[Coco] If Apple can do it, why can't I?

[Francis Swygert]

Date: Fri, 1 May 2015 09:51:34 -0400
From: Joe Grubbs <jsgrubbs at hotmail.com>

I had a hairbrained idea last night. I don't know if anyone has done this before, and I'm not even sure if/when I could tackle it as I have too many other projects to finish (virtual cassette software, CoCo2 component video prototype, Ethernet pak...).

I have a basketcase 26-3026 CoCo2 that I'm restoring. The RF modulator is toast and the case is in rough shape. It has already been upgraded with the ECB 1.1 ROM and 64K memory, though there's three different part numbers plugged into the sockets O_O

Anyway, I've thought about transplanting the mobo into a chassis like this, and create a CoCoMini. Unquestionably better than a MacMini

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0q66iksdu30ubol/enclosures.JPG?dl=0

I'd relocate the power and reset switches, make holes for the DIN connectors, and work out some way to incorporate the cart slot. It would need an external keyboard of course. I'd have to omit the power transformer and place that in an external "lump in the line" box. I'm not sure if I'd be able to find a center tapped external AC adapter otherwise.

Thoughts? Stupid, awesome, meh?
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Easier than repackaging in a PC type case. You just need a rectangular box really. Should be a lot of plastic project cases close to the right size. My first repack was in a wood box I made, with two drives along the top of the MB and a power supply for them enclosed as well. I glued aluminum foil inside the box and ran a ground wire to the MB as an RF shield. Worked as good or better than the little aluminized cardboard the CoCo came with. For that one I kept the CoCo PS intact. I later put one in a Tandy 2000 case. 
 Frank Swygert
Fix-It-Frank Handyman Service
803-604-6548