Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.org
Jun 8, 2026, 6:09 PMUm. So after fixing Psion 5mx #1.... I appear to now own two Psion 5mx's, after also fixing the water damaged one I got in case I needed spare parts. 🙄🤣
#psion5mx #psioncommunity #retrocomputing
Replies
- Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.orgJun 9, 2026, 9:24 AM
Trouble is the chassis on this one has deteriorated with age and is fragile now with cracked/missing hinge clips....
Found an almost complete model - I wonder it'll be possible to get a fix 3D printed. 🤔
Time to print some sample sections to test/match/size up.
On the other hand... I wonder if it's a better idea to come up with a completely new 'cyberdeck' casing for it?
#retrocomputing #psioncommunity - Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.orgJun 9, 2026, 9:30 AM
also.. I *think* the screen is a bit better on this one, will have to put them side to side to double check/decide. Swings and roundabouts though, the backlight seems to buzz on this one.
- Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.orgJun 9, 2026, 12:09 PM
Well that's a promising start... 👍
- Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.orgJun 11, 2026, 9:47 PM
Well the 3d printed Psion 5mx chassis looks like a winner. 👌
Just prototype prints at the moment to test shape and fit. Will try with some tough pla or petg tomorrow. Did the prototype in two parts and glued it, will see if I can reorient and support to get a single print.
#psion5mx #3dprinting #psioncommunity
- Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.orgJun 12, 2026, 10:05 AM
6hour high quality print under way... 👍⏰⌛
- Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.orgJun 12, 2026, 5:47 PM
OK I declare, in the words of Borat, "Great Success"* 🎉 (*with minor issues)
3D printed the chassis in 2 parts in grey 'PLA tough", glued together, then assembled.
(single part print was a disaster)and the case fits together, *and works*! (this was a broken hinge psion)
Minor issues: -
1. the base flexes a bit from the hinges, will try another print in PETG to see if that helps.
2. with the "minimal tree supports" print there is quite a bit of clean up, and some of the overhangs are a bit scruffy.
3. the battery compartment seems to be catching slightly and doesn't fully close.but... this was a non-working psion with a very fragile inner, and now it works and is usable again.
I'm going to experiment with a PETG print next to see if that helps the flex, might test some support changes too, the other option is to see about getting a JLC3D print done in something else 🤔
I'll upload the current model to makerworld, might jot down a blog with all the pics.
- Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.orgJun 12, 2026, 5:49 PM
More assembly shots
- Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.orgJun 12, 2026, 5:51 PM
Pics of the "flexing" battery compartment, and the "almost closed" rear catch.
- Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.orgJun 12, 2026, 5:51 PM
and finally, a video of the working sliding keyboard/screen case.
- Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.orgJun 12, 2026, 10:06 PM
Minor trim sorts the battery catch.👍 Couple more minor tweaks to do (enlarge screw holes, increase gap at hinge clips) and I'll kick off a 24hour 'superfine' print.... then I reckon this designs ready for a JLC3DP order. I wonder how many people would be interested in one of these? 🤔
- Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.orgJun 13, 2026, 9:17 PM
Made some notes, might tidy up and add more detail later: https://blog.ivor.org/2026/06/psion-5mx-case-repair.html also uploaded the current 3D model to makerworld: https://makerworld.com/en/models/2928425-psion-5mx-inner-chassis
Running one final test print, and if that looks good I think I'll get a JLC3DP print done. - Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.orgJun 17, 2026, 9:49 PM
Ok happy with a single piece print after a bit of shuffling around....
Looks good after support removed, minor issue on a hole to cleanup, but not critical.
Not sure if it's worth bothering getting a professional SLA print done if this works. - Ivor Hewittivor@ivor.orgJun 18, 2026, 10:27 AM
Ok I *promise* these will be the last Psion pictures for a while (probably).
Just one visit from Colonel cockup, but sorted that out (missed the battery cover fix). Installed and assembled the single piece print, works well, so as I said, i don't think I'll bother getting professionally printed ones - unless others want them and I could do a bulk order - since this works just fine and looks strong enough.
