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Amiga News and Community Announcements => Amiga News and Community Announcements => Amiga Hardware News => Topic started by: vox on May 03, 2012, 10:58:14 PM

Title: X500 Plus case
Post by: vox on May 03, 2012, 10:58:14 PM
Source AW.net http://amigaworld.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=35684&forum=33 (http://amigaworld.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=35684&forum=33)

Hi everyone,

First I’d like to say thanks to all the people who have expressed interest, followed and supported my projects during the years.

You know who you are…

Secondly I’d like to point out a couple of things:

1)   This has been created during the last 7 years (on and off, every time I saved some money I’d work on it), I made lots of different prototypes but wasn’t happy with any of them

2)   It’s a one-man project (self imposed masochistic challenge), I designed the thing, I raised the money, I used my time, nobody else was harmed  apart from a few patient people (sorry to have bothered you so much with all my questions and requests)  

3)   I bash things together in a garage, there is no fancy design studio in sunny California  actually quite the opposite! All the photos were taken at home with a mobile phone (sorry about the quality) and sometimes I dragged the table outside as light is not very good at the moment (where has the sun gone?!)

4)   The original all aluminium X500 PLUS became too expensive to make, the keyboard started becoming difficult to source and a minimum of 1000 pieces were needed...so I scrapped the project and with it the time and cash spent.   But the aluminium core is still there.

5)   The X500 PLUS has grown lots through the years, from a one off personal A500 replacement case to a full blown project with the following targets:

To support powerful x86 boards (mini-itx and flex-atx boards). Why? Because you can then build and customise your own retro but powerful and modern wedge shaped machine. You might want to run AROS, Windows, Linux, WinUAE, build your Natami machine (I think the Natami in the black version of the X500 PLUS would look excellent, the logo really suits it) etc…etc…

To support the SAM boards by ACube running OS4. Why? Because it makes sense.

There are some limitations of course; being only 58mm high you’ll need to use processors heatsinks that fit (my Intel i3 came with the right low profile heatsink for example).

There is no need to do anything with the SAMs obviously, maybe just file the I/O panel a bit.

Don’t go too mad, as you’ll be using a picoPSU (of your choice and they come in 80, 90, 120, 150 and 160W) so power is at a premium and also you need to consider heat generated.

Right now the X500 PLUS shown in the video has an Intel i3 cpu running at 2.5GHz on a gigabyte motherboard with 8GB DDR3 RAM (16GB supported), onboard Intel HD 2000/3000 graphic chip, USB3.0, HDMI ports, VGA and a x16 PCI-Express slot, here I have connected an ATI Radeon HD 6570 2GB graphics card. This is one of the most powerful low profile cards you can get and it does get hot but it runs games such as Mass Effect 3 really well. My set up also has a 150W picoPSU with external 150W brick. See video.

To offer a full size, easy to find, standard keyboard. I have bought and tested several keyboards (I have no idea what I am going to do with them all) and this felt right and ideal for this type of design.

It’s quite a good one, chiclet keyboard and it comes in white or black, hence the case will be white or black. It is an Emprex 6310U keyboard and I can only find them with the U.K. layout so if you want you can buy the case without the keyboard and get your localised version yourself.
The adhesives for the Amiga keys “A” are available from Acube, amigakit and others. They should fit nicely over the rounded Windows logos.

To offer hacking/customising/modding potential.

To offer one low profile expansion slot. Length and thickness (no dual slot) limit of the card applies, the ATI HD 6570 2GB above is 170mm long for example and it fits nicely.

To have enough space inside for a slim DVD-RW (in the video you can see a black version and a white version), a 3.5” multi card reader (in the video you can see white, grey and black ones, here you could put a floppy disk drive but it’s for the brave), two to three 2.5” Hard Disk or Solid State Drives (I recommend the SSDs as they have no moving parts, they are faster, silent and don’t generate heat).

Being able to replace the LEDs if you want to, I know it might sound silly but I always wanted to replace the colour of my LEDs on cases with dodgy colour combination (Red and Blue for example). I like Blue and Orange.  I made a custom LED window to accept 3mm tailed LEDs.

The power switch is a bog standard Reset switch, available anywhere; it’s positioned underneath the right side of the keyboard and can be easily replaced if it becomes faulty for example.

Left to do: not much, I want to improve the airflow a bit, I might add more vent slots, back, rear, top and base and see if I can include a Fractal Design silent 40mm fan, like the one in the video. The Scythe silent 40mm (I have tested both) is also a good one.

Maybe reduce the size of the LEDs and also spray the aluminium base in black and in white to compare it to the “natural” aluminium one). I am thinking all black for the black version. I have no idea how to change the colour in Photoshop from white to black so if anyone wants to have a go let me know.

If there is anything you want me to adjust, now it is the time to tell me…  but I can only change small things.

A minimum of 50 orders is necessary to go ahead, the case is made of lots of parts so I will be assembling them one by one…so please be patient.

You will have to use your best pc building skills to make it nice and tidy inside, routing cables the proper way and allow good airflow, I’ll see if I can provide cable ties.

If successful expect more projects coming your way...together with one collaboration with Acube. But that was supposed to be a secret…


Crank the volume right up and select HD...

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAMCVDumhZQ
YT channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/LorianoPagni

I'll update my page when I get a bit of rest...I am exhausted!

Usual email: amigarulez@hotmail.com

Have fun and thanks again.

PS: I have no idea on how to embed a photo of it, any kind soul?
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: Darrin on May 04, 2012, 12:16:08 AM
For some reason that link above takes me to the Minimig video and not the X500 Plus.  This is the correct link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieDfpMM8faQ

The Minimig case with the white keyboard and mouse was a thing of beauty and this X500 Plus design looks absolutely fantastic.

Excellent work!
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: darkage on May 04, 2012, 02:33:55 AM
Ok so someone has managed to put a Apple thin keyboard on a simple shaped a500 looking like case..  actually the real a500 I think looks much better in such it has its own identity with nicer curves instead of being a Steve "minimalist" Job.
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: haywirepc on May 04, 2012, 07:19:06 AM
I think its beautiful.

Give the guy some credit, that is ALOT of work right there.
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: TheDaddy on May 04, 2012, 11:25:04 AM
@Darrin, haywirepc...Thank you.

Thanks vox for posting it here at amiga.org, I didn't have time last night I was exhausted... :)

@darkage
I don't know what to say about your comment.

I see the X500 PLUs as a solution for all (Natami, FPGAArcade, Raspberry pi, SAM, x86 itx-flex boards)  it's obviously for people who are interested in a case that vaguely resembles the A500). It's a one-man-project/dream. It's a tribute to the golden age.

It's inspired by not a replica of.

I loved blasting aliens in Mass Effect 3 last night while I was recording...the Intel i3 2.5GHz and the ATI Radeon HD 6570 2GB really set the game right. Shame I sold my SAM+OS4 to finance the last modifications otherwise a few shots with OS4 would have been great...Anyway when I manage to save some money I'll make the final adjustments and make a black prototype, that should look double awesome! I see it perfect for an AROS/Natami system :D

The X500 PLUS is slightly shorter and thinner than the original A500 (at 58mm I have managed to pack a 2.5GHz cpu, 8-16GB RAM, a PCI Express ATI Radeon 6570 2GB, a DVD-RW/Blu-Ray, a 3.5" card reader/FDD, a couple of 2.5" HDD/SSD and a keyboard)...oh well...
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: darkage on May 04, 2012, 12:37:07 PM
I think we need to buy TheDaddy a commercial 3d printer or CNC milling machine, sorry I just cant get beyond the sheet metal feel to it with its profile.   It reminds me of a wide Dataflyer 500 case.  

I know working from the garage you having limitations, its great that your produced something, but would love to see it taken to the next level.
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: Fnac on May 04, 2012, 01:07:21 PM
Great Work.!
I have only 2 questions ?
Its possible to fit a amiga 1200 motherboard inside ?
and the keyboard layout can be changed ? (UK, PT, US, et?)

Thanks.
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: TheDaddy on May 04, 2012, 01:33:13 PM
Quote from: darkage;691563
I think we need to buy TheDaddy a commercial 3d printer or CNC milling machine, sorry I just cant get beyond the sheet metal feel to it with its profile.   It reminds me of a wide Dataflyer 500 case.  

I know working from the garage you having limitations, its great that your produced something, but would love to see it taken to the next level.



The aluminium is great for stiffness and heat dissipation, that is one of the reason I chose it.
Next level? I have got other things on paper but they'll depend on the X500 to do well.
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: TheDaddy on May 04, 2012, 01:36:09 PM
Quote from: Fnac;691565
Great Work.!
I have only 2 questions ?
Its possible to fit a amiga 1200 motherboard inside ?
and the keyboard layout can be changed ? (UK, PT, US, et?)

Thanks.



Good question...I haven't tried an A1200 motherboard but I think you can. The case has a standard cut out on the back for I/O panels. Once the A1200 motherboard is inside you would need to block that. If you let me know the size of the A1200 motherboard I can tell you for sure. Regarding the keyboard layout. I can only put my hands on the U.K. layout.
If you need a different one I would advise grabbing this:

Emprex 6310U USB keyboard in the layout you prefer, the case was designed around it.
Thanks.
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: darkage on May 04, 2012, 02:05:37 PM
Quote from: TheDaddy;691568
The aluminium is great for stiffness and heat dissipation, that is one of the reason I chose it.
Next level? I have got other things on paper but they'll depend on the X500 to do well.

No doubt aluminium is a great base material, but theres only so much you can do with a sheet of it without fancy stamping.

Wish you luck though!  I want to see next level!
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: persia on May 04, 2012, 02:31:19 PM
Why not just 3D print it, time and materials on a quality 3D printer is going to be cheaper than manufacturing it.  That's what Commodore would have done if they were still around!
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: XDelusion on May 04, 2012, 02:46:43 PM
I really like this!
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: jorkany on May 04, 2012, 04:00:18 PM
Quote from: persia;691577
Why not just 3D print it, time and materials on a quality 3D printer is going to be cheaper than manufacturing it.  That's what Commodore would have done if they were still around!


Are there 3D printers that model in metal? At least ones that are fairly accessible to the customer?
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: Damiga on May 04, 2012, 09:09:40 PM
Wow!:banana:

Looks great, Nice job!

How much hard earned cash must I part with to get my hands on one of those cases?
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: TheDaddy on May 04, 2012, 09:52:09 PM
Quote from: Damiga;691620
Wow!:banana:

Looks great, Nice job!

How much hard earned cash must I part with to get my hands on one of those cases?

I'll be doing the maths tomorrow...I have still got no idea, the amount spent on this is enormous but I understand there is a limit on what people want to pay...

I have still got to solve a couple of minor problems...

Will let you know as soon as I can. ;)

Thanks!
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: CritAnime on May 04, 2012, 10:40:14 PM
I have been keeping an eye on this for a while. I must say it looks verry nice ;) good work Daddy :D
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: yssing on May 04, 2012, 10:47:40 PM
Its beautiful. Looks great.
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: jj on May 04, 2012, 10:52:26 PM
I think the case is awesome and the way i read darkage comments
Is that he is being a bit of a tool. He is obviously the best case maker in the world
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: gunni on May 04, 2012, 11:00:18 PM
great job! :)
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: Tripitaka on May 05, 2012, 12:45:26 AM
Quote from: jorkany;691591
Are there 3D printers that model in metal? At least ones that are fairly accessible to the customer?


Damn fine question. The answer is.......

NO! Well it's no unless you got about half a million dollars that is, damn shame isn't it. :(
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: XDelusion on May 05, 2012, 02:35:18 AM
Eager!!! :)


Quote from: TheDaddy;691624
I'll be doing the maths tomorrow...I have still got no idea, the amount spent on this is enormous but I understand there is a limit on what people want to pay...

I have still got to solve a couple of minor problems...

Will let you know as soon as I can. ;)

Thanks!
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: darkage on May 05, 2012, 07:10:38 AM
Quote from: jorkany;691591
Are there 3D printers that model in metal? At least ones that are fairly accessible to the customer?

For metal you use a CNC Mill or lathe for rounder objects.  It sculpts it from a solid metal block.

Quote from: persia;691591
Why not just 3D print it, time and materials on a quality 3D printer is going to be cheaper than manufacturing it. That's what Commodore would have done if they were still around!

3D printing is great for small complex pieces, but for a large case would take too long. Also if you dont use resin (liquid) or teflon powder 3d printing then you get lines with extruder method that you would have to sand down.    Best to use mould injection but it takes alot of effort to make the moulds making it very expensive..  For one prototype case it will probably cost about $20000 USD.    A mould for a small door plaque can cost up to $3000 USD.

I think metal stamping is probably most cost effective solution if sales do ramp up. You can do more complex shapes, in a larger volume economically.

Quote from: JJ;691591
I think the case is awesome and the way i read darkage comments
Is that he is being a bit of a tool. He is obviously the best case maker in the world

I never made my own case before nor do I want to, but I do firmly believe in using the right tools for the job!  Where you see awesome, I see improvements simple as that.
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: TheDaddy on May 05, 2012, 04:27:51 PM
Thank you very much.

I have quickly updated my page, sorry about the quality of the photographs, taken with a crappy mobile...

http://www.loriano.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

I have also taken a couple of photos with the Apple aluminium keyboard as I was asked to check if it fits.

It does but it might need a bit of adjustment.

http://www.loriano.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/applekeyboard.htm
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: vox on May 05, 2012, 07:00:48 PM
C=USA requested no Amiga sticker policy
http://amigaworld.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?mode=viewtopic&topic_id=35684&forum=33&start=20&viewmode=flat&order=0
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: XDelusion on May 05, 2012, 09:36:22 PM
God I can't stand people like that!!!

Quote from: vox;691735
C=USA requested no Amiga sticker policy
http://amigaworld.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?mode=viewtopic&topic_id=35684&forum=33&start=20&viewmode=flat&order=0
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: giZmo350 on May 05, 2012, 09:42:48 PM
This is awesome and gorgeous! Is there already a web pre-order page on your site? I gotta have one! I will even pre-pay to get on the list if neccessary. Thanks for all the incredible work! :biglaugh:
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: TheDaddy on May 06, 2012, 09:29:20 AM
Not quite ready yet, got to sort out a couple of things:

Want to improve airflow, add more vent slots and see if I can change the position and size of the LEDs (a bit of a problem this as it's a custom made window and moving it to the right might foul the psu on the SAM board) other than that it's finished.

I also want to try and make a black prototype if I can raise the money.

You'd get:

Case in black or white already assembled
The aluminium base sprayed in black (instead of "natural" aluminium colour)
All the screws and spacers
x9 rubber feet
1x slim DVD-RW drive
1x 3.5" card/media reader
1x DVD-RW SATA cable
1x silent 40mm Scythe or Fractal design fan
2x LEDs
1x custom made LED window (I'll assemble it for you)
Cable ties (so you can route and organise your cables)
1x Empres USB black or white keyboard
1x USB adapter
1x switch

Thanks! :)

EDIT: No adhesives included - but this was obvious ;)
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: vox on May 06, 2012, 10:00:53 AM
Quote from: TheDaddy;691867


You'd get:

Case in black or white already assembled
The aluminium base sprayed in black (instead of "natural" aluminium colour)
All the screws and spacers
x9 rubber feet
1x slim DVD-RW drive
1x 3.5" card/media reader
1x DVD-RW SATA cable
1x silent 40mm Scythe or Fractal design fan
2x LEDs
1x custom made LED window (I'll assemble it for you)
Cable ties (so you can route and organise your cables)
1x Empres USB black or white keyboard
1x USB adapter
1x switch

Thanks! :)

EDIT: No adhesives included - but this was obvious ;)


That is a great pack but would raise the case price. If most of enthusiasists are gonna build the system around they migh also get 3.5" card reader and slim DVD with presumption that cables are supplied.

Off course keep the bulk ofer as separate one for those who would like to have them already.
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: TheDaddy on May 06, 2012, 02:19:38 PM
Quote from: vox;691868
That is a great pack but would raise the case price. If most of enthusiasists are gonna build the system around they migh also get 3.5" card reader and slim DVD with presumption that cables are supplied.

Off course keep the bulk ofer as separate one for those who would like to have them already.



I suppose so but I want to make sure everything works... :)

Might apply a discount for those who have stuff already, I need to check first.

There are companies offering less versatile cases (with inbuilt keyboard) for $365... ;)
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: TheDaddy on May 06, 2012, 04:00:02 PM
Hi everyone,

I have updated my page:

http://www.loriano.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Updated the video...now in HD, put the volume up to max and select HD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAMCVDumhZQ

Thanks! :)
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: vox on May 06, 2012, 08:23:10 PM
Quote from: TheDaddy;691908
Hi everyone,

I have updated my page:

http://www.loriano.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Updated the video...now in HD, put the volume up to max and select HD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAMCVDumhZQ

Thanks! :)


Amiga.org news video updated, request sent to AW.net moderators to update it also.

Re-watch to get the hype running, recommend and share nice news

Loriano - Maybe asking Viva Amiga dude to come shoot some of your garage works and nice interview?
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: darkage on May 07, 2012, 06:59:17 AM
Quote from: TheDaddy;691867

I also want to try and make a black prototype if I can raise the money.


Why not start up a kickstart page to raise funds?   I've noticed when I was shopping for a 3d printer, alot of startup projects showing off a prototype, raising funds online then off to the production line seems they have been quite successful sooo far with amount raised.
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: TheDaddy on May 07, 2012, 11:35:55 AM
Does anyone think it would be a good idea to move the LEDs to the left instead of centrally?

Can't do right as it fouls the memory on the x86 board and the picoPSU on the SAM460...

If you think about it the X500 is all reversed

 :D compared to the A500

Drives on the left too...

Opinions?

Thanks
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: jj on May 07, 2012, 07:38:46 PM
left yes, better
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: TheMagicM on May 09, 2012, 12:29:21 AM
looks very nice!   How much?
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: darkage on May 09, 2012, 02:15:15 AM
Quote from: TheDaddy;692029
Does anyone think it would be a good idea to move the LEDs to the left instead of centrally?

Can't do right as it fouls the memory on the x86 board and the picoPSU on the SAM460...

If you think about it the X500 is all reversed

 :D compared to the A500

Drives on the left too...

Opinions?

Thanks


Yeah thats one of the reasons why i dont like it that much,   its reversed compared to a A500..  I think it would be cool if you added something unique...  how about a spring loaded 2" colour LCD that can pop out on the left hand side next to the keyboard for owners of floppy emulators that use the screen to select floppy images?  Something out of the box would be cool.  Well spring loaded is a bit complex but some mounting aid for small lcd screens would be good I think.
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: odin on May 09, 2012, 09:13:59 PM
LEDs left, scratch the blue LED and lose the drives ;).

Excellent case otherwise!
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: darkage on May 10, 2012, 01:31:21 AM
The case could be shipped without LED's mounted, just with labelled connections.. Then it will alllow the enduser to select what colour is worthy for them.. :)
Title: Re: X500 Plus case
Post by: amigamad on May 11, 2012, 07:47:37 PM
I really like this case as it is i would like to know how much the cost will be this will be good for aros .