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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesMarc de Vinck’s November 6, 2009, unboxing shows what arrived in one MakerBot CupCake CNC Deluxe Kit: batch #8, serial #000305. MakerBot’s published kit description lists the intended contents; de Vinck’s account separately records the boxes and parts he actually saw. It is a useful historical snapshot, not a guaranteed checklist for every batch.
What MakerBot said the Deluxe Kit included
In the 2009 Make: article, de Vinck quotes MakerBot Industries’ description: “This kit has everything you need to build a MakerBot CNC and get started in DIY digital fabrication.” The vendor’s listed contents were:
- Laser-cut parts for the machine
- Three NEMA 17 motors
- Nuts, bolts, and other hardware
- Belts, pulleys, and bearings
- Precision-ground shafts for the X and Y axes
- Preassembled third-generation electronics
- A magnetized, detachable build platform
- A Pinch-wheel Plastruder
- ABS filament
- A USB2TTL cable and Cat5e cables
- A standard ATX power supply
- Assembly tools, an extra acrylic build surface, a spare build platform, and an SD card
This is MakerBot’s description as quoted in the article, not independent confirmation that all of these items appeared in every shipment. Read de Vinck’s Make: unboxing.
What de Vinck found in his boxes
De Vinck describes several smaller boxes inside the shipment. His observations add detail to the vendor’s list, but they should be read as the contents of this particular kit.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Structure, power, and Plastruder parts
One box held the laser-cut wood structural parts. He identified the power supply as a standard 400 W switching power supply. A box labeled “Plastruder MK4” contained laser-cut acrylic, a geared motor, and miscellaneous parts. The article also shows the kit’s three NEMA 17 stepper motors.
Electronics, motion parts, cables, and tools
Another box contained electronics, pulleys, lead-screws, cables, tools, and what de Vinck called the “hardware burrito.” He also points out laser-etched acrylic parts, printed pulleys, a USB-to-TTL cable, and Cat5e cables.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
ABS filament and an unidentified part
For filament, de Vinck reports two rolls: 1 lb of natural-colored ABS and 5 lb of black ABS. He describes the plastic as 3 mm filament. That is a record of what came with his 2009 kit, not evidence of present-day availability or compatibility with another printer.
At the bottom of the box, he found a plastic bushing or bearing whose identity he could not determine. He said he would keep it until the build was complete; the article does not establish its purpose.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Historical kit prices and batch differences
Make: reported the Deluxe Kit at $950 and a Basic kit at $750 in 2009. Those are historical prices, not current offers. The article links to information about what the Basic kit did and did not include, but it does not provide enough detail to reconstruct a reliable side-by-side contents list.
De Vinck explicitly cautions that later batches could differ. A separate July 2009 unboxing account describes a different shipment and reports missing Kapton tape and IDC headers, with other omissions noticed during assembly. Those reports should not be merged into the batch #8 inventory: they concern a different shipment and illustrate why one unboxing cannot serve as a universal packing checklist.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What comes next in the build series
This is part 2 of a 13-part series. The installments move from the box into electronics, mechanical assembly, the enclosure and motion stages, the Plastruder, software installation, and eventually a first print. The adjacent electronics installment covers IDC connectors and electronics checks. De Vinck also invites readers to ask for a closer look at particular parts or suggest a mod or hack.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
