Info Orbs Desktop Case

A remix of Stephen Hagler's case for the brett.tech info-orbs project.

I really liked Stephen's design, but I experienced alignment problems between the “front” and “rear” parts which led to breaking screens during assembly.  In addition, alignment between the front and back (even if it were correct) needed to be done simultaneously during assembly, along with keeping the buttons in place, which was tricky.  Further details of the alignment issues I had can be seen in my “make” post on the remix source.

I eliminated the alignment pins in the “rear” part, and added PCB supports / screw posts to the “front” part.  Assembly now starts with inserting the buttons, seating the orbs and PCB, and then adding (2) M3 screws which hold the pcb, screens, and buttons in place.  No need to balance or hold the buttons during assembly.  The “rear” part can then be snapped on, with no critical alignment or potential stress on the pcb or screens.

Pre-requisites:

• You must be using brett.tech's pcb version v0.2; no guarantee this will fit any other version.
• You must be using sockets for the screens (not soldering them directly to the board).
• You must use the “straight pins” provided with the screens, NOT the 90-degree pins in Brett's instructions.  The “long side” of the pins should be inserted into the displays, soldered, and excess length trimmed.  The “short side” of the pins get inserted into the sockets.  This results in the screens being closer to, and parallel with, the PCB.  See the pcb photos on Stephen's case (the remix source) for additional info.
• You need (2) M3x6 or M3x8 screws.  Socket head or button head would be best.

Assembly:

• Print the “front” and “rear” parts.   
• Optionally print and add the “accent rings” part if desired. This snaps into the “front” part and requires some pressure, so it is best to add it before placing the pcb and screens in the case.
• Print (3) of the “button” part.
• Place the “front” part face down.
• Insert the three buttons, large diameter inside.
• Locate the pcb and screens into the “front” part, making sure the screens align and fully “seat" into the screen openings.  
• Add (2) M3x6 or M3x8 screws into the bottom holes of the PCB.  The supports are designed for the screws to cut their own threads; go slowly and carefully on the first insertion.  This will ensure that the screens are held in their correct position, and that the buttons do not fall out during final assembly.
• Insert your USB-C cable through the “rear” and connect to the ESP32.  You can also print and add the “case-tpu-plug” if desired.
• Snap the “rear" part onto the “front” part to complete assembly.
• Optionally print the “…case-ramp-v3” part if desired.