uConsole Lego Technics - Upper/lower plates and antenna mount

Updates

11 Feb 2025: uPorto_BASE_B
Added the BASE_B - the same thing as above, but lower down. It's aligned so that you can easily bridge the two sides enabling more possibilities and better support.  Limited space allows for only a 13 x 1 x 1 beam. For optimal results, please follow the same printing specs as the others, including the generation of supports for the holes.

The unlimited possibilities of Lego, combined with the handheld terminal of our times.

Figure 1: The uPorto_BASE and _ANT as used on the author's uConsole.

What we have here [Fig 1] is something I'm calling uPorto_BASE. This is a way for end users such as yourself to securely attach Lego (TM) Technics (TM) parts to a 13 x 2 x 1 base that is in turn securely mounted with the uConsole itself.

This allows for practically unlimited creative uses [Fig 2, 3, 4] using authentic parts as well as those you print yourself, such as the SMA antenna holder also found in the files: uPorto_ANT

Figure 2: The uPorto family with a surprisingly stable and comfortable carrying handle

Figure 3: Mechanical gearing elements combined with profile pieces make opening and closing the stand a joy and holding the device in any configuration indescribably satisfying.

Figure 4: Using longer beams, it is possible to encase the lower sections of the uConsole.

Print Parameters

The following print parameters were forged in the bowels of my Creality K1C running Klipper / Mainsail featuring Orcaslicer. [ 0.4 Standard Nozzle, Polyterra PLA Orange, Textured PEI Plate ]

Global

Using standard printer-compatible settings from Creality and Orcaslicer (who knows, my profiles are a mess), except where listed here

• Layer Height: 0.20mm 
• Seam Position: Random
• Sparse Infill: 20%
• Sparse Infill Pattern: Rectilinear
• Apply Gap Fill: Top and Bottom

Figure 5: The STL files as previewed in the author's slicer of choice, Orcaslicer. Note the orientation of the parts

uPorto_BASE

• Enable Support
• Support Type: Tree (Auto)
• On build plate only: ON

uPorto_ANT

• Enable Support
• Support Type: Normal (Auto)
• On build plate only: OFF

Post-Processing

The post supports will need popping out of each hole (very satisfying.) uPorto_ANT will need more processing due to the internal supports. Remove hanging extrusions, but be aware that Lego compatibility is dependent on even the smallest features.

Design Files (Onshape):

Subject to change at whim as I expand the concept

uPorto_BASE: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/2ba2f4780950055460b252f6/w/3937d35e7ca8d91bf9f781a0/e/9acf9bcda8a405d209f75c2d

uPorto_ANT: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/25a9cc23537f38159c783fed/w/86b442c9be6b4cb7d62dcfc2/e/456ca378084849328058a681

Special Thanks:

https://marian42.de/partdesigner/ - Incredibly useful tool to build STLs for standard technics parts - if its a big part, the export will be a bit slow. Give it time.

Clockwork - https://www.clockworkpi.com/
They saw what I only thought possible in cyberpunk dreams and made it a reality.

Additional Pictures

Figure 6: Partial assembly of the _BASE and _ANT. Part mating is achieved through the use of standard Lego parts.

Figure 7: Side profile of the _BASE and _ANT.  Note the minimal impact to the rotation of the included stand. That said, what's stopping you from making your own?

What's next / Future possiblites:

• uPorto_BASE_B - The same deal, but for the lower two screws. Would be aligned to allow to bridge between the normal base and this one. Cases, anyone?
• uPorto_USBHUB - Clip-in USB hub to allow for…
• uPorto_SDR - Jack in your tuner without hardcore under-the-skin mods
• uPorto_IO - Get that GPIO outside, where it belongs
• uPorto_ANT_2 - Two times the antenna action for internal SDR or 4G modem mod capabilities