Re: Snip your way to an easier closing GS case

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Labelas Enoreth writes ...
> 
> I can't help but wonder how many other people out there want to beat a
> IIgs sensless when trying to install several cards that just don't want to
> coexist together (like a HS SCSI, PCT, this one CP/M card I have...)
> Certain slots, obviously, you don't want to take up is you want to use
> ports, and the PCT and SCSI card have to play twister to get to the
> cutouts in the rear with their skimpy cables, and...well...you know what I
> mean...<sigh>
> If only you could use the ports _and_ the cards, and the rear had some
> sort of multi-use cutouts rather than small where you need big and big
> where you need small...

     For sure, it can be a hassle. Like, the regular-size case opening
works fine for mounting the little Hyperstudio sound digitizer card and
the RamFAST Dsub socket. But, the openings are too small for easily
passing through some cables.

     One mod that helps a lot is to get rid of the rear metal shield.
(If you live in an apartment or dorm, you may need to be concerned about
increased TV/radio interference when you do this.)  It is much easier to
route cables and plugs when you are not concerned about having the
shield edges cut into insulation and cause a short.

     If you remove the rear shielding, you can easily modify the size of
openings in the back. A Dremel hand tool cutting disc cuts through the
plastic like butter. (Be sure to wear goggles. BTW, the little discs are
fairly delicate and routinely shatter when snagged.)

     So far, cutting new or bigger rear openings has not been necessary
on our IIgs; but, we have done it on our trusty II+. Having larger
openings in a few spots definitely helps when the alternative is having
everything squished together.



Rubywand