exxos's Atari, Amiga & retro forum

I keep the metal RF shields on STs and Amigas as they add to the structural strength and rigidity. This is especially useful on STs as the plastic is becoming a lot more brittle and the top shield is adding support against twisting stress.

Thanks for this feedback @rubber_jonnie.

Like @stephen_usher , I always keep RF shields as much as possible.

I guess I would have kept it in a Tandy 1000HX, since it's a real RF shield and not a clumsy cardboard.

Anyway, accessing the motherboard in case of servicing will be much easier now...

Still waiting for some bits to finish this project though, like the Noiseblocker fan which will replace the current noisy one.

stephen_usher wrote: 09 Mar 2025 08:55 I keep the metal RF shields on STs and Amigas as they add to the structural strength and rigidity. This is especially useful on STs as the plastic is becoming a lot more brittle and the top shield is adding support against twisting stress.

I always keep the ST lower shield, they are important structurally due to their thickness, and in some case types have a metal lip that supports the cartridge port rather than a plastic support as part of the case. I personally don't find the top shields add much rigidity due to the metal being so thin. I also found that the removing the lower shield alters the position of the mainboard in the ST case so it has to stay.

That being said, most of the time I do remove them its due to mods preventing it from going back on, and I do have some that have a full complement of shields.

As for the cardboard ones, I think they were most likely put in to say "We've got a shield" as it was cheaper than steel. They go in the bin right away!

I agree with you about the cardboard ones. They're RF theatre, just there to placate the regulator.

Ok, some quick news after a short silence.

The RTC is now fitted and looks quite good in the machine:


I have also started to build the XF CF mini but realised I have the wrong isolated resistor arrays (too small for the footprint on the PCB)... :headbang: :chairsmack:

Have to order the right ones and wait again.


Still have to solder JP1 and JP2, flash the EEPROM and it should be good.

So close 😁

While still waiting for the Noiseblocker and resistor arrays (grrr... :headbang:), I have decided to replace the previously fitted VGA card (a Trident 9000i) with a Realtek RTG3105iEH.

The reason is the form factor of the Trident would need a case modification for the VGA connector, while the Realtek fits perfectly in the Tandy.

I am aware the Realtek is not a super video board, but is enough suitable for a PC XT.

Here is what the Realtek looked when I got it:


and what it does look now after a little mod:


The Trident will be used in a future project (top secret !)...

Good stuff, looking great.

Thanks !

Yay !

The case fan should reach me tomorrow.

Can't believe it almost took one month to be delivered.

I also managed to get the missing 1206x4 1K isolated resistor arrays, and the 10K should arrive soon.

Damn, these ones were a real PITA to get...