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Building PCart Reader

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Carl Goshert edited this page Aug 29, 2026 · 7 revisions

Standard vs Slim

There are two versions of the 3D prints for both cartridges and readers: "Standard" and "Slim". The Standard version is 20mm thick while the Slim version is 12mm thick and can fit in a cassette tape cartridge. The assembly instructions are the same for both. For safety, please use the Standard readers with Standard PCarts, and Slim readers with Slim PCarts.

Building a PCart Reader

After receiving a PCart Reader PCB from a manufacturer, please follow these steps to assemble the cartridge reader peripheral.

Tools:

You will need the following tools to assemble the enclosure.

  • M2.5 heat set inserts
  • M2.5 Button head screws (6mm & 8mm length)

  • A 1.5 hex alan key. This may have been included with your screws.

  • Soldering iron with conical tip or heat set insert tool

Assembly:

  1. 3D print your preferred enclosure. Printing and source files are available at .
  1. Using your soldering iron or heat set insert tool, add 4 inserts to the inner holes on the upper side of the enclosure's bottom shell.
  1. Add 4 heat set inserts to the pegs on the underside of the enclosure's top shell. Make sure the top of the inserts are flush with the plastic around them, as much as possible.
  1. Using 6mm M2.5 screws, install the reader board to the upper side of the bottom shell.

  1. Place the top shell on top of the bottom shell, making sure to align the notch in the top shell with the USB Type-C port, and flip them over.

  2. Screw the shells together with 8mm screws from the underside of the bottom shell.

  1. Plug a USB Type-C cable in through the notch in the back of the enclosure and connect the cartridge reader to your computer of choice.

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