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bpmcclure
EVDO User
Joined: 11 Jun 2005
Posts: 55
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 Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 6:04 pm Post subject: |
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| Chuck wrote: | Got mine today (3 cases) this is not a great choice for the V620, you have to tear out some of the padding because the tip of the card that contains the antenna and activity light does not allow the case to close otherwise. If the card is perfectly flat, like a card that takes a dongle it should not be an issue. My USB2/Firewire card wouldn't fit without the pad removal (again the part that sticks out of the laptop was to think for the case to close), but my PCMCIA to CF reader was a perfect fit.
Not crazy about the locking mechanism, just indented metal that "should" keep it close, but twice it was opened while in my laptop bag; a rubber band fixed that and it will not longer open.
Case has some give to it, it will flex. This seems to be the cause of the lid opening.
Out of 10 stars, I'd give it a 7.5 for the V620 and 9 for any device that would allow the case to close without any pad removal. It would get an 8.5/10 if the case would stay closed without a rubber band - but if you keep in a briefcase it might not open.
Good:
Case construction should protect card
Size, takes up little room
The price, very fair.
The service, quick shipping and great customer service.
Bad:
Size, needs to be a bit thicker - this can be accommodated for by removing about an inch of padding.
Locking mechanism, holding the case you can lightly pinch it on both sides of the locking mechanism and cause the lid to open. Not good for a laptop bag, but easily fixed with a rubberband. |
Great feedback Chuck. I have a new design that should help with the problem of varying thicknesses of antennae. It is much thinner (only 16mm instead of 24) and has a "well" (for lack of a better word) for the antenna or dongle end of the card, and the foam clamps on the thin PCMCIA part only. Current prototype only works for card the length of the 5220, since that was what got me started on this project in the first place, but if that prototype works out, I will develop one for the V620 as well.
I also had some trouble with the latches, and found that if you just bend the bottom front of the case outward a little the latching is much more secure.
Thanks again. Bruce |
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Michael
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 5136
Location: Cary, IL
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| Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 8:10 am Post subject: |
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Chuck,
I agree with your comments. The cases work, the locking mechanism doesn't stay closed (fixed by a rubber band).
The smaller cases work with the PC5220 and the Sierra AirCard 580, they do not work with the Novatel V620 or KPC650.
The larger case that was sent, does work with all 4 cards.
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bpmcclure
EVDO User
Joined: 11 Jun 2005
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 10:39 am Post subject: |
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| Michael wrote: | Chuck,
I agree with your comments. The cases work, the locking mechanism doesn't stay closed (fixed by a rubber band).
The smaller cases work with the PC5220 and the Sierra AirCard 580, they do not work with the Novatel V620 or KPC650.
The larger case that was sent, does work with all 4 cards. |
Michael,
Thanks for your feedback. On the big cases, you might see if the latch will work if you bend the front edge of the bottom out just a bit. Mine stays latched without a rubber band, but it could be that the man handling in the postal system deforms the shape enough to cause a problem.
On the small case, I got them to latch by using both layers of foam in the bottom stacked up with the thin one under. I've been experimenting with the dimensions on these prototypes and am close to final specs on the small 5220 version. I will probably build a similar small case for the V620 and KPC650 after I get the 5220 case out there. Gotta get them to latch, however! Bruce |
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Michael
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 5136
Location: Cary, IL
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| Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 12:54 pm Post subject: |
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I just noticed that the case was bent during delivery. You might want to increase your shipping charges (from $1) and get some boxes to ship the cases in, so they do not get damaged in the envelope.
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bpmcclure
EVDO User
Joined: 11 Jun 2005
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 2:06 pm Post subject: |
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| Michael wrote: | | I just noticed that the case was bent during delivery. You might want to increase your shipping charges (from $1) and get some boxes to ship the cases in, so they do not get damaged in the envelope. |
Great idea. I have experimented with both boxes and envelopes, and it looks like the boxes are the winners. I'll be updating the site in the next few days with the 5220 case and will start using boxes as well. |
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Chuck
EVDO Heavy User
Joined: 21 Mar 2005
Posts: 149
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| Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 7:08 pm Post subject: |
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When the bigger ones are up for sale, let us know... I'll want to pick up a few so I can use them with the V620 and all the padding.
I don't mind the rubberband, the fact that it takes 1/3 the space of my current case is a big seller for me. |
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bpmcclure
EVDO User
Joined: 11 Jun 2005
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 7:18 pm Post subject: |
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| Chuck wrote: | When the bigger ones are up for sale, let us know... I'll want to pick up a few so I can use them with the V620 and all the padding.
I don't mind the rubberband, the fact that it takes 1/3 the space of my current case is a big seller for me. |
Will do. I need to do some research so I get the size right to accomodate as many of the longer cards as possible, including the WiFi ones. |
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Michael
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 5136
Location: Cary, IL
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bpmcclure
EVDO User
Joined: 11 Jun 2005
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 6:32 pm Post subject: |
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| Hi, I have updated www.kardkase.com with the new PC 5220 cases. I went down to the local VZW store today and looked at the new cards, and I see now why a rubber band is required; the antenna module is about 2mm thicker on them than on the PC 5220. I will be getting a prototype case developed soon that will fit those cards as snugly as the current one fits the 5220, hopefully with the lid staying shut and no dents from the post office! Great sites, I updated my PRL your tips. Inever would have known to even try activating an active card again to do that! Bruce |
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digimania
EVDO User
Joined: 25 May 2005
Posts: 30
Location: Greater Richmond Area
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| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 11:46 am Post subject: |
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| Chuck wrote: | | Out of 10 stars, I'd give it a 7.5 for the V620 and 9 for any device that would allow the case to close without any pad removal. It would get an 8.5/10 if the case would stay closed without a rubber band - but if you keep in a briefcase it might not open. |
I did not need to remove any of the padding to get mine to close properly. I also found that if you slightly bend out the bottom latch part of the case, more pressure will be created against the lid when closed. This increased pressure will keep the lid closed without any problems.
I keep my adapter cable for my antenna underneath the card padding at the bottom of the case.
Overall I like it. For 7 dollars total (with super fast coast to coast delivery), I give this a 9.5.
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bpmcclure
EVDO User
Joined: 11 Jun 2005
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 12:45 pm Post subject: |
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| I have only a handful of the larger cases left, and they are all scratch-n-dent items so are a little cheaper. I do have a lot of the custom PC 5220 cases and am working on getting a custom version for the larger cards like the Novatel. Bruce |
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Chuck
EVDO Heavy User
Joined: 21 Mar 2005
Posts: 149
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| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 7:37 pm Post subject: |
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| digimania wrote: | | Chuck wrote: | | Out of 10 stars, I'd give it a 7.5 for the V620 and 9 for any device that would allow the case to close without any pad removal. It would get an 8.5/10 if the case would stay closed without a rubber band - but if you keep in a briefcase it might not open. |
I did not need to remove any of the padding to get mine to close properly. I also found that if you slightly bend out the bottom latch part of the case, more pressure will be created against the lid when closed. This increased pressure will keep the lid closed without any problems.
I keep my adapter cable for my antenna underneath the card padding at the bottom of the case.
Overall I like it. For 7 dollars total (with super fast coast to coast delivery), I give this a 9.5. |
If you have the Novatel V620 then you got a different case than I did... I couldn't close the case without removing padding (much less close properly). Not sure what cable you are talking about (my V620 came with no cables), but my padding was glued to the metal case, so I couldn't keep anything under it. |
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bpmcclure
EVDO User
Joined: 11 Jun 2005
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 7:42 pm Post subject: |
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Chuck,
The lower foam should not have been glued down, so if it was there was something wrong. I'll be glad to send you a replacement for another try (though I think the thickness of the 620 will still cause problems). You may be able to just trim the foamto create a well. Alternatively I can senc you a couple of pieces of foam and you can experiment with them. Bruce |
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Chuck
EVDO Heavy User
Joined: 21 Mar 2005
Posts: 149
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| Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 8:38 pm Post subject: |
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Actually all 3 were glued down on both sides... strange. I'm going to wait until you get a bigger case that the V620 can fit in with foam on the top and bottom and order that... I went back to my larger case that actually locks with a clasp. Once you get a larger meal case let us know and I'll order as soon as it is posted!  |
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daveinolywa
EVDO Fledgling
Joined: 29 Jun 2005
Posts: 18
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| Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 8:33 pm Post subject: |
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| heck! 6 bucks...why not? |
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