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Case/Extension Cable?

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 22:30
by AndyGarton
I have limited desk space, plus I just don't like seeing a naked board hanging off my lovely MTX (!) - is it possible to use a cable to connect the REMEMOrizer by any chance? Once that's done a proper case solution becomes more practical too...

Re: Case/Extension Cable?

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 23:07
by Dave
Hi Andy,

Probably, although no cable currently exists, and would need to be as short as possible if it was not going to degrade the bus signals.

Not very helpful I know, but quite a few people have suggested a case and one may emerge in due course. That may not help your situation, you would probably need to get a custom cable made

Regards
Dave

Re: Case/Extension Cable?

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 01:17
by Martin A
Obviously, I'm used to seeing chunks of random electronics hanging off the side of my MTX.

However, I was wondering, how well would a re-memorizor fit into one of the SDX cases.

Could be used as a sort of template for a case ???

Re: Case/Extension Cable?

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 01:26
by Dave
Hi Martin,

I think REMEMOrizer is too wide and I have just had to put my SDX controller into the loft for the holiday period :-(

It is a good idea though, so, just to see if it is possible, I will check the dimensions when I get my SDX back again

regards
Dave

Edit: just from looking at the photos on the website, Martin might be onto something here - an SDX case might be wide enough after all. I will certainly check after Christmas

Re: Case/Extension Cable?

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 02:09
by 1024MAK
:idea: How about a folded aluminium case (painted black) :?:

It may be easier to get something like this made than a custom ABS plastic case.

If the cut-outs are punched out before the metal is folded to shape, then this is easier than trying to put the cut-outs in afterwards.

Of course, unless they are "hand made", we would need a hell of lot of buyers before any production line would even consider it :(

:arrow: So just thinking out loud... :?

:arrow: Maybe I'll just go and look at some existing project cases... :roll:

Mark

Re: Case/Extension Cable?

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 02:17
by Dave
Mark,

you've no time - that power supply won't build itself you know :lol: :lol: :lol:

regards
Dave

Re: Case/Extension Cable?

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 11:35
by JonB
It should fit inside the case.

Is there not a second expansion port on the inside edge of the MTX board, into which the RS-232 card slots? Seems to me that you could fit Remorizer to that, with a suitable adapter; then a flying lead to a VGA socket fitted to one of the RS-232 cut outs.

Now, I haven't attempted to offer it up to the inside of the case yet, but it was the first thing I thought when I saw the board.

I'm assuming the internal expansion slot is a copy of the external slot... anyone care to comment?

Re: Case/Extension Cable?

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 12:01
by 1024MAK
The "internal" edge-connector "slot" is a mirror of the "external" one :D .

Andy's SRAM memory card has a female edge-connector on both sides, so can fit on either of the MTX's "slots" :D .

However, the REMEMOrizer board only has the one edge-connector :( .
The next problem, as laid out, even if the edge-connector was moved to the other side of the REMEMOrizer board, it would foul the keyboard PCB, as it would be too high :( .

So the whole PCB design needs changing, a larger PCB would be needed and the components need relocating towards the rear of the MTX so that you get clearance for the keyboard.

Oh, and it still must be thin so that it fits in a MTX512 that is made with a 32k RAM extension board soldered to the internal edge-connector :mrgreen:

Mark

Re: Case/Extension Cable?

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 12:15
by Dave
"So the whole PCB design needs changing"

And I wonder whether Andy would have the appetite to change it, particularly as sales of REMEMOrizer are probably getting close to the maximum (although they keep growing). Demand for a revised board would probably come from existing owners who might not want to stump up for a second one. Mind you, the cost should not be too high, as the high value item,s the GODIL and the other ICs would be reuseable.

I would go for one though and suspect at least 2 or 3 others would too, mmmmm, I guess we just need to work on Andy, the main requirement "just" seems to be on Andy's time :-)

regards
Dave

Re: Case/Extension Cable?

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 18:48
by JonB
What about an adapter (ribbon) cable? You could plug that in between the Rememorizer and motherboard and then put the Rememorizer anywhere it would fit (oriented any way, as long as the cable was long enough).

Good point about the GODIL, according to Andy's site it's ~80% of the cost..