Hi there and welcome to our first post-campaign update!

While the campaign funds are being transferred, I have been working on finalizing the Diptyx design files and preparing for production. Here’s a quick overview of the current state.

Final PCB Prototype Batch

The last PCB prototype batch has now been delivered and is being tested. The purpose of this batch is to test the panel layout, test a minor modification to the battery sensing circuit, check how the CE mark looks, and aid with device assembly. After this, the PCBs are ready for production!

The front and back of the final prototype PCBs. These were produced in green for quicker turnaround, but the final PCBs will be white.

Case Modifications

The case was originally designed to be 3D-printed around the PCBs by inserting a pair of dummy PCBs mid-print. This allows for a completely flush and consistent fit of the circuit boards, without requiring any support material. Although this technique worked well for all the prototype devices, it wasn’t perfectly consistent as the adhesion of the printed plastic on the PCB material is quite poor. Also, having the printers pause to insert the PCBs, a thousand times in total, is not quite ideal.

For that reason, the case design has been split into separate parts that can be printed without pause and are connected with dovetail joints. With this approach, the circuit boards can still fit flush in the case, but the case can be printed much more consistently and without intervention.

On the right: the old case component which was printed in one go by inserting dummy PCBs. On the left: the new case component which is printed as two parts and then assembled.

Certification

The device which was sent out for EMC certification has unfortunately been severely delayed in transit. It is currently almost at the testing facility but, with the Chinese New Year celebrations, it might take a couple more weeks for testing to finish.