Hello sudoers, I'm trying to build a pseudo-docking station for my laptop, that would enclose the power, hdmi and thunderbolt plugs that I currently have to plug in separately (all are right next to each other). The best idea I've had for how to do this has been to create a 3-d computer model of the plugs, and then 3-d print an enclosure that can house all three of them. Do you have a laser scanner that could make such a model? I have some experience with 3d printing, but I've never used a laser scanner before, so I'd need some help with that, as I understand they can be quite finicky.  I would plan on making a monetary donation to sudoroom, and/or becoming a member. Alternatively, if anyone has any other ideas about how to do this, I'd welcome them. Thanks! -Matt Bush

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm really hoping I can come up with something that's removable. It's for work-owned equipment, and I really don't like the idea of putting hot glue all over it. My current solution to keep the wires together involves twisty ties and a clothespin, but I still have to plug them in separately. (I know, first world problems). On Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 12:46 PM, Jake <jake(a)spaz.org> wrote: Hi Matt! I have a strong opinion about this.  I have been making stuff for decades and I enjoy using 3D printers and I might use one tonight. But honestly, the best way to do what you're trying to do is with wood and hot glue!  I am 100% serious. The tolerances of connectors on the side of your laptop are pretty important, and you don't want to mess up any of them.  The only way to do this safely is to have their locations exact.  You could try modeling this, but ultimately what matters is the actual positions where the plugs want to be when they're plugged in. So i recommend you cut a stick of wood to the appropriate size, and plug in all your connectors (short extension cables for sockets you don't already have plans for) and then hot-glue them to the wood while they're plugged into the computer. The hotglue will immobilize the connectors in their naturally comfortable positions, and has the advantage that you can modify it later with a heatgun if necessary. I come to sudoroom every tuesday evening at 7PM for "hardware hacking tuesdays" and I would love to help.  If you are planning to come, let me know and I will make sure we're stocked up with hotglue and a glue gun. As for becoming a member of sudoroom, you should definitely do it!  But you are welcome to use the space for free even before you do. -jake On Thu, 25 Feb 2016, Matt Bush wrote: Hello sudoers, I'm trying to build a pseudo-docking station for my laptop, that would enclose the power, hdmi and thunderbolt plugs that I currently have to plug in separately (all are right next to each other). The best idea I've had for how to do this has been to create a 3-d computer model of the plugs, and then 3-d print an enclosure that can house all three of them. Do you have a laser scanner that could make such a model? I have some experience with 3d printing, but I've never used a laser scanner before, so I'd need some help with that, as I understand they can be quite finicky.  I would plan on making a monetary donation to sudoroom, and/or becoming a member. Alternatively, if anyone has any other ideas about how to do this, I'd welcome them. Thanks! -Matt Bush