3D-printed Sharkshield charging plug and retainer

For those of you who want to power the Sharkshield with an external battery probably need a plug for the SS. It makes no sense to cannibalize the OEM plug from a working charger. I looked hard but couldn't find a source for the OEM plug, so I created one in Fusion 360. In my opinion, the SS has the worst design for a charging plug because the charging prongs are straight with nothing the plug can latch on to. Therefore, I also created a retainer clip that helps keep the plug stay connected better.

Here are some pictures of the plug...





The plug is designed to use this 3.5mm banana plug (only use the female connectors). The sticker has a QR code link where you can purchase them on Aliexpress.


Here's the retainer clip that helps keep the charging plug stay connected to the SS better.


Here's how the retainer clips on to the SS.


Retainer and the 3D-printed plug installed.


The retainer can also work with the OEM plug.


And here's a short video showing how to install the retainer clip and the plug...
https://youtube.com/shorts/Ie1MB9vB7b8


If you're interested, you can download the STL models of the plugs and the retainer and print your own. I test printed them with PLA material and seems to work well. Two models of plugs... one wire splits to two, and two wire input. You have to download both the top (curved) and the bottom (flat) to make one plug. You're supposed to solder the wires to the top end (within the cup) of the 3.5mm female connectors. After fitting the wire and the 3.5 connectors into the plug, you must glue the two halves together with Goop or something similar to prevent water getting inside. Apply plenty of di-electrical grease to the 3.5mm connectors.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sw06kg12vy50xke/AADH8DtByRGCx8w8fFodVdDra?dl=0


Those of you who are interested but don't have a 3D printer, I could help you print one, but I only have several sets of 3.5mm connectors left. PM me.

-ernest

Very clever!  Thanks for sharing Ernest.

Very clever!  Thanks for sharing Ernest.

+1

Maybe if I ever get my SS working (or buy a new one), I'll be in the market for one of these...

Wait, are you saying that you can use a battery pack to power on the SS while it is operational?  I thought that the SS is only operational when not plugged in? Or is this for charging only?

Wait, are you saying that you can use a battery pack to power on the SS while it is operational?  I thought that the SS is only operational when not plugged in? Or is this for charging only?

Well, nothing is impossible, but I'm not going to encourage anything by putting the info out in public. If you have decided to make a mod like what NowhereMan did, then for sure you would benefit from having such plug. Of course, you can also just cut the plug from your exist charger, but why destroy a working charger if you don't have to. Anyhow, the retainer would help keep the plug stay connected better whether you use the origin or the 3D-printed plug.

Wait, are you saying that you can use a battery pack to power on the SS while it is operational?  I thought that the SS is only operational when not plugged in? Or is this for charging only?

Well, nothing is impossible, but I'm not going to encourage anything by putting the info out in public. If you have decided to make a mod like what NowhereMan did, then for sure you would benefit from having such plug. Of course, you can also just cut the plug from your exist charger, but why destroy a working charger if you don't have to. Anyhow, the retainer would help keep the plug stay connected better whether you use the origin or the 3D-printed plug.

Ah, OK!  I thought its natively able to do that.  Good stuff Ernest!  This and NoWhereMan's mod are the perfect way to extend SharkShield on water time.  Thanks!

I Definitely want a plug .... PM sent 

awesome! PM sent

All PM's replied.

You da man!

Thank you Lucky!  Your plug worked great for me and my super lucky model B shark shield without a charger I found on eBay for $150




Printed in PETG, so I didn't get a perfect print, but was able to make the brass bits fit using the soldering iron trick people use for threaded inserts to melt the plastic around the connector.  btw here is a link to the charger I bought https://a.co/d/9Qrhp7A 19$

Great work as always Ernest! 

You got a great deal there Brad. Glad someone actually made use of those models. Check the actual output voltage of that variable voltage charger. I got one that's way off from what the readout says.


What's up Mike. Long time no see.

You got a great deal there Brad. Glad someone actually made use of those models. Check the actual output voltage of that variable voltage charger. I got one that's way off from what the readout says.


What's up Mike. Long time no see.

Yeah I feel like I didn't deserve to get such a good deal, the device to me looks like it was actually never used before.

Here is the charger voltage reading on my cheap harbor freight multimeter, so looks pretty good close given that this multimeter probably isn't perfect either.

Hey Ernest! I’m getting ready to print the charging plug on the 3d printer. Is there any percentage of infill for each half or is it solid?

-Cam