Dev Update 25-Sep-2020

The enclosure prorotype arrived on Thursday evening 24-Sep-2020, I was excited to find that everything fit absolutely perfectly! 


Prototype enclosure

The photos show the prototype enclosure, with the 30m QCX-mini prototype installed. 

NOTE: the buttons only protrude maybe 0.5mm from the enclosure; the final production model will use taller buttons that protrude maybe 2.5mm (0.1 inches).


Installation

Photos with each end panel removed, show how the QCX-mini is installed in the enclosure. The top (LCD) PCB slides into the PCB guide rails in the top half of the enclosure extrusion. The bottom PCB is bolted using 11mm spacers to the top PCB. It is slightly narrower than the top PCB. The Controls PCB is bolted to the bottom PCB. 


Handheld QCX-mini


Comparison with QCX and QCX+

Some comparison photos of the QCX-mini next to the QCX and QCX+. The QCX is in the BaMaTech enclosure.


Weight comparison

QCX model Weight (g) Weight (ounces)
 QCX-mini 202 7.1
 QCX ** 288 10.2
 QCX+ 559 19.7

** Note: QCX in BaMaTech enclosure


Current consumption

Measured using the metering of my power supply:

 QCX model Supply voltage LCD backlight Current consumption
 QCX-mini 12 OFF 58 mA
 QCX-mini 12 ON 72 mA
 QCX-mini 13.8 OFF 58 mA
 QCX-mini 13.8 ON 76 mA
 QCX 12 ON 112mA 
 QCX 13.8 ON 118mA
 QCX+ 12 ON 112mA
 QCX+ 13.8 ON 118mA

NEXT...

Modifications to the PCB, and resolve an issue with microphonics