5 ms·

Instead of attaching the motor bracket with a binder clip, consider sticking it down with some sort of removable adhesive? 3M command strips should be very str

Instead of attaching the motor bracket with a binder clip, consider sticking it down with some sort of removable adhesive? 3M command strips should be very strong/secure, while also allowing for adjustment and will detach without residue when the time comes.

itslennysfault 2mo ago
I'd cut a block of wood to fit snuggly to the left of the knob, wedge it in place and screw the stepper in to that. .....or just screw into the AC unit somewhere discrete and hope no one notices.
- throwway120385 2mo ago
  Just putty over it and get a slightly matching high-gloss or semi-gloss enamel and nobody will notice it. I've put tons of holes in things in rentals over the years and basically nobody will care as long as you restore it to like condition when you leave.
- prmoustache 2mo ago
  Have you ever seen a landlord check that kind of things really? Unless you have made a mess with wires getting out looking like a fire hazard in waiting I don't know anyone who would stop at 2 tiny screw holes. Heck the landowner may not even remember the unit was not made that way in the first place.
  - itslennysfault 1mo ago
    Agreed. I've done some crazy stuff in apartments. Last place I rented I installed a projector on the ceiling and ran wires through the ceiling and walls because it'd be ugly otherwise. Also converted a ceiling light into an outlet to power it. Patched the drywall before I moved out and the landlord never needed to know.
singron 2mo ago
I think you could use the two shafts to align and attach the mounting bracket by drilling two holes the proper distance apart. Drilling holes is pretty easy compared to cutting straight lines and I think most people are more likely to have a drill. If you use a piece of wood, the additional thickness can help the shafts to keep the wood perpendicular. You might not need any additional fastener, and the lack of fastener could help it return to a neutral position after operation rather than migrate. Also, slowing down the stepper motor can reduce unnecessary forces and the likelihood of malfunction.
tjoff 2mo ago
I'd never trust that it will hold and detach without residue, but that is probably my ignorance talking... I own a 3d printer which makes most of these projects look like the perfect fit for a 3d print (even when there are far simpler solutions). So that is what I'd do :)
- Reason077 2mo ago
  > "I'd never trust that it will hold and detach without residue, but that is probably my ignorance talking.." Command Strips work similarly to the adhesive that holds batteries into phones. Very strong hold in the directions that count, but pulling the tab stretches them in a way that causes their structure to collapse and release. Must have for anyone who rents a house and doesn't want to put holes in walls etc, but I've also found them to be very useful for all sorts of off-label applications. They're strong enough to hold heavy picture frames etc on to walls, lasting for years and still detaching easily. I'd certainly trust them to secure this little motor!

itslennysfault 2mo ago

I'd cut a block of wood to fit snuggly to the left of the knob, wedge it in place and screw the stepper in to that. .....or just screw into the AC unit somewhere discrete and hope no one notices.

throwway120385 2mo ago
Just putty over it and get a slightly matching high-gloss or semi-gloss enamel and nobody will notice it. I've put tons of holes in things in rentals over the years and basically nobody will care as long as you restore it to like condition when you leave.
prmoustache 2mo ago
Have you ever seen a landlord check that kind of things really? Unless you have made a mess with wires getting out looking like a fire hazard in waiting I don't know anyone who would stop at 2 tiny screw holes. Heck the landowner may not even remember the unit was not made that way in the first place.
- itslennysfault 1mo ago
  Agreed. I've done some crazy stuff in apartments. Last place I rented I installed a projector on the ceiling and ran wires through the ceiling and walls because it'd be ugly otherwise. Also converted a ceiling light into an outlet to power it. Patched the drywall before I moved out and the landlord never needed to know.

singron 2mo ago

I think you could use the two shafts to align and attach the mounting bracket by drilling two holes the proper distance apart. Drilling holes is pretty easy compared to cutting straight lines and I think most people are more likely to have a drill. If you use a piece of wood, the additional thickness can help the shafts to keep the wood perpendicular. You might not need any additional fastener, and the lack of fastener could help it return to a neutral position after operation rather than migrate. Also, slowing down the stepper motor can reduce unnecessary forces and the likelihood of malfunction.

tjoff 2mo ago

I'd never trust that it will hold and detach without residue, but that is probably my ignorance talking... I own a 3d printer which makes most of these projects look like the perfect fit for a 3d print (even when there are far simpler solutions). So that is what I'd do :)

Reason077 2mo ago
> "I'd never trust that it will hold and detach without residue, but that is probably my ignorance talking.." Command Strips work similarly to the adhesive that holds batteries into phones. Very strong hold in the directions that count, but pulling the tab stretches them in a way that causes their structure to collapse and release. Must have for anyone who rents a house and doesn't want to put holes in walls etc, but I've also found them to be very useful for all sorts of off-label applications. They're strong enough to hold heavy picture frames etc on to walls, lasting for years and still detaching easily. I'd certainly trust them to secure this little motor!