Case Mod

[Zoyx]

Anyone make a case mod for the 5200, so it was smaller? Looking for ideas.

[jaybird3rd]

Kevin Horton built a 5200 inside a 2600 Jr. case:

 

http://kevtris.org/Projects/5200jr/index.html

[Zoyx]

Wow, that is impressive. A little out of my league, since I have no experience with building my own PCB. But a 5200 Jr. like that would rock.

[Zoyx]

If I could get something like this, I would be happy.

[Greg2600]

Kevin Horton built a 5200 inside a 2600 Jr. case:

 

http://kevtris.org/P...00jr/index.html

First, that thing is ugly as heck, and second, did he actually finish it?

[doctorclu]

First, that thing is ugly as heck, and second, did he actually finish it?

 

I like how it had the Jaguar controller. Nice choice. He was obviously skilled enough to make a new PCB and all, just has a weird idea of what makes a good looking console. But to each their own.

 

So what would it take to modify a XEGS to be a 5200?

[Zoyx]

I like the choice of a 2600 jr. Very minimalist.

[jaybird3rd]

First, that thing is ugly as heck, and second, did he actually finish it?

I don't know ... it doesn't look any worse to my eyes than some of Ben Heckendorn's creations.

 

I brought it up as an example because, with the 5200 motherboard being as large as it is (about 14.5" by 10.5"), the only way you're going to get a 5200 into a much smaller case is to create a new board. It's too bad that the 5100 design pictured on Curt Vendel's website was never produced; it's a nice-looking system.

[Zoyx]

I don't know ... it doesn't look any worse to my eyes than some of Ben Heckendorn's creations.

 

I brought it up as an example because, with the 5200 motherboard being as large as it is (about 14.5" by 10.5"), the only way you're going to get a 5200 into a much smaller case is to create a new board. It's too bad that the 5100 design pictured on Curt Vendel's website was never produced; it's a nice-looking system.

 

There is a lot of air inside the 5200 console. The controller cradle area is one obvious subtraction.

[kensu]

I can't wait until 3D printers get more reasonably priced. Imagine the mods and hardware hacks we could make!

[0078265317]

There was also another mini one posted here a while back but don't remember when.

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

No point owning a 5200 if you are not impressed and proud of that massive beautiful case!

[marialisar]

cutting the back is not so hard to do , and the system becomes a "mini"

 

but

 

i agree with OldschoolRetrogamer

[Rex Dart]

I know some guy redesigned the PCB and cut the whole works down small enough to fit in a little portable machine. Just can't find the link.

[AtariNerd]

Compact Atari 5200

 

[Vic George 2K3]

I think the Atari 7800 case is the best designed of the three Atari game systems from that period. Four, if you include the XE Game System.

 

Controller cradles are nice, but even the Intellivision system (both the original and INTV II models) had them while being at a more modest size.

[jaybird3rd]

Compact Atari 5200

 

Ah, I'd forgotten about that one! Very nice indeed.

 

Of course, I think the dominating size of the original 5200 is one of its charms, so if you're taking the trouble to own a 5200 at all, you might as well enjoy it. If small is all you want, just get an XEGS and play your 5200 conversions on that.

[Greg2600]

I know some guy redesigned the PCB and cut the whole works down small enough to fit in a little portable machine. Just can't find the link.

 

Yes I remember that too!

 

http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/185369-compact-5200-system/

http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/185409-5200-mini-arcade/

[0078265317]

Compact Atari 5200

 

 

Yes that was it thank you.

[kevtris]

First, that thing is ugly as heck, and second, did he actually finish it?

 

Aesthetics aside, yes I did finish it. It has a complete menu and everything built in, so you can select a game using the menu and play it. Also, I built that a long time ago, before easy access to laser cutters, 3D printers and stuff like that. I cared more about the technical challenge than the looks. It's pretty much obsolete now, however, with the advent of my "all in one" FPGA console. Now that I *do* have access to a laser cutter, making eye pleasing casings is much, much easier. Also, that design is all through hole, so it looks massive by today's standards. These days everything I make is nearly 100% surface mount.

[Master Phruby]

Do you have any recent pictures?

[kevtris]

Do you have any recent pictures?

 

Just what's on the webpage. I really need to redo it but it's a huge pain :-)

[marialisar]

Aesthetics aside, yes I did finish it. It has a complete menu and everything built in, so you can select a game using the menu and play it. Also, I built that a long time ago, before easy access to laser cutters, 3D printers and stuff like that. I cared more about the technical challenge than the looks. It's pretty much obsolete now, however, with the advent of my "all in one" FPGA console. Now that I *do* have access to a laser cutter, making eye pleasing casings is much, much easier. Also, that design is all through hole, so it looks massive by today's standards. These days everything I make is nearly 100% surface mount.

 

well .

repro case 5200 parts are in very high demand...

Edited March 18, 2013 by marialisar

[kevtris]

well .

repro case 5200 parts are in very high demand...

 

What parts? The whole case, a smaller 5200 console, or something else? If it's flat and can be cut out, that's extremely easy to do. cases with depth are made out of 6 or more parts put together. Again, that's easy to do too. The third method is stacking plates cut out of 3mm or similar sheet material. Easy as well but uses up more material.

[ApolloBoy]

What parts? The whole case, a smaller 5200 console, or something else?

The smoked plastic piece on the very front and the controller storage lid are particularly in demand, since Best Electronics has been out of them for some time.