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levinson-choc-case/README.adoc

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+Levinson Choc case
+==================
+
+This is a parametric two-part CAD model of a case for the Nyquist PCB rev3 with
+Kailh PG1350 switches and the undesirable bits broken off.  Slightly slanted
+forward to accomodate TRRS jack cables.
+
+image::front.jpg[Front view]
+image::back.jpg[Back view]
+image::mbk.jpg[Without cover, with MBK keycaps]
+
+It won't be a great hassle to adapt this for rev3.5.  It will be able to lay
+flat in that revision, saving print time and material.  In general the jack
+connector was a major pain point (though there don't seem to be any USB C cables
+angled on both sides available yet).
+
+You'll need
+-----------
+ - https://keeb.io/products/nyquist-keyboard[Nyquist/Levinson] rev3
+   with some Kailh PG1350 switches soldered in
+ - an FDM 3D printer (developed on a
+   https://shop.prusa3d.com/en/3d-printers/994-original-prusa-mini.html[Prusa Mini+])
+ - ideally clear PETG (photos show
+   https://shop.prusa3d.com/en/prusament/1216-prusament-petg-clear-1kg.html[Prusament PETG Clear])
+ - long enough M2 screws (e.g. from the craptastic and useless keeb.io FR4 case)
+ - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32891555457.html[2.5mm high silicone pads]
+ - https://solvespace.com[Solvespace] 3 to generate a triangle mesh for printing
+   from the model
+
+Print settings
+--------------
+ - recommended is the default 0.4mm nozzle with 0.2mm layer height,
+   quality settings
+ - increase extrusion width for solid infills until the print looks clear enough
+   (0.55mm produced a good result)
+ - the cover looks better with right-angled infills 
+ - use the Hilbert Curve for the bottom fill pattern to make it look nicer
+ - similarly recommended is a textured sheet for the heatbed
+
+Both halves fit onto the Mini's print area.  Increase heatbed temperature
+by approximately 5 degrees Celsius if printing from PLA then, or otherwise make
+sure that corners don't lift off.  Increase the temperature mid-print to salvage
+if you see this happening, it should lay back down.
+
+Issues
+------
+ - it may not match exactly, depending on extrusion accuracy
+ - the cover parts stand in the way of MBK keycaps, and the right part likes
+   to lift off at the far end, preventing full keypresses
+ - screw holes in the cover need some fiddling around but generally work
+ - Solvespace is slow at computing the cover parts.  You can remove them
+   entirely, they serve an aesthetic purpose.
+
+License
+-------
+https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/
+
+To the extent possible under law, Přemysl Eric Janouch has waived all copyright
+and related or neighboring rights to the Levinson Choc case.
+This work is published from the Czech Republic.

levinson-choc-case/TODO

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+Measurements:
+ - change Solvespace so that DXF import automatically adds constraints
+   on lines that share points (exactly same)
+ - adjust the other dimensions according to SVG/DXF measurements,
+   see uncommitted files here in pcb-outlines/
+
+Adjustments:
+ - on the right part make sure the stubs have space around when viewed
+   from the bottom, like with the left part
+ - make the top and bottom tolerances a bit bigger (try 0.05, 0.10 on each side)
+ - the far edge should be about 1 cm taller, otherwise pressing the bottom
+   row with MBK keycaps isn't very pleasant
+
+Making a better, beefier version:
+ - the cover has no chance of working well with such a small base, it needs
+   to lie straight on the PCB, and the whole assembly needs to wrap the PCB
+   including the sides, otherwise it doesn't work, nor does it look good
+ - underlighting has turned out to be too non-uniform, even when using
+   a slightly diffusive translucent material; jet black would look better,
+   maybe with some small squints/grooves or holes to prevent the LEDs from
+   drawing power undetected