Peter wrote:Sounds fantastic! I'd be happy to use such a case, especially if it contains two extra holes for QLNET jack sockets at the side, and "Q68" 3D letters like the "QL" letters of the original. Also nice would be less height, maybe moving the power switch away from the front panel.
I designed the Q68 for a metal case, mainly because of the RF shielding, and designing classic front and back panels is easier than learning 3D design & printing. All I could do is choose a case with some grooves, which is at least black with QL-style white text on the back. But while I think it looks quite sharp, it could certainly use even more QL appeal.
How would you achieve RF shielding? By spraying a metal layer inside?
Electronic shielding paint is available on eBay for about $13 to paint the interior of the case (both halves). Would cheap metallic spray paint also work I wonder? I personally wouldn't unless the interference is too much...Is the Q68 putting out a large amount of RF interference?
If you follow some of the retro YouTube'rs they seem to suggest it's not as critical anymore and the equipment works just fine. Some models, depending on their region, never even had any shielding. They even strip it out of models they are refurbishing. I also think I've seen a Lego Q68 case out there which didn't seem to have shielding unless it also was painted internally.
As for the design, yes, I like low profile but it should have a QL (or Sinclair) feel. Of course that may be easier said than done. Also yes on QLNET jack accommodation -- was going to ask Derek once I get going on it. I'm still working on a low profile case for my mod'ed vDrive which will be a good test bed for experimenting with style. I want to add that similar grill pattern on its right side and those horizontal lines just to see what it looks like. Then, I'll see if I keep the sharp edges or curve them (the QL does sharp edges but other Sinclair items, like the Spectrum, curve them a bit).
When you say the power switch, are you saying the plug on front left? Note that I'm looking at pictures since my Q68 is being shipped to me as I write this
If so that could present a problem as you force individuals to mod their Q68 by soldering wires and adding a new connector that gets mounted elsewhere, unless you can find a somewhat flat right-angle connector that looks like it's part of the case. Of course I'm not going to sell this, it's just a case I want to create for my Q68 and then share the design on Thingiverse for others to print their own. So the design could be augmented to fit individual needs with the majority of it hopefully being good enough to remain the same.