Worklog Thetacube - Wii Portable

[pipbug]

Hey guys, here's my worklog for my Wii portable (contest entry)! I'll be calling it the "Thetacube", has a nice ring to it, no?

I've ordered everything I need to build a working portable, minus the battery stuff (will be running off external power until I get that ball rolling). Not trimming this time around as I want to keep this simple.

I intend to achieve these features:
- 3DS sliders & DS lite buttons
- Fully functional Bluetooth & maybe IR leds for full Wiimote support
- Fully integrated GC controls w/ dual tact mod (GC+)
- 4.3" composite display
- Built-in Speakers
- Slim cooling design
- Wii inspired aesthetic with a retro twist
- Frankencase (hacked up computer keyboard housing as a baseline)

Good luck to everyone in the contest!

EDIT: Photos

 

[Toaster912]

When does the contest end? And what if I don't make it in time? Sorry I have a lot of noob questions.

 

[pipbug]

When does the contest end? And what if I don't make it in time? Sorry I have a lot of noob questions.

https://bitbuilt.net/forums/index.php?threads/bitbuilts-2017-summer-building-contest.1043/

 

[Madmorda]

Lookin' good can't wait to see more!

 

[Stitches]

The case is very clever. What colour are you thinking of?

 

[pipbug]

The case is very clever. What colour are you thinking of?

Thanks I'll be going with black

 

[pipbug]

Hey peeps, still waiting on my GC+, audio amp, and tact switches. Stay tuned for more updates! I'll be showcasing more casework as soon as I get some bondo body filler.

 

[pipbug]

Decided to scrap the original case idea and went with this instead (made from an old router enclosure)

Custom fan exhaust grill made from GC casing

 

[cheese]

That looks like some nice filling/bondo-ing you got there, can't wait to see more!

 

[pipbug]

That looks like some nice filling/bondo-ing you got there, can't wait to see more!

Thanks! Abs cement

 

[pipbug]

My soldering iron died

Here's the last of the case work before I go on vacation, hopefully I'll have a new soldering iron by the time I'm back!

 

[pipbug]

Quick update: Still no soldering iron (it's on the way... Thanks @megalomaniac) Still waiting for the audio amp and 3DS slider caps as well. Basically no progress since last update unfortunately, other than a very conservative mobo trim (will post pic soon)

 

[pipbug]

Trim wasn't officially supported by the forums & thus I can't ask for help--the power rails are mysteriously shorted to ground (yes i tried everything, apart from throwing it out the window )
Not a big deal though, I'll just convert it to an OMGWTF. Things are slow with this project it seems...

 

[cheese]

Make sure your sanding on the edges is good enough, that would cause shorts to ground. What grit of sandpaper did you go up to?

 

[pipbug]

Like 120. I'll try 80 tomorrow and see if it works

 

[cheese]

80? Wrong direction... Finer grit sandpaper is higher number. Also, 120 is way too low, you need to go up to like 600 or 1500 grit.

 

[The Next Guy]

I had my custom trim after looking t the compendium work after going from 120 - 320 - 400 - 600. The edges of the board feel so smooth is is crazy!!!

 

[pipbug]

Can confirm after ludicrous sanding this boards trashed. I have to admit, I got pretty far for my first attempt. Anyways, I'll be gathering more funds and then order from SS's Trimming service. Not sure if I'll be able to make it for the contest, we'll see...