Altoids tin 9V holder with switch
This page was last updated : 20-Feb-21 10:32:53
For RF applications, one of my favorite ways to build is the ManhattanStyle * and I have build a lot of these circuits in mint tins. These tins are in the hamradio world mostly named Altoids mint tins. In the Netherlands we don't have the real Altoids tins but the Barkleys peppermint which can be easily purchased. I believe that they have almost the same size as the original Altoids tins.
The peppermint will keep your breath fresh and as a bonus you get a nice tin which you can use for your hamradio projects. Better is to interest you partner, parents, kids etc in these peppermints and ask them if you can have the tins afterwords. That way you build a nice stock of these tins.
* If you're unknown with Manhattan Style, check out The Art of "Manhattan" Style or Manhattan Building Technique by Chuck Adams, K7QO (PDF)
A few example of projects I build in tins (not all of them are mint tines, but you get the point)
One thing I'm always struggling with are the 9V batteries holders and on/off switches. Most of the time I just vertical soldered a piece of PCB with the 9V battery clip * soldered to it. It is be strong enough to keep it's place, but sometimes after replacing the battery it . . . . well . . . . breaks up a little.
* when my 9V batteries are running out of power, I disassemble them and take out the contacts. That way I'm never out out 9V battery clips.
Having a few new tiny tools in mind which I want to build in the mint tins, I though of a way to make the 9V and switch part more future proof. And also to speed up the building process. So I 3D designed and printed this 9V battery compartment with room for 1 or 2 common cheap PCB push button on/off switches (they come in lock and momentary versions).
I think the pictures below are self explanatory.
There is also a version without the push buttons so you can add your own kind of switches (keep in mind that the lid is also closing.
I made the design available on TinkerCad, under the following terms:
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Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
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NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
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ShareAlike — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
For those who don't use TinkerCad, the STL file's can be download here :
Hope this speeds-ups your Altoids mint tin projects.
Any comments, suggestions, tips etc are welcome. And even better, I you have used the 9V battery holder, send me some pictures and tell me what you think of it.
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