[Coco] Laser Cut Cartridge Case (was Re: miniFLASH product)

[Andrew]

What about this?:

Rather then laser-cut a metal case and bend it, what if you (someone - 
not me, too many other projects, this is an idea for someone who knows 
what they are doing) created a DXF or some other CAD file (or even a 
PS/PDF) that could be sent to a laser cutter (or a company that laser 
cuts), and have the cutter cut out flat pieces of acrylic (1/8 inch 
would be ok).

Have holes cut/drilled (by the laser cutter again) to mount a PCB with 
the edge connector, as well as holes for "standoffs" for the PCB and for 
connecting a "top" and a "bottom" plate.

Sure, it'd be open with all the electronics exposed, but who really 
cares? It'd look all the more cooler, right? Add some LEDs to light it up!

Include a PDF or such of a double-sided PCB (edge connector, and 
strip-board traces or something?) that can be printed and 
toner-transferred (or UV etched); maybe eagle-cad (or better, some open 
format - kicad or something?) for a PCB - something you could send off 
to a company to have printed.

Dump it all into a ZIP file and stick it somewhere. If you need a 
cartridge, send the files to the appropriate places (send the 
laser-cutter files to one company, and the PCB files to another - or 
etch your own PCB).

Such a case/PCB combo would be fairly cheap; only those that want it 
would need to grab and print it, and no one would be stuck trying to 
sell something not many people want or need.

The only problem here is finding someone willing to make the files and 
test them out. If I had the time and/or skills, I'd do it myself. We all 
probably have all the measurements, cartridges (for examples), etc; hmm 
- can we crowd-source this in some manner?

Just a thought I'm tossing out there...

Andrew L. Ayers
Glendale, Arizona
http://www.phoenixgarage.org/


> Message: 2
> Date: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 17:23:56 -0400
> From: Al Hartman <alhartman6 at optonline.net>
> Subject: Re: [Coco] miniFLASH product
> To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts <coco at maltedmedia.com>
> Message-ID: <8BF7490596FE4B31834EF3D91CE92EE5 at Inspiron15>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
> 	reply-type=response
>
> There have been metal cases. They could be laser-cut and bent, then the
> edges sanded and painted. But, you'd have to order a lot to make the cost
> reasonable.
>
> If Mark sells through every piece he has, I'm sure he will be very happy.