Case Work

I finally figured out how to make a proper CAD drawing for the Rockit case. I ended up using QCAD (Thanks again Todd Bailey). It took me a while to get used to the program. It strikes me as a little click-happy and less than intuitive for someone who has never used such a program before. I think it makes Eagle look advanced, but I managed to make it work. Click through for a picture.

It doesn't look like much, but it shows where the holes go and how large they need to be. It also makes all the knob and switch functions clearer to see. This is probably the first time the most people can tell what knobs do what. The drawing is missing some finishing touches like a logo, but I'm not sure they need to be included on this drawing.

I made this drawing to submit to enclosure manufacturers to get quotes for cases. I should have an idea of some cases and case pricing this week or next. I'm hoping the price for Envision comes in decent because I think it could be the best solution to get something simple. I'll probably figure out how to put it up on Ponoko also. I signed up as a seller, but this isn't really a full design, just the face and the top of the unit. I'm not sure how it gets turned into a full 3D shape, but I'm not sure how Envision does it either.

The Envision process is pretty interesting. Rather than make injection molding tools, which can cost $5000+ if made in China, more in the US, they start with a flat piece of material. They cut out all the holes while its flat, score the bends with 90 degree cuts, bend it, and then glue it together. I'm curious to see the result.

I'll have more updates when I hear back from them. Hopefully, we'll see a prototype before long!