Commander X16: PR007. Portable/Luggable Computer Build.

[ahenry3068]

Well I finished the power supply back in September in anticipation of this. Now I've got to get the logistics all together.

This is less a technical challenge than a challenge in logistics and use of space. I've got to figure out how to get the entire thing in the Dewalt Tough Case. I've pretty much figured out the motherboard and the monitor (though I haven't decided which way to point the Mouse/Keyboard and other input ports and the cartridge connector). The power supply/Batteries, Keyboard/Mouse and cable routing are what I need to work out. I will probably be making some shorter power cords, That I'm qualified to do. I need about a 16" VGA cable also to really do this right. (I'll be checking Amazon & Ebay for such and maybe other sources. If someone knows of such a thing please drop me a line.)

Anyway first run to make sure everything works together this afternoon. But I really have a lot of logistics to go to make this work. I want to take it with me to VCFSE this July... ..

Heres a Youtube video


Heres some pictures.

[ahenry3068]

I'm currently planning on attending VCFSE. (Atlanta, GA... Starting 19 Jul 2024). Lots could happen between now and then so I'm knocking on wood... But I did get my ticket. I'll be wearing a Commander X16 t-shirt and carrying around the luggable (unless I'm showing it off at somebody's table )

[mortarm]

Hope your not planning to fly with that. TSA would have a field day.

[ahenry3068]

Hope your not planning to fly with that. TSA would have a field day.

I'll be driving... ROFL.. It's going to all fit in the box by the time I'm done...

[ahenry3068]

Hope your not planning to fly with that. TSA would have a field day.

Actually the Lithium batteries would be a big no no..

[Edmond D]

Hope your not planning to fly with that. TSA would have a field day.

Actually the Lithium batteries would be a big no no..

I think the batteries would be the least of their concerns. The appearance right now makes it look like a TV prop for a show on domestic tourists.

[ahenry3068]

Hope your not planning to fly with that. TSA would have a field day.

Actually the Lithium batteries would be a big no no..

I think the batteries would be the least of their concerns. The appearance right now makes it look like a TV prop for a show on domestic tourists.

It's going to be a lot more self contained. .. Actually I'm pretty sure Lithium batteries are specifically prohibited items due to fire hazard.

[BruceRMcF]

Actually the Lithium batteries would be a big no no..

I think the batteries would be the least of their concerns. The appearance right now makes it look like a TV prop for a show on domestic tourists.

It's going to be a lot more self contained. .. Actually I'm pretty sure Lithium batteries are specifically prohibited items due to fire hazard.

Quite. When I was bringing our stuff back from China, I couldn't bring the batteries inside the battery case for my wife's scooter, since the Lithium batteries cannot ship in regular wood-floored containers, but have to travel in the fire hazard steel floored containers, and with special permits & port handling, so they cannot go in partial container load freight.

[ahenry3068]

I'm still waiting for a couple parts (the most critical being the speakers).

Also, I got the monitor mounted today. My measurements were close but of course Murphy's law has struck and they weren't close enough.

The lid won't quite close all the way with the monitor mounted. I can MAKE IT WORK. I'm going to have to do some tricky McGyvering of the case in a couple places.

Also mocked everything up a little to see how it will all fit. I'm holding off permanently mounting the X16 board until I get the Box modifications done. I'm not having Grinders and Saws

anywhere near my Precious.... ....



Anyway here's some pics..

[ahenry3068]

Made the decision to order a 15" dell monitor tonight with similiar look and mounting system. I really DID'NT want to hack on the case, I'm feeling bad just drilling holes in it.. The 17" monitor ALMOST fits. The 15" one should fit easily.. (I hope...lol). Another $80 bucks on this project. (Well I'll find some use for the 17". Maybe keep it around for my Tandy if I ever put the VGA card back in it.) It does mean I can't finish the build until I get the new monitor. Mounting the monitor is the biggest logistical hurdle and I don't want to mount the other components until that is done.....