Linkit One Plexiglass Case

Welcome to my second instructable involving the Linkit One Board by Media Tek. In this project I will be showing you how to build a small and compact case for the Linkit One board. This will allow me to use the Linkit One board without any concern for shorting anything or damage to the board. This will also serve as a good project case for the Linkit One board as the board is packed with features and doesn't require a lot of extra hardware. The case can be modified to accommodate any certain project or application.

So stay with me as I show you step by step, the process to build an awesome case. I must take this opportunity to thank Media Tek and Linkit One team as they have been a huge support to my projects. Not only did they send me a free Linkit One Board but they are supporting my projects by giving me gift cards. Thank you guys. Really appreciate it.

Material Required

1. Plexiglass Sheet (5mm or above)
2. Super Glue
3. Double Sided Tape
4. Mounting Nuts

Tools Required

1. Score 'n' Snap Tools
2. Ruler
3. Marker
4. Cutting Tool (Dremel)
5. File
6. Sand Paper

The schematic is given above. This is a small build hence room for error is also small. You have to file down the pieces exactly to size or else they will not fit properly.

Measure and mark the plexiglass pieces. There are a total of six of them. Score and snap the six pieces. Make sure to cut outside the marked line so that you have enough leeway. Too small a piece and you're in trouble. Larger pieces can be filed.

The pieces are small so make sure to score properly from end to end. That will make for a better snap. If you have a better method of cutting such as a band saw or scroll saw, then use that. It will make for a much easier build.

Now on to the finer details. First of all, size the pieces properly. For that, lay down sand paper on you flat work bench and sand the pieces from each side. Your goal is to make a flat edge and to ensure proper size of the six pieces. This will be a time consuming process but I couldn't think of a faster method. I could use a sanding grinder but that would make for too aggressive material loss. You can also use a file to make the edges flat. Basically a combination of both. Once the pieces are done. Your next step will be to make the slot for the access panel on of the side pieces. Mark the piece as shown in the schematic and cut using a rotary tool. Cut along the inner edge. Then file down the surface using a small file. I used my leatherman for the filing since I didn't have a smaller file otherwise.

If you don't have a rotary tool. No worries, you can use a drill machine and drill holes along the slot. Use sideways force on the drill to make a rudimentary slot and then file down for further refinement.

Once the pieces are exactly to size and the slot done, you can move on. If you mess up any piece, You will have to make a new one for that.

This is one of the most difficult step. Mainly because the glue dries up fast and you only have little room for error. Before you start, dry fit the pieces to make sure they fit properly. Sand any uneven edge to make it even. This is very important because super glue is a contact adhesive and it only works if there is full contact.

Next you will have to use a fine grit sand paper to sand the edges where they are going to be glued so that there is a proper bond. I find that this step can be made easier by taping all the pieces. So do that, Tape all the pieces except the top piece. Make sure it is squared on all sides. Then apply super glue from the inside. Make sure you don't apply so much that it drips. That would be bad. Leave time to dry.

Once the glue has dried. You will have to remove the tape and all the protective coating left. Now there may be some protruding edges. So clean those up using the rotary tool as to not put much stress on the joints. Once box is nice and clean. You can move on.

Now the interesting step. To actually fit the Linkit One Board in the case. For that, place the board inside the case and alight the USB port side to the slot you cut. Mark the three mounting holes of the board on the base. Drill holes in the marked location.

Then what you need to do it insert bolts from below and tighten them to the base using nuts. Then connect the three antennas to the Linkit One and the Battery. Make sure the battery switch is in the USB position. Insert more nuts on the bolts as you need to create a space beneath the board for the battery. First adjust the height of the nuts by placing the board and aligning the port with the slot. At this point you can drill a hole for the reset button but i didn't since i don't think i will need to use it. But if you want to, just mark the position and drill.

Once the nuts are at their correct height, use double sided tape to glue the battery to the base. Then place the Linkit One board and tighten it in place using more nuts. Now you can glue the antennas in place.

Now all that is left is to install the lid. For that use double sided tape and stick it to the top. I chose clear plexiglass for the top so that i can see the led activity.

I hope you found my instructable informative. Once again, thank you for viewing. Please buy the Linkit One board. It is a board, without any parallel. Its very connected and makes for a wide range of application and innovation.

Link to Buy

I promise to bring you more ibles with the Linkit One. Thanks.