The Enclosure Rebuild
While planning for the installation of my modifications, I noticed a significant amount of unused space inside of the C64C(a C64 with a redesigned case). After playing around with the two halves of the enclosure, I figured out a way to make the system more compact. Since I am running out of studio space, I decided that the effort would be worthwhile. In addition to the functional enhancements I had planned to implement, I wanted to have the compactness of the classic C64 "breadbox" enclosure with the sleek style of the later 64C.
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top portion of enclosure removed
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I'll spare you the details on opening the 64 and removing the metal shield (heatsink).
After eyeballing the dimensions of the main board, keyboard and the space required for the modifications, I began to hack away at the enclosure, starting with the upper vents.
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removed portion split
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Then, I divided the vents again. The top portion will become the front side of the enclosure.
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holes drilled for additional ports
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off with the lower vents while leaving space for routing keyboard wires
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L-brackets were added to the front of the enclosure.
Portions of the case were cut and filed to fit snugly in place.
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enclosure base
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A good practice for precision forming is to remove slightly less plastic than intended while cutting and drilling with power tools. Then, finish up with a file. This is especially true when making holes for ports and screws. I took so much time making sure everything was formed with precision that the plastic alone would actually hold itself together quite well before I added any screws.
Originally, the bottom portion of the keyboard assembly rested on the base of the enclosure while the upper portion of the keyboard was held in place by risers found near the lower portion of the main board. This design, though very sturdy, created much of the unused space.
After trimming some of the fat from the keyboard assembly, I mounted it to the face of the enclosure.
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small switch installed for later use
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I also dremeled out some space for a small switch. The function of this switch will be addressed later.
Final assembly of the case revealed a much more compact design with a rock solid feel.
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side by side comparison
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height comparison
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completed enclosure
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Not bad for eyeballing all of the measurements. Now for the functional modifications!
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