FINALLY. Something worthwhile printing on a 3D printer.

Oh man, this is great! I don't have a 3D printer, but my nephew does, just roped him in to print me a few, once I order the plan from your website! Thanks for such a great build!

This is perfect! Just the solution I was looking for, thanks for making this. I can sit one on my car dash now, and keep one on my desk.

I printed 5 different cases and was not impressed with any of them. Yours is by far the best one I've come across.

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Cheers Rich! I seemed to really hit the nail on the head with it for sure! (I have quite a few to ship out lol)

Perfect bender! Two on order (batch 2) awaiting dispatch. Hope you don’t stop with just this case, many more ESP32 style devices looking for a quality case too. Watching and waiting 😀 Well done you!

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Thanks Shane. Batch B production is well on schedule, I should have really put the dispatch date as a Monday not Sunday because who the F can post something on a Sunday lol (it was late when I set up the products un-aware of what lay ahead...)

Thanks have bought your 3D print today and printed off already, an excellent design!

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Brilliant thanks!

Just ordred the 3D print files. Printed them out and it looks great. Much better than the one I designed using TinKerCad. Mine was just a rectangle box.

Just printing this now. What attention to detail! Worth every penny. Thank you.

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Thanks Tony. I was proud of it, never expected so many people to want one, been utterly humbling!

Ordered and man, this printed so well. Well done. The antenna tool was a nice touch.

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Glad you like it bud. The only thing that bugs me is the seam position but everything I tried looked naff so I settled having it smack bag in the centre on the bottom. I've printed hundreds of them at this point and the failure rates are really low, the support in the middle of the body really helps. Also worth pointing out this design would have been almost impossible to print without the invention of organic supports so kudos to those guys.

Nice work!

got mine yesterday and just put it together this morning and it fits perfectly :)

Love it. looks really good.

Just take my money ...:D ordered. Perfect timing.

@zerofox3d

5 ай бұрын

Thanks dude! Will go out over the weekend and be with you early next week 👍

Just ordered 2 of these, thank you.

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Thanks! All being well you should receive it early, doing all I can to speed up production!

This is awesome!

just placed my order cant wait

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Thanks bud!

Digging the little wrench .. nice

@zerofox3d

5 ай бұрын

50 hours of designing, 1.5kg of prototypes… AND HE LIKES THE WRENCH THAT TOOK 2 MINUTES TO MAKE 😂 Thanks dude ❤️

@Keeganshero13

3 ай бұрын

My wrench broke on the first build but then again I have a heavywrench hand

@zerofox3d

3 ай бұрын

@@Keeganshero13 It’s a torque wrench, when it breaks you’ve applied enough torque 😉

@Keeganshero13

3 ай бұрын

@@zerofox3d brilliant and ingenious

I have ordered just this weekend

@zerofox3d

2 ай бұрын

Thanks Derek appreciate it!

This afternoons print.. Thanks .. Jethro.

@zerofox3d

5 ай бұрын

*Nervously waiting* 😬 Nah it’s a simple print 😁

thanks i got u wit the comment

Ordered!

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Cheers bud!

nice!

Brilliant and i bet you get very busy 👍

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Very!

Order placed.... thanks

@zerofox3d

5 ай бұрын

Cheers Andy!

Nice 👌

@zerofox3d

5 ай бұрын

Thanks 😊

Ordered the print files :) Do we need some sort of "ballast" if using a LiPo pack? Without the 18650 I wonder if it might tip over

@zerofox3d

2 ай бұрын

I don’t think it’ll be too bad with the top antenna mount, side maybe a little tippy but of course would really depend on the size of antenna. Thanks for the purchase bud 👍

I got my two through the post this week, and they are amazing. Snug - but perfect! - fit for the v3. Only thing to note is that the antenna that comes with (some?) of the Heltecs doesn't have a long enough cable to work with your case - the length of cable is too short to reach all the way from the board through the hole to the bend in the casing. (But that's not your fault, obv).

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Cheers Ben, glad Bender arrived safely. I only found out about the different Antenna they have used after I launched and did wonder if the pigtail would reach, thats annoying. If anyone who buys it finds its doesn't fit they can email me and I'll refund the cost of the antenna housing. I'll mentioned that in the next update email I send out. Thanks for the heads up.

Nice. I have a heltec wireless stick v3. Actually a bunch of them. I wonder if there is an adaptation?

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

I'll get to other devices once the Bender madness dies down!

Great work. 👍🏽 Looks good. Not used my heltecs for a couple of weeks now. What is the file format? I use step files for fusion. Just wondering if it is customisable? 73

@achristofides

4 ай бұрын

STL and 3MF files. STL files impoted into Cura for me fine. Some instructions on printing in the archive too.

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

I'm not publishing step files just because someone will inevitably rip it off. The STLs can be modified of course and happy for people to do that for personal use!

Where is the STL file available? I only see it listed for sale on your site for $12!

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

I sell the STL/3MF files on my site buddy!

@cuppacheese

4 ай бұрын

@@zerofox3d I see that, $12 (half the price of the product) is a bit steep considering you are completely sold out of the product, don't ya think? Most STLs are between $1-$5. I understand you gotta eat, but damn...

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

@@cuppacheese The cost is based on what I consider the quality of the case and other factors. For example I sell the hardware kits at a price that allows you to buy the files and print it yourself for less than I sell the full product. You can also print as many as you like. The digital files also cannibalise sales of the physical product. If you buy the digital files and are not happy with it I’ll refund it bud 😉

This is awesome! Always wanted to try 3D printing out. Do you mind sharing the type of 3D printer you have? Whatever it is its high quality! Not to take away the expertise it takes to design and construct a case like that. That's the hard part! Lol

@zerofox3d

3 ай бұрын

Thanks man! I use Prusa MK3 and MK4 printers. My recommendation is always buy one in Kit form and build it. It's huge fun and teaches you how they work which is pretty vital because they need maintenance just like anything mechanical! I've done cheap printers, its a false economy and Prusa are worth paying the extra $$$ for IMO.

wheres the printables link?

Do you have a bender case with the battery on/off switch? Can you provide a link to the tiny switch you found? I’d like to try to add the switch to a lithium battery. I’m new to Meshtastic (less than a week) but the power consumption is killing me.

@zerofox3d

2 ай бұрын

The switch I use is widely available, this is the switch on Amazon UK but it’s available under different names all over the world: amzn.eu/d/bjG8yt7

What is the best orientation to print this? It seems to need a lot of supports, unless I am doing something wrong.

@zerofox3d

3 ай бұрын

It prints with the face down and yes requires support but only for internal structures not visible when assembled. The support serves to not only support the internal structure but also stabilises the print and ensure good adhesion too. The 3MF files include support enforcers and if you use tree/organic support with these files the support is pretty minimal and very easy to remove.

Just ordered mine (Matt Mills - Durham) q? Don't suppose you've got some olive green knocking about still? I've ordered black but would love og if at all possible, love the cases Ringway Manchester got from you. Cheers.

@zerofox3d

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the order! If things were not so busy bud I'd do the odd custom colour order but priority right now is fulfilling orders as fast as possible. Got big news coming in the next few days :D

@VapourTrailz

3 ай бұрын

No worries, next time perhaps - I'll keep an eye on the web page when the story breaks then eh!

Looks very nifty - It’s just a shame that the delivery time is so long.

@zerofox3d

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Brian! I'm having cables produced externally now and have invested quite a bit in expanding capacity. Target is to fulfil all orders by mid April so everyone will not be waiting very long!

Hello- does the case allow the buttons to be used? Sorry if I missed it.

@zerofox3d

3 ай бұрын

Yes is has flexible push buttons for the two front buttons :-)

Is there a cheaper way to get delivery of these devices in Australia? Case costs more than a Heltec V3

@zerofox3d

2 ай бұрын

Sadly not. I’ve not been approached by any resellers in Australia yet but even if I did they’d add margin to cover import fees and make profit. You could of course just buy a printer 😂

Just purchased your print files and printed out 2 full assemblies, loving it 👍, I have a question regarding the battery does it get charged if you connect it to the USB? as I understand this board has charging capability, and I suspect in order to charge the battery this switch will have to be in ON mode so the battery makes contact. Thanks in advance

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the order, Bender is proving quite popular 😁 You’re right the Heltec charges the battery and yes the switch needs to be in the on position to allow the battery to charge (it’s spliced into the V+ cable)

@Ponyony

4 ай бұрын

@@zerofox3dI want to fit in a GPS module (NEO6) and a sensor for telemetry (BME280) do you think they will be able to fit inside the case?

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

@Ponyony I’ve had a report of a Neo6 squeezing in, it is in my plans to get a GPS board and offer a modified housing you can swap in 👍

@Ponyony

4 ай бұрын

@@zerofox3d Any plans on making the model that can fit the GPS? it’s really hard to fit it in the current case 🤭

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

The plan is using a new 2000mah flat lipo with compatible cable I’m producing in China that will free up room in the existing chassis 😉

Purchased and printed your Bender 3D print files, however actual housing which prints face down, it prints an almost impossible to remove waste area from USB to side-mount antenna. Would send picture for your review to advise what I might be doing wrong. Otherwise project prints beautifully.

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

For anyone wondering Brian's slicer made a mess of the 3MF files, using Prusa slicer sorted it! Enjoy Brian!

I’m new to wiring… how did you wire the switch to the battery and jst connector?

@zerofox3d

3 ай бұрын

It's really simple, it's on the positive cable between the battery and Heltec so essentially just cuts the circuit. The Heltec comes with a JST connector cable so if you wanted to make the cable yourself you just buy a battery holder and some switches.

@cameron8ification

3 ай бұрын

@@zerofox3d sorry, I meant the switch as it has three prongs.

@zerofox3d

3 ай бұрын

@@cameron8ification Ah it’s a two way switch, you just use the middle prong plus either of the others!

It's missing some nice rubber feet. Looking forward to getting mine 👍

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Lewis from Rigway stuck some on, looked like they worked a treat!

Hi will the battery holder take a 3.7 volt 18650 nimh battery like the one pictured in your video? i am not sure what to search for on Amazon. Are they Nimh or Lipo batteries? Do they have a flat top like in the video? Or do they have a Button top on the positive battery terminal? Is it possible for you to pin a Ebay/Amazon search link? Sorry for so many questions i don't want to get the wrong one. Great little case though thank you for the demo. on the strength of the video I have ordered a case for my meshtastic just what I was looking for. Thank you very much.

@zerofox3d

5 ай бұрын

The battery holder with take both flat top and button top 18650 cells. I believe lipo are the better option but I don’t think it’ll matter. Thanks for the order, had to buy another 2 printers today thanks to you lot 😂

@m7trsradio

4 ай бұрын

Must be horrible having two buy more printers 😂😏👍🏽

I thought you said you were going to "post the link" to get the battery boxes on Amazon??👀

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

I think I just mentioned it's in the release notes but here you go, this is the section from the release notes going over the battery holder: Single 18650 Battery holder with measurements no larger than 76mm x 21mm. These are extremely common in the popular online market places, you can see an example here: a.co/d/3M1bqga

@TappingMyRoots

4 ай бұрын

@@zerofox3d thank you. I appreciate it. Any idea why my standard heltec antennae wouldn't fit in the printed antennae from your files I bought?

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

@@TappingMyRoots If the IPEX does not fit down the hole it may need opening up a bit, small drill bit or trim any elephants foot around the hole. If the cable is too short you likely got old stock with the different antenna I did not know about! Both are a bit rubbish so I'd bite the bullet and buy a proper antenna, you'll have a better experience!

@TappingMyRoots

4 ай бұрын

@@zerofox3d that's what I'm gonna do, just thought it was odd because the antennae looks just like the one that slid nicely into yours in the video. I took a drill bit to it and everything, no luck. After that and the battery pack I got a bunch of from Amazon not fitting I thought there was something majorly wrong. Trying different battery packs that are on the way 🤞🏻and got a proper antennae ordered. Hoping it all comes together. Thanks again.

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

@@TappingMyRoots Hmm if it’s the same looking antenna it should slide in easily. I’d print a calibration cube and check dimensions, just in case the printer is making everything too small!

which heltec v3 is it? 4-510mhz or the 868mhz?..

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Bender doesn't include a HeltecV3, it's a case with battery holder and SMA cable! You'll need to add the HeltecV3 with the appropriate frequency for your region.

Do you ship to the U.S.? Thanks!

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Yes US shipping is enabled with His Majesty’s Royal Mail International Tracked service!

Can someone please explain what this thing does/ is for?

@zerofox3d

2 ай бұрын

Have a look for Ringway Manchester’s video explaining Meshtastic 👍

Can you please share an Aliexpress link to the battery holder? and any other hardware you recommend? I'm going to buy the file to print. I live in the US. 73!

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

Pretty much all of the 1 cell 18650 battery holders seem to come from the same factory. I've ordered from multiple suppliers showing different images and the same holder has turned up each time. If you order one that looks similar to the one pictured on the hardware kit product on my site you should be safe!

@TappingMyRoots

4 ай бұрын

I ordered a bag of them from Amazon, look just like what I see in the video, and they don't fit. Hoping to get a link to the ones that do fit.

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

@@TappingMyRoots There is a link in the release notes that should be the right holders. All of the holders I’ve ordered have the name “YIENLAO” written inside them but you never see that in titles or descriptions of the products.

Of all the names, you chose Bender 😂

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

It's bent, what else would I call it :-)

link not working

@zerofox3d

5 ай бұрын

Apologies, should be working now doh!

Where's my bender? I have a naked Heltec and it's embarrasing!

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

He’s busy getting bent, when he’s bent enough you’ll get him 😉

@mr_spoons

4 ай бұрын

@@zerofox3d Yay! 😀

I would give you a thumps up, if you shared your .stl file, but U didnt...

@zerofox3d

2 ай бұрын

It's available on my website dude!

Your gonna need a bigger printer!!!

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

...more yes! Size doesn't matter you know right? 😉

@madcarew5168

4 ай бұрын

​​@@zerofox3dan altered quote from Jaws 1..(you're gonna need a bigger boat)!!!!

@zerofox3d

4 ай бұрын

@@madcarew5168 Oh I got it, but it’s more boats not a bigger one I need 😂