Case for Wio Tracker L1 E-Ink + MakerFocus 3000mAh Battery

Description

Table of Contents

• Model overview

• Parts used

• Printing

• Assembly

This is a case for the Wio Tracker L1 from Seeed Studio which can fit a 3000mah LiPo battery with the measuring 67.5 x 36 x 10,2 mm. Makes a good standalone Meshtastic device with the new firmware which has the virtual keyboard.

Model overview

• Case front (2 versions)

  • case front: Variant for use with M3 nuts

  • case front - heat set insert version: (untested) Variant has 4 x 7 mm holes for use with M3 heat inserts

• Case back (2 versions)

  • case back: Variant without battery guide rails (max. battery dimensions: 67,5 x 52 x 10,2 mm)

  • case back: Variant with battery guide rails (max. battery dimensions: 67.5 x 36 x 10,2 mm)

• PCB cover

• Buttons

  • front button

  • reset button

  • power switch

• Joystick (3 versions with different clearances):

  • joystick: normal variant

  • joystick loose: loose variant

  • joystick tight: tight variant

Parts used

• Seeed Wio Tracker L1 Development Board (with E-Ink display)

  • I bought: https://amzn.eu/d/7uGh0BY

• MakerFocus 3000mah battery

  • I bought: https://amzn.eu/d/7KOxQxh

• 17cm 868-MHz (EU) antenna

  • Or any other antenna which is less than 10mm in diameter.

  • I bought: https://amzn.eu/d/dA0BJzN

• 3x M3 nuts or 3x M3 heat inserts (depending which font case you choose)

• 3x M3x10 socket head screws

• 4x M2x8 socket head screws

• Foam pad or double sided tape

Printing

• All parts except e-ink front case can be printed without supports.

• I used a 0.20 mm layer height and enabled Fuzzy Skin in Prusa Slicer.

  • Fuzzy Skin Thickness: 0.2 mm

  • Fuzzy Skin point distance: 0.2 mm

• Alternatively use a smaller layer height (for e.g. 0.15mm) for a smooth surface, if not printing with a Fuzzy Skin.

• I printed on a textured steel sheet.

• I used PETG.

Assembly

1. Poke out sacrificial support layer from all screw holes with small screwdriver bit or something

2. Insert M3 Nuts into their slots in the three corners or put the M3 head inserts in place.

   1. Can use a small amount of glue or tape to keep the nuts from falling out

3. Install GPS antenna into its slot with the foam pad or double sided tape.

4. Install the SMA to UFL1 cable into its hole.

5. Install the antenna onto the SMA connector.

6. Slide the joystick cover onto the joystick on the Wio Tracker L1

   1. May need to ream out hole in the joystick cover to create the best fit

7. Slide the power switch cover onto the power switch on the Wio Tracker L1

8. Place the reset button and the front button into the front case

9. Hold the front case at an angle to keep the buttons from falling out and slide the Wio Tracker L1 in

10. Connect antenna cables to their ports on the Wio Tracker L1

11. Screw in the PCB cover and ensure that no antenna cables are pinched under it

12. Test the joystick to ensure that it works properly and is not stuck

    1. Disassemble and sand the contact areas between the joystick cover and the front case if it is stuck or does not click nicely

13. Connect battery and secure it to the PCB cover with double sided tape

14. Ensure that the antenna is installed before doing this to avoid damaging the radio

15. Screw in the back of the case

16. Flash with the latest firmware

    1. https://flasher.meshtastic.org