[Parametric] Switec X27.168 gauges

thingiverse

This is an enclosure for a gauge driven by a cheap stepper motor, specifically the Switec X27.168, which costs under $5. Add a printed card and a controller, and you have yourself a fully functional gauge, even without a hardware driver! I created a Cessna RPM instrument for my simpit (https://youtu.be/t_wZV1MmZg0), but you can make anything - a thermometer, barometer, steampunk CPU/Memory/Network indicator, or many other aviation instruments for simulators. You could even create a random number indicator or any other idea that comes to mind. For the controller, I used a $5 Arduino Pro Mini clone, which can drive up to 3-4 motors on a single board. I hot-glued it to the back of the gauge for added stability. When it comes to software, if you're using an Arduino controller, be sure to check out the open-source library at https://github.com/clearwater/SwitecX25 and the website of its creator at http://clearwater.github.io/gaugette/. For aviation simulator applications specifically, assuming you're in the X-Plane camp, take a look at the ArdSim plugin at http://svglobe.com/arduino/ardsim_out.php and the SimVim plugin at https://www.simvim.com - it's amazing! Print Settings: Rafts: No Supports: No Post-Printing: Insert the motor into its designated cavity in the enclosure. The motor axis should be centered within the gauge. Ensure that the motor pins pass through their respective holes on the back of the enclosure, and the motor body is flush with the face of the gauge. Glue a printed paper card to the face of the gauge for added visual appeal. Position the printed needle along the motor axis. If necessary, print the needle in a different color for enhanced visibility. Alternatively, you can simply paint a portion of the needle. Connect the controller to the pins, flash the software - and enjoy your brand-new, functioning gauge! How I Designed This: Motor measurements: I eyeballed the motor and iterated on my design multiple times until it worked as intended. The measurements may not be exact, but they were sufficient for my instrument. Potential improvements: After designing and printing my gauges, I discovered a data sheet containing all the motor measurements at http://www.jukenswisstech.com/JSTFiles/downloads/2011/06/X27_Flyer_v1.3.pdf. However, I was too lazy to update my model.