It all started with a simple question: Can the RFID-tagged filament spools for the new Bamboo printer, which are marked with material type and color for ordering, be copied? This idea sprang from the desire to generate various material rolls to enjoy the convenience of not having to reset the material with each change.
My journey led me to an ID circle that had already explored this topic. They recommended a device named “Proxmark 3 Easy.” Curious, I ordered one and soon achieved my first success in reading the RFID tags. However, this task proved more complex than anticipated, as the tags required intricate decoding.
During this exploration, I realized that the Proxmark 3 Easy, consisting of three circuit boards, needed a proper housing. I embarked on designing one myself. Using Fusion 360, I took measurements and printed several prototypes until I got the base plate size just right.
However, in my eagerness, I accidentally tore off an SMD component from the board while fitting it into my first draft. The switch was nearly impossible to re-solder, but fortunately, I hadn’t damaged the contacts, just the switch. I then decided to extend two cables from the board and design a larger housing with a proper external 12 mm button.
Realizing the space I had created for the external button, I pondered the device’s potential for battery operation. Thus, I redesigned the housing to incorporate a TP 4065 and a Lithium Polymer 14500 battery, allowing the device to operate independently from a PC.
However, this modification introduced a new challenge. Placing a hard switch directly between the TP and the battery led to a high inrush current at power-on, triggering the TP’s protection circuit and disrupting the connection. After some tweaking, I resolved this issue, and now everything works flawlessly.
The device fits perfectly in its new housing, complete with a battery, an externally mounted button, and the ability to charge via a USB-C port directly on the battery.
This odyssey with the Proxmark 3 Easy has been a journey of discovery and innovation, blending RFID technology with practical DIY ingenuity. It’s a testament to the power of curiosity and the joy of solving complex challenges with creative solutions.
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