I am designing a Universal Atari Modding Case, that will fit any Atari computer. Standard or non-standard.
I have a STe, Mega ST4, broken MSTE and TT030. So I am designing to fit all these machines. I have no Falcon, ST, STfm, or Firebee. But I would also like to make these fit too.
The product will be laser profiled, most likely in a clear acrylic 3mm sheet, and jointed with tight fitting slots, M3 Hex bolts in 8 positions, and some clever fitting and profiling, for which I do for prototyping products in my everyday work. The image above shows my basic idea, and it will be able to sit horizontally or vertically.
I have been careful to allow an unmodified ST or Falcon to fit in, and even position the FDD without modification to the right hand side. Clearly with an extended FDD cable the floppy can be moved to front, ala Mega STe and TT. In MSTE and TT, this would be the position I am guessing people would tend to use. Without this it would be hard to access the FDD if the case was positioned vertically or in desk side position. The cost will be around that of a 1000mm x 2000mm x 3mm clear acrylic or perspex sheet, plus the cost of laser cutting, which is quite low nowadays. There are several companies I already use, and anyone can have one, so long as they help me lay out the spec, and I will be needing some PCB mounting positions measured from the top left hand (PSU) corner so that I can outfit the base with PCB mount locations for all machines (see above for the ones I have in my collection). I will use cheap and cheerful snap in plastic PCB mounts, or perhaps nylon threaded ones. All items, except for the profiles will be available from common outlets such as Radio Shack or Maplin, and I will make the laser profiles available as DXF if people wish to make thier own, or I will order some made to amalgamate cost.
I have made some adjustments so that Mega St 1-4 fits, ST, Falcon, MSTE and TT etc etc, and reduced size considerably, and also rationalised no of drives. Clearly 1x 5.25" bay is sufficient, and if this leaves room for 1x full sized 3.5" HDD and 1x 3.5" FDD of any type.
There is plenty of room for any CT60 type mod in the appropriate area, and also any PSU (original or ATX) to the left hand side. Slots now for all ports for any production Atari at 28mm high covers all types. I may make a set of blanking plates that slot in for neatness, and would fit snugly round ports on the rear and left hand side. I DO HOWEVER NEED SPECS FOR PCI SLOTS AND PREFERRED ATX PSU's (i.e. those commonly used).
I have tried to copy the TT / MSTE case by Ira Valisnsky somewhat, but by using laser cut parts that slot together. The top panel and internal drive shelf would be removable. I have attempted to make this as small and compact as possible, and hence larger boards (MSTE, TT and MEGA) will extend under the sloping front area, just like on real Atari desktop cases.
Shown in the above pic is the ST/Falcon mainboard with original fitted PSU, but MSTE/TT mainboard extends further under the front angled section, just like on the desktop cases. Also the huge pizza box MEGA ST also fits (just) and the front of the PCB would come right to the front. I have designed some low cost fittings and keyed mechanical fixings that will fasten this assembly together firmly. It also has some Atari type / angles / on it!
Please can you indicate if you are interested, what you think this should accomodate, and if anyone else would like one. I estimate it will take me one week to design the final fittings, tolerances and required cable harnesses (if needed). But I am not planning to build for 2-3 months, as I have a MSTE to repair, and also I wish to make this a final re-casing solution that covers all models and tinkering capability, plus to protect the machines and showcase the cool electronics inside. I will finish the design with laser etching (shows up in white) for any lettering, logos etc. For example, I intend to mark the mainboard fitting locations with the markings ST, STE, MEGA, FALC, TT etc etc for ease of assembly, and will post full assembly instructions and supply as flat pack.
Please tell me your thoughts! Cheers Bid
