Spacers for model 1 units

[Jay Newirth]

OK

I know there must be someone out there with a 3D printer and software who can produce the part shown in the photo. This is a plastic spacer used in the Model 1 units to keep the 2 motherboards "separated" from each other and prevent any shorting.

Anyone willing to take on this challenge (I'd be willing to invest into the manufacture of this part). Would like to have them available for sale for the upcoming TA convention in September.

Thanks in advance.



Dimensions

OD = 0.5 inch (1/2 inch)
ID = 0.38 inch (6/16 inch)
LENGTH = 0.44 inch (7/16 inch)

 

[pski]

Jay, isin’t this is just a common plastic spacer which should be readily available?

 

[Jay Newirth]

Well - I just learned that Home Depot and/or Lowes may have spacers close to this -- will check it out

 

[lafos]

I bought plastic tubing and cut spacers

 

[Jay Newirth]

Never thought about that - thanks !!!!

 

[Audronic]

Or even Garden hose cut in pieces ?
Ray

 

[troj]

Somewhere in the recent past, I could've sworn I saw a reference to an STL file for these. Unfortunately, I'm not sure where it is.

I did, however, need the dimensions as I have someone who can create the STL file for me.

-Kevin

 

[Audronic]

I just acquired an other Model 1 and used Cut up Garden hose as spacers. Worked well, very cost effective.
Ray

 

[Jay Newirth]

I just acquired an other Model 1 and used Cut up Garden hose as spacers. Worked well, very cost effective.
Ray

Isn't the garden hose diameter too big? Can you provide a photo of your fix? I found a what I think is the perfect size plastic tubing at an Ace Hardware store -- will take an original spacer and compare.

 

[Audronic]

Yes can Do

Here is a spare (a bit rough) not tidied up

Ray

 

[lafos]

I used thick-walled Tygon for a cleaner look (yes, I know it's not visible, but I'd know it)

 

[Dawsoca]

9/18/19

Re: 3D printed spacers for TRS-80 Model I Keyboard Unit

There was a post a while back asking about replacment plastic spacers for the TRS-80 Model I. I restored my unit a using resin cast spacers that work well for me. I recently acquired a 3D printer and was experimenting with 3D Models and made up some spacers for the TRS80. The model for the spacers had an OD=.5", ID=.38", and a height of .44". It was printed on an Ender 3 3D Printer using PTEG plastic and the ".stl" file was created using Cura 4.0. If anyone would like to duplicate these, modify the .stl file using Cura for the plastic you are using and the quantity you need (6 I think).

The enclosed photo shows the results...the silver one is the original machined model, the white one is the resin casting and the blue one is the PTEG printed spacer. The PTEG spacer turned out to be OD=.504", ID=.351" and a height of .423". It seems slightly taller than the original spacers but my originals were squashed a bit over the years.

The printed spacer should work fine for anybody wanting to restore their Model I.

>>> Charles



View attachment TRS_Spacer.zip

 

[ldkraemer]

Why don't you add a bit of documentation, with the original source files, and post on thingiverse.
The Source files are nice to include because not everyone uses the same software as you.
If anyone needs to make an adjustment to a dimension it's easy to do.

https://www.thingiverse.com/

This is where it belongs, for lots of exposure, and for the Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1 Users.

Thanks.

Larry