Retrogaming multiplatform machine in C64 case

[Retrofan]

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]

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]

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

[TCD]

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]

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

[Retrofan]

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]

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]

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

Great work on the mod.

[Retrofan]

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]

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]

I've got a dude 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]

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]

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]

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]

looks absolutely great

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

[Retrofan]

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]

thanks for that

[prowler]

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.

[Boo Boo]

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]

A thing of beauty!

[Retrofan]

Originally Posted by prowler

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.

Yes, it seems very interesting. I would like to have those files and the pdf guide, but the links don't work. But... woudn't it work just as I've got the Amiga Forever 2009 Cd just copied in a new partition and selecting it as the one bootable with the Bios? I suposse with Aros I could do exactly the same.

[prowler]

Originally Posted by Retrofan

Yes, it seems very interesting. I would like to have those files and the pdf guide, but the links don't work. But... woudn't it work just as I've got the Amiga Forever 2009 Cd just copied in a new partition and selecting it as the one bootable with the Bios? I suposse with Aros I could do exactly the same.

Well, okay, give that a try. In the meantime, I'll upload those files for you and let you know where you can download them.

[Retrofan]

Originally Posted by prowler

Well, okay, give that a try. In the meantime, I'll upload those files for you and let you know where you can download them.

I've tried the http://www.amigaforever.com/kxlight/installation/, and although the program coudn't find cd /usr/share/afinstaller (it only could find till share), I used afinstall and it asked me if I would like to search for updates ¿¿?? (that's what I was intending to do, wasn't I?) I selected yes (I've got Boot code V.8.0), but it said there weren't more updates. Anyway, I stopped when I got to select a partition, as I don't want to install it in my laptop, but I will try with the new HD.

Ah, and thanks for the files!

[prowler]

I've uploaded the Amiga Forever Knoppix files from BiL0's FTP folder to the EAB File Server in the Misc/Various/AmigaForeverKnoppix folder for you.

[Retrofan]

Originally Posted by prowler

I've uploaded the Amiga Forever Knoppix files from BiL0's FTP folder to the EAB File Server in the Misc/Various/AmigaForeverKnoppix folder for you.

Thanks prowler, they must be there. But when I click once in the Knoppix file, it opens (unreadable) and I don't know how to store it.
Anyway... that booting using a floppy sounds a little old, and it's referring to Amiga Forever 2006. I tried the Amiga Forever 2006 before (a pirate copy, yes, but I've got the original 2009 version which I use), when I coudn't find afinstaller and it didn't understand the comands of the kxlight installation instructions. I think that perhaps those files aren't necessary anymore having an Amiga Forever 2009 version.

[prowler]

Originally Posted by Retrofan

Thanks prowler, they must be there. But when I click in Knoppix, it opens (unreadable) and I don't know how to store it.

Right click on the file and then select "Save As..." from the menu which opens.

Originally Posted by Retrofan

Anyway... that booting using a floppy sounds a little old, and it's referring to Amiga Forever 2006. I tried the Amiga Forever 2006 before (a pirate copy, yes, but I've got the original 2009 version which I use), when I coudn't find afinstaller and it didn't understand the comands of the kxlight installation instructions. I think that perhaps those files aren't anymore necessary having an Amiga Forever 2009 version.

Yes, you probably don't need them if you have AF2009, but it does no harm to have them available.

Incidentally, have you seen this thread:
http://amigaworld.net/modules/newbb/...634&forum=8&36
and this post in particular:
http://amigaworld.net/modules/newbb/...order=0#454909
Unfortunately, BiL0 seems never to have updated his guide.

[Retrofan]

Originally Posted by prowler

Right click on the file and then select "Save As..." from the menu which opens.



Yes, you probably don't need them if you have AF2009, but it does no harm to have them available.

Incidentally, have you seen this thread:
http://amigaworld.net/modules/newbb/...634&forum=8&36
and this post in particular:
http://amigaworld.net/modules/newbb/...order=0#454909
Unfortunately, BiL0 seems never to have updated his guide.

The Knoppix file, clicking with the right button doesn't let me "save as", only save destination as, save destiny as, copy direct access.
If I open it with the left button, it stays openning and doesn't stop.

About those links, yes, BiL0 says in his last post:
"Hello everyone.
I can see that allot of people still download my guide.
However what I would suggest is to look into the new AF as now it comes with an proper KX install
So no need anymore to play or fiddling with files etc.

Just thought you wanted to know
I may need to add this to the giude

All the best

BiL0"

So I think with AF2009 and using the kxlight installation (well, the part of the update is a mistery), it should work without those files.

[TCD]

Originally Posted by Retrofan

save destination as

That's the correct one.

[prowler]

Thanks, TCD!

(Google Translate [English <-> Spanish] failed me on that one. )

[TCD]

Here it's 'Ziel speichern unter...' Which helped a bit you see

[prowler]

Yes, I see what you mean. Here it's actually "Save Target As...", but both English and Spanish have different words for target (objectivo) and destination (destino), whilst the German word "Ziel" can mean target or destination according to Google.

@Retrofan: Sorry for the diversion, mate!

[TCD]

Yep, sorry for the OT Fingers crossed you can save it now

[Retrofan]

Thanks, saved... but all that work to upload them and I don't think I will need them with AF2009.

[prowler]

No problem. AF2006 was a popular release, as it was only the second version of Amiga Forever to be available in a Premium Edition complete with 2 video DVDs. Furthermore, BiL0's installation guide works with earlier versions too, including 6.0, which was also very popular as it was the first to feature an Amiga OS 3.9 environment, so plenty of users will have a copy and it's therefore a worthwhile addition to the EAB File Server's archives.

Although I installed Amiga Forever Knoppix successfully to my hard drive with AF2006 and those files, I have not yet tried it with AF2009. However, it promises to be more straightforward. Good luck with that.

If you have any difficulties, keep us informed and I will attempt it myself in an effort to help.

[Retrofan]

I've threaded this project in A-org, and I've found actually an intend to make something similar. Sorry but it's an swedish project. This is the Google translation:

http://translate.google.es/translate...3D4%26t%3D5751

Originally: http://commodore64.se/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5751
http://stiggyblog.wordpress.com/2010...shed%E2%80%99/
http://mini-itx.com/projects/c64/


Unfortunaly, I don't see the conclusion to this project, and it hasn't a dvd drive, and it hasn't a place for it.

[ChrisUnionNJ]

Man I guess I will not buy the barebones from CUSA after seeing this and I have a dead 64 also..

How did you wire up the keyboard??

Chris

[phipscube]

WOW! this is awesome Fernando! What a slick neat and tidy mod! Maybe you should go into competition against CUSA and show them how its done?

Looking forward to seeing how you get the Keyrah in there, thats gonna be tricky! But I have every faith in you mate!

[Retrofan]

Thanks a lot Phipscube. I'n fact I emailed the CUSA guys around a week and a half ago, asking about what model of Card reader were they using. They told it was his own model. As you can see I've got a very similar one for 0,99GBP. I could say this is my own model too...

Originally Posted by ChrisUnionNJ

Man I guess I will not buy the barebones from CUSA after seeing this and I have a dead 64 also..

How did you wire up the keyboard??

Chris

Jojo... you've asked for the more difficult part. You will need to use a Keyrah (Amigakit or Vesalia for example). (Google images photo)



What I'm going to do? I'll desolder the connectors from it and will solder them in the board I've screwed there, connecting them with cables. Depending on the size of the Keyrah I will put it between the HD and the mobo in the floor or rised a little.

[prowler]

Originally Posted by Retrofan

I've threaded this project in A-org, and I've found actually an intend to make something similar. Sorry but it's an swedish project. This is the Google translation:

http://translate.google.es/translate...3D4%26t%3D5751

Originally: http://commodore64.se/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5751
http://stiggyblog.wordpress.com/2010...shed%E2%80%99/
http://mini-itx.com/projects/c64/

Wow, there's some cool modding going on there.

It's interesting that Gentile's C64 project has the motherboard at the other end of the case. Was there any advantage which influenced your choice of position?

BTW, the Wordpress blog doesn't show any posts for me on that link.

Originally Posted by Retrofan

Unfortunaly, I don't see the conclusion to this project, and it hasn't a dvd drive, and it hasn't a place for it.

Why is that? The mini-itx link shows a slim DVD drive fitted. If you can't get one in there because the hard drive is taking up the space, couldn't you could use an external one instead?

[Retrofan]

Originally Posted by prowler

Wow, there's some cool modding going on there.

It's interesting that Gentile's C64 project has the motherboard at the other end of the case. Was there any advantage which influenced your choice of position?

BTW, the Wordpress blog doesn't show any posts for me on that link.



Why is that? The mini-itx link shows a slim DVD drive fitted. If you can't get one in there because the hard drive is taking up the space, couldn't you could use an external one instead?

Really when I posted those links I haven't seen one of them that is already working.

If you put the mb in the other side you don't have room for the Dvd, or it would keep very ugly. The problem making it as I do is the place for the Keyrah. You have to choose.

I've been thinking how to make the power on button, and I've just done this, that will go in the original plate where says "power". Yes, the socket connector for the Psu is now a button:





In another forum it seems now I'm discussing with some CUSA staff. I didn't think they could be there.
Thinking what I was thinking about the position of their Cd drive, I thought looking his photos that it was above the middle, but now I'm thinking that that is just their photo, and that they have it exactly as I have.

Prowler here you've got another curious mod:
http://cbmvax.com/jungle/laptop/laptop.htm