WLAN Pi Handheld Case

The official WLAN Pi Handheld case! This case bundles up a WLAN Pi into a nice, handheld formfactor that makes it feel more like a handheld tool than a kit that you have to assemble whenever you arrive onsite to do Wi-Fi work.

If you have a WLAN Pi and a 3D printer, and want the challenge of printing your very own case, then you're in the right place.

Shut Up and Take My Money!

What's that? You just wanna buy one? Great! If you already have a silver WLAN Pi and just need a case kit, you can get one here:

WLAN Pi Handheld Case Kit

If you don't have a WLAN Pi at all, and need the whole thing, you can get an assembled and tested one here:

WLAN Pi Handheld

Parts

• Silver WLAN Pi*
• Comfast CF-912AC (1.2 and earlier) or CF-951AX (1.3)
• x3 M3 nuts
• x3 M3x20mm screws
• MicroUSB to USB-C Cable**
• Optional: USB-C to USB-A Adapter

*Note that the older black WLAN Pi is not compatible with this case, as it does not have a USB port in the correct location for the Wi-Fi adapter.

**This specific microUSB to USB-C cable is required. The case is designed specifically for it.

License

These files are licensed under Creative Commons, Attribution, No Derivatives, Non-Commercial.

The purpose of these files is so you can print a WLAN Pi Handheld case for yourself. The idea of wireless network engineers being able to print their own tools is just too cool of an opportunity to pass up!

Non-Commercial means that you cannot produce these cases to sell, or produce and distribute them to add value to a service you provide. In such a scenario, please consider purchasing official cases to support the project. Non-Commercial does NOT mean that you can't print yourself a case, and take it to work or use it as part of your toolset.

Also please refrain from distributing these files on other platforms; I intend to keep files updated and available here.

Print instructions

Material

Official cases are printed with PETG, which offers a nice balance of flexibility and rigidity. While PETG is recommended, you can probably print the case with PLA.

Printing

Getting the first layers right is pretty important. The front half of the case should have enough "squish" that there are no gaps in the plastic The back half should have as little "squish" as possible to avoid any elephant's foot; you want just enough contact to stick to the build platform.

A textured sheet is strongly recommended, especially for the front half.

MK3/S Users

For MK3/S users, check the **Files** section for pre-sliced gcodes. If you use Prusament PETG, you'll be printing them exactly like I do on my MK3/S print farm!

You can also use the 3MF if you want to start with my base settings in PrusaSlicer, and make modifications such as filament type.

MINI Users

For MINI users, check the **User print files** section for pre-sliced gcodes. If you use Prusament PETG, you'll be printing them exactly like I do on my Prusa MINI. I have noticed that they quality of the top layers isn't quite as good on the MINI, but I'll bet Prusa will improve this with firmware and slicer settings over time.

You can also use the 3MF if you want to start with my base settings in PrusaSlicer, and make modifications such as filament type.

All Other Printers

For all other printers out there, you can try to use the MK3S 3MF files, if your slicer supports them. This might give you correct layer heights, infill, and support material settings.

If not, then you can use the STL's. Official cases are printed at 0.2mm with 10% infill. The front half uses no supports, and the back half only needs supports down the sides and only in the very center of where the WLAN Pi goes.

Assembly Instructions

• Insert the M3 nuts into the channels in the front half of the WLAN Pi case, and push them all the way into the part until they seat
• Remove the SD card from your WLAN Pi
• Connect the Wi-Fi adapter to the horizontal USB port on the WLAN Pi
• Firmly press the WLAN Pi and Wi-Fi adapter assembly, top-down, into the front half of the case
• Plug the microUSB cable into the WLAN Pi, and press it into the channel in the front half of the case
• Carefully press the back half of the case onto the assembly, ensuring that the USB cable presses into the channel
• Thread in the three M3x20 screws, and tighten (you should be able to go pretty snug)
• Insert the microSD card, and push it in with your fingernail until you hear it click

Versions

1.3

2023-08-23

• Adds support for the CF-951AX
• Moves one of the screw locations to make space for the larger Wi-Fi adapter
• Made the section above the Wi-Fi adapter thinner to reduce printing artifacts on the left side and top of the case
• Simplified geometry around overhands for cleaner printing
• 3mf project includes paint-on supports for cleaner printing