+mytek Posted December 1, 2017 Share Posted December 1, 2017 2017 will certainly be a year to remember, with not one, not two, but 3 Mini-ITX motherboard projects in the works. ÉclaireXL: FPGA based 1088XEL: Original Atari VSLI chips Atari 65XE on miniITX: Original Atari VSLI chips Of course none of these were meant to go inside a standard Atari 8-Bit case, although I'm sure that won't be a deterrent to the talent that exists in the Atari world today. So my thinking behind starting this topic was to provide a venue for either using a commercially available Mini-ITX case, or using something of the more DIY variety, either 3D printed or modifications made to a commercial case. I would also like to see people post cool new cases and links to sources of such on the open market, as well as pictures of completed projects. So to start things off I'll post a few to begin with. This has got to be my favorite example of what can be done by modifying an existing case and keyboard. Owner: 917k Motherboard: ÉclaireXL Case: iStarUSA S-21 And here's what can be done by having custom panels manufactured to replace the originals on a commercial case. Owner: Mytek Motherboard: 1088XEL Case: Realan H80 --------------- A few other commercial case possibilities. GEEEK A20 (not too big, but still presents possibilities of adding in real hard drives) BitFenix Prodigy M (rather large for a Mini-ITX board, but loads of room for whatever) 7 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
+DrVenkman Posted December 1, 2017 Share Posted December 1, 2017 Great thread! I know for sure I won't have my own 1088XEL running until at least mid/late January, perhaps later if I screw up more than I think I will already during assembly, but this thread will be a great resource when I finish tinkering and decide to put it into a case. 1 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3901630 Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mytek Posted December 1, 2017 Author Share Posted December 1, 2017 Great thread! I know for sure I won't have my own 1088XEL running until at least mid/late January, perhaps later if I screw up more than I think I will already during assembly, but this thread will be a great resource when I finish tinkering and decide to put it into a case. Thanks . Yeah I got some new case projects in the works now that I'm freed up from motherboard design . Here's a preview of another Realan based project I just started working on, although this time I'm shooting for almost as small as I can get it, so I'll be using the H60 model (60 mm tall). It's not much higher than the rear connector panel, and has lost 20 mm as compared to it's larger cousin the H80. Realan H60 I'll be getting the black one, but I've decided to pimp it out with custom machined blue anodized aluminum top and rear panels (courtesy of Front Panel Express). You'll notice that this one doesn't have a Cartridge port, but it does sport a Dual CF card drive which I feel more than makes up for not being able to use carts. After all this is a modernized version of the A8, and with the U1MB under the hood taking care of my language needs via it's soft slots, everything else can pretty much be satisfied with either an XEX or an ATR served up from the built-in CF drive. Yep Dual CF drive capability is coming down the pipeline, and the adapters can be bought for around $10 each (includes FREE World Wide shipping). Brando Dual CF to 2.5" IDE Male Adapter (44 Pin) Product Code: UCABL007500 So keeping with the more modern theme, there will also be a DVI (Digital Video Interface) output provided by Simius's new Sophia RevC-DVI board. Edit: yeah I know PS/2 keyboard and mouse, CF drives, and DVI are not at the leading edge of modern, but compared to what a stock A8 came with, it certainly is a huge step in that direction. 7 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3901686 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariNerd Posted December 1, 2017 Share Posted December 1, 2017 ^Think using the vertical, normally unused marginal space around where the motherboard sits in the Realan case, is a good choice for optimizing use. Thought the CF Reader should be able to squeeze in there, vertically. Remember, if you need a sturdy anchor, the posts holding the momentary ON/OFF switch might provide a place to help secure, co-opting the screw-ports, if needed. Also, without the physical cart port, the HDD tray can now be put back to use for suspending whatever. If you want smol, It might be possible to get something similar to the Realan, in a "slim" profile. To use it and have space for your preferred connectors, you might need to give up some things on the back panel - probably legacy a/v (composite, s-video), putting DVI in their place, which might be considered controversial. _Think_ the mouse / kb ports will just squeeze under the limit for that profile. (Just leave those legacy a/v connectors off your board build, while not changing the design, but modify the back panel, somehow scrunching the rest of the connectors in. ) EDIT: Heh, found a thin M-ITX case that fits that scenario to an eerie degree (looks like it's a Realan knock-off. RE-EDIT: Err, it is a Realan. ), replete with a USB port in the same space. (Realizing the CF Drive may or may not fit vertically, here, though -maybe as a two part...) http://www.minicase.net/product_E-N44.html /-crazy design mode 3 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3901788 Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mytek Posted December 1, 2017 Author Share Posted December 1, 2017 Yep with the Realan H80 there's quite a bit of vertical space for whatever. However with the H60 the ceiling is getting pretty low, so some options like having the IDE44-CF adapter mounted vertically over the motherboard is no longer an option. Thus the reason it's been positioned where it is on my top panel layout, so that it can sit down into the hole between the board and inside the front of the case. Luckily this was the only clearance issue I really had to contend with, since there was still ample room to place whatever connectors I needed on the rear panel (sometimes called a bezel).Overall I think it'll work out very nicely, and may get repeated a second time if I have a need for an additional unit.I think Realan also has a H35 case, but that might be a bit too snug. Also heat could start to become a problem due to poor air circulation, thus requiring a fan. Edit: That Realan N-44 case looks real nice. But it probably wouldn't work with a standard rear bezel, so could be problematic to fit things like the joystick ports. 4 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3901807 Share on other sites More sharing options...
+David_P Posted December 2, 2017 Share Posted December 2, 2017 Just got this in from NewEgg: All I need now is time, which wasn't on sale on Black Friday or Cyber Monday... 4 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3902376 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dropcheck Posted December 2, 2017 Share Posted December 2, 2017 Just to put in my 2 cents:You could say both of these options are very similar.Rosewill RS-M1-01 BKAnd Apex MI-008Either of these include a ATX power supply and have the option of internal XF551 floppy drive or front loading cartridge if that is your desire. 5 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3902410 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gozar Posted December 2, 2017 Share Posted December 2, 2017 I don't think a mini-ITX board will fit: pi-top A pi is 85MM long, which means there would need to be at least 65MM under the keyboard to fit a mini-itx motherboard. And then the motherboard will probably have vertical clearance issues. 2 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3902851 Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mytek Posted December 2, 2017 Author Share Posted December 2, 2017 I don't think a mini-ITX board will fit: pi-top pi-top-front.9b851c1e.jpg pi-top-open.c6a9b0d0.jpg A pi is 85MM long, which means there would need to be at least 65MM under the keyboard to fit a mini-itx motherboard. And then the motherboard will probably have vertical clearance issues. Unfortunately not enough vertical clearance . Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3902937 Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Stephen Posted December 3, 2017 Share Posted December 3, 2017 Unfortunately not enough vertical clearance . Had to say goodbye to a very cracking lass for that same issue. I felt bad. 5 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3903129 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariNerd Posted December 4, 2017 Share Posted December 4, 2017 (edited) Not sure if PS/2 converter compatible, but found that someone had created an A8 k/b to USB converter, that might work as a kludge for those still intending to use Michael's board and shoe-horn it into an original A8 case. Most of the main connectors on Michael's board, have headers that may have leads connected and drawn out to the traditional ports, the standard keyboard ribbon cable being the one exception; for the reasons inherent with this being a specific purpose-built design, with certain intents in mind. Anyways... Eh, what am I thinking (getting ever-older) - probably would need custom firmware, but at least a semblance of a workable design is there. http://blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2016/08/atari-65xe-usb-keyboard-and-joystick-with-raspberry-pi3.html Edited December 4, 2017 by Standard User 3 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3903772 Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mytek Posted December 4, 2017 Author Share Posted December 4, 2017 Not sure if PS/2 converter compatible, but found that someone had created an A8 k/b to USB converter, that might work as a kludge for those still intending to use Michael's board and shoe-horn it into an original A8 case. Most of the main connectors on Michael's board, have headers that may have leads connected and drawn out to the traditional ports, the standard keyboard ribbon cable being the one exception; for the reasons inherent with this being a specific purpose-built design, with certain intents in mind. Anyways... Eh, what am I thinking (getting ever-older) - probably would need custom firmware, but at least a semblance of a workable design is there. http://blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2016/08/atari-65xe-usb-keyboard-and-joystick-with-raspberry-pi3.html Very nice . However for using a stock A8 keyboard on the 1088XEL, the easiest method would be to add a precision 18 pin socket underneath the TK-II chip on the bottom side of the 1088 motherboard, then use some sort of ribbon connection from that up to the top side that would plug into a fairly simple adapter board with a 1200XL keyboard connector. So in essence parallel all of the required signals from the TK-II chip and adapt that to connect up to a 1200XL keyboard. Since that keyboard already has all the required scanning circuits on board, the actual interface becomes a lot simpler and passive in nature. And hey if you're going to do this, then you may as well give it the best keyboard Atari ever produced. 6 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3903842 Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mytek Posted December 5, 2017 Author Share Posted December 5, 2017 I'm getting close to pushing the order button on getting this custom panel set made for my Realan H60 case. This is definitely a personal choice version, and does not support cartridges, but I intend to have all the video options on at least one of the builds based on this case. It'll be costly, having two Sophia boards (RGB & DVI), and the panels alone will run around $150 shipped, but it'll be a sweet little unit when completed. - Michael 6 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3905201 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavalamp Posted January 11, 2018 Share Posted January 11, 2018 Hi, been on Tinkercad and designed the case I had in mind, this pays homage to the XL and ST range. It features a cutaway rear panel for any additional mods, plenty of room being 200mm x 200mm x 76mm (This could be revised) . I haven't added anywhere for LEDs but it would be a simple matter of adding MKs Status Panel to the front. But I'm thinking maybe just two LEDs, TX and RX I don't want to clutter it. This version doesn't sport a cartridge port, i think there is room for one in the middle, depends on clearance from the components underneath. Waiting on prices from the 3D printer. Any thoughts? Tim. 8 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3933073 Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mytek Posted January 11, 2018 Author Share Posted January 11, 2018 I like it a lot Was wondering what it would look like with the bottom side corners rounded as well? If those are not functional cooling slots towards the back on the top panel, perhaps a few more 'real' cooling slots should be added to the bottom and top (don't want to overheat). BTW, nice placement for the joystick ports. Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3933104 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavalamp Posted January 11, 2018 Share Posted January 11, 2018 I like it a lot Was wondering what it would look like with the bottom side corners rounded as well? If those are not functional cooling slots towards the back on the top panel, perhaps a few more 'real' cooling slots should be added to the bottom and top (don't want to overheat). BTW, nice placement for the joystick ports. All those vents along the sides and back are all functional. Great suggestion for the bevel along the bottom case, looks a lot better, also changed the 1088XEL label to the Atari Classic font. 1 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3933140 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavalamp Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 (edited) Bevel along the front bottom? Edited January 12, 2018 by Lavalamp 4 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3933147 Share on other sites More sharing options...
_The Doctor__ Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 (edited) slight bevel the 28?-30? degree slope edges just for fun maybe (3) 800 XL option key style switched on the right? left side.. XE angle style led slots and (1) xe angle style switch on the left? Edited January 12, 2018 by _The Doctor__ Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3933180 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavalamp Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 slight bevel the 28?-30? degree slope edges just for fun maybe (3) 800 XL option key style switched on the right? left side.. XE angle style led slots and (1) xe angle style switch on the left? I see a power key header Is there an option key one? Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3933192 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariNerd Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 Well, being greedy for a moment (heh, hush)..maybe a cut-out / recess for an aluminum strip along the top-front edge, to echo XL design cues and break up space. It would also allow the detailing to label any indicators or If someone were to become really ambitious, someday, maybe functional console keys. 2 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3933195 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavalamp Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 Power button added, with a simple mechanism underneath to tap a micro-switch , this could be cut out and mounted on your preferred keypot etc, LEDs next 3 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3933221 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavalamp Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 (edited) Resigned power button to be slightly raised above the case and support a power LED and stronger spring/mount Moved the power button to the side and added 5 option buttons along the top in the style of the XE. A PCB would need to be deigned to make use of these, I will add mount points under the top case for the PCB under the option buttons and a separate one for the power button. Edited January 12, 2018 by Lavalamp 4 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3933392 Share on other sites More sharing options...
_The Doctor__ Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 (edited) that works better than what I was thinking, If some one put in a sio2sd they have exact need of 5 keys... my though was xl style on the right for the joy port mode toggles etc. your idea is better The XE power button is now exactly how I imagined when offering that idea Edited January 12, 2018 by _The Doctor__ 1 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3933430 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brentarian Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 Looks great! If I had to change anything, I would prefer the original Atari fuji rather than the Hasbro one. 3 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3933477 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariNerd Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 (edited) Oh, that is very nice indeed - far better than anything I could create. I now just need to convince my significant other that this is a much needed thing. Edited January 12, 2018 by Standard User Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/272643-cases-for-the-mini-itx-based-atari-8-bit-motherboards/#findComment-3933478 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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