Mass Effect Personal Terminal

thingiverse

V2 files should be used. ---------------------------- The Source for this was a single model which could not be printed due to its limitations. It lacked some of the details I wanted, so my goal is to add a sheet of engraved acrylic and some EL wire to make the screen glow. Therefore, I disassembled it and started working on it. All of the pieces currently fit together perfectly, but I'll look to add some keys in future iterations to make matching the pieces easier. The slot for the perspex is 3.5mm deep, which allows space for the EL wire to be routed and to slide the perspex into place. The right-hand 'pod' has a space at the bottom for the inverter needed to drive the EL wire. The one I've pictured is for a 12vDC supply but the 5v one (for USB power) is the same dimensions. There is a hole through the pod and the base of the right hand screen section to run the wire for the EL. For assembly, work from left to right, I think. Prep work would include cutting your EL wire to length and ensuring it fits via a dry run. UPDATE 1 - created an additional centre pod option with void suitable for Raspberry Pi installation. The back is not open for cable access, and there's a slot in the side for Micro SD card. Obviously if you want to use that slot, you won't be able to glue the Left pod to the centre... Print planned and will add photo(s) when done. UPDATE 2 - After a draft print (photos shown), I've altered the design a little to increase robustness and remove some elements which added complication with no real benefit (fillets on the edges etc). The right pod now has a larger space for the EL inverter / other electronics to live, and a repair was necessary to one of the elements on the centre pod(s) which seemed to be floating for some reason. In the photos you may be able to see the blue EL wire I've installed, which will illuminate the perspex sheet I'm going to engrave. I've also changed the screen elements and separated the top to allow for ease of screen installation or even swap. You'll also see from the test print that the screen-left element shows some surface texture as it was printed on its back, and the unit is wedge-shaped. I'd suggest printing this piece alone on its front to get the best surface finish unless you intend to fill and finish afterwards. Any / all comments welcome!