Pocket Operator Case

This is a case for the Pocket Operator series of synthesizers made by Teenage Engineering. Its main features are:

• Keys move freely
• LEDs are still visible
• Audio sockets accessible with standard sized rubberized jacks
• Possible to keep the break-away hanger if wanted
• Possible to keep the wire-stand attached
• No glue or screws

• Printable with low-end FDM printer
  Source files are created with FreeCAD 0.15.

  Note: A version of case, buttons and light guides optimized for SLS/SLA printing also available at shapeways: https://www.shapeways.com/shops/cdb

  Compatible with these things:

• PO-20 symbol buttons: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1410100

• Numbered buttons: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1617681
• Light guides (difficult!): http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2091660
• Mic Frontplate: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2779257
• Experimental eurorack frontplate: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3039287

• Button Customizer: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3668411
  Compatible remixes and things by other people:

• Light guide buttons by Axeman72: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2090105

• Mini lever by RJ_12: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1489435
• PO-28 symbols by KingWarin: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3441682
  Update (Jan. 30th 2018)
  Added microphone holes to the front plate (Case_Front_full_v6_mic_rotated.stl) for the new PO series (PO-32, 33, 35).

Update Feb. 2018
Big thanks to the guy who sent a tip for the case. This is a first for me, feeling very humbled!

Update (Aug. 8th 2018)
Added experimental eurorack frontplate. (Thing 3039287)

Update (June 2nd 2019)
Added Button Customizer (Thing 3668411)

Print instructions

Category: Audio Summary

This is a case for the Pocket Operator series of synthesizers made by Teenage Engineering. Its main features are:

• Keys move freely
• LEDs are still visible
• Audio sockets accessible with standard sized rubberized jacks
• Possible to keep the break-away hanger if wanted
• Possible to keep the wire-stand attached
• No glue or screws

• Printable with low-end FDM printer
  Source files are created with FreeCAD 0.15.

  Note: A version of case, buttons and light guides optimized for SLS/SLA printing also available at shapeways: https://www.shapeways.com/shops/cdb

  Compatible with these things:

• PO-20 symbol buttons: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1410100

• Numbered buttons: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1617681
• Light guides (difficult!): http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2091660
• Mic Frontplate: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2779257
• Experimental eurorack frontplate: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3039287

• Button Customizer: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3668411
  Compatible remixes and things by other people:

• Light guide buttons by Axeman72: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2090105

• Mini lever by RJ_12: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1489435
• PO-28 symbols by KingWarin: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3441682
  Update (Jan. 30th 2018)
  Added microphone holes to the front plate (Case_Front_full_v6_mic_rotated.stl) for the new PO series (PO-32, 33, 35).

Update Feb. 2018
Big thanks to the guy who sent a tip for the case. This is a first for me, feeling very humbled!

Update (Aug. 8th 2018)
Added experimental eurorack frontplate. (Thing 3039287)

Update (June 2nd 2019)
Added Button Customizer (Thing 3668411)

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

RepRap

Printer:

Huxley

Rafts:

No

Supports:

No

Resolution:

0.3mm

Infill:

30% Honeycomb

Notes:

Minimum recommended printer settings:
Hotend: 0.5 mm
Layer height: 0.3 mm
Perimeters: 3
Solid layers top/bot: 2/2
Seam position: aligned
Infill density: 30%
Fill pattern: honeycomb
Top/bottom fill pattern: rectilinear (for case), concentric (for buttons)

Post-Printing

Seam cleanup

Clean the inside of the front panel from any seams. The Pocket Operator PCB should fit snugly inside without using a lot of force.

Button guide cleanup

Clean the button guides and holes from any debris and imperfections. The buttons must be able to move without any resistance.

Assembly

See instructions on the included pictures.

Videos

Showing some of the prototypes and the case printed at shapeways.

Short demo of 2 pocket operators using this case.