New Update!

Now we have a special version of the Feather Box for the 2.4" TFT Feather Wing – Sweet! This comes in two version, one exposes the Adafruit Feather, and the other covers it all up. The topper features a cutout for the display. 

Check out the TFT Feather Box

User Parameters

It's really easy to make parametric adjustments by simply updating a user paramater. We took advantage of user parameters in Fusion 360 so you can easily make changes without having to  edit a sketch and update dimensions. It's parametrically driven, so design features will automatically update. Below are the available user parameters.

Material

PLA is our filament of choice and a great option for people just getting into 3D Printing. Other materials such as ABS, Nylon, PETG might produce different tolerances, so be aware of that if the parts don't fit exactly. 

Slice The Files

You'll need to slice the parts using a profile made for your 3D printer. You can use free software such as CURA to slice your parts. We recommend using a slicing profile that works for your specific type of 3D printer. Below are some suggested slice settings.

Set & Align

First thing we'll need to do is set the Adafruit Feather into the case with the USB port facing the cutout. The PCB should rest over the standoffs. Position the board so the mounting holes line up with the holes in the standoffs. With the board positioned in place, hold it down using your finger and flip the case over.

Install Machine Screws

Insert a single machine screw into one of the mounting holes on the bottom of the case. If it's a M2.5 sized screw, the threading will be loose so you'll need a nut to secure the board to the case. If your using a #4-40, the threading will bite into the standoffs and mounting holes. I recommend using a screw with a chamfered head so that it can be flush with the surface of the case. The M2.5 nylon screws we offer have a beveled head, so it will slightly protrude from the bottom of the case. Once the first screw is secured, fasten it all the way. Then, insert and fasten the remaining screws into the standoffs. You can secure all four mounting holes, but you could also just secure the two nearest to the microUSB connector. 

Install Switch

Once you've determined which powering method is best for your project, you'll need to mount the slide switch to either the case or battery holder – These parts come in different versions, so you get to pick which part should have the switch. The case and battery holder have options for a dedicated spot for the switch. It features three little walls that hold the switch in place without having to use any glue. A little cutout allows the actuator from the switch to protude out, giving you access to the set the switch on or off. To install the switch, simply insert it at an angle and press it down until the body of the switch is fitted between the three walls.

Connect & Install Battery

The battery itself is housed in the holder. If you're mounting the switch to the battery holder, you can route the wires to the case by feding it through the bottom square cutout on the case. 

Connect Battery Holder to Case

The battery holder features two little connectors that protude from the top. These are to be inserted into the two slots on the botton of the case. You'll need to apply a good amount of force to connect the two parts together. Once they click into place, they'll be locked together. If you ever want to detach the battery holder from the case, you can wedge a flathead screw driver inbeween the two and pry them apart.

Install Topper

Lay the topper over the case and press it down until the lip is fully inserted into the case. The lip of the topper will actually lock onto the nubs on the inner edge of the case, so it's nice and secure!

Mounting Tabs

If you're looking to mount your Feather to a wall orwork surface, you can use the "tabbed wings" version of the case or battery holder. The two mounting tabs have a hole with a diameter of 4mm with a distance of 55.86mm between them. 

Prototyping Headers

If you want to have access to the headers, you can use a topper wing to expose them. This topper has a cutout in the exact shape of the Adafruit Feather, so you can connect jumper wires from the headers to a breadboard.

Comments, Suggestions, Discussion!

Did you print one and wanna tell us about it? Do you have any suggestions for a new topper? Maybe you have a specific project that needs a special case? We want to hear about it! Drop us a comment in the Adafruit Forums, we have a dedicated topic there so we can have discussions there. 

3D Printed Case for TFT Feather Wing

The enclosure is slightly different than the Feather Box. It's larger because it needs to enclose the entire display and PCB. The topper has a perfect cutout for the display and features the same "snap-fit" functionally – Just press it down on top of the enclosure to install it. The display requires M2.5 machine screws to secure the PCB to the topper.

The case comes in two different versions, one that exposes the Adafruit Feather and the other fully encloses it.

• feather-tft-case.stl
• feather-tft-case-slim.stl
• feather-tft-top.stl

Install TFT Feather Wing to Topper

Start by laying the PCB over the topper with the display facing down and the topper facing up with the standoffs visible.

Orient Screen

Orient the display so the cutout is lined up with the screen. The cutout should only expose the viewing area and not any black borders. 

Mounting Holes

Line up the mounting holes on the PCB with the holes on the standoffs of the topper. The holes in the standoffs are ~2.5mm in diameter and ~4mm deep.

Fasten Machine Screws

Install and fasten a 2.5M 4mm size machine screws into each mounting hole. Hold PCB up against topper and keep it flush while fastening screws.

Secured TFT Display

Check PCB to ensure the TFT display is fully secured to the topper. Flip it over and double check the screen cutout is still properly oriented.

Install Feather to TFT Feather Wing

Now it's time to install the Adafruit Feather onto the TFT Feather Wing. Before we install it, we need to make sure the short header pins are installed on the bottom of the Feather. If you have regular header pins, use wire cutters to trim them short.

Start by orienting the board so the pins line up. Then, lay the board over the female headers and guide the pins into the holes. Press board down until pins are fully seated. The two plastic pieces from headers should be flush with each other.

Slide Switch (Optional)

If you'd like to use a slide switch to power your project on/off, then you'll need to wire up your own. This one is a bit special because the ends of each wire have short right angle header pins – These can easily plug into the second pair of female headers on the back of the TFT Feather Wing. Use the enable and ground pins to power off the circuit. Battery recharging will still be functional.

Thread Wires from Switch

Insert the two wires from the slide switch in between the Adafruit Feather and TFT display – Going through the side with the USB port. Pull the wires through the other end. This will allow us to connect the slide switch to the TFT display without too much excess wiring.

Connect Switch to TFT

Now we can connect the wires from the slide switch to the female headers on the TFT.  Plug in one wire to the enable pin and the other to the ground pin. Note: If the header pins from the switch are too tall, you won't be able to close the case. So, make sure they're low-profile!

Thread Wires from Battery

Next, we'll insert the cable from the 500mAh battery through the opposite side of the feather. Pull the cable through until it's about half way.

Connect Battery to Feather

Now we can plug in the male JST connector from the 500mAh battery to the female JST connector on the Adafruit Feather.

Secure Battery to TFT

You can secure the battery to the back of the TFT Feather wing using a blob of mounting tack. Stick it on the battery and place it on an area away from the on-board reset button and on/off switch.

TFT Feather Assembly

Now our TFT is secured to the topper! Next, we'll work on installing the slide switch (optional) and closing it all up!

Install Switch to Case

Next, we'll work on securing the slide switch to the case. Insert the body of the slide switch at an angle into the three walls inside the case – These will hold the slide switch in pace. The actuator from the slide switch will stick out slightly from the side of the case. 

Install Topper to Case

OK! Now it's time to close it all up. Orient the case so the the cutouts line up in the appropriate spots (microUSB and SD card slot). Then, insert the topper over the top of the case. Press the two parts together until they snap together. Make sure all of the wires all contained within the case! You don't want any of them to get kinked.

Complete Assembly!

Alright, looks like we're all done. Give it a try, test to see if everything works. If you installed the switch, turn it on! Test out battery charging, see if your USB cables connect properly.