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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: TheDaddy on October 27, 2012, 12:59:20 PM

Title: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 27, 2012, 12:59:20 PM
with some epic music from Klaus Badelt.

X500 Plus Black Edition (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaGYAT_HrHY&feature=channel&list=UL)

Enjoy ;)

Edit: Select 720p or 1080p...
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 27, 2012, 08:22:15 PM
A short video of its specifications and some setup examples coming up... :)
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: pyrre on October 27, 2012, 09:16:55 PM
How do i get my hands on one...?
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: giZmo350 on October 27, 2012, 09:21:29 PM
I really want to put my sam board in this! Have you decided on the final shipped config and a price yet?
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 27, 2012, 10:59:45 PM
Quote from: pyrre;712806
How do i get my hands on one...?


Hi,

email: amigarulez@hotmail.com

only 50 cases will be made.

Thank you. :)
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 27, 2012, 11:02:14 PM
Quote from: gizmo350;712807
I really want to put my sam board in this! Have you decided on the final shipped config and a price yet?


Hi Gizmo,

I have decided to let the people who have registered for one to come up with the price as it's taken too many years and too much money so the price will be decided by....YOU! :-)

I am still waiting for everyone's reply on it, if interested please email me and let me know what you think:

amigarulez@hotmail.com

Many thanks! ;)
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: Fransexy_ on October 27, 2012, 11:05:18 PM
Quote from: TheDaddy;712816
Hi,

email: amigarulez@hotmail.com

only 50 cases will be made.

Thank you. :)


(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSfYWRB34m_T8mwvJbmdJs7RA3c_se0EwFZN6EwAfcYpK9MsDYjcA)

;-) ;-) ;-) ;-)
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: kedawa on October 27, 2012, 11:26:54 PM
Definitely the best wedge going.
From the end of the video, I assume you just died at the ripe old age of 7. ;)
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 27, 2012, 11:42:44 PM
Quote from: kedawa;712823
Definitely the best wedge going.
From the end of the video, I assume you just died at the ripe old age of 7. ;)


LOL! No, but seven years of on and off working on the darn thing feels like it! :D
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 27, 2012, 11:43:20 PM
Quote from: Fransexy_;712819
(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSfYWRB34m_T8mwvJbmdJs7RA3c_se0EwFZN6EwAfcYpK9MsDYjcA)

;-) ;-) ;-) ;-)


Fran...believe me I will! :D
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: Lurch on October 28, 2012, 01:47:08 AM
Sent you an email, not sure on cost. Always hard to guess or come up with a price, you would have a better idea than us of parts + time.

Would be good to get some of your money back or put it in to another product?

My plan would be to somehow fit my A500 in it, wishful thinking. Have seen a couple of hacks to get a USB keyboard working with the A500 so might be possible.

Anyway, maybe once you hear back from everyone that's emailed you, you could take an average price and go with that?
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: wrath of khan on October 28, 2012, 01:29:26 AM
Thats the thing.I dont really know how much a case like the x500 would cost.
Would 120 euros be a sane price.
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: Iggy on October 28, 2012, 02:00:50 AM
I like the case, but the video gives me motion sickness.
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 28, 2012, 07:53:57 AM
@Lurch

>>Sent you an email, not sure on cost. Always hard to guess or come up with a price, you would have a better idea than us of parts + time.

Thanks. That is the problem, when I started all those years back it was only to give my towerised A1200 a new case then the SAMs boards came out with standard boards sizes (mini-itx, flex-atx) so I started again as more people wished for something similar for their SAMs, then I got a few emails from the AROS guys so I had to go and test a few x86 boards and make changes this is when the change of moving the drives from the right all the way to the left happened, then I was asked for an expansion slot so back I went again, each time a prototype (roughly £800), bought loads of parts, screws, nuts, bolts, types of plastic, metal (finally settled on aluminium), switches, LEDs, sold ALL of my Amiga collection to finance it, everything, I have got just some floppies and an A500 manual left. :)
My A1200s, A500s, A600s, SAM440 and 440flex, C64s and 128s, macs the list is enormous...so to cut it short I just want to get some money back to buy myself some of that stuff back, donate to Amiga projects and websites and invest it in another idea I have got... :D

>>My plan would be to somehow fit my A500 in it, wishful thinking. Have seen a couple of hacks to get a USB keyboard working with the A500 so might be possible.

To be honest I haven't tried an A500 board but the case is slightly shorter less wide than the A500 case, it would be interesting to know. The rear I/O aperture is standard size (like the ones you see on pc cases).

>>Anyway, maybe once you hear back from everyone that's emailed you, you could take an average price and go with that?

That is the idea... :)
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: esc on October 28, 2012, 11:26:30 AM
How does one go about designing a case for computers?  Is it possible to use 3d printers to actually make them?  My Amigas could all use some sweet new cases.  Especially considering it's nearly impossible to find a tower kit for many Amigas these days in good shape...
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: Darrin on October 28, 2012, 03:05:45 PM
@ The Daddy:

I think you need to set a minimum price so that you're sure to recover your costs and then ask for people to "leave a tip" if they wish.

I don't like to play guessing games on prices and I'm not going to subsidize someone else who low-balls you to get one.  I want to pay a fair price and only you know that.  :)
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: haywirepc on October 28, 2012, 06:12:35 PM
Thats incredibly elegant and beautiful. Congratulations.

Hard work and determination pays off with a beautiful finished project. Wish you the best of success, I think you could sell hundreds of these cases,
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 28, 2012, 08:47:29 PM
Darrin,

I see your point but it would cost far too much if I had to take into account everything so I'll try and get at least some money back, as I would like to donate to amiga sites and projects (something I haven't done for years) and also finish another little thing I am working on. ;)

Oh forgot to say that the FPGAArcade Replay board fits nicely, there is loads of space inside to mess about with... :D
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 28, 2012, 08:48:15 PM
Quote from: haywirepc;712904
Thats incredibly elegant and beautiful. Congratulations.

Hard work and determination pays off with a beautiful finished project. Wish you the best of success, I think you could sell hundreds of these cases,


Thank you very much! :)
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 29, 2012, 07:58:15 PM
Quick photo of the FPGAArcade Replay board inside the X500 Plus, loads of space for messing about :D

(http://www.loriano.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ReplayRear.png)
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: wrath of khan on October 29, 2012, 08:58:00 PM
Quote from: TheDaddy;713111
Quick photo of the FPGAArcade Replay board inside the X500 Plus, loads of space for messing about :D

(http://www.loriano.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ReplayRear.png)
Man the fpga arcade is tiny. Enough space in the there for lots of stuff.
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: Darrin on October 29, 2012, 09:48:36 PM
Quote from: TheDaddy;713111
Quick photo of the FPGAArcade Replay board inside the X500 Plus, loads of space for messing about :D


Looks great.  Put me down for one.
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: ToddH on October 29, 2012, 11:57:53 PM
Is there a way to connect the X500 keyboard to the Replay inside the case?
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: giZmo350 on October 30, 2012, 12:40:17 AM
Quote from: Darrin;713124
Looks great.  Put me down for one.

I've asked this fine engineer to reserve me one at least 3 or 4 times! I just don't know how much to pay?! Plus, I may have missed some posts of what it comes with.... PSU, Optical drive, etc.... What config are the internal components (see previous question) supplied? I suppose at the end of the day it doesn't matter... except for ONE thing... if a guy wants to drop in a SAM460, can he use BOTH his SATA card AND Graphics card? Probably not.

Hold the phone!!! The FPGA board is available to buy? Well, my SA460 already has a nice home.... How do I get an FPGA board? The price of admission for an X500 case is worth dropping in an FPGA period!

Hey Uncle Darrin?.... will you buy me one?  HAHAHAHAHA...  J/K  :rofl:
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: Darrin on October 30, 2012, 12:53:16 AM
Quote from: gizmo350;713157
I've asked this fine engineer to reserve me one at least 3 or 4 times! I just don't know how much to pay?! Plus, I may have missed some posts of what it comes with.... PSU, Optical drive, etc.... What config are the internal components (see previous question) supplied? I suppose at the end of the day it doesn't matter... except for ONE thing... if a guy wants to drop in a SAM460, can he use BOTH his SATA card AND Graphics card? Probably not.

Hold the phone!!! The FPGA board is available to buy? Well, my SA460 already has a nice home.... How do I get an FPGA board? The price of admission for an X500 case is worth dropping in an FPGA period!

Hey Uncle Darrin?.... will you buy me one?  HAHAHAHAHA...  J/K  :rofl:


Yep, we need some hard numbers now.

Questions I see:

How much?  (We don't want to guess)
Do we have to have the DVD drive?
How does the keyboard connect to the FPGA arcade (cabled passed through the back and plugged into the PS2 port I assume).

Any more?
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: Darrin on October 30, 2012, 12:54:16 AM
Quote from: ToddH;713146
Is there a way to connect the X500 keyboard to the Replay inside the case?


I doubt it unless you're into cutting wires and soldering.
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: ToddH on October 30, 2012, 01:29:37 AM
Quote from: Darrin;713159
I doubt it unless you're into cutting wires and soldering.


I wonder if it would be possible to connect it to the Replay's USB header/port somehow? Would definitely make for a cleaner install in the X500.
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: Darrin on October 30, 2012, 01:54:53 AM
Quote from: ToddH;713169
I wonder if it would be possible to connect it to the Replay's USB header/port somehow? Would definitely make for a cleaner install in the X500.


It would need a redesign.  Here's a pic showing both sides of the FPGA board.  There's no easy access to the PS-2 lines that I can see:

http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/fpga_arcade_board_detail.jpg
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: kedawa on October 30, 2012, 03:15:47 AM
Couldn't something be done within the fpga to reroute ps2 to an internal header?
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: kolla on October 30, 2012, 03:27:17 AM
I have only two issues with this case :)

I'm quite ambidextrous myself, but is there any particular reason why optical drive and memory card slots are on the left side instead of the right side? And same with the leds, it almost looks like an inverted A500. Second issue I have is of course that it's a PC keyboard and not an Amiga keyboard.
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: mikej on October 30, 2012, 04:11:01 AM
Quote from: Darrin;713171
It would need a redesign.  Here's a pic showing both sides of the FPGA board.  There's no easy access to the PS-2 lines that I can see:

http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/fpga_arcade_board_detail.jpg


Darrin,
The board has a small patch array at the top for extra IO. This can be used to drive the LEDs and probably the USB. I have a small microprocessor inside the FPGA running the PS2 interfaces, and I am working on modifying this speak USB. Then, either an external passive adapter on the PS2 connector, or the pinheader, could be used to connect a USB mouse/ keyboard.
A quicker solution is an i2c or spi to USB bridge which I can bolt on.
Cheers,
Mike
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 30, 2012, 07:23:56 AM
Quote from: ToddH;713146
Is there a way to connect the X500 keyboard to the Replay inside the case?


That is what happens when you go to sleep, you miss loads of posts on amiga.org, must stay awake! :D

Two possibilities I think:

1) Route the USB keyboard out and back in the PS2 port (PS/2 to USB adapter required)
 
2) Mike is working on a more elegant solution see post n.31
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 30, 2012, 08:10:30 AM
Quote from: gizmo350;713157
I've asked this fine engineer to reserve me one at least 3 or 4 times! I just don't know how much to pay?! Plus, I may have missed some posts of what it comes with.... PSU, Optical drive, etc.... What config are the internal components (see previous question) supplied? I suppose at the end of the day it doesn't matter... except for ONE thing... if a guy wants to drop in a SAM460, can he use BOTH his SATA card AND Graphics card? Probably not.

Hold the phone!!! The FPGA board is available to buy? Well, my SA460 already has a nice home.... How do I get an FPGA board? The price of admission for an X500 case is worth dropping in an FPGA period!

Hey Uncle Darrin?.... will you buy me one?  HAHAHAHAHA...  J/K  :rofl:



Hello Gizmo!

Did you email me at amigarulez@hotmail.com?
If so who are you on the list? :D

Quick answer: no PSU is included, the case is designed for picoPSUs available in 80-90-120-150 and 160W, and they come with external power brick...just like our Amigas.

What you get:

The case, I'll assemble it for you - 3 plastic parts, 1 aluminium, loads and loads of screws, washers, nuts! :)

2 braided LEDs, LED colour of your choice (amber, green, red, blue)

low profile USB keyboard

2 custom made DVD and 3.5" drive brackets

keyboard holders

9 rubber feet

1 power switch

custom made LED window

and other bits

Regarding the SAM460...

As you know it's only got one SATA port and with ACube we are looking at it right now.

Physically the board fits but you can only use one expansion slot (generally the one for the graphics card).

As Darrin said you could have the case without the DVD drive but then you'll have a hole to cover, I haven't had time to make one. Same for the 3.5" card reader, here the more adventurous could fit a floppy disk drive for the total retro look and feel, I haven't tested it though.

Regarding the fpga replay; it's so small, smaller than the SAM440ep (mini-itx) so I am thinking loads of possible expansion cards? Use up the expansion slot in the future? Loads of messing about and experimenting?

Anyway this is Mike's field. :)
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: kolla on October 30, 2012, 08:18:12 AM
Quote from: mikej;713182
I am working on modifying this speak USB. Then, either an external passive adapter on the PS2 connector, or the pinheader, could be used to connect a USB mouse/ keyboard.
A quicker solution is an i2c or spi to USB bridge which I can bolt on.


Sweet, got a keyrah waiting for this, gonna fit it all inside A600 housing :)
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 30, 2012, 09:29:08 AM
Quote from: kolla;713180
I have only two issues with this case :)

I'm quite ambidextrous myself, but is there any particular reason why optical drive and memory card slots are on the left side instead of the right side? And same with the leds, it almost looks like an inverted A500. Second issue I have is of course that it's a PC keyboard and not an Amiga keyboard.



the reasons for the inversion are:

By positioning the motherboard on the right you have the following benefits:

1) You can have an expansion slot, I think this is a BONUS, you don't have to rely on onboard graphics
2) Usually you use the mouse with your right hand so when you open the DVD or insert the cards you don't have it in the way
3) Being the motherboard on the right the LEDs would foul it so they moved to the left

The keyboard, like everything else, in the case is a generic USB keyboard.

The reasons for it are:

It's cheap (£10-14)
It's low profile (consider that I worked my backside off to get the best possible angle on the X500) so ergonomically it is the best we could do.
It's easily replaceable (as long as they keep producing them).
It's full size, it has lots of keys and some extra ones for volume, sleep etc...
It comes in black or white and it has the same finish as the plastic I use

I have tried my best to use as many off the shelf available parts (keyboard, power switch, LEDs, screws etc...) to keep the cost down, the expensive parts are:

The plastic, sides and top
The aluminium, cut, bent, punched and powder coated
The custom LED windows
The custom brackets for the DVD/Card reader
The keyboard holders

those are the VERY expensive parts, the rest is generic stuff.

Like I said, if we reach 50, the absolute minimum to put an order in and I can get some money back, I have a couple of ideas that might be of interest... :)
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: Darrin on October 30, 2012, 01:49:53 PM
Quote from: mikej;713182
Darrin,
The board has a small patch array at the top for extra IO. This can be used to drive the LEDs and probably the USB. I have a small microprocessor inside the FPGA running the PS2 interfaces, and I am working on modifying this speak USB. Then, either an external passive adapter on the PS2 connector, or the pinheader, could be used to connect a USB mouse/ keyboard.
A quicker solution is an i2c or spi to USB bridge which I can bolt on.
Cheers,
Mike


Excellent.  Sounds like a great plan.
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: wrath of khan on October 31, 2012, 12:40:06 AM
Quote from: TheDaddy;713226
the reasons for the inversion are:

By positioning the motherboard on the right you have the following benefits:

1) You can have an expansion slot, I think this is a BONUS, you don't have to rely on onboard graphics
2) Usually you use the mouse with your right hand so when you open the DVD or insert the cards you don't have it in the way
3) Being the motherboard on the right the LEDs would foul it so they moved to the left

The keyboard, like everything else, in the case is a generic USB keyboard.

The reasons for it are:

It's cheap (£10-14)
It's low profile (consider that I worked my backside off to get the best possible angle on the X500) so ergonomically it is the best we could do.
It's easily replaceable (as long as they keep producing them).
It's full size, it has lots of keys and some extra ones for volume, sleep etc...
It comes in black or white and it has the same finish as the plastic I use

I have tried my best to use as many off the shelf available parts (keyboard, power switch, LEDs, screws etc...) to keep the cost down, the expensive parts are:

The plastic, sides and top
The aluminium, cut, bent, punched and powder coated
The custom LED windows
The custom brackets for the DVD/Card reader
The keyboard holders

those are the VERY expensive parts, the rest is generic stuff.

Like I said, if we reach 50, the absolute minimum to put an order in and I can get some money back, I have a couple of ideas that might be of interest... :)
Sounds good.I will take the whole package, dvd drive and all cos I don't want a gap in my lovely x500 case. Lets make sure you get 50 orders.
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: persia on October 31, 2012, 02:48:05 AM
D*mn, I thought it said X500 Plus Black Edition Porno Video, gotta read more carefully...
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: wrath of khan on October 31, 2012, 05:06:21 AM
Quote from: persia;713352
D*mn, I thought it said X500 Plus Black Edition Porno Video, gotta read more carefully...
It does say porno video!! whats wrong with you!!!:laughing:
Title: Re: X500 Plus Black Edition Promo Video
Post by: TheDaddy on October 31, 2012, 06:31:41 AM
Quote from: persia;713352
D*mn, I thought it said X500 Plus Black Edition Porno Video, gotta read more carefully...



Ok, ok I know it's sexy but don't get TOO excited... :D