Glue Less Support Bracket for Kite's Mode/Power Switch Board
Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2018 8:08 am
Hey guys here's a little something I made to help with Kite's awesome Circuit Sword. His power switch and mode PCB definitely makes things cleaner. I did find a couple little faults which some of you have noticed. The first is installing the unit without globs of hot glue is nearly impossible. The second is the included mode button is both short on the stem and is too high to align the hole in the shell and keep the switch at the correct height. No worries, as I have a solution for you guys! 
The solution to the later is to unsolder the mode button and replace it with similar one to where the stem is about 2mm longer. Luckily I have an assortment of these tact switches but they are readily available through the usual sources. I used a four legged one, straightened the legs to 90 degree angle from the switch and snipped the other two legs flush. Now the trick is you need to mount it about 2mm lower than the PCB. It will hang there but don't worry, we have a solution for support so it doesn't get pushed back when activating. Which leads me to solution number two, PCB unit support.
I designed a neat little two piece bracket for support that is totally glue less. The way it works is you place the support bracket in the shell, then place the Mode/Power Switch PCB with the correct mode button and height, and slide it into place. Next screw in the PCB to the support bracket with two small m2 screws. Then, insert the second 3D part behind the mode switch which adds support and strength for when the button is pressed. Finally insert a screw through the two 3d parts into the existing screw mount hole in the shell.
When done, your mount should look like this.
I have made this available to anyone wanting to print it. Enjoy and Happy Modding!
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The solution to the later is to unsolder the mode button and replace it with similar one to where the stem is about 2mm longer. Luckily I have an assortment of these tact switches but they are readily available through the usual sources. I used a four legged one, straightened the legs to 90 degree angle from the switch and snipped the other two legs flush. Now the trick is you need to mount it about 2mm lower than the PCB. It will hang there but don't worry, we have a solution for support so it doesn't get pushed back when activating. Which leads me to solution number two, PCB unit support.
I designed a neat little two piece bracket for support that is totally glue less. The way it works is you place the support bracket in the shell, then place the Mode/Power Switch PCB with the correct mode button and height, and slide it into place. Next screw in the PCB to the support bracket with two small m2 screws. Then, insert the second 3D part behind the mode switch which adds support and strength for when the button is pressed. Finally insert a screw through the two 3d parts into the existing screw mount hole in the shell.
When done, your mount should look like this.
- PowerMode1.jpg (327.73 KiB) Viewed 27022 times
- PowerMode2.jpg (248.64 KiB) Viewed 27022 times
If Downloading, Please Consider Using the Button
:STL DownloadShow
What I might do for the next batch is have the mode button not soldered, but include the 'right length' in the accessories bag. This should make things a little easier when installing, and people can solder it however they like 