Mobile C-deck

Created and Uploaded Pixel 3a XL Case Insert for Modular C-Deck  to  Printables

I took two steps back and created a case that needs to be assembled with glue, and it’s for the Pixel 3XL only. I had to leverage the Pixel 3XL’s thin design to make a really slim case, and I always wanted to print at least one version in Cyberpunk 2077 game colors. Here it is...

Uploaded v3.1.0, which supports smartphones up to 13 mm thick and  case inserts for the Poco 3, Pixel 7, and Pixel 9 Pro XL, in addition to the existing case insert for the Pixel 3 XL. All files are available for download on Printables.

I completely got fooled by the official specs from smartphone manufacturers claiming their new phones are really thin, around 8 or 9 millimeters. But that only refers to the body of the phone. In reality, the camera bump adds another 2 or 3 millimeters, so the actual thickness is more like 10 to 12 millimeters. It looks like the current design is not universal enough to accommodate popular modern models.

I've finished modeling and assembling a new modular design for the C‑Deck. It's no longer the Pixel 3 XL C‑Deck, as it can now fit any smartphone up to 10 mm thick.

I've printed and assembled version 2.2.0 of the case using PETG. It can't be captured in a photo, but the device feels much nicer to the touch, and the resulting print is significantly more dimensionally accurate.

I've updated the device design to make it more suitable for printing with PETG filament. In short, I made all parts of the case thicker to improve its sturdiness. I've also updated the lock slider design to fix the issue of sliders falling out while the device is open.

I've printed and assembled version 2.1.0 of the case. It needs Velcro ties at least 200 mm long now. I really like how it looks.

After a few days of testing, I decided the OTG cable doesn’t need to stay connected all the time, so there’s no reason to hide its connector deep in the case. I also dropped the idea of using cable ties, which made the circular holes (and really the whole original panel design) unnecessary. Built a new  version of the case.

Just finished printing and putting together Model V2. It turned out a bit more work than expected. I had to do quite a bit of sanding and filing to get the parts to fit right. I tweaked the design and made a 2.0.1 version to fix the worst of it, but it still needs some cleanup after printing.