New Q68 Case

[Derek_Stewart]

I am considering a slightly larger Q68 case, with added height to accommodate the I2C and QL Net Connectors on the rear end plate, which would save drilling into the case side wall.

The new case would have an added 15mm in height, which would give enough space on the Rear Panel to accommodate the I2C and 2 x QL Network connectors, as shown below:

Q68 Case Comparison

[Chr$]

On the subject of Q68 housings - I hope to get a small vacuum former machine in the next couple of days. Among other things, I was going to try to make vacuum formed housings for the Q68 and my QL-VGA. Hopefully they end up looking very Sinclair ROM dongle/kludge style in shiny black vacuum formed plastic. Or they could look a mess.

[Derek_Stewart]

Hi Chr$

Send me a PM when you are up and running. I might able give you some work.

How do you handle supression of RF Signals? which is big issue in the EU...

[Chr$]

How do you handle supression of RF Signals? which is big issue in the EU...

I don't! It's just going to be an ABS plastic housing, I don't think that's relevant for non mass produced hobby projects.

[Dave]

My only thought on this is it would be nicer to have a taller case, with the Q68 mounted in the top of the case. This way, an expansion can sit under the Q68 instead of cramming in above it.

[Derek_Stewart]

My only thought on this is it would be nicer to have a taller case, with the Q68 mounted in the top of the case. This way, an expansion can sit under the Q68 instead of cramming in above it.

What sort of expansion would you want to fit?

How would this affect the case end plates?

[Derek_Stewart]

Here is a CAD representation of the current Q68 End Plates and the proposed larger Panels:

Q68 Panel Comparison

The is 15mm height increase to accommodate the QL Network and i2C on the Back Panel.

The new case is dimensional the same size, except for an increase in 15mm of height.

The new panels existing or new design, will be fully Black Andodised, which would solve the paint flaking issue.

However, the port designation on the rear panel, will not be Laser enscribed, but a White on clear Panel Tape.

I would appreciate any comments.

[Dave]

What sort of expansion would you want to fit?

How would this affect the case end plates?

If an expansion bus card is above the Q68 it is constrained within the connectors. This forces out-facing connectors on the card to be up or to the sides or front.

If the card is below, the connectors can align to the front and rear as they should.

I designed a floppy interface. Unfortunately, I am not a programmer so without a modified driver it's no use to anyone.

[Derek_Stewart]

Hi Dave,

The cases have slots to support the Q68 PCB, which in the current case the Q68 is in the bottom slot.

I can change the location of the Q68 board to suit.

If an expansion board is located in the bottom slot and the Q68 above the expansion board, how much head room for the expansion board is require?

How does the expansion board connect to the Q68?

To see how the 2 boards would look, can you email details to me?

Do not worry about the driver, I sure there is a good 68000 assembler programmer somewhere...

[NormanDunbar]

I sure there is a good 68000 assembler programmer somewhere

That'll be Marcel or Wolfgang then!

With apologies to all the other 68000 assembly language dudes out there. Not including myself! I can't get my head around device/directory drivers at all.


Cheers,
Norm.