Hi all!

As some of you know I made a conversion of my center console in my 2002 ragtop. if you don't and is qurious the link is here.

Anyways, I have never liked the small keyboard I made to control the tablet, replacing the ashtray, so now I have decided to do a new one.

Using YouTube tutorials in CAD I made this;


I had a friend print out a draft of the main pieces on his 3D printer to see how it looks for real and then I made a cruel circuit board with a small arduino thing that emulates an USB keyboard. Also with the use of internet I managed to make it work!


Now I have sent the CAD models out for 3D printing using "touth reisin" to be able to get the finish and durability needed in the car.
once happy, the top piece will be machined in walnut to match the interior.

My intention is to have the ashtray lid working and this just replaces the top piece, with some minor cutting but reversable.

 

OK! What is it? Or should I ask where is it? I'm not sure what you've done here! Could you send a larger Photo of all this? Is this your Radio? Was it broke?

Billy Clyde

 

Take a look here Billy https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...roject-139774/

 

Nice, you have the skills to pay the bills.

 

a Quick update.

I got the 3D printed keys today....

Oh well, that sucks a bit, I wanted them clear to be able to iluminate with whatever color I desired but no. The text got soo small. I will try to paint the buttons. I think I will use toothpaste in the text groove, then wipe the key off and paint it black on top. Then using a tootchbrush I can remove the paint-paste from the grooves and the text will be iluminated. then a clearcoat over everything for durability. The Jag looks cool though, it will be hydro-chromed.


I Also discovered the cool program Eagle. A free program to make PCBs.

Another sleepless night discovering the mavel of software. A perfect PCB for my keyboard and off to China for manufacturig. $20 for 5pcs and then shipment and customs is most of the cost. We live in the best of times.

 

Another quick update, just for you guys.


I got the PCBs from China! Looks like it's factory made. I have a few spares, so if anyone want to copy my project i can send you one.


The top wood piece is ready. i had a company CNC cut it and it looks greate. Some super fine sandpaper and then several layers of clear coat and it will fit in nicely.

Hopefully I'll get the new 3D printed parts next week, now in transparant reisin, so I can start putting everything together.

 

Z, while I couldn't use it, I wanted to take a moment to compliment you on such a nice job! Well done.

John

 

What is great is that your mod keeps the “period” nature of the car with a modern convenience that retains the old button style of the dash and centre console.

The test is is that it looks factory fitted and doesn’t have modern lit up flashing displays