Realize that you still need to pay for time on the CNC machine and related such as wear on tool bits. While Aluminum will tend to be cheaper to machine thanks to being on the softer side you are still talking about doing full out machining with reasonably tight tolerances on multiple features. The keymat, speaker ports and related would in general tend to be better served by plastic.
Mini Metal Pandora
- Thread starter craigix
- Start date
craigix
Mega GP Mania
News on this very soon I'm hoping.
TheQuestForChaos
Still Fresh
It would be cheap for the group to set up the tooling to die press the outer skin of the shell out of stainless(satin finish I would hope), or aluminum, maybe even titanium thought that might be a bit spendy, then send those to a plastic injection firm. After the initial high cost of tooling, If a good number where ordered it would be cheap cheap. They could also do the same with rubberization. Injection plastic case with a urethane over. It would be very durable, though now that I think of it, it could be hard to take out of the pocket. Maybe just a few rubberized pads on the stainless...
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craigix
Mega GP Mania
Right, after a failed attempt at cutting them though (so that the keys were all little holes) a combination of etched and holed version looks like it's a success.
We're also hoping (but I can't promise this yet) that each one will be numbered.
We're also hoping (but I can't promise this yet) that each one will be numbered.
fusion_power
Advanced Member
I thought the most easy method would be to just machine press the pattern in the metal, so all the structures like keys are just a Relief. ^^
Miner49er
Active Member
If the keys are visible it must mean it's an 'open' Pandora...
TheQuestForChaos
Still Fresh
What a cool idea, a clockwork Pandora.
It could have a few clear plastic or polycarbonate panels too so you could see the best bits of hardware from the outside...
Craigx: I would also figure they would be water cutting early prototypes, when you say etch is that electro etch or air stream or...?
It would be nice to see surface embellishments like engraved Mexican pin striping(is that a racist term?). and again in large numbers it wouldn't cost more then a few dollars a case in worst case.
TheQuestForChaos
Still Fresh
Another little thing I have always dreamed about when I dreamed about this type of form factor is a safe stash spot to store spare SD cards. I dislike overcrowding my cards, and I would like to pretend it is an old cart system,
Just had another unreasonable idea, probibly start a law suit. but how about a Pandora that looks like an original nes when it is closed? wouldn't even need to change a thing about the form factor. Unless you wanted to be able to use the cart door to hide the SD slots(even cooler). Then the inside could have the gray background with red buttons. I am drooling now...
Anyways I guess it is time to get back to reality. Not to mention OP needs to keep it's own identity. It was all just a dream.
Just had another unreasonable idea, probibly start a law suit. but how about a Pandora that looks like an original nes when it is closed? wouldn't even need to change a thing about the form factor. Unless you wanted to be able to use the cart door to hide the SD slots(even cooler). Then the inside could have the gray background with red buttons. I am drooling now...
Anyways I guess it is time to get back to reality. Not to mention OP needs to keep it's own identity. It was all just a dream.
Godmil
Active Member
Are these sold out yet? cause I finally have money for one now.
TheQuestForChaos
Still Fresh
http://www.icontrolpad.com/pandoraprivate.html
They may still be taking preorders. There are none in stock, their have been none in stock. But if you can still get in on this round you picked a perfect time to ask.
They may still be taking preorders. There are none in stock, their have been none in stock. But if you can still get in on this round you picked a perfect time to ask.
diligentcircle
Well-Known Member
I could be wrong, but I think he's talking about the keychain...
TheQuestForChaos
Still Fresh
Oh, right. Sorry.
Godmil
Active Member
Yeah, sorry, I'm a 3 year waiter on the actual pandora 
I've got a weird dilemma, I really want to support the project some more, but don't want to spend as much as £40 without having something to show for it (especially since I still don't have my Pandora). I'd be grumpy if I ordered a keyring and it turned out there weren't any left, but I'd never be able to ask for a refund, given the run of full refunds people are demanding from Craig just now.
A bu**err, it I'll buy one anyway.
I've got a weird dilemma, I really want to support the project some more, but don't want to spend as much as £40 without having something to show for it (especially since I still don't have my Pandora). I'd be grumpy if I ordered a keyring and it turned out there weren't any left, but I'd never be able to ask for a refund, given the run of full refunds people are demanding from Craig just now.
A bu**err, it I'll buy one anyway.
BAFelton
Well-Known Member
What's up ?
fusion_power
Advanced Member
Still no pix of this little Metal thingy? It's not that complicated like the real Pandora I hope. But again it looks that aome things seems to be more complicated than OPTeam thought...
Grench
Forum Addict!
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2008
- Messages
- 6,629
I'm trying very hard to stay positive on this.
We bought a bunch of dodads in the full knowledge that they were overpriced and being used as a fundraiser - and several of us donated on top of that - for the purposes of supporting the Pandora project. That part isn't in question. Our support was asked for and given.
The dodads (keychain thingys) turned out to be more complex to create than originally thought and will be delayed. OK - any progress?
While we're waiting, can you tell us a story to keep our minds occupied? How much was raised by this fundraiser and how is it being used to support the Pandora project &/or community?
Thank you,
Grench
We bought a bunch of dodads in the full knowledge that they were overpriced and being used as a fundraiser - and several of us donated on top of that - for the purposes of supporting the Pandora project. That part isn't in question. Our support was asked for and given.
The dodads (keychain thingys) turned out to be more complex to create than originally thought and will be delayed. OK - any progress?
While we're waiting, can you tell us a story to keep our minds occupied? How much was raised by this fundraiser and how is it being used to support the Pandora project &/or community?
Thank you,
Grench
craigix
Mega GP Mania
They are numbered and they are being cut now. The detail is top quality.
benji_stein
Member
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2007
- Messages
- 278
Got any pictures yet?
craigix
Mega GP Mania
I don't want to post a pic of the test versions, I want to post the final full detail numbered ones as they should look absolutely superb, they have every key!
