Triple A illuminating coaster

Strongly illuminating AAA powered coaster

For a long time, I have wanted to produce a bunch of drinks illuminating coasters. While there are a few powerful ones available on MakerWorld, they do tend to rely on cable bound MakerWorld Supplies. On the other hand, battery powered ones I tried were a little weak and used batteries other than the common AA or AAA batteries.

So I wanted to design coasters that fulfills the following requirements:

1. Reasonably strong illumination
2. Portable and hence battery powered
3. Easy to use and rechargeable: Employ standard household batteries such as AA or AAA
4. Easy to assembly and affordable: Employ cheap MakerWorld components to do away with the need for soldering

Required MakerWorld supplies:

A set of 2 coasters requires:

2 X IA008 AAA Battery Spring Contact Plate with PH2.0 Connector (1PCS)

1 X XC003 100mm Y Type PH2.0 to Dual SH1.0 Conversion Wire (2PCS)

1 X ZH090 SH1.0 to Dual SH1.0 Adapter (2PCS)

1 X IA006 Self-Locking Button Switch with SH1.0 Connector (2PCS)

2 X KB001 4 White 3030-LED Board with SH1.0 Connector 5V (2PCS)

A word on printing:

I printed quite a few of these coasters from PETG and PLA. Both worked great on my X1C and H2C. One exception was PETG HF on the H2C in conjunction with the Engineering plate. Therefore, I anticipate future updates of the default filament print profile and only provide a PETG print profile for the textured plate!

As with all PETG prints, please ensure it is bone dry by self-drying. Fresh PETG is frequently moist.

As for color selection, the print profile is for a 3 color AMS print:

• 1 PETG HF with good opacity
• 1 PETG HF White for the Diffusor
• 1 PETG HF Transparent Clear as a separator for the diffusor. This may be replaced by White if a softer tone and weaker illumination is desired.

PLA works fine as well. Unfortunately, Bambu does not currently offer a clear PLA transparent. I used a generic PLA Transparent for my prints but using PLA Basic White would also lead to a softer tone.

Support removal:

Supports can easily be pulled away with pliers.

Assembly:

I have found it best to pre-assemble the electronics and test using my 4,5V Prototyping Battery Case. Also, a pair of long nose pliers can help during assembly.

First, bend the AAA Battery Spring Contact Plate and insert it in the outer slot. Once done, the trickiest part is already completed. Make sure that the plate does not extend into the lid path by pushing it all the way down.

Next, insert the second Battery Spring Contact Plate.

After this comes the remaining plate on the other side. Take care not to pair two springs in one slot.

Route the XC003 100mm Y Type PH2.0 to Dual SH1.0 Conversion Wire through the hole and connect.

Then just push the SH1.0 to Dual SH1.0 Adapter into place.

Followed by insertion of the LED's (long, thin pliers or a toothpick can help).

Finishing up, we first insert the button, use the switch to align it and locate the switch in front of its mount before pushing it onto its mount. Long nosed pliers help at this stage again.

Close up the tech cave by aligning and pushing it into place (plenty of audible clicks).

And finish up by sliding the battery case lid into place.

Best used with:

As the pictures show, these coasters are strong enough to set-the-scene not only for lightly colored drinks such as Lager, but even for bottles of Rose or lightly colored liquor bottles. For the kids, clear Apple juice and light fruit bowls work wonders. For water, best use a glass with plenty of texture.

Disclaimer:

Sorry for not showing the stunning effect on Lager: It looked so tasty on these coasters, I drank it all.