Revopoint Trackit Extension Cable between Tracker and Scanner

Disclaimer:

Perform this mod at your own risk. It is not recommended by Revopoint. Additionally the real-life pictures show V2, the files are already for V3 with improved screw knubs and better fitting female plug. Sadly I'm still waiting for the correct screw size to arrive.

Background:

I love my Trackit but the cable between scanner and tracker gets a bit short when fixing the cable with velcro to the tripod's leg. Therefore I went on a voyage to test half a dozen possible extension cables until one functioning with the Tackit was found. Now the cable has more slack which also improves scanning result since the Tracker experiences less wobble induced by a moving cable.

The printed plugs ensure the cable is fixed securely at both ends and can be friction fit on the bought cable.

Printing:

Print from a tough material with high wall count and infill. Nozzle has to be 0.4mm or smaller to produce the thin male plug. I chose PETG in the strength preset on my A1 mini and didn't encounter any issues until now.

Assembly:

First try the extension cable with the Trackit. You may have to rotate the ports of the extension to achieve successful connection (like in the classical USB-meme). I guess the extension is internally one pinned-out for one plug-orientation. When you found a working set of orientations mark it for later. I also use a short 30cm USB-C to USB-A extension at my PC to prevent my ports from accidentally being ripped out. To get a reliable connection I even had to add this orientation into the equation and mark it for reproducibility.
After all these steps I got a reliable extension which hasn't failed me until now.

Use a small file to remove the rubber ridges on the side of the extension's plugs. Otherwise insertion into the printed plug will become impossible. Screw the M2 screw into the screw_knobs and secure them with a drop of superglue each. Melt the threaded-inserts into the female_plug using a soldering iron. To achieve retention of the screws on the male end use a file to file down the threads on the top 10mm of the screw (next to the screw_knob). Now you can press the extension into the plugs (keep the correct orentation determined prior in mind!!). Last step is to insert the screw into the male_plug.

BOM:

• 2m TB5 80Gbps USB-C extension:
  • Amazon.de: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/dp/B0F55B5ZZL?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
  • Amazon.us: https://www.amazon.com/KMMXXCPM-Extension-Compatible-Thunderbolt-Extender/dp/B0F55B5ZZL?th=1
• 2* 35mm M2 SHCP screw
  • Aliexpress: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005008068815080.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
• 2* M2 3*8mm threaded-insert