Need endplates for the case that will hold the TAPRX888

[ghbyrkit]

We need the design for the endplates for the case.

Should they be aluminum rather than PCB? (almost no cost difference). Real difference is aluminum (at JLC at least) is single sided (front silkscreen only) with no PTH, only NPTH

[ringof]

PR #58 brings in work that now defines a mechanical assembly with:

• A 100mm long variant of JLCMC K70-8838-Hx-L120, commonly found on eBay but not currently on JLCMC
• A front endplate, produced from a KiCAD design located in mechanical/endplate-front, with NPTH for SMA connectors, logos for HamSCI, Turn Island Systems and TAPR, and the TAPRX-888 name
• A rear endplate, produced from a KiCAD deisgn located in mechanica/endplate-rear, with NPTH cutouts for the USB3 B connector and a hold for the status LED, as well as a large model name and description
• 8x tapping-for-aluminum screws. For the enclosure model, M3 worked best, and I selected some notional self-tapper from McMaster-Carr, but for the eBay enclosure, this will want to be M2.5

A live view of this mechanical design is at TAPRx888 Mechanical Fit Check

Specific to the end plates, the initial design is a no-copper 2 layer with blue solder mask and white silkscreen for producing the labeling and logos. This, with a modification of the PCB export, can also be used to design cut and laser engraving layers in the preferred format by the vendor. However, I usually find it easier to make PCB plates, as they give me more control on what is conductive and non-conductive, rather than relying on the quality of anodizing.

@turnisland @ghbyrkit what do you think on:

• PCB vs laser cut/engraved metal
• What should be metal-contacting on the front end-plate? SMAs, enclosure
• Opinions on silkscreen labels, logos, positions

Also - this is something cheap and can be done in the US and we don't have to stress too much about getting it absolutely perfect.

[ghbyrkit]

We also seem to have these now, as well. I'm fine with PCB. Little difference in price as either is under 50 cents an end plate.