Charging dock for Nintendo New 3DS XL

Last crawled date: 4 years, 1 month ago

This is for the New 3DS XL! If you're looking for New 3DS version, go here.
WARNING: Since I do not own the XL version, I haven't been able to test this myself! I've had one feedback telling me the fit is ok. If you do print it, please get back and let me know if there are any issues.
A fully functional charging dock for the New 3DS XL! It also comes with swappable plates that you can print in multiple colors. Best of all, this works with most printers, because you simply have to change filament at certain heights.
I took extra care and designed it in such a way that you don't need any special tools or components, just a bit of wire and spring from an old pen. Everything is also printable 100% without any supports.
I've also made a build video if you're interested:https://youtu.be/3dQFI1BClfM
Adjusting the pin contacts
When you're adjusting the contacts on top of the charger, try to shape it in such a way to create a V shape. It can be a bit tricky and you'll probably have to try it a few times before it makes a good contact. Don't despair!
Adjusting the spring
The stiffness of the spring is very important. If the spring is too strong, it will tilt the 3DS and lose contact. If it's not strong enough, it won't push against the charging contacts. You will have to tinker with the spring until you get a good fit. I did it by cutting away one loop at a time, putting the spring back in and trying if it works. Keep doing it until you get a reliable contact.
Multi-color printing
For printing in multiple colors, you need to slice the model and save it as normal gcode. Then, you have to insert the M600 command. You can do this manually by opening the gcode, but the easiest way is to use the ColorPrint tool by Prusa. You simply upload the file, set height changes and save the new gcode. Here's the tool:https://www.prusaprinters.org/color-print/
If you're intereseted on how to design things for multi-color printing, you can watch my video that explains everything:https://youtu.be/KsbE2vEzS7U
I'm also including a blank plate so that you can design your own. Import it into CAD of your choice (I recommend Tinkercad or Fusion360). The first layer is 2mm thick, every subsequent layer should be 0.8mm.
Here's a list of heights and colors for each particular plate:
Question block
Start with BLACK, then
at z2.2 change to YELLOW,
at z3.0 change to WHITE.
Mario hat
Start with RED, then
at z2.2 change to WHITE,
at z3.0 change to RED.
Brick
Start with BLACK, then
at z2.2 change to BROWN.
Bullet Bill
Start with WHITE, then
at z2.2 change to BLACK,
at z3.0 change to WHITE.
Yoshi
Start with ORANGE, then
at z2.2 change to RED,
at z3.0 change to WHITE,
at z3.8 change to GREEN,
at z4.6 change to BLACK.
Mushroom
Start with BEIGE/SKIN, then
at z2.2 change to WHITE,
at z3.0 change to BLACK,
at z3.8 change to RED,
at z4.6 change to WHITE.