This is my open source Pocket Operator case. A Pocket Operator is a wonderful little device that is in most cases a beat sequencer with preset sound samples. In short, its a little music maker made by a company called Teenage Engineering. They can be purchased here. My understanding is that Teenage Engineering wanted these little guys to be as cheap as possible while also promoting a DIY aesthetic, so the completely abandoned the idea of an enclosure. This means that any PO is pretty exposed, and while still functional, they don't do great when thrown into bags, given to young children or even placed in a pocket! :O

I wasn't thrilled with the existing cases that were available to purchase either. They were either expensive or were too slick and made the insides inaccessible. This case was my attempt to create something that was cheap and cool-looking but not too cool. It also has a bit of a machinists vibe due to the use of metal hardware. It definitely isn't the lightest, but it doesn't weigh too much. The biggest caveat is that it requires access to a laser cutter. All of the files are available for you to download, customize and do whatever you want with! If you think of ways to improve it, please mention it in the comments below!

Supplies:

So the case has been designed with 4-40 screws in mind because those are the ones I had on hand. I'm sure it could be done with different screws or metric equivalents as well, but a 4-40 lock nut is just slightly thicker than a 1/8"(3mm) thick piece of acrylic, so keep that in mind when going shopping. Here is what you need to do this project:

For all of the hardware, I used 18-8 stainless steel and aluminum for the standoffs.