when assembling the run-dmd clock for a neighbor and a few other people, I noticed a few things that I that I saw could be improved

1. the way that the pc board is positioned, the orientation of the buttons (via the cut-out) on the back frame does not match the 4 options of the menu system
2. there is no easy way to replace the CR2032 battery without disassembling the entire clock (all 18 screws) and then having to put it back together again
3. there is no easy way to remove and re-flash the pic chip with a firmware update.

given that practically no one owns a microchip pic kit 3 to re-flash the pic chips (and that torbjorn has already done a fantastic job with the options on the clock), I'm going to forego addressing bullet point no. 3

however, that's not to say that I can't improve the rear panel design to accommodate the first 2 bullet points.

if I re-orient the pc board like this (see image below) and create a 1-1/4" diameter circular cut-out over the battery position, not only is the sd card is still accessible from the right side (when viewed from the front) of the frame, the buttons are in the same orientation as the 4 menu options and the battery is replace-able without any dis-assembly required.

IMG_1027[1].JPG

what do you guys (and gals) think?

I still have hardware left from the 1st batch and have already ordered the necessary remaining hardware for the 2nd batch, so I probably won't change anything in that regard (however, that's not to say that the individuals purchasing a kit can't cut those M3 screws down to eliminate the need for the M3 washers

personally, I think it's a quality control issue with the stand-offs coming from hong kong. the length of the tapped threads should be longer than what they are (which would eliminate the issue altogether)

and with the added battery hole in my proposed changes, unless you plan on re-flashing the pic chip, there's really no reason to remove the pc board.

here are the completed proposed changes to the rear panel (original on top, revised on bottom)

run-dmd panels.jpg

note: I've increased the stroke thickness so that you can see the lines. I have enough hardware (with the parts that are still coming) to take another 20 reservations. I will probably submit the files tomorrow. after that, I will make these new files available for FREE on ponoko.com

if no one has any complaints between now and tomorrow, I'm going to run with this and place the order for the batch no. 2 frames (20 total)

once I place the order with ponoko.com, I will start the batch 2 reservation list thread