So I have done an extremely custom build with the framework 13. It started out as a project that needed a scanner, so I pre ordered and patiently waited for the release of the Creality Raptor. Once this arrived, being my first scanner, I had to learn how to use it a bit. Did that. Then it was time to put it to work and use it for the one thing I needed it for, scanning a vehicle component. However, I didnt own the vehicle and as the scanner required being tethered to a PC, it became clear I had to make it portable. Fortunately, the scanner came in a pelican case for some unknow reason, but this presented an interesting opportunity. 80% of the space in this pelican was just foam, so I ripped it all out and started thinking.
I started researching laptop components planning to build in a compact computer and discovered framework. This presented yet another opportunity! After a whole bunch of research, I settled on the framework 13 with the ryzen 7840 as there were physical size constrains. I slapped in 32GB of ram, a 500GB SSD, and then began the work of scanning the pelican case on my desktop, as well as all of the computer components, so I could start using fusion360 to design the carrier components of the scan box around them. Its a full blown modular 3D cad project where you plug and play the components and build around them. I spent a whole month designing, printing, testing, and redesigning, until I eventually had… The Scan Box!!! This thing has a 13 inch touch screen, the framework, a 200w external power supply, usb hub with HDMI out, SD and Micro SD reader and two extra USB 3 ports. It also has enough storage to hold an extra 100w PS for a 12v lighter socket so it can be powered on the go, and all the cables, and the scanner, and room to spare.
So I’ve had this for months now, and its pretty awesome. Touchscreen interface for fusion 360 is amazing, removable blue tooth keyboard with storage underneath, and the scanner in the frontal portion of the pelican. Its like the old telephone briefcases almost. But it has some weaknesses and things yet to finish. I need to build the power supply in, as well as get a USB PD trigger board to output 12V, and install a supplementary power bank that can supply the computer and peripherals with all the power needed. Right now the computer is powered on its own, but the scanner requires 12v power which I built a power converter device to down volt a 18.6v makita battery to supply it, thus I am indeed fully portable, albeit with about an hour and a half of life on the computer. Adding in a power pack should significantly improve this.
To accomplish that end, I will still design in the 200w power supply, run it directly to an also built in power bank, and run both the framework and the scanner off of the power bank using a trigger board.
The performnce is decent. I can use fusion360 just fine, but it does have a slight lag. its minimal however, and really, what can you expect from something like this. However the raptor is only running at 18 FPS in both IR and laser mode, when it CAN operate up to 60 FPS with a more powerful GPU.
This has me thinking about eGPU’s. The RTX A500 is compact enough to fit in the case, along with everything else, just barely, I think. Also fortunately, I have one USB 4 port from the mainboard left to run the eGPU on, and then this will make the pelican a 100% all in one no frills or exterior accessories scanner. But, I don’t know how it will perform with an A500 in it, and I’m not finding anything anywhere about anyone giving it a go. So if you know, or happen to have the opportuninty, I would love to know how well a framework13 ryzen, will work with an A500 running a Raptor scanner. Please, let me know if you do.
You can see the resulting product from this design at www.3dpsq.ca
It is the gen 3 step for the Colorado ZR2.
