Parakeet Beak Case (version 1)

thingiverse

Parakeet PCB beak style case. This case was designed for the Parakeet board created by mzst123. The case measures 5.5cm x 4.4cm x 2.6cm with a distinctive "beak" or wedge shape along one side. It is engineered to fit a specific battery, model 523450 (3.7v 1000 mAh) which I measured at 52mm x 34.5mm x 5.3mm. There is some extra space left for a slightly wider battery, up to 40mm max. I left the clearance to ensure the wixel antenna gets a good signal from as many angles as possible. Battery capacity shouldn't go much below 1000 mAh because the SIM800 needs high burst current drain and the charging resistor would need adjustment accordingly. This battery capacity has given over 2 days of battery life. I mounted the JST XH battery connector at 90 degrees to fit more neatly and reduce the assembled board height (by bending the connector legs using a hard surface). I also used a flat plastic spacer attached to the underside of the battery for extra insulation and physical protection between the battery and the board. Only the external antenna socket was used with the supplied SIM800 plug in antenna. The fixed antenna wasn't soldered because the flat one has a lower profile and works well for me. There is a small groove allowing for the gsm antenna to be mounted above the wixel antenna at 90 degrees against the side of the case. The photos show the design printed in White ABS plastic (vapor smoothed) with a 100 micron setting. This gave a really nice result, feeling strong and light and with the LEDs visible through the case. Printed via 3dhubs. When working with lithium batteries, make sure you have studied and fully understand the safety considerations concerning these. Soldering battery wires, using a battery incorrectly, short circuiting, using the wrong type of battery for a circuit or damaging the battery can result in a battery fire. I only ever crimp connectors, use high quality batteries from a reputable source and ones with built-in protection circuits. Always be very careful to protect the battery from short circuit, physical damage or extremes of temperature. Any project you undertake is at your own risk. Parakeet project page: https://jamorham.github.io/#parakeet