I recently undertook a DIY project to mount my Amazon Fire tablet, and I wanted to share my experience in case anyone else is looking for a similar solution. The goal was to create a mount that would allow me to use the tablet as a smart home controller, replacing an old light switch and also positioning another tablet above an existing switch. Here’s how I approached it:
Materials and Tools
- Old Credit Cards: I found that these were perfect for shaping into mounts due to their flexibility and durability.
- Heat Gun: Used to bend the credit cards into the desired shape.
- Vice: Essential for holding the credit cards steady while applying heat.
- Paint: To finish the mounts and blend them with the surrounding walls.
The Process
- Shaping the Mounts: I started by heating the credit cards with a heat gun. Using the vice, I carefully bent the cards to fit the space where the tablet would be mounted. This required some trial and error to get the right angle and fit.
- Painting: Once the mounts were shaped, I applied a little paint to match the wall color. This step was purely aesthetic but made the setup look much more polished.
- Installation: The final step was attaching the mounts to the wall. For the tablet replacing the light switch, I partially unscrewed the cover plate to slide in the credit card mount. For the second tablet, I simply screwed the mount to the wall above the existing switch.
Tips for Success
- Preventing Sleep Mode: To ensure the tablet stays active, I enabled the “Stay Awake” option in the device settings. This was done by accessing the developer options after triple-tapping the serial number in the settings menu.
- Placement: Positioning the tablets in areas where they would be frequently used but not obstructive was key. It’s now much easier to control the smart home features without fumbling through apps on my phone.
Outcome
The result is a sleek, functional mount that blends seamlessly into my home’s decor. It’s been a great way to integrate technology without compromising on aesthetics. Plus, the DIY aspect made the project much more rewarding!
If anyone has similar projects or tips, I’d love to hear about them. Happy tinkering! 