Neko Receiver Custom Case (7IN1 SteamVR Reciever)

Why?

I bought this particular 7in1 SteamVR receiver ( https://shorturl.at/d8VOd ) with the objective of improving the RF performance of my trackers and controllers.

I quickly found out that the performance was worse and that my trackers were disconnecting like crazy, and the device was really noisy which made it unbearable during the night since I basically run this 24/7; the case was designed like a whistle with no noise performance in mind.

So I went to the drawing board to address antenna spacing and noise performance, which finally made this device worth the investment.

This reference was quite useful: https://makerworld.com/en/models/796356-neko-receiver-7-in-1-steamvr-receiver-pcb-3d-file#profileId-735719

The version of the board I own is: V16 NEKO RECEIVER 7

WARNING: IF YOU ARE GETTING NEW ANTENNAS DOUBLE CHECK THE TYPE OF CONNECTOR YOUR RECEIVER HAS IT MIGHT BE A DIFFERENT SMA CONNECTOR.

Requirements

• 8x 3M by 6mm screws (Sorry)
• 1x Noctua NF-A4x10 5V (Very important to use 5V or you will need a boost converter)
• (Optional) 1x JST XH 2.54mm 2pin.
  
  • This so you can make an adapter for the Noctua fan, if you don't want to cut wires and solder them. You can sacrifice the OG fan for the connector.
• Recommended antennas (RP SMA Male): https://shorturl.at/ZsqwQ 
  • I tried a bunch of antenna variations and found these ones to work reliably.
• (Optional) 4x rubber feet, some antennas might lift the case when they are placed at a 45° angle doesn't affect functionality but it might annoy you. Eg. https://shorturl.at/k7MoO 

Instructions

• Disassemble the original receiver and extract the board and SMA female connectors.
  • if you find that the antenna connectors are difficult to take off its because they might have some hot glue in them, throw some IPA at it to soften the adhesive so you don't risk damaging the cable which is thin.
• Place the board in the base of the new case and screw them using 3M screws, there a 2 guides you only need to fill 4 screws instead of 6, you don't need to over tighten them.
• Clip the female SMA connectors in place they should snap in tightly, if you find them difficult to snap in it might be because of leftover glue from the "OEM" just clean the connectors. You can also add your own glue so the antennas don't jiggle.
• Make sure the antenna SMA cables are connected to the U.FL connector (The small round connector on the PCB) on each of the receivers. You dont need too much pressure to connect these, if you have a plastic spudger use that.
• Make an adapter for the Noctua Fan, and check the polarity of the connector. You can test it by plugging the 5V input which only feeds the fan.
• Screw the Noctua fan to the top cover with the included screws.
  • If you want to use the original fan, you can use long 3M screws and nuts to adapt it, or you might want to remix the top cover to use a pressure fit. 
• Connect the fan and put the top cover on the base, then screw the 4 3M screws.
• (Optional) Place the rubber feet.
• Adjust the antenna position (There is a sample position that works for me on the photos, its the one in black.)
• (Optional) Place the LED cover to not blind yourself during the night.
• Done! 🥳

Printing

• It doesn't require supports.
• 0.2mm Layer Height.
• You can use any material, I used PLA.

If you have any doubts leave a comment, I'll answer questions 😊