For most of my projects I use plastic cases typically used for housing sports cards. They are relatively cheap (pocket change, especially if bought wholesale or from a convention) and come in a number of sizes (1/4",1/2",1",2", and 3" in height are most typical). The smallest are great for surface mount or handheld projects and the larger take up just enough (or little enough) space to make for great battery based or wall-wart based benchtop equipment.

I also use a few different types of Altoid mints tins and Eclipse mints tins for metal enclosures. Tic-Tac cases are handy for the smallest of projects. I have also used breath strip cases to enclose micro keychain lights for friends.

All-in-all, a quick jaunt through any of a number of large chain home improvement stores usually turns up a many number of things which one could use.

 

hey, THANKS!

 

Here are some Simple Examples, also Score and Break:

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...for instance, for mic splitter boxes. Sand the rim under the lid and around the lip of the base to make a good contact. It's actually sturdier than I would have thought; I hung the hardware (including transformers) from the inside of the lid and the weight pulls the lid down into a nice concave shape which makes the thing way more rigid than it was before.

Now I just need to convince the missus that Jensen transformers are something worth springing for.


Torben

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Here is a link to another smart idea:
http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folder.../steelstud.htm

enclosures made very cheaply!

 

This is a very interesting thread. Lots of ingenuity shown about how to adapt other sources of boxes and easy-to-get materials. My suggestion, below, is another enclosure maker, but I've found that they have good prices, were happy to send me free samples, and their products are good.

http://www.pactecenclosures.com/

I especially like their XP series with the rubber boot

http://www.pactecenclosures.com/Plas...bber_Boot.html

Its a lot like the typical portable voltmeter case, the rubber boot is quite good and all at a good price.

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[quote=chemelec]If you have any Plastic Suppliers in your area, go buy a 4 by 8 foot sheet of ABS Plastic.
It comes in Various Thickness and most common in Black or white color. (Sometimes in other colors)
.08 to .125 inch thickness is quite good for cases.
{snip}
QUOTE]
For smaller quantities go to a sign shop, they have much scrap that they love to get rid off. You can almost bet it will be free. I think their choice of material is vinyl but that should make no difference. You can work it like wood and any wood working tool will do, and the color doesn't matter you can always spray paint it.

 

Does anyone know where to find a case similar to the one pictured below.

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Dollar stores are a good source of ultra cheap boxes, pill cases, paint pots, etc. I got a strip of 12 paint pots for $1 and just cut them apart. I built tiny circuit modules inside for use with my prototyping system. The have a little velcro pad on the bottom so I can mount them next to the breadboad and they will stay still while I run the wires.

 

I think that's a gutted radioshack probe. they haven't sold those for a long time. How ever, you might be able to do something with a big fat novelty pen. Circuit board for it will be a bit tricky.

 

Would two cigarette lighters bodies, glued end to end get you pretty close?
I am talking about the cheap plastic ones at the dollar store that cost about a buck, for two.
Or maybe a travel tooth brush holder?

Rolf

 

You are correct. I was my hope that the case was not unique to RS.

It is for another copy of the SuperProbe design by Mondo Tech. This is the current PCB 1.2 by 3.2 inches. It has the LED display and two switches so getting it into a case is a bit tricky. If all else fails I may add a ICSP connector and coat it with epoxy putty.

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Both good ideas. I will check them out.

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search engine for electronic parts
Junebug USB PIC programmer kit., USB Bit Wacker, 3v0's Homepage
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Here is a quick photo of my probe in a free toothbrush case. It is only 7/8 inch wide, but I think the one one can buy in the dollar store are a bit larger.
The hole for the LEDs was a quick hack because I needed to use the thing right away. If some time was taken, it could look much better.
The on switch can be used by pushing on the case.

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If you must have a close fit, make a case of Paper Mache, it should be easy enough. First wrap your project with a couple of layers of freezer paper, plastic side out, tape to hold together. Then apply Paper Mache in the normal manner until you have a stiff enough tube, slide off, trim ends, sand and paint. The end caps can be made of plumbers epoxy putty.