Some thoughts on case design.
While I’m waiting on some parts to arrive this afternoon, I took a few minutes to look at the different Commodore cases I have in my collection.
I want to build the NEON Sunrise around the idea of a wedge case, like the Commodore 64C/128 and Amiga computers. But I also want the mainboard to be ATX compliant so it can be mounted in (just about) any modern case as well. I was also thinking it would be really cool if it would be possible to design it all so that a modern case could fit in the wedge, but I’ll save that for another time.
C128 and Plus/4 vs Micro-ATX Mainboard
The two computers I mostly had in mind to get ideas from are the Plus/4, my favorite case design of all the CBM computers, and the C128, my favorite computer of all the CBM options. Placing the Micro-ATX Board over them, it shows me that the footprint of the Plus/4 is more than wide enough, and that a 60% keyboard would probably be a good option for the wedge case.
The C128 on the other hand, is very wide and very deep. And while that leads to a much lower height, it takes up a LOT of desk real estate. I think the keyboard-over-mainboard layout of the older machines (and machines like the MSX Series computers) will accomplish a lot more of what I’d like to with this design.
I started scratching my head a bit. Breadbins (VIC-20, C16, and early C64s) are certainly iconic, but not a anything I want to take design elements from. And they definitely wouldn’t look right modified to hold an Micro-ATX board. But the C64C, that could be a good jumping off point.
I usually forget that I own a C64C. It sits in a box, waiting to be restored. Hopefully this summer, when I can do some retrobrighting. But after pulling it out of the box and placing it on the table with the others, it does look like a good starting point.
Obviously I’m not going to just reuse a C64C case. But I like that it’s still Keyboard-over-mainboard, but also has the elongated footprint. There’s more than enough room for this board and expansions, without looking too crazy.
My design is still slated to have the LCD Status Panel built into the top, and the ports out the back, and have Micro/Flex-ATX mount points, but I think this could be a good inspiration point.
Specific Design Elements
OK, so….
The case would need to allow for an expansion slot. This will probably be within the ATX Backplane for compatibility.
I have no idea where the power switch will go yet. Same with the intended 4x SNES ports.
Current intention is to use a Pico-PSU with an external 12V adaptor. This would allow for a standard ATX power supply if mounted in a ATX Case.
The Mainboard has to have both the PS/2 port for an external keyboard and an internal header for the build in keyboard.
Custom Keyboard for wedge: somewhere between a TKL and 60%. It needs all the regular keys, plus cursor keys, not sure on how many function keys it would need (if any)
Is there anything I’m forgetting?
Probably.
