HackerGadgets
Software Defined Radio
Lime Microsystems
Lime AC Case
An active-cooling aluminum enclosure for the LimeSDR product family
Funding ended on Nov 30, 2019 at 03:59 PM PST.
HackerGadgets
Software Defined Radio
Lime Microsystems
Funding ended on Nov 30, 2019 at 03:59 PM PST.
Lime AC (Active Cooling) Cases are designed for LimeSDR users who want to better manage heat generated by their devices. The cases also make LimeSDRs more portable - protecting the PCB from damage - while they provide RF shielding for enhanced performance. We’ve designed one case for the LimeSDR Mini and three versions for the LimeSDR USB Type-A.
Installation note: In order to install a LimeSDR Mini in the case, the on-board RF shield must be desoldered. This allows for proper thermal conductivity. An RF shielding sponge replaces the functionality of the on-board shield.
The PCB is tightly clamped in the case. The LimeSDR Mini fits snugly in its case while the LimeSDR-USB Type-A is fixed to the base case with screws. These designs will prevent your board from being damaged from falling.
Anyone who uses a LimeSDR Mini for an extended period of time knows that it gets pretty hot. That’s why we added a fan to actively cool your LimeSDR so you can keep using it longer and without fear of heat damage (to the board or your hands). The fan is detachable from the case if you don’t want to use it all the time.
The full LimeSDR board is shielded by the aluminum case to isolate external electromagnetic interference.
LimeSDR boards have indicator LEDs that are quite useful, so we wanted to be sure those are still properly visible in the cases. So those LEDs are sent through light pipes to the outside of the case. Our philosophy is that once the case is assembled, you’ll never have to disassemble it.
How does the Lime AC Case compare to other available cases?
| Lime AC Case | Acrylic Case From Lime | Aluminum Case From Lime | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum | Acrylic | Aluminum | |
| Heat Sink | Yes | None | None | |
| Thermal Column | Yes | None | None | |
| Active Cooling | Yes | None | None | |
| RF Connectors Export | 6/12 | 4 | 4 | |
| Price (Mini) | $79 | $49 | $140 | |
| Price (USB Type-A) | $129 | $99 | $300 |
Along with thousands of other people, we are big supporters of the LimeSDR and LimeSDR Mini devices. But in our extended daily use, we noticed a few things that could be improved. As the SDR is a naked PCB, it can be damaged easily. Plus, the board generates a lot of heat - so much that you can’t even touch it after long-term use. So we decided to do something to solve these problems. First, we made a passive cooling case which you can see below.
This case worked well, so we took our design even further and added a fan for active cooling.
We will begin a manufacturing run of 100 units for LimeSDR Mini and 50 units of each LimeSDR-USB Type-A case after the crowdfunding campaign succeeds - the first batch will take about a month to be manufactured. After that, the factory can manufacture batches of 200 units for the Mini and 100 units for each of the LimeSDR-USB Type-A cases. The rest of the orders will be fulfilled according to this production schedule.
All cases will be delivered to Crowd Supply’s warehouse for final distribution to backers worldwide. For more information, you can refer to this useful guide to ordering, paying, and shipping.
There are very few risks with this project, as all the Lime AC Case designs are complete and have been manufactured in sample runs. However, as with any manufacturing project, the production progress could experience delays and unexpected shortages can occur. If this happens, we’ll be sure to keep you informed via updates to this project and we’ll work to quickly resolve any issues.
"Designed to provide both a protective enclosure and active, rather than the more usual passive, cooling, the Hacker Gadgets Lime AC Case connects heat sources on the LimeSDR Mini or LimeSDR USB to an aluminium chassis."
Produced by HackerGadgets in Guangzhou, China.
Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.
An aluminum case for LimeSDR Mini, including one fan. This case is NOT compatible with LimeSDR Mini 2.0.
Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.
An aluminum case for LimeSDR USB Type-A, with 6 IPEX to SMA cables. Slim design, no fan included.
Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.
An aluminum case for LimeSDR USB Type-A, one fan, with 6 IPEX to SMA cables. Exports 4 RF connectors.
Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.
An aluminum case for LimeSDR USB Type-A, with one fan and 12 U.FL-to-SMA cables. This case allows for all on-board RF and CLK lines to be externally available.
Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.
One case for LimeSDR micro USB Type-B, with one fan and with 12 U.FL to SMA cables. This case allows for all on-board RF and CLK lines to be externally available. Limited quantity available!
Want to buy this item? Check the current project page for the latest information.
Guangzhou, China · hackergadgets · hackergadgets.com
HackerGadgets is an open electronic hardware design team based in Guangzhou, China. We focus on open source hardware, including consulting on embedded systems design and hardware manufacturing. HackerGadgets is passionate and actively committed to Open Source projects and electronics education.
