Evaluating the 'need' for a wireless tank mouse

[salaxi54]

This is a project i started years ago, but only now did i recall in my mind. I wanted to mod a regular tank mouse for wireless USB, so i can have that retro feeling on my UAE platform. I can of course finish this prototype for myself, but was thinking if enough people are interested, i can make molds. Estimated cost would be hopefully around 40-45 Euros, but volume matters. Here's a pic of the prototype's bottom part:

So, what do you folks think?

 

[Twiggy]

Sounds really interesting. Something I'd do if I had the know-how.

 

[salaxi54]

Real life is always in the way, but anyhow, i decided to proceed with the mold, regardless public demand. Once finished, i'll be sharing this with a few friends. Anyway, long story short, here's todays' pictures:

That's the release spray, used on the surfaces for easy separation after the silicon has cured (dried).

That's the mold silicone, expensive, but very good quality stuff. After many experiments, i wouldn't change it with anything else.

And here's the mold, with silicone left to cure. Tomorrow we'll see if things went as expected.

 

[salaxi54]

Alrighty, silicone has cured, and first mold of the set is ready:

That's part 1 of 4 needed to complete the construction.

 

[salaxi54]

Preparing for the next part (upper layer of bottom case). Here's the prototype awaiting to be covered with silicone:

Needs a little cleaning and filing, and should be ready soon. By the way, here's how the pcb looks inside the casing:

Doing this real slow, as real life is always in the way..