Working Magsafe / Magnetic Qi Wireless Charging Pad Install! - DIY Writeup

[RWerksman]

Happy 4th, everyone!

A few updates:

#1 - I'm closing in on the final design for the shelf. At this point, I think most people will be happy with the basic design. The prototype that I've printed, posted pictures of here, and posted to Thingiverse, works. What I've been working though are the nice to haves that I think need nailed down before any production run. This includes attachment provisions for the DC-DC converter and power distribution block. I also want to add in tiedown points for cabling.

So far, I've printed 3 (maybe 4?) additional prototypes to middling success. I have another one printing now which I'm somewhat more optimistic about. It looks like this:

#2 - I've found a production partner that I think will work. This is sort of a big deal as I want the material to be PETG or ABS, made in black to match, the product is a bit large, and it has some overhangs which require finishing. Additionally, I don't want them to be made overseas and then shipped over. A bunch of people can do this, but the part cost would be way more than what I want, and some lead times are 60-90 days.

Anyway, I have a firm quote with a place that looks good on paper. The lead time there is 30 days. Pricing, including for everything else would make this ~$100 for a dual setup. Shipping for most peeps would be about $5-6. I might charge a few bucks for soldering / assembly or discount it if you feel like doing it yourselves.

#3 - I can confirm that Molex 0311010040 is the correct receiving part number for POS charging pad. It fits together and click locks. In the picture below, we only use the black and red/pink wires for ground and power respectively. I have no clue as to what the others are for.

Tentatively, the initial run will be 50 units, mainly because there is so much risk here. It's very possible the suppliers for the pads, converters, or even the 3D printer will end up not delivering something that I could in good conscious sell. 50 units will require a few thousand dollars to make happen.

Finally, in the interests of full transparency - If I do make a production run of these, I will make a small profit on them.

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[RWerksman]

I would like a dual as soon as possible. How can we get them?

Best case scenario is likely late August. The charging pads and DC-DC converters will need imported and will take some time to arrive.

I'm really trying to dial in the shelf prior to placing any order though.

 

[harkco]

Count me in for one as well! Awesome job!!

 

[cbuckley]

I’m interested in a pre-soldered dual version and am happy to convey a more than small profit for your time and services.

I’m glad that people like you exist.

 

[travbz814]

Great work! Put me on the list if you're tracking yet. Thanks!

 

[diranged]

Please count me in - and I am happy to make sure you make a little money on these! Im sure whatever you price it at will be reasonable.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

I would like to be on the list for the first batch.

Of course you deserve to make a little profit for your time and effort designing, testing, and sourcing this!

 

[RWerksman]

Hey, I have another update for today!

I've printed what I consider the first production worthy version of the shelf. I detailed what I changed in it above, but I want to show and tell quickly:

First and foremost - the design is similar to earlier versions:

The largest changes include attachment points for the DC-DC converter and for the distribution block:

Also included are retention points for the lead wiring from the OEM connector into the distribution block and some tiedown points for the USB-C cable feeding the wireless charging pad:

I've done all of this in an attempt to make the installation as toolless as possible. You'll still need a Torx T-30 (T-something?) to remove the POS wireless charging pad from the surround, but this should assemble and drop in without the need for any tools, assuming you order it pre-soldered.

Anyway, here is how everything will go together:

Step 1 - Clip in the DC-DC converter. There is a hole one of side of the supports where one of the little posts should slide right in. The guide goes between the converter posts and the support is designed to deflect just enough so it will basically pop right in.

Step 2 - Connect the wires from the converters to the distribution block. The black ones go to the blue (I know, I know...) and the red ones go to the red. The distribution block will press into the slot as shown. The screw holes are the key.

Step 3 - Secure the wired with the OEM receptacle into the retainer as shown

Step 4 - Wind the USB-C cable around the converter. There should be just enough space to slot it in between the supports and converter. Make sure it's tight but not so tight that it's putting strain on the bit of wire coming out of the converter.

Step 5 - You can now zip-tie down the USB-C cable. Remember to run the zip-tie as shown so it's easy to pull through and doesn't protrude beyond where the supports for the shelf are. I'd also recommend orienting the USB plug as shown - nice and flat.

When done it will look like this from the bottom:

And from the top it looks like this:

You'll have approximately 35mm of backward / forwarding sliding to accommodate larger or smaller phones.


Also - I've reached out the vendors of both the converter and pad to order enough for 50 dual charging setups. More soon...

 

[RWerksman]

While I'm here I should probably answer some questions that have been asked of me outside of this thread:

I've been asked if I'm doing pre-orders or collecting names or whatnot for notification of when anything will be purchasable. The answer, right now, is no I am not.

I'm only posting information in this thread for the time being, so it's the best place to come for updates. There is a 'watch' button up at the top right which will alert you when someone responds here. Keep in mind, this is when anyone posts a message in the thread.

Also, you can click on my name and 'follow' me to be alerted when I post something. Keep in mind here that you'll be alerted to whenever I post something, sometimes not in this thread.


In regard to posting elsewhere, I'm not doing that on purpose. My sense is that the initial run is going to sell out quickly after it's available to order. I'd prefer for folks on here to get first crack. If I choose to do more batches, or just make them available for purchase, I'll likely market them elsewhere.


In regard to pre-orders, I'm shying away from them as of right now due to big questions about the quality and reliability of getting the shelf into mass (mass-ish? ?) production, and the availability of the pad and converter. I'd rather blow some cash and disappoint just myself than minimize the risk to myself and disappoint 50ish fellow owners.


One person asked if I will be limiting quantities per person. As of right now, I'm planning on making it one per person.


Finally, one personal also asked if there is a warranty or returns. The answer to this is no, there is no warranty and there will be no returns. I'm planning on testing each of them prior to sending them out and will work with you if it's DOA, but otherwise you're on your own. Depending on how easily I can get replacement parts, I do hope to sell them independently.

 

[kylealden]

Finally, in the interests of full transparency - If I do make a production run of these, I will make a small profit on them.

FWIW Nomad charged $150 for their Model 3 wireless pad and Jeda still charges $100 for their MagSafe pad. Honestly I think you could very easily charge $200+ for these as a small-batch enthusiast product and find an audience - I know I'll happily pay that. Nobody with an R1T in their driveway today is that hard-up for cash.

And a 30-50% margin is totally reasonable given you're putting in all the work here - especially since larger OEMs are probably going to perk up in 3-6 months anyway.

In regard to posting elsewhere, I'm not doing that on purpose. My sense is that the initial run is going to sell out quickly after it's available to order. I'd prefer for folks on here to get first crack.

I'm really looking forward to this and have my fingers crossed to catch the first batch. As a humble suggestion, you might consider limiting the batch to existing R1T owners (VIN verification or honor system maybe ?) so you can get useful feedback (and so I can get mine sooner ?).

 

[89hoya]

Sign me up for a dual setup. Realy nice work.

 

[coshesey]

Sign me up for a dual pre-soldered unit too!

 

[OverZealous]

FWIW Nomad charged $150 for their Model 3 wireless pad and Jeda still charges $100 for their MagSafe pad. Honestly I think you could very easily charge $200+ for these as a small-batch enthusiast product and find an audience - I know I'll happily pay that. Nobody with an R1T in their driveway today is that hard-up for cash.

And a 30-50% margin is totally reasonable given you're putting in all the work here - especially since larger OEMs are probably going to perk up in 3-6 months anyway.

While I agree RWerksman should make a profit, he's not providing support, and this isn't a finished product like those are. If you raise the price too much, then people will expect support and something that is more polished.

Just my 2¢.

 

[RWerksman]

Update:

I've come to terms with the suppliers of both the wireless charging pad and DC-DC converter. I hope to place orders for both tomorrow or the day after. Supposedly, I'll be able to get a supply of each within 7 days.

I'm also planning on submitting my order to the 3D printer tomorrow or the day after as well. Estimated delivery there is end of July. I'll also be ordering a small batch of sunglass holders and maybe even cell phone dash mounts, if I can finalize a design for these in time.

I also have to order the following:

• The molex OEM connectors.
• Boxes for shipping.
• A better soldering iron. (e.g. not one from when I was in high school ?)
• More insulated shrink tubing.
• More super small zip ties.
• A domain and/or shopping cart.
• Maybe a label printer?
• Booze. Lots of booze.

TL;DR - It's happening.

 

[Yellow Buddy]

TL;DR - It's happening.

So….I’ve got a YouTube channel in case you need help prioritizing delivery. I don’t have a truck like some other folks and I haven’t placed a deposit yet though.

Just saying I have it. Of course I’m sure it won’t matter.

Btw, I also know your booze supplier if you want to charge me full price….

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