CNC machined PKE case
#1
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CNC machined PKE case
Hey everyone
I recently bought the PKE remote for my '93 vert, and saw how cheap the plastic was on it. Being a machinist, anything in my pockets are subject to some abuse during my every day work, and I'm already noticing small chips and even a crack on the case. This will not do.
I decided to make my own case to hold the internals of the FOB. I've got the basic design I want to do in autocad, and will be modeling it out soon. I'll be making it out of Acrylic/ other non-interfering materials, instead of my original idea of an aluminum case (which would block the signal entirely)
Here is my mock-up so far, feel free to add any input:
I recently bought the PKE remote for my '93 vert, and saw how cheap the plastic was on it. Being a machinist, anything in my pockets are subject to some abuse during my every day work, and I'm already noticing small chips and even a crack on the case. This will not do.
I decided to make my own case to hold the internals of the FOB. I've got the basic design I want to do in autocad, and will be modeling it out soon. I'll be making it out of Acrylic/ other non-interfering materials, instead of my original idea of an aluminum case (which would block the signal entirely)
Here is my mock-up so far, feel free to add any input:
Last edited by biodude; 10-16-2015 at 01:36 AM.
#3
Melting Slicks
You might be on to something there. Others can chime in on whether or not it will effect the signal, who knows could help it!
Keep this thread updated if you make it, might be interested in one.
Keep this thread updated if you make it, might be interested in one.
#4
. Her info is*C4fob@yahoo.com
email Bree she helped designed it.
if you get it im in!!!!!
email Bree she helped designed it.
if you get it im in!!!!!
#6
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#7
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#8
Le Mans Master
It's a radio transmitter, so a metallic housing will very likely disrupt it functionally. Were you planning to replace the existing plastic housing with an aluminum one, or build an aluminum housing that would enclose the existing unit, retaining the OEM housing? If you plan to retain the existing housing, you might be able to keep it functional with a metallic shell, if you machine windows through the shell in the right places (i.e., near the antenna).
I do like the idea, though. Let us know how this turns out.
Live well,
SJW
I do like the idea, though. Let us know how this turns out.
Live well,
SJW
#9
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Thread Starter
It's a radio transmitter, so a metallic housing will very likely disrupt it functionally. Were you planning to replace the existing plastic housing with an aluminum one, or build an aluminum housing that would enclose the existing unit, retaining the OEM housing? If you plan to retain the existing housing, you might be able to keep it functional with a metallic shell, if you machine windows through the shell in the right places (i.e., near the antenna).
I do like the idea, though. Let us know how this turns out.
Live well,
SJW
I do like the idea, though. Let us know how this turns out.
Live well,
SJW
I'm going to test out how bad the case would disrupt the signal by encasing the entire remote in a hollowed out aluminum block. If the remote will still work within a few feet of the car door, I'll be happy and will start machining out the case.
I could make the shell around it too with the windows, that's a good idea as well- though the remote is already pretty darn big enough and I'm hoping to keep it around the same size. Its an option though
Worst case scenario I'll make the case out of delrin or another material
Last edited by biodude; 10-07-2015 at 07:38 PM.
#10
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Thread Starter
Alright after talking with Bree, I'm not going to be using aluminum- I'll be using Acrylic most likely. It'll still look really nice, I might even go for a translucent polo green look. I'm going to possibly change up the design a bit for opening the case up as well.
#15
maybe you and Bree could hook up and make something great
#17
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Thread Starter
I'm going to look into making the back half of the case Aluminum, and the front half out of Acrylic. I'll experiment a little with different materials to see what will look best.
#19
Race Director
This is all very interesting but I don't see how it could possibly work. I think it would be great if it does work and that would open up a lot of possibilities for custom fobs.
If the circuit is completely surrounded by metal then that will make a Faraday cage and no signal will get out.
The size of the antenna is extremely critical. If it's off by a tiny amount then the output will be very low and therefore useless.
If the circuit is completely surrounded by metal then that will make a Faraday cage and no signal will get out.
The size of the antenna is extremely critical. If it's off by a tiny amount then the output will be very low and therefore useless.
Last edited by Cliff Harris; 10-16-2015 at 01:31 AM.
#20
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Thread Starter
This is all very interesting but I don't see how it could possibly work. I think it would be great if it does work and that would open up a lot of possibilities for custom fobs.
If the circuit is completely surrounded by metal then that will make a Faraday cage and no signal will get out.
The size of the antenna is extremely critical. If it's off by a tiny amount then the output will be very low and therefore useless.
If the circuit is completely surrounded by metal then that will make a Faraday cage and no signal will get out.
The size of the antenna is extremely critical. If it's off by a tiny amount then the output will be very low and therefore useless.