Vex VexIQ Gen2 Modular Battery Charger

thingiverse

This project was born out of the need to be able to charge 24 VexIQ Gen2 batteries. The USB-C cables made an absolute spaghetti mess after a few times of student plugging and unplugging batteries. This design is modular so you can print as many or as few as you need. The files are organized into a "center", "left end" and "right end". You can print just a left and right for 2 batteries. A left, center and right for 3 batteries. Or a left, 4 centers and a right for 6. The VIQRC Battery Charger files are the battery charger holders themselves - batteries slide into these. The hole for the charging cable itself is designed to take the following cable from Amazon: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08T63BS7W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=barrycoleman-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=a9a6ac6df111790ca4183626e387e8a7&camp=1789&creative=9325">USB-C Charge Cables for Thingiverse VIQRC Battery Charger</a> I've tried with some other cables and most seem to fit ok. A little Dremel work can fix most fit issues, or take the STL and resize the hole as necessary. The center of the charger port hole should be where the USB-C connector goes. I've set mine up for 24 batteries and use the following USB charge station: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PYWS27N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=barrycoleman-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=99ee3a91b8060932b9619c31d8965dea&camp=1789&creative=9325">24-port 100W-20A USB Charger</a> The holder are designed for M2 screws. The charger uses an M2-3mm screw to secure the USB-C cable. I got these: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081GL2Y7Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=barrycoleman-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=384c3ad8b4350e755a65884e9202813b&camp=1789&creative=9325">M2 Screw pack</a> Additionally, I've uploaded a VIQRC Charger Base. This is a modular system to put 4 rows of chargers together and to manage the cables running out of the back of the base to the USB Charging Station. The ends of the Chargers are secured with M2-10mm screws. I've also uploaded a Single module, that has no connectors on either side. This might be a good one to modify and add a team number to the top for tournament use. When slicing the Battery Chargers it is probably best to rotate them so they are laying with the back (the side with the hole for the cable) on the build plate. This will eliminate all overhangs and mean that you won't need supports. This whole project was designed in OnShape.