Retrogaming multiplatform machine in C64 case

Retrofan · 29 April 2011, 23:05

Hi:
While I'm still inside an A1200 BPPC project I've started another project: a retrogaming multiplatform machine using a Mini ITX and a broken C64.

It was around two weeks ago that I saw a project here of a similar one inside an A1200. By now I've got enough parts to show it, but still will have to wait for more parts. I'm nervous waiting to have all the parts to show it working, but I thought that I don't have to be the only one desperately waiting, and that if I show it here you can be too...

Well, first I bought a broken C64, that was worse than expected: very dirty color, broken plastic at the rear part, broken mobo, broken plastic tabs to close it, rusty Commodore logos...

Afortunately I've retrobrighted it, fixed the broken tabs and I had some nice logos.

I know the C64x from the CUSA people isn't something we like here. This is not the thread to talk about it, but of course I think we can compare them as they are over the same idea. I just will comment that my idea is that as I only represent myself, can make it for my own, with a broken C64, just like if I were using a keyrah, that I will be using, but instead of leaving the PC outside, I will put it inside it.

I've got to say that I don't think the CUSA one is well designed. I've seen how they are letting the CD in the upper part of the case, and the only way they will be opening the case will be that the Cd is inside the case (well, the original plate of the power switch and the joysticks is inside the case), but I don't like it that way. I've put it from the middle.

The second thing I don't like is that they aren't using that original plate, but they have put there a multicard reader.

The third thing: " A Keyboard Better Than the Original " Jojojo... That's just they can't use the original one. If you want a keyboard better than the original you'll be buying another thing, jejeje.

I've been searching, and by now there isn't any project like this already working (I can be wrong, but I didn't find it), of course neither the CUSA one.

I've done several things in the inside, but as still I'm waiting for part for it, I think I will only show the outside by now.

Well, this is my project:

I'm planning to use Windows 7 Ultimate, but will use Aros too. Any comment about it will be appreciated.

EDIT: I'm planning to change the dvd bezel. I've ordered one with white logos.

prowler · 30 April 2011, 00:13

Congratulations, mate, your handiwork looks very impressive from the outside.

Can't wait for you to open the case and let us see if it looks as good on the inside.

What platforms are you hoping to support?

Kitty · 30 April 2011, 00:13

great stuff Retrofan, looks really good so far, can't wait to see the inside too

TCD · 30 April 2011, 00:19

Great work there Retrofan

Since you told me about it, I was eager to see what it would be like and I'm not disappointed at all

Showing those CUSA guys how to do it is certainly good stuff

Retro-Nerd · 30 April 2011, 00:20

What hardware? Hopefully fast enough to emulate WinVice with proper reSID settings. Looks indeed very nice.

Retrofan · 30 April 2011, 00:20

Thanks mates, I'm thinking now how in two weeks I can have (IMHO) a better design than the multimillionar CUSA people (if they wish to pay me...).

I'm waiting for the Keyrah still, and that will be a difficult part, as I don't have room where it has to go, but all is fitting in my mind.

The hardest part by now has been to change the height of the original keyboard, as I'm using a similar to the Cusa guys mini ITX one (well it has the same Dual Core 525 Atom processor and nVidia ION2 graphics chipset), and they are using a "modern" IBM keyboard. I had to cut the keyboard plastic supports and glue them in it's sides. I've won around 1,5 cms in height. As you can see, it's closing perfect now.

EDIT: You've almost convinced me: two posts more and I will show a photo of the inside.
I'm planning to install... ALL the retro emulators. Of course the main one will be Amiga Forever, but C64 Forever too (I've already ordered a CD), Spectrum and of course MAME. I've installed a 500Gb HD.

AmigaFriend · 30 April 2011, 00:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retrofan

I've been searching, and by now there isn't any project like this already working (I can be wrong, but I didn't find it), neither of course the CUSA one.

http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/c64/

I always find these projects very interesting and I think your's is shaping very nice. As soon you have your inside properly filled up would be nice some photos.

Keep it up!

thgill · 30 April 2011, 00:38

Better be careful, CUSA is liable to come and sue ya!

Great work on the mod.

Retrofan · 30 April 2011, 00:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by xpect

http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/c64/

I always find these projects very interesting and I think your's is shaping very nice. As soon you have your inside properly filled up would be nice some photos.

Keep it up!

Do you think I didn't see it? But read:
"so a few things have been added on the to-do list:
- Getting the keyboard to function. I tried squeezing the standard PS2 foil in the keyboard but with limited success and destroying the original wiring"

¿¿¿???

Ok, I'll show the inside, but it will be tomorrow, with light...

And remember: I ordered the parts two weeks ago, but I'm working on it only since I received them; three days ago.

AmigaFriend · 30 April 2011, 01:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retrofan

Do you think I didn't see it? But read:
"so a few things have been added on the to-do list:
- Getting the keyboard to function. I tried squeezing the standard PS2 foil in the keyboard but with limited success and destroying the original wiring"

Ah! I've read it many eons ago I really didn't recalled that part.

Well the guy didn't had Keyrah back then.

Retrofan · 30 April 2011, 01:45

I've got a doubt about Aros: will it be better to make a partition for it or can I use it from a pendrive? What do you suggest?

I like too when I start the PC with the Amiga Forever Cd inside, I've got it as a bootable OS, but I can't (or I don't know how to) get access to the PC files.
Is there a way to have access to them? And if I did a bootable partition could I add there other files so I could have games and others?

Sorry for the newbie's questions.

mfilos · 30 April 2011, 11:32

Awesome work Retrofan mate! It looks really slick

Everything put together seems really nice. I'd love to see some inside photos as well.

Retrofan · 30 April 2011, 13:16

Well, here you are (by now):

I've spent: mini ITX (105,23€), 150 watts Pico PSU (48,37€), 500GB Hard drive (29,99€), internal card reader (0,99€), internal usb-wifi with antenna (0,99€), cd/dvd drive (16,41€), a sata cable (1,35€), and 2Gb Ram (23,90€). Well, all this for 227,23€.

The mobo is an Asus AT5IONT-I with 1,8Ghz

TCD · 30 April 2011, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retrofan

I've spent: mini ITX (105,23€), 150 watts Pico PSU (48,37€), 500GB Hard drive (29,99€), internal card reader (0,99€), internal usb-wifi with antenna (0,99€), cd/dvd drive (16,41€), a sata cable (1,35€), and 2Gb Ram (23,90€). Well, all this for 227,23€.

Thanks for the info

cosmicfrog · 30 April 2011, 14:15

looks absolutely great

where did you get the internal usb-wifi with antenna from plz ??

Retrofan · 30 April 2011, 15:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmicfrog

looks absolutely great

where did you get the internal usb-wifi with antenna from plz ??

Thanks mate. The usb wifi here http://cgi.ebay.es/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...STRK:MEBDIX:IT (Oh, sorry, it was 1,11€, 0,99GBP, and isn't exactly "internal"), and the USB card reader to the same guy http://cgi.ebay.es/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...STRK:MEBDIX:IT

I'm planning to make a vintage Commodore/Amiga tank mouse with freewheel and wireless (donnor ordered from China for 7,68€, free sending and nano usb dongle adapter), although surely I will leave the cable just to have it like the original.

As you can see I've searched the cheapest parts. The mini ITX is worth around 150-200€. I got it "as new" from a 0 votes seller, but I hadn't doubt about him, as he has 3 shops more in Ebay (nobody likes to buy to a new seller, so I was happy to see that and win the auction).

cosmicfrog · 30 April 2011, 16:24

thanks for that

prowler · 30 April 2011, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retrofan

I like too when I start the PC with the Amiga Forever Cd inside, I've got it as a bootable OS, but I can't (or I don't know how to) get access to the PC files. Is there a way to have access to them?

The Amiga Forever CD boots to Amiga OS (Amithlon) running on KX Lite, which is a variant of Knoppix (Linux).

It is possible to install these files to your hard drive in a Windows 98, i.e. FAT32, partition, IIRC, to get it to boot in the same way from your hard drive.

Because it is then booting from a FAT32 partition, it is relatively simple to "see" other FAT32 partitions which may contain PC files.

There is a thread here which outlines the procedure for getting Amiga Forever to boot from your hard drive. I'll see if I can find it and post a link here for you.

Edit: Here it is:
Mouse problem Amiga Forever Knoppix

PS. Some or all of the links are now dead. Let me know if you would like access to the files mentioned and I'll upload them for you.

Retro1234 · 30 April 2011, 18:05

You could use WinUae as your main shell in Windows - can be a bit fiddly
and tidy mod -your hardware mods are always tidy.

Dastardly · 30 April 2011, 18:24

A thing of beauty!

29 April 2011, 23:05	#1
Retrofan Ruler of the Universe Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lanzarote/Spain Posts: 6,185	Retrogaming multiplatform machine in C64 case Hi: While I'm still inside an A1200 BPPC project I've started another project: a retrogaming multiplatform machine using a Mini ITX and a broken C64. It was around two weeks ago that I saw a project here of a similar one inside an A1200. By now I've got enough parts to show it, but still will have to wait for more parts. I'm nervous waiting to have all the parts to show it working, but I thought that I don't have to be the only one desperately waiting, and that if I show it here you can be too... Well, first I bought a broken C64, that was worse than expected: very dirty color, broken plastic at the rear part, broken mobo, broken plastic tabs to close it, rusty Commodore logos... Afortunately I've retrobrighted it, fixed the broken tabs and I had some nice logos. I know the C64x from the CUSA people isn't something we like here. This is not the thread to talk about it, but of course I think we can compare them as they are over the same idea. I just will comment that my idea is that as I only represent myself, can make it for my own, with a broken C64, just like if I were using a keyrah, that I will be using, but instead of leaving the PC outside, I will put it inside it. I've got to say that I don't think the CUSA one is well designed. I've seen how they are letting the CD in the upper part of the case, and the only way they will be opening the case will be that the Cd is inside the case (well, the original plate of the power switch and the joysticks is inside the case), but I don't like it that way. I've put it from the middle. The second thing I don't like is that they aren't using that original plate, but they have put there a multicard reader. The third thing: " A Keyboard Better Than the Original " Jojojo... That's just they can't use the original one. If you want a keyboard better than the original you'll be buying another thing, jejeje. I've been searching, and by now there isn't any project like this already working (I can be wrong, but I didn't find it), of course neither the CUSA one. I've done several things in the inside, but as still I'm waiting for part for it, I think I will only show the outside by now. Well, this is my project: I'm planning to use Windows 7 Ultimate, but will use Aros too. Any comment about it will be appreciated. EDIT: I'm planning to change the dvd bezel. I've ordered one with white logos. Last edited by Retrofan; 24 July 2012 at 00:26.

30 April 2011, 00:20	#6
Retrofan Ruler of the Universe Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lanzarote/Spain Posts: 6,185	Thanks mates, I'm thinking now how in two weeks I can have (IMHO) a better design than the multimillionar CUSA people (if they wish to pay me...). I'm waiting for the Keyrah still, and that will be a difficult part, as I don't have room where it has to go, but all is fitting in my mind. The hardest part by now has been to change the height of the original keyboard, as I'm using a similar to the Cusa guys mini ITX one (well it has the same Dual Core 525 Atom processor and nVidia ION2 graphics chipset), and they are using a "modern" IBM keyboard. I had to cut the keyboard plastic supports and glue them in it's sides. I've won around 1,5 cms in height. As you can see, it's closing perfect now. EDIT: You've almost convinced me: two posts more and I will show a photo of the inside. I'm planning to install... ALL the retro emulators. Of course the main one will be Amiga Forever, but C64 Forever too (I've already ordered a CD), Spectrum and of course MAME. I've installed a 500Gb HD. Last edited by Retrofan; 01 May 2011 at 04:02.

30 April 2011, 01:45	#11
Retrofan Ruler of the Universe Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lanzarote/Spain Posts: 6,185	I've got a doubt about Aros: will it be better to make a partition for it or can I use it from a pendrive? What do you suggest? I like too when I start the PC with the Amiga Forever Cd inside, I've got it as a bootable OS, but I can't (or I don't know how to) get access to the PC files. Is there a way to have access to them? And if I did a bootable partition could I add there other files so I could have games and others? Sorry for the newbie's questions. Last edited by Retrofan; 29 August 2015 at 04:43.

30 April 2011, 13:16	#13
Retrofan Ruler of the Universe Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lanzarote/Spain Posts: 6,185	Well, here you are (by now): I've spent: mini ITX (105,23€), 150 watts Pico PSU (48,37€), 500GB Hard drive (29,99€), internal card reader (0,99€), internal usb-wifi with antenna (0,99€), cd/dvd drive (16,41€), a sata cable (1,35€), and 2Gb Ram (23,90€). Well, all this for 227,23€. The mobo is an Asus AT5IONT-I with 1,8Ghz Last edited by Retrofan; 30 April 2011 at 13:39.

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30 April 2011, 00:13	#2
prowler Global Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sidcup, England Posts: 10,300	Congratulations, mate, your handiwork looks very impressive from the outside. Can't wait for you to open the case and let us see if it looks as good on the inside. What platforms are you hoping to support?

30 April 2011, 00:13	#3
Kitty Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: London UK Posts: 1,532	great stuff Retrofan, looks really good so far, can't wait to see the inside too

30 April 2011, 00:19	#4
TCD HOL/FTP busy bee Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Germany Age: 46 Posts: 31,518	Great work there Retrofan Since you told me about it, I was eager to see what it would be like and I'm not disappointed at all Showing those CUSA guys how to do it is certainly good stuff

30 April 2011, 00:20	#5
Retro-Nerd Missile Command Champion Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Germany Age: 52 Posts: 12,435	What hardware? Hopefully fast enough to emulate WinVice with proper reSID settings. Looks indeed very nice.

30 April 2011, 00:38	#8
thgill Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mason, Ohio / USA Age: 48 Posts: 391	Better be careful, CUSA is liable to come and sue ya! Great work on the mod.

30 April 2011, 11:32	#12
mfilos Paranoid Amigoid Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Athens/Greece Age: 45 Posts: 1,978	Awesome work Retrofan mate! It looks really slick Everything put together seems really nice. I'd love to see some inside photos as well.

30 April 2011, 14:15	#15
cosmicfrog The 1 who ribbits Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: leek, Staffs, UK Age: 56 Posts: 3,557	looks absolutely great where did you get the internal usb-wifi with antenna from plz ??

30 April 2011, 16:24	#17
cosmicfrog The 1 who ribbits Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: leek, Staffs, UK Age: 56 Posts: 3,557	thanks for that

30 April 2011, 18:05	#19
Retro1234 Phone Homer Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: 5150 Posts: 5,773	You could use WinUae as your main shell in Windows - can be a bit fiddly and tidy mod -your hardware mods are always tidy.

30 April 2011, 18:24	#20
Dastardly Into the Wonderful Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: England Age: 49 Posts: 2,335	A thing of beauty!

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