Some interesting things here:

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/an-operating-steam-throttle-you-can-customize-12548356?&trail=25

I don’t care about the “steam throttle” part. What I do care is this is using:

• A 3d printed case.
• An ESP32 and other arduino-like accessories, such as OLED screens, buttons, etc.

I realize I can use a principle like that for my own contraptions. For example for the ToF sensor for the Software Defined Blocks [research] project, I was wondering whether I should solder pin headers on the sensors and the ESP32 to use. The headers make it easier to prototype, but then they expose contacts that I may not want exposed during the real application -- and once soldered, the headers are impossible to remove neatly.

So here’s what I could be doing:

• 3d print my own case / support.
• In there, have holes for the pin headers.
• This would support the part in the direction I want.
• Just solder connections on the back on the appropriate pins.
• Or use Dupont connectors.
• The soldering can also help hold the part in place.
• It’s still possible to unsolder and remove the part.

The other option I had used before (for the motion sensor at Randall) was to use Dupont connectors for all the usable pins. That can also be worked in the 3d print to make room for only what I need, helping connect to the right pins.

Finally, for something like Software Defined Blocks [research], I’d want the sensor encased in a little box mimicking a railroad “trackside equipment house”, whatever that thing is called. It can just be a 3d printed rectangular box with a slanted root, painted in gray. Example 1. These are called “electrical cabinet”, or “equipment house”, “relay house”, etc.