viewtopic.php?f=18&t=2086
STFM case remake
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peters
- Posts: 225
- Joined: 25 Feb 2023 20:44
Re: STFM case remake
Looks good, apart from the colour.
I was thinking about the pistorm and wondering how it could be fitted when the cpu is right at the front of the motherboard and space is tight.
I wonder if the back half of the case could be stretched by an inch so that the board can be fitted further back ?
It would spoil the elegant proportions but make expansion a lot easier.
I was thinking about the pistorm and wondering how it could be fitted when the cpu is right at the front of the motherboard and space is tight.
I wonder if the back half of the case could be stretched by an inch so that the board can be fitted further back ?
It would spoil the elegant proportions but make expansion a lot easier.
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Icky
- Site Admin

- Posts: 4379
- Joined: 03 Sep 2017 10:57
- Location: UK
Re: STFM case remake
There are many 68K extension boards available that can be used to move boards away from under the keyboard on certain STFM motherboards. In fact I think a few members on the forum have designed some.peters wrote: 16 Jul 2023 10:11 Looks good, apart from the colour.
I was thinking about the pistorm and wondering how it could be fitted when the cpu is right at the front of the motherboard and space is tight.
I wonder if the back half of the case could be stretched by an inch so that the board can be fitted further back ?
It would spoil the elegant proportions but make expansion a lot easier.
Stretching the design takes it away from the original shape / size so I think that is not really an option with these extension boards out there.
Also the Phoenix H5 motherboard was designed with expansion in mind and is an ideal board for this case once it’s finished.
Unfortunately life has kind of got in the way of all my projects over the last year and things have slowed down. Am hoping to get back onto this after upgrading my 3D printer.
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mfro
- Posts: 124
- Joined: 13 Dec 2018 07:32
Re: STFM case remake
With all the measures and geometry already there, it should be relatively easy to design a spacer that goes in between the two case halves that then would still go together with longer screws?Icky wrote: 16 Jul 2023 12:06There are many 68K extension boards available that can be used to move boards away from under the keyboard on certain STFM motherboards. In fact I think a few members on the forum have designed some.peters wrote: 16 Jul 2023 10:11 ...
I wonder if the back half of the case could be stretched by an inch so that the board can be fitted further back ?
It would spoil the elegant proportions but make expansion a lot easier.
...
Stretching the design takes it away from the original shape / size so I think that is not really an option with these extension boards out there.
Also the Phoenix H5 motherboard was designed with expansion in mind and is an ideal board for this case once it’s finished.
Unfortunately life has kind of got in the way of all my projects over the last year and things have slowed down. Am hoping to get back onto this after upgrading my 3D printer.
And remember: Beethoven wrote his first symphony in C.
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peters
- Posts: 225
- Joined: 25 Feb 2023 20:44
Re: STFM case remake
I have pondered a vertically stretched case with an extension between the two halves but I don't think it would look good or be strong.
One problem with my front-back stretch idea is the vertical post that supports the keyboard passes through the motherboard.
viewtopic.php?f=62&t=224&start=220
One problem with my front-back stretch idea is the vertical post that supports the keyboard passes through the motherboard.
viewtopic.php?f=62&t=224&start=220
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stephen_usher
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- Location: Oxford, UK.
Re: STFM case remake
The alternative is to continue the top, rear shape forward to the front, with strengthening and have a post which meets the keyboard support post to give the top case some more support in the middle. Maybe have troughs for brass rod to be epox'd in to add to the strength. Then create a shortened case to make an external keyboard enclosure in a similar manner to the one I made by chopping down an original case:
This would make a "two box" ST with plenty of space for expansions internally, as it's only really the keyboard which causes height issues.
This would make a "two box" ST with plenty of space for expansions internally, as it's only really the keyboard which causes height issues.
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Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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mrbombermillzy
- Moderator

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- Joined: 03 Jun 2018 19:37
Re: STFM case remake
@stephen_usher
You mean something like the DDD casing?:
You mean something like the DDD casing?:
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stephen_usher
- Site sponsor

- Posts: 7389
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- Location: Oxford, UK.
Re: STFM case remake
Yes, but a smooth plastic shell. No need to relocate the floppy to the front or put the LEDs on it as they will be on the keyboard.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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zfrenchy
- Posts: 111
- Joined: 15 Jan 2023 18:14
- Location: California, USA
Re: STFM case remake
I found a full 3D model of Atari ST in CGTrader ($15)
https://www.cgtrader.com/3d-print-model ... rint-model
... I could have design my self, but ... the model existed !
Look like it is very accurate in dimension, it is a STEP file and I can modified if needed, I am fluant enough in CAD for some minor change.
Just need to build my "elongated printer", I have the parts of my old Printrbot, which should be perfect !
https://www.cgtrader.com/3d-print-model ... rint-model
... I could have design my self, but ... the model existed !
Look like it is very accurate in dimension, it is a STEP file and I can modified if needed, I am fluant enough in CAD for some minor change.
Just need to build my "elongated printer", I have the parts of my old Printrbot, which should be perfect !
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zfrenchy
- Posts: 111
- Joined: 15 Jan 2023 18:14
- Location: California, USA
Re: STFM case remake
Here is a screenshot of the 3D model
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