Laser cut adaptor to mount MintyBoost in standard size Altoids tin with 4 AA batteries

thingiverse

The latest MintyBoost with 2 AA batteries is no longer up to the power requirements of the latest smart phones (I have an iPhone 5). Besides which I couldn't find the smaller Altoids tin for which the MintyBoost was designed. With some careful selection of battery holders (I got these from Radio Shack) I found I could fit 4 AA batteries in a standard size Altoids tin and still have room left. This adaptor was designed to not only center the MintyBoost, but to hold it solidly enough so the USB plug could be plugged in or removed without worry of bending the USB socket on the PCB. The material is standard acrylic. The bottom and top plate are 3/16" and the middle 2 are 1/8" each. Instructions Acrylic 1/8" Acrylic 3/16" 4-40 x 3/4" machine screw - 2 each 4-40 star washers, nuts - 2 each Altoids tin - standard size 2 Battery holders, each for 2 AA 2 9V battery clips if you need them for the battery holders (like I did) 1/8" drill bit Cut the Altoids tin per the regular MintyBoost instructions at Adafruit.com Cut the bottom adaptor piece from 3/16" acrylic Cut 2 center pieces from 1/8" or 1 piece from 1/4" if you have it (I didn't and so just doubled up on the 1/8") Cut the top adaptor piece from 3/16" acrylic using either the template with smaller holes (you'll have to tap the holes for 4-40) or from the same template as the bottom adaptor piece if you're going to use the 4-40 washers and nuts. Stack the 4 acrylic adaptor pieces (only the bottom 3 if you're top piece has the smaller holes for tapping) and place in the Altoids tin. Push them solidly into the end, ensuring the holes are aligned and drill down with the 1/8" drill bit through each set of holes through the bottom of the Altoids tin. I used a drill press but it could be done with a hand drill.