DIY RG40XX H IKEA Skadis Support A Custom 3D Printed Solution
Hey everyone! I'm super excited to share my latest project with you all – a custom-designed support for the RG40XX H handheld gaming device that perfectly fits onto the IKEA Skadis pegboard. If you're anything like me, you love keeping your gadgets organized and easily accessible, and the IKEA Skadis is an awesome way to do just that. But sometimes, finding the right accessories to hold specific items can be a bit of a challenge. That's where this project comes in! Let's dive into why I created this support, the design process, and how you can get your hands on one too.
The Need for a Custom RG40XX H Skadis Support
As a huge fan of handheld gaming, the RG40XX H has quickly become one of my go-to devices. It's got a fantastic screen, great ergonomics, and a ton of retro gaming power packed inside. But like any handheld, it needs a proper place to live when I'm not using it. I've been using the IKEA Skadis pegboard system in my gaming room for a while now, and it's been a total game-changer for organization. I've got controllers, headphones, and various other accessories all neatly arranged on the board, making it super easy to find what I need when I need it.
However, I quickly realized that there wasn't a readily available solution for holding the RG40XX H on the Skadis. I tried using some generic hooks and clips, but nothing seemed to fit quite right. The device would either wobble precariously or take up too much space, defeating the purpose of having an organized setup. That's when I decided to take matters into my own hands and design a custom support specifically for the RG40XX H. My main goals were to create something that was secure, space-efficient, and visually appealing – something that would both protect my device and look good on my Skadis board. This project wasn't just about functionality; it was also about creating a seamless and integrated look within my gaming setup. I wanted the support to blend in with the existing Skadis accessories while still providing a dedicated and secure spot for my RG40XX H. The idea was to design something that felt like it was always meant to be there, a natural extension of the Skadis system itself.
The Design Process: From Idea to Reality
So, how did I go about designing this custom support? Well, it all started with some careful measurements and a whole lot of sketching. I needed to make sure the support would hold the RG40XX H securely without scratching or damaging it. I also wanted it to be easy to slide the device in and out, so I could grab it quickly whenever I wanted to game. The first step was to take precise measurements of the RG40XX H. I used digital calipers to get accurate dimensions of the device's width, height, and depth, paying close attention to the curves and contours. This was crucial for creating a snug fit that wouldn't be too tight or too loose. Next, I started sketching out different design ideas. I experimented with various shapes and configurations, considering factors like stability, accessibility, and aesthetics. I wanted the support to be as minimal as possible while still providing maximum support and protection. After several iterations, I settled on a design that featured a cradle-like structure with two arms that would securely hold the RG40XX H in place. The arms would be slightly curved to match the device's shape, and the base would have a standard Skadis hook interface for easy attachment to the pegboard. With the basic design in place, it was time to move on to the 3D modeling phase. I used Fusion 360, a popular CAD software, to create a digital model of the support. This allowed me to fine-tune the dimensions, adjust the curves, and ensure that everything fit together perfectly. I also added some small details, such as chamfered edges, to make the support look more polished and professional. Once I was happy with the 3D model, it was time to bring it to life using my 3D printer. I chose to print the support using PLA filament, a durable and eco-friendly material that's perfect for this type of project. After a few hours of printing, I had a physical prototype in my hands. It was so exciting to see my design come to life! I tested the prototype with my RG40XX H, making sure it fit snugly and securely. There were a few minor adjustments needed – a little tweaking here and there to improve the fit and stability – but overall, I was thrilled with the result.
3D Printing and Material Choices
When it comes to bringing a design like this to life, 3D printing is an absolute game-changer. I used my trusty Ender 3 Pro, which is a fantastic entry-level 3D printer that's capable of producing high-quality prints. For this project, I opted for PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament. PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources, making it an environmentally friendly choice. It's also relatively easy to print with, has good strength and rigidity, and comes in a wide variety of colors. I chose a matte black PLA to match the aesthetic of my Skadis board and the RG40XX H itself. The printing process was fairly straightforward. I sliced the 3D model using Cura, a popular slicing software, and dialed in the settings for optimal print quality and strength. I used a layer height of 0.2mm, which provides a good balance between detail and print time, and an infill density of 20%, which provides sufficient structural support. The print took about 4 hours to complete, and I was really pleased with the result. The support came out looking clean and crisp, with smooth surfaces and accurate dimensions. Of course, 3D printing isn't always a perfect process, and there were a couple of minor imperfections that I had to address. There were some slight stringing and some small blobs in certain areas, but these were easily cleaned up with a hobby knife and some sandpaper. If you're new to 3D printing, there are a ton of resources available online to help you get started. YouTube is a great place to find tutorials and troubleshooting tips, and there are many online communities dedicated to 3D printing where you can ask questions and share your experiences. Even if you don't have your own 3D printer, there are plenty of online services that offer 3D printing services. You can simply upload your 3D model and have it printed and shipped to you. This is a great option if you only need to print a few parts or don't want to invest in a 3D printer yourself.
Getting Your Own RG40XX H Skadis Support
Now, you might be wondering how you can get your hands on one of these supports for your own RG40XX H and IKEA Skadis setup. Well, I've got some good news for you! I've made the 3D model available for free download on Thingiverse, a popular website for sharing 3D printable designs. You can find the link in the description below. This means that if you have access to a 3D printer, you can simply download the file and print your own support. It's a fun and rewarding project that you can complete in just a few hours. If you don't have a 3D printer, don't worry! As I mentioned earlier, there are plenty of online services that offer 3D printing services. You can upload the file to one of these services, choose your material and color, and have the support printed and shipped to you. This is a convenient option that allows you to get a professionally printed part without having to invest in your own 3D printer. I'm also considering offering pre-printed supports for sale on my Etsy shop. This would be a great option for those who want a ready-to-use solution without the hassle of 3D printing. If you're interested in purchasing a pre-printed support, be sure to follow me on social media or check back on my website for updates. I'll be sure to announce when they're available. I'm really excited about this project, and I can't wait to see how others use it to organize their gaming setups. If you print your own support, be sure to share photos with me on social media. I'd love to see your creations!
Final Thoughts and Future Projects
Overall, this project has been a blast from start to finish. It's so satisfying to design and create something that solves a specific need, and I'm really happy with how the RG40XX H Skadis support turned out. It's secure, space-efficient, and looks great on my Skadis board. It's also a testament to the power of 3D printing and how it can be used to create custom solutions for everyday problems. Looking ahead, I have a ton of other project ideas swirling around in my head. I'm thinking about designing more custom supports for other handheld gaming devices, as well as other accessories for the IKEA Skadis system. I'm also interested in exploring different materials and printing techniques to see what else is possible. If you have any ideas or suggestions for future projects, I'd love to hear them! Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to me on social media. I'm always looking for new challenges and ways to push the boundaries of what's possible with 3D printing. Thanks for following along on this journey, and I can't wait to share my next project with you all! Happy gaming, and happy organizing!