orion42m, I am using SolidEdge. One of the best CAD programs on the market, but also not priced for a home user. I get to use it as its my daily software at work.
I have talked about it a few times, but I am sure it is buried deep in this thread, so here it is again. Also I don't work for them, but this will sound like a sales pitch. I haved used over a dozen different CAD programs over the years, and working in SolidEdge is just a joy.
SolidEdge is not to be confused with Solid Works. Solid Work is lower cost, more popular program, but not as capable. What makes SolidEdge so amazing is just how it handles modeling in "Synchronous mode". You see most CAD software such as the low-cost Inventor software work the same as old-school AutoCAD. Where every thing you do is based on a hard sketch, and then you build up a long history tree as you model. If you want to change the diameter of a hole you made 25 steps back, you have to go back and edit that step, then hope that when all the new steps are laid on top, that nothing breaks. This method of CAD design dates back to before the mouse was invented. And while some programs are getting options to allow later edits with more ease, they still don't work like SolidEdge does.
How SolidEdge works is that you still use a sketch to make your initial shapes, but there is no history required. Instead design becomes more like sculpting, but with the power of parametric modeling still there. I can add and remove features at will, with no regard to when that feature was made. I can alter things in the model without ever worrying about a history tree. It takes 3D CAD design and makes it just getting to a end-product. And less a exercise in fighting the CAD software.
I don't think I could have made the Pip-Boy in any other program. I could have made something that looked like a Pip-Boy, but I wouldn't have been able to make the thousands of small tweaks and changes as I worked.
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To answer the 2nd part of your question:
Yes, I plan on releasing the whole design when I consider it complete. That will include native SolidEdge CAD files, STEP files and STL files. The PCB designs that are mostly complete are already available on CircuitMaker. (I say mostly, as nothing is done until I have it in my hands, and have no future changes)
I also plan on making an assembly document, and making it lore friendly like I have done with the PCBs. I will probably do a CAD drawing for each component also, just like I do with my day job. Making this as real as any fully designed product.
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Update based on 3D printed physical model:
Actually putting together the physical model always means changes. Most things went together great, but I am striving for perfection here. Here is the raw list of changes so far:
1) Flip captive pins over and use shoulder to hold springs instead of retaining rings
2) Make hook on latch less aggressive, add more clearance at top edge.
3) Add more clearance to lower latch arm
4) Re-think pin assembly order on eject button
6) Re-do mount design for top springs
7) Chamfer brass screw holes.
8) Tighten wobble on all knobs
9) Add set screw behind selection wheel detent to allow adjusting tension
10) Figure out a better way to retain all knobs
11) Swap detent on macro knob from body to the knob itself.
12) Make selection wheel sound less resonate
13) Make catches on reel longer
14) Change on/off switch to be retained by metal pins instead of snap-fit
15) Double check long shaft diameter
16) Add spring pin or other better snap-fit to the comm cable
17) Make USB connector retraction mechanism more fool proof
18) Figure out way to make bottom latch tension adjustable
19) Rotate catch points on spool for free release at end of cable
20) Angle top right screw hole on back insdie
21) Look at adding battery removable style cloth pull tabs to padding.
22) Add stops to helix carrier
23) Add more pins to radio knob board so LEDs are parallel instead of series.