Minimig Case

[TheDaddy]

Hi all,

Just to let you know that I have nearly finished the case for the Minimig.

If it all goes to plan, photos should appear here:

www.loriano.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

The case has gone through some serious changes to cut costs. Production costs are going to be HUGE!:-o

This should accomodate the Minimig version 1.1, as sold by ACube/Vesalia/Amigakit, the case has had major changes from my initial design but it should still provide the following:

A completely closed plastic case with accessibility for SD-Card, mouse and keyboard, Amiga joystick/mouse, VGA, Audio, serial, DC IN (Power) ports.
RFI and EMI shielding.
Rubber feet, possibility of different colours.

How many people would be interested in this case?

You can also email me.

It's important I get a rough idea of the number of people interested so I can order the first batch of cases.

Many thanks. :-)

[HopperJF]

Sounds good, can't wait to see it

[TheDaddy]

I will have a sketch soon, which I can then put on the site.

Remember that the sketch it's only conceptual and it might not be the exact represantation of the real case, like lots of things with industrial design.

All I need is the number of interested people, without that figure the factory is just going to laugh at me...:-)

[monami]

i'm looking forward to seeing that...

[TheDaddy]

@Everyone

Just a quick update on the Minimig case/enclosure:

Prototype ready in less than 2 weeks.

Photos to be published as soon as I get the prototype back.

I will have a limited amount of cases, as these 5 months of research and development (sketches, models etc.) plus the cost of the prototype itself have almost eaten up all my budget!

So they will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

Specs:

Accomodates and encloses the Minimig version 1.1, as sold by ACube/Vesalia/Amigakit, completely.

Plastic case with accessibility to:

SD-Card
Mouse and keyboard
Amiga joystick/mouse
VGA port
Audio connector
Serial port
DC IN (Power) port
Reset switch (through hole)
Menu switch (through hole)

Included:
Rubber feet
Ventilation slots
Holes for visual access to LEDs (power and drive)
Easy Assembly/Disassembly system
Motherboard pillars (x2)
Instructions leaflet

Colour: Gloss White (iMac/iPod like)
RoHS compliant product

Options:
RFI and EMI shielding (at extra cost)

Thank you.
 :-)

[TheDaddy]

@everyone

Hi,

Another small update on the Minimig case:

I have had confirmation that the CE mark is not required for my case but one or two tests on the material used might be needed.

Anyway I'll keep you informed.

 :-)

[AmigaHeretic]

Cool.  Can't wait to see it when you get the prototype.  

[TheDaddy]

Hi,

I can tell you that it's sligthly bigger than the minimig motherboard, it encloses it completely and has cut outs all around.

It's made of gloss white plastic (like the material used by Apple), it's easy to put the motherboard in and assemble with just two screws.

Opening and closing is easy too.

There are no switches and it should fit all the minimigs built around revision 1.1

Its goal is to protect the minimig and make it look better.

It's RoHS compliant.

Thanks

 :-)

[Phantom]

Any photos in progress?

[TheDaddy]

No photos at the moment I am afraid.

Both the prototype and the motherboard are still with the manufacturer.

They are making the CAD version of my design and eliminating all the things that might increase the costs.

I'll post the photos as soon as I get the prototype back.

I have almost ran out of money, I might have to sell one of my Amigas with some software  :-(

I hope people are going to like it and buy it, it's cost me my pc, car and some borrowings...must be nuts! :lol:

[TheDaddy]

@everyone,

The prototype case/enclosure for the Minimig has arrived!

It looks good in glossy white.

I need to check it and then I'll post a few photos.

Later.

 :-)

[amigadave]

Congrats on getting it done.  Let's see some pics soon.

I hope you are kidding about selling or losing your car over this effort though.

[TheDaddy]

>>Congrats on getting it done. Let's see some pics soon.

Thanks amigadave, it's been a long 6 months!

>>I hope you are kidding about selling or losing your car over this effort though.

Unfortunately no, I am not kidding. All true. I designed the case on paper in January, several sketches, revisions and technical drawings later I had a clear idea of what would be the best design for the Minimig.

Then it came researching for a company who would make it.
Visiting the company a few times, borrowing a car to travel.
Developing a new product is massively expensive at least for a single individual so to finance my dream something had to go (car, pc and one of my Amigas).

I had to pay for two engineers and technicians to reduce the costs, putting the drawing into CAD, machining the case (this is the most expensive part), then the first prototype finally arrived, six months later.

Now I am testing it, see if everything fits and then I am going to take photos, I believe this will be the first bespoke/original Amiga related case probably since Commodore.

I hope Minimig owners like it and buy it.

:-)

[jimbob005]

well done mate

be nice to see some pics and a price im thinking of making a minimig be nice to have a good  case

james

[amiga_3k]

I had to pay for two engineers and technicians to reduce the costs, putting the drawing into CAD, machining the case (this is the most expensive part), then the first prototype finally arrived, six months later.

Now I am testing it, see if everything fits and then I am going to take photos, I believe this will be the first bespoke/original Amiga related case probably since Commodore.

Those engineers cost a fortune. If you go into something like this again in the future, feel free to contact me. I'm more than willing to help the true Amiga-enthusiast. I've got access to and know how to use Pro/ENGINEER and Unigraphics. Also I have some 10 years of experience in Mechanical Engineering.

This offer also stands to other Amiga enthusiasts wanting to pull something like this. Due to my contract these Amiga enthusiasts need to be non-profit, non-company type of enthusiasts ;-).

This message is not intended as SPAM or to advertise myself. I just love the development going on right now with all kinds of home-brew projects getting of the ground where new Amiga's and such are being developed (I even read about the re-creation of the Picasso II :-)).