TZXDuino/Maxduino Case

Case for TZXDuino sold by MyRetroStore.


 

This case is designed specifically for the TZXDuino unit sold by MyRetroStore:
Website: https://myretrostore.co.uk
eBay store https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/myretrostoreuk

I have no connection to MyRetroStore apart from buying my TZXDuino from them, hence needing a case for it.

Features:

• Prints in two parts and snaps together with no hardware required.
• Styled to match a ZX Spectrum Plus and an old style computer Datacorder.
• The case has five keys, utilising compliant mechanisms, to press the buttons on the TZXDuino.
• The SD Card port and connector ports on the TZXDuino are available with the case fitted. 
• The top part of the case is a multi-colour print. A suitable 3D printer is required to print this or the TZXDuino text and key icons will not be visible.

It is unlikely that this case will work for similar TZXDuino units sold by vendors other than MyRetroStore.  To save mistakes, this is the unit that the case is designed for:


 

Parts to Print

The case consists of a base and a top.  There are two version of the top to chose between, a version with the new key icons and a version with the old key icons.  The same base is used for both versions of the top.

Slicing and Printing

When the case top is added to Bambu Studio this prompt appears.  You should select No in this prompt or the text of the model will be 100x too large.



Next this prompt appears.  You should select Yes in this prompt in order to keep the text and key icons in their correct positions.

Considering Bambu Studio's heritage it is likely that other slicers will ask similar questions.

Once added to the slicer, the multiple parts that make up the top must have must have a filament assigned to them.  I select black for the main body, red for the TZXDuino text and white for the key icons.

The top should be orientated upside down with the text and key icons being directly on the build plate.  The base is printed with its bottom on the build plate as shown below.  No supports are required.

One final tip that I have found greatly improves the quality of the text and icons in the finished print is to ensure they are printed before the main body on the first layer.  In Bambu Studio this is done in the ‘Plate Setting’ dialogue.

For the print settings I just use a standard 0.2mm layer height PLA profile.

Assembling The Unit

Assembling the completed unit is simple.  With the SD Card removed from the TZXDuino, place the TZXDuino in the base part of the case.

Fit the top by carefully lining it up to fit inside the base.

Press down gently on the top until it clicks into place.  If required, the top can be removed without damaging the case by prising the base and top apart.


 

Finally put the SD Card back into the TZXDuino through the opening in the back of the case.

If all has gone to plan then pressing the five case keys will press the buttons on the TZXDuino with satisfying/annoying clicks!
 

Disclaimer

I designed this case using the one TZXDuino available to me.  It is possible that other TZXDuino units from MyRetroStore vary from my unit and the case may not fit.