Modifying the cradle for the Magnesium Case

PDAAddict · 04-18-05, 05:40 PM

Hello Everybody,

I received my magnesium case today, and it is even better than what everydoby said about it. It is robust, good looking and compact. I simply don't want to take my Axim out of it. The problem is, I also like the cradle very much.

There was only one solution; get the cradle to accept the Axim IN the case. It is quite simple, really. The only thing that prevent the cradle from working is the fact that the connector is too short. Either I lengthen the connector or I shorten the enclosure. Since the connector is soldered directly to a small board, is really was not an option. That left the enclosure. The problem is really on both sides of the connector, since the middle part of the botton of the axim is not covered.

I disassembled the cradle. It's quite easy, you remove the rubber pads, remove the screws, then the board, and the adapter connector. I hoped the plastic was thick enough, and started sanding away on both sides of the connector. I stopped numerour times to measure if the axim would get flush with the connector, and went on until I was satisfied. I worried a little bit about the battery charge light, but it turned out fine. I stopped sanding just before reaching the light.

I did not take pictures during the process (too lazy, I guess

, but I did take a few picture after (you all know what the before part look like

.

Here is the Axim on the cradle :

Here is the modified cradle. Not very pretty, but funtionnality mattered more than looks.

Like I said, it is a very simple mod, but I'm really glad I did it!

**Frenchy** · 04-18-05, 05:46 PM

If it works for you it is a good thing. You could paint it a little so the modify part blend better withthe rest of the cradle. Good work :approve:

CaUcHy · 04-18-05, 06:09 PM

I`m glad for you.

Cradle Killer

04-18-05, 06:16 PM

cool, i would paint it right away though lol

jmckie · 04-18-05, 06:17 PM

Amazing leap of faith you took there, not knowing for sure that it would work. What did you use to sand it?

lvgdgts · 04-18-05, 06:17 PM

Interesting. With what did you use to sand(simple hand sanding, Dremel...)?

CalgaryCowboy · 04-18-05, 06:22 PM

You are a much braver soul than me :approve:

04-18-05, 06:40 PM

I can't see the pics

PDAAddict · 04-18-05, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by lvgdgts

Interesting. With what did you use to sand(simple hand sanding, Dremel...)?

I used a dremel-like tool with something like this

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortmen...romSearch=true

I took my time to make sure there was enough plastic left.

PDAAddict · 04-18-05, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by radish28

cool, i would paint it right away though lol

That's the next step. A liitle coat of paint should make it better. Although I should point out that with the Axim on the cradle, everything looks fine.