1/2 of *ALL* P-Box tower arrangements... SUCK!

[Omega-TI]

The P-Box arranged into a tower configuration saves space on the desk and allows for proper viewing of things like the Lotharek HxC (if you have one installed), but there is one major drawback, unless you butt the case up against something, the bottom is just plain ugly looking and ruins the aesthetics of your prized retro-setup.

 

I've thought about solutions, but have never come up with anything decent or feasible.

 

1) Going the Velcro route with silver poster board -- cheap, but looks tacky.

 

2) Attaching a silver veneer - rather difficult to get, but might not look better than poster board.

 

3) Attaching a custom made beveled mirror - solid screws and other bumps on the bottom would make it difficult and require a

customized stand-off gasket, and it's also crazy expensive.

 

4) 3D printed - probably the best, but would be super expensive due to size and would have to be printed in multiple

slide together sections.

 

Have any of you come up with a decent workable solution? I'd love to see a photo (if you have one).

[FDOS]

I have two solutions: I can't take photos right now as I'm currently doing hardware trouble-shooting and testing with a standard TI PEB; which is normally positioned to the left side, and flush against an old computer workstation. This way the normal bottom of PEB is unseen. Could be improved by removing the rubber feet, but it is on a roller-stand, so easily rolled out for maintenance. The other solution is currently out in the garage. I removed the card cage and power supply from the TI PEB, and mounted them in a PC mid-tower case with lots of 5.25" drive bays. It contains one of my Geneve systems, the one I took to Poland with me for a year (late 1996 to late1997). It will soon come back in as I now have SCART adapters for both Geneves, and an EVPC version for my SNUG TI-99/4P system. Lots of decisions to make.

[Omega-TI]

The other solution is currently out in the garage. I removed the card cage and power supply from the TI PEB, and mounted them in a PC mid-tower case with lots of 5.25" drive bays.

 

 

Yeah, I've seen that before, and it's kind of neat, Gazoo and other's have gone the PC case solution too. I'm more of a "Retro-Mod" type of guy, you know the type sticks a 350 Chevy engine in a 27 Ford. I like power, I like speed and I like extra goodies too, but I'm trying to keep things as stock looking "as possible". Hard to make the balance sometimes.

[+arcadeshopper]

I used to try this..when i had zero space and had to make a desk for the ti and geneve.. here's a photo..

it caused weird issues on the 4/a ..so i put it back flat..no more issues. I also have a howto video series on using vhs tapes for shelving..

 

Greg

[FDOS]

Silver & Black PC cases look very good for TI type systems.

[FDOS]

I used to try this..when i had zero space and had to make a desk for the ti and geneve.. here's a photo..

it caused weird issues on the 4/a ..so i put it back flat..no more issues. I also have a howto video series on using vhs tapes for shelving..

 

Greg

 

My computer workstation has sides, and shelves for monitor, TI manuals and TI/Geneve binders, etc. No problems I'm aware of due to vertical position versus horizontal.

[+InsaneMultitasker]

I still like to keep my monitor on top of the PEB, when I don't have it open for card testing. I found a small platform that I place under the PEB (2-3" tall) so that the cables route under the PEB. (Currently, I'm using the shell from an old metal keyboard tray device. The platform is important to me because it puts the disk drives above the flex cable/speech to allow for easy floppy disk access. I have a similar setup for the Geneve to keep the keyboard 'below' the level of the PEB/disks.

 

Aesthetically, I prefer this over turning the PEB into a tower. On the other hand, I do like my PC tower case except for those days I am using a lot of floppy disks. Then I prefer the PEB setup for its very simple, up front and easy access.

[RXB]

I have a Apple G5 that is dead and would love to put the TI P-Box into that case:

 

 

https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/personal-projects-reviews-den-72/pc-powermac-g5-enclosure-2560561.html

[AMenard]

Cover the thing in wood grain vinyl

[Omega-TI]

Cover the thing in wood grain vinyl

 

Shudder! ROFL! Wouldn't that make it 70's looking though?

[Stuart]

If one had a 'scrap' PEB, could you Velcro one of the removable lids to the bottom?

[AMenard]

Or you could put it on the floor under the desk like we do with tower pc.

[digdugnate]

i keep mine horizontal- it actually saves me space on my tiny desk since i have my monitor on top of it. I do like Insane's idea of having it up on a riser for cable management. I may try to hunt me some wood for a short weekend project

 

I wouldn't want mine on the floor just because of our two cats- the dust gets bad enough sometimes in the house only to add cat hair to it. i still have to clean and dust all our stuff pretty regular even with it being off the ground.

[+jedimatt42]

Upright PEBs are just showing PC envy... That just isn't how it was done in the early 80s.

The TI PEB is just the best looking card cage expansion in its as-designed horizontal state...

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I'm just teasing though... Your tower-PEB looked good in your earlier photos with the wall on the right/underside of the PEB. It just has limited vertical options.. You could build a sleave that matches the environment/desk and creates a shelf above..

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