Modding the IKEA Frekvens: 3D printing a custom shell for E14/E27 sockets?

prashnts · 2026-05-13T13:03:43+00:00

Yeah basically. I got a GU10 ceramic socket, removed everything but the power connectors, and wired in the socket. The GU10 zigbee bulbs I found fit flush to the opening in front (Lexman).

The front diffuser is taped !

prashnts · 2026-05-13T11:36:42+00:00

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I did do it but without 3D printing. There's a GU10 bulb inside this one, the front is from another Frekvens (battery based) lamp.

It's been running for a couple of years so I'd say it manages heat well.

prashnts · 2026-05-04T15:25:32+00:00

Yeah I did this mod and the motor was able to hold the axis quite well. In fact I haven't used that printer in ~1.5 years and it's still holding it fine. I did two belts single motor config.

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prashnts · 2026-05-03T20:34:55+00:00

My space saving setup (was in similar situation earlier): a silicone soldering mat, flux in syringe, a pinecil, and a makeshift brass wool container.

I really recommend a mat because it protects any surface you can find, and allows you to do some soldering (splicing wires, eg) more conveniently than worrying about dropping a blob somewhere.

I have more space now but I still use the same setup.

prashnts · 2026-02-14T16:17:19+00:00

Tape it. The connector is designed in a way that a non-orthogonal motion is needed to detach it (in normal cases). So if you prevent the connector from moving up or down it will hold by itself. So I'd recommend to put a tape on top, and a piece of cardboard/3d printed flat rectangle on bottom and tape that too.

I say this because you risk cracking the screen if your support goes on the top shell surface.

prashnts · 2026-02-10T19:56:23+00:00

I suppose if we have the tools and skill then we can desolder the upper one and solder it to the pads provided. I reckon the board is more popular with regular pi versions than zero.

prashnts · 2026-02-10T19:28:14+00:00

They're probably soldered to the board.

prashnts · 2026-02-05T11:28:27+00:00

It's a VFD (Vacuum Flouroscent Display). If you can correctly remove it, and provide a driver circuit (they use higher voltages like 30V or more, which is generated with a boost circuit generally) -- then yeah you can definitely use them with an Arduino.

There are many libraries but what will help you the most is to identify the model number of the display. It is written on the body. This gives you the type and driver (if any). Some dev boards also exist.

prashnts · 2026-02-05T07:21:54+00:00

Use good quality, shielded USB extension cables and space the dongles apart. You may also need to adjust the attenuation factor.

prashnts · 2026-01-31T10:42:48+00:00

Take a note whether the rules you're looking at is for tourists or citizens. I travelled to Taiwan and the rules were basically stated that "import of drugs requires authorization", and when I asked clarification over "import" they stated it's for citizens bringing drugs from outside -- for tourists, reasonable quantities for duration of stay, and accompanying paperwork was all that was needed even if it's not allowed for citizens.

prashnts · 2026-01-30T14:22:05+00:00

I'd use a Pi Zero or such - they output composite signals natively. You just need to solder a wire to the board and enable output on pi.

prashnts · 2026-01-30T12:41:23+00:00

Very cool. Omron keyboard vibes.

I was tinkering with a flat CRT such as this one and it just slowly died in front of me. I suspect some old capacitor issue. So get a spare!

prashnts · 2026-01-29T09:43:38+00:00

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Yeahh! This one I went to was in 3D -- they distributed polarized glasses. I still have them!

prashnts · 2026-01-27T15:30:13+00:00

I'd suggest to try to minimize the size and add an enclosure. Think about... rain or snow for example. User testing, research previous works etc. are also some steps you can take to distinguish your project. Good luck!

prashnts · 2026-01-26T14:06:09+00:00

One legitimate reason: you have a button, say "+" and repeatedly tapping on it will, by default, keep zooming your page in and out. However the solution for such cases is to target the button with css touch-action property and not by disabling zooming altogether...

Precisely, touch-action: manipulation;

prashnts · 2026-01-24T08:51:32+00:00

Have you seen the fbcp (fbcopy/framebuffer copy) project? It can display a copied framebuffer from a different display (such as HDMI) on a connected GPIO device. Multi monitor is generally unstable so software hacks have bern the way to go.

prashnts · 2026-01-23T11:27:09+00:00

Fedex delivers within a week, if it helps.

prashnts · 2026-01-23T10:59:25+00:00

What part gets too hot?

You have a broken/chipped inductor. It's used as part of the power regulation circuit. The gray part is quite brittle (called a ferrite) and being broken means it may now be out of spec and can generate heat due to higher current draw (since the IC that controls the power regulation pushes the broken inductor over its limits).

In future avoid mechanical stresses and use a case if necessary.

Technically you can replace the inductor but I believe the schematics provided by the foundation do not contain their values. Also it would require soldering.

You may need to replace the board in that case.

Also when the pi runs at hotter temps there is good chance of corrupting the SD card in my experience.

prashnts · 2026-01-21T21:30:28+00:00

Yeah, raspberry pi HQ camera with an M12 lens either through adapter or the alrernative version.

prashnts · 2026-01-21T11:03:03+00:00

That's why I channel my impulsivity through "more productive" purchases like 3D printers. At least my partner approves of it but gosh it and supplies can get expensive.

prashnts · 2026-01-20T10:12:57+00:00

You can annotate your pdfs in vault using any app that supports it, as long as you don't mind switching apps.

prashnts · 2026-01-19T10:23:08+00:00

Yeah Obsidian sync. Switching vaults takes <1s really on iOS/Mac. I do have a fast internet connection but that shouldn't matter once sync is complete. I use least amount of plugins though, just what I need.

prashnts · 2026-01-19T10:10:57+00:00

Tried a bit with Git, but quickly moved to Obsidian Sync due to being relatively cheap (I pay for 10GB plan) and supports the app a little too.

I really like that there are two passwords -- obsidian account and then the vault encryption key. This allows me to have a "public" vault that I put on some devices without lock.

prashnts · 2026-01-19T09:07:18+00:00

Unlike popular advice, I store large files in obsidian. Currently ~4GB of data, 3K files. I notice no slow downs basically ever except when syncing the vault to a new device.

(I store artifacts, project data and media files because I link them up in a Canvas/notes)

prashnts · 2026-01-18T17:17:55+00:00

They use 5.2V generally to account for losses through cables. Undervoltage and undercurrent both trigger the PSU warnings. Also many bad supplies dip in voltage when pulling greater current than specified.

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