Hello all! My name is Nick, and I’m new here. I love older video games and have been wanting a Virtual Boy for quite a while. My girlfriend surprised me, and got me one for christmas this year. I am absolutely loving this console so far.

Today I noticed a small crack in the stand medallion. I figured since those were poorly manufactured to begin with, its days are numbered, and I need to somehow do a makeshift stand.

But then I got to thinking and realized that we have technology! Has anyone tried using a 3D printer to make a new stand medallion? Is it possible?

It’s sorta been on my todo list for a while, since I do have a few broken stand medallions. If I attempt it, I want to do it right though (stronger and better than the original), so it’ll take a little bit of time to do… which I just haven’t gotten around to.

I think it’ll work, though we still have to overcome the poor design of the plastic stopping the legs. Why they didn’t just stamp the metal to stop the legs, like they did the nub in the middle to click open and closed… I dunno.

I think Hedgetrimmer modeled most of the VB parts, though I’m not sure how well the original medallion model would translate to a 3D printed part (doubt it’d be any better than the original, unless it’s maybe a bit more flexible). He also made the milled plastic ones, which are definitely strong.

DogP

I don’t remember if it ever has been printed but you can buy a replacement here: http://www.planetvb.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=4984&forum=3

I don’t remember if it ever has been printed

Hedgetrimmer did two versions. A copy of the original and a simplified one.

I 3D printed both but was unable to find my tripod to test them on.

I’m sure it can be printed, it might have been by someone as I released the 3D model a while ago.
But if you print the exact model the same as the original I’d say it would crack the same as the original.
My fix kits are not the most pleasing to look at but they are quite solid and I don’t think will crack, I have not had anyone crack one yet.
I don’t currently have any kits left, more are in the pipeline, as some folks know they have been for a while, sorry fpr the delays, I have been chasing the fella so might have some news soon (I hope).

If anyone has printed one of these a review would be good.

If anyone wants to, a copy of the model is attached.

Attachments:

1. stand_medallion.stl

Cool… thanks HT! For fun, I’ll fire up the printer tonight and print it. I’m sure it won’t look good, since the front isnt flat, and the support material doesn’t usually break free from the rest of the print very cleanly… but it’ll be interesting to see. 😉

Pat

I had black ABS loaded in my printer and was printing a couple other things last night, so I decided to try printing one of these… it turned out MUCH better than I expected!

As expected, the front was a bit messy, since it’s not flat, but the latest slicing software definitely improved how the support material breaks free from the rest of the print. It was still pretty rough though, so I sanded it a bit, then sprayed it with some acetone to kinda melt/smooth it a little (not really sure if what I did was an improvement or not though). Of course the “Neartendo” logo didn’t turn out well.

Overall though, it’s a nice looking and very functional part. I installed it on a stand with a badly cracked medallion (cracked on the side, and the top was completely cracked off). The original screws went into it, and it feels plenty strong. I’d actually say it’s more flexible than the original, and therefore more resistant to cracking. I tried breaking it by overextending the stand legs, but it didn’t break (I’m sure I could break it if I REALLY tried, but it handles realistic opening forces quite well). The part is very sturdy, though it seems a little bit looser than the original (the legs don’t “snap” into place as much, and they have a little bit more play), but that could be an imperfection of my print.

Up close, you can see the kinda ugly face… but from a couple feet away, it looks perfectly fine. A few tweaks could make this an easily 3D printable part… or it could be printed with a better printer (dual extruder with dissolvable support material would be helpful).

Anyway, attached are some pics for your viewing pleasure.

DogP

Attachments:

1. 

   dsc02110.jpg
   

2. 

   dsc02111.jpg
   

3. 

   dsc02112.jpg
   

4. 

   dsc02113.jpg
   

5. 

   dsc02114.jpg
   

Looks pretty sweet DogP!! Nice job on the printing.

Cool, that seems to work, be interesting to see how it holds up with other print methods.

Hedgetrimmer wrote:
Cool, that seems to work, be interesting to see how it holds up with other print methods.

Yep… Shapeways could make it look nice… not sure how their plastic (nylon I think?) would hold up compared to ABS.

Thanks again for posting the model!

DogP

For a quick/temporary fix, I’ve used a (black) zip tie before. The medallion has to be at least somewhat functional, but can still be badly cracked…open the stand’s legs to their intended position, and cinch the zip tie at the top of the legs just under the medallion. It keeps the legs from opening any further and worsening any cracks, plus the medallion keeps the tie from sliding up and out of a useful position.

HP Lovethrash, thats a top quick fix idea, like your style.

And while thats holding the fort they can order a medallion fix kit from me 🙂

While we’re on the subject of 3D printing, can we print cartridge shells as well as stand medallions?

I think Richard has printed some cartridge shells… and maybe even sent out some Flashboys with printed shells?

DogP

That’s cool. So I guess we don’t have to worry about ever running out of donor carts?

So I guess we don’t have to worry about ever running out of donor carts?

We do, because the connector cannot be homebrewed.

Eric’s got plenty of stock of BNIB carts to last a while. We have a few options after that to keep it going.

I think Richard has printed some cartridge shells… and maybe even sent out some Flashboys with printed shells?

I’ve been doing it for a while now. I also 3D print the cases for my Vectrex cart. It saves a lot of work cutting and modding existing cases.

DogP wrote:
I think Richard has printed some cartridge shells… and maybe even sent out some Flashboys with printed shells?

DogP

I recently got a Flashboy+ and a Vecmulti from Richard, both have printed cartridge shells now.

MineStorm wrote:

We do, because the connector cannot be homebrewed.

Eric’s got plenty of stock of BNIB carts to last a while. We have a few options after that to keep it going.

What’s a connector and why can’t we make them?

Connector is the black part with the two rows of metal pieces that connects the PCB of the cartridge to the Virtual Boy. Tolerances are pretty low and you need those little metal parts as well. The ones for PCMCIA or CF-cards are similar in size but where would we find these (apart from trying to disassemble CF cards)or have them manufactured at a good enough price?

No, go for the originals as long as they are available.

I’ve had two pairs of shells printed using the cheapest method and they would be usable but could need some polishing. Connector would need something more refined.