andymanone

So folks, I am happy to present you the first WIP update (see pictures attached) ? Here are the first prototype drafts from Micha (Plexilaser) regarding XE case design. However, he still plans to lower the keyboard a bit.... Also the slanted ventilation slots on the deck side (like on the original are planned....) But here again the question to all interested: Regarding special requests: andY

Why? The question is very simple to answer: Because you can.... ? No seriously, what you missed, this is not about an ATARI XL, we talk about the ATARI XE series.... And this is about modding and there are unfortunately very, very many extremely yellowed XE cases on the market. For many owners it is an upgrade that his yellowed XE computer after the conversion simply looks nicer and more elegant and you can see the internal technology too. I own a lot of XL and XE (also various single motherboards) some of them have cases in terrible condition, why not give them a new home? Some love it, some just don't... ? Nobody has to do this... Cheers, andY

Don't worry, the first version that will be available is the one with the ECI port ?! Cheers, andY

Short "Work in Progress" Update 03/04/22: The manufacturer (Plexilaser) has currently started modeling the XE case design. The challenge at the moment is the module port, which on the XE is mapped by the rear panel of the enclosure. (For comparison: on the XL the module port is directly on the mainboard and therefore does not need to be modeled by the case). I will now send him a selection of different module variants in the short term so that he can verify this. After that it will be decided whether he will realize the module/ECI port over an extra printed 3D part, or further over a conventional acrylic solution. Thats all for now, guys... I will keep you uptodate. Gtx., andY

Hi marss, the system is currently not installed, so it would be a big effort to rebuild all and make a video. But what are your specific questions? Maybe I can answer them this way.... Cheers, andY

Hi Hoagtech, sorry for delayed answer, but I´ll try to respond all your question as good as possible: 1. No, I have used the card without housing. 2. I don't do without WIFI directly, I just use a commercial USB mini dongle for WIFI/BT instead. 3. 4 lanes: Yes this limits the performance, but it is still amazingly good 4. no, anyway I wouldn't risk that, because the GPU then takes power only from the VCS and the VCS doesn't provide enough. The VCS and the GPU are each powered separately 5. I use a full ATX power supply, because the GTX 1060 consumes up to about 130Watt, a Pico-PSU can't do that or only with difficulty. 6. the GPU-DOCK HDMI to NGFF M.2 cable is very thin, you could lead it out of the VCS case without much modification I hope I could help you a bit to answer your questions... Cheers., andY

Short update, for all interested parties: Current status today: Plexilaser now gets from me a 130XE and a 800XL keyboard (the one with the "deviating" mounting dimensions) as a model/sample. 1. they will now model a new case for the XE series (and yes, we will consider the Tramiel economy version WITHOUT ECI port ?) 2. they will adapt the current 800XL case so that now all 800XL keyboards will fit in the future. Okay, well, that's the current state of today for you. Cheers, andY

Hi Ivop, this is not about business, it's about the fact that I, and with me a few other users, would like to have a case for the XE line and I may be able to persuade the manufacturer to model a case for the XE series. To your mentioned cons: 1. That depends on your skills, if has prepared well for the conversion and works professionally, there are no scratches 2. As described above, there are two different mounting brackets on the keyboard. The manufacturer was only aware of ONE of them, so the second version does not fit properly. We have already informed the manufacturer about this and he will offer a second version with adapted suspension. 3. The same would happen to you with an ATARI 800 or ATARI 400, so I prefer basically NOT to drop my devices.... ? Cheers, andY

But now back to the main topic?: Is there basically interest in a new ATARI XE-Line acrylic case? If yes, please post it here! If we get enough interested people together, the price for the basic version could be around 50-70 Euro plus shipping. I guess there will be an option (with extra charge) to include the ventilation slots in the top plate. As a note: The manufacturer also offers cases for the Amiga 500 and C64, with ventilation slot option. But here it is first of all about whether there is basically interest! The final details and options can always be clarified later. Thanks & Cheers, andY

There is a little space between the bottom plate and the XL Keyboard. The keyboard is not directly, but mounted with some "spacer bolts" ? (not sure if it´s proper explained in english language ?) Cheers, andY

Like explained before, there are "open slots" around the Keyboard so the mainboard can "breath", and the PBI is also not covered. Btw: without the Shielding plates, there is more space for "heat circulation" inside the case. So I´m not afraid about overheating the XL. Cheers, andY

Hi Beeblebrox: YES, I KNOW! Thatswhy I wrote: there are TWO different "mounting hole versions" ? Cheers, andY

Hi Beeblebrox, @Keyboard: Yes and no ?. There are unfortunately two different XL-Keyboard versions (different mounting holes) on the market and this case ist of course for that keyboard type, I don´t have ?. So I have modified the holes on my XL-Keyboard to make it match. But you´re right, it could be better, some finetuning is needed.. @Overheat: No, I see no problem here, the keybaord ist not directly closed monted to the upper part of the case, so it can "breath" Cheers, andY

Yes of course ? -> Plexilaser - Acrylic case for ATARI 800XL Cheers, andY

Hi folks, I bought last week a acrylic case for one of my 800XL and moved the XL to the new case last weekend. I looks very pretty and I´m happy with it?. (For those who don't know what it's about, you'll find some pictures attached.) The Seller is located in EU / Germany and so I get in touch with the managing director of Plexilaser (manufacturer & distributor in Germany) and asked, if it would be possible to design a new acrylic housing for our XE line as well. He just answered me that this would be possible, but he needs a XE sample for it (he gets from me) as well as approximately gets an overview in advance, how many interested parties there are for it. If I can give him a figure in advance, then he could estimate the effort and name a price. So I would like to create an interest list here and ask everyone who is interested to sign up. I´ll start with the list: andymanone = 3 (up to) 5 XE cases Cheers, andY Here some pictures, how my 800XL looks like:

-> Ultrasyd - Square Sounds Tokyo 2015 Live R.I.P. Sydney ? (ATARI Falcon 030 & ATARI 1040STE)

-> JEAN-MICHEL JARRE - PARIS LA DEFENSE - A CITY IN CONCERT 1990 (MEGA ST) Cheers, andY

-> Robert Miles feat Maria Nayler - One & One ? Cheers, andY

Martin Brennan ist still active, maybe you can get in touch with him. -> Brennan Website - Contact Cheers, andY

Hi Boris, I don't know if this will help you (or if you have already found it), but I remembered, that there was or is a company "IMAGIN Systems", which is active in the dental field and used the complete Jaguar housing in white as a redesign for a medical device. They must have acquired the patent rights or somehow got hold of them. -> IMAGIN Systems Cheers, andY

Vote submitted (Germany) ?. Additional Info: Pre-Order / Backer of the Indiegogo Campaign from 05/30/18. Gtx., andY

A good choice??! Cheers, andY

You are genius! THAT sounds amazing great ?! Both thumbs up! This is not in the least comparable to Emkay´s releases.... Sorry, no hate.... Cheers, andY

No, I think you misunderstood me, it's not about making "mainstream music suitable for the masses" but about sticking to the basic rules of harmony (appropriate note frequency, chords etc.). I have listened to many of your compositions out of interest and I am happy about your motivation and energy, but most of your pieces are unfortunately "disharmonic".... Cheers, andY

In principle, I agree with you, but there are certain basic rules in harmony theory (which not every person is able to interpret) that cannot be ignored.... For instance, there are sometimes a couple of hits on the broadcast in the Top 10, but my ears are bleeding because they do not follow the basic rules of harmony. Otherwise, I´m being an electronics and hardware engineer, I know that the POKEY has extreme limitations and cannot hit "the" notes in certain frequency ranges, but professionals are able to work around this weakness, there are plenty of good examples of this on the pokey... Cheers, andY