenting values. I have not tried the Openscad customiser and I’m not sure if that would simplify parameter selection. Care must be taken to select (or create) a logical set of parameters and I suggest a careful look at the parameter file is essential. The Body file: Although I have used the term NodeMCU thoughout this design, I have become aware of many different types of boards used for IoT devices. I have obtained several different types of board all with different dimensions. As far as possible, I have made this design suitable for the boards I have; I am aware of other boards (such as WemosD1) that I do not have and cannot measure its dimensions. I use a caliper to physically measure board parameters as published dimensions are uncommon and those that are, are often inaccurate. I have provided locator spigots or screw points for securing the boards. I use spigots with superglue but self-tap screws may be better if available. The USB access hole may need adjustment for height depending whether the NodeMCU board is compnent side up or down. I have provided an option for providing a double length case for separating the MCU from a peripheral device - in particular heat sensitive PIR sensors. The Lid File: I have used the lid to secure peripheral or second boards in the case. So far I have generated designs for HC-SR501 PIR sensor and CQRobot Microwave motion sensor. Other designs are pending and are WIP. The original ‘snap-fit’ lid securing method has been retained albeit slightly modified as it works well. Printing Method: I have used and I recommend using Openscad (Version 2021.01) which is freely available at https://openscad.org/. My printer is now an Original Prusa MK3S+ and I use a 0.4mm nozzle. I use Prusa’s slicer to generate G-code. I have used PETG for this design as I believe that to be more stable than PLA in exposed areas. I have found it is quite difficult to get a good clean print and optimal results have been generated by lots of trial and error. The detail is quite fine so getting a clean, accurate print will need adjustments depending on your printer. Edit/Update: 10/07/2022 Previous Openscad files replaced by updated files and a new Openscad Options file created to overcome priority/forward references issues with parameters file. Previous files removed - recommend scrapping any downloads in favour of the latest versions. Some corrections to existing designs inserted. Additions include a box for Adafruit's TSL2561 luminosity sensor and DRRobot's Gas Sensor V2. New photos added to show a sample of the boxes created including one of a radar detector monitoring cat flap entry/exit for home automation system!