Mini-Tower

[Scott.Alfter@skunkworks.genesplicer.org (Scott Alfter)]

RIMJB@ttacs3.ttu.edu (Bartell, Mike) wrote:

BM>5.    With the motherboard on the left side of the 
BM>computer, there is a blank area
BM>where the connecters can be accessed.  The key to this procedure is to
BM>measure carefully.  Using the dremel tool, cut out the areas needed 
BM>fot the connectors. 

A better solution would be to make a series of short cables to run from the
motherboard connectors to connectors that you'd bolt to cover plates that
would fill in the card-cage holes.  The RGB (DB-15F), SmartPort (DB-19F), and
joystick (DB-9F) connectors should be fairly straightforward (actually, you
probably don't need to run the SmartPort connector to the outside since you
can mount your floppy drives internally).  The video (RCA F) and ADB
(mini-DIN-4F) connectors would be a little more tricky, but they're nothing
that can't be handled with a drill.  For the serial ports, you might consider
taking the opportunity to "convert" them from Apple's nonstandard
(mini-DIN-8F) connectors to standard DB-25F (SSC-style) or DB-9M or DB-25M
(IBMish) connectors.  Connectors for peripheral devices (such as SCSI cards)
can be handled as needed.

BM>8.     Connect evrything.  In mine, I used a long internal SCSI cable with
BM>Centronics 50 pin connectors on both ends, and attached the terminator to
BM>one end, and the old external cable to the other end (ugly, but 
BM>the best solution I
BM>could come up with).  

An "internal" SCSI cable would use IDC-50F connectors for each device along a
ribbon cable of suitable length.  With an Apple SCSI card, you'll need to
build an adapter to go from the 25-pin connection to the standard 50-pin
connection.  With a RamFAST, you can simply install a 50-pin male connector in
the holes provided on the card (there's a capacitor installed in the socket's
place that you'll need to remove first).  Termination resistor packs (220/330
ohms) can be plugged into the appropriate connectors on the device at the end
of the chain.

BM>1.   The hard part, for me is trying to find some of those panels that will
BM>allow the connectors clean passage through the slot holes in the case.

Radio Shack should sell these.  If yours doesn't, try JDR Microdevices.  They
have slot covers in several different varieties (solid or with cutouts for
different types of connectors).  Your case should have come with solid slot
covers (the case I used for my clone came with covers, anyway).

BM>3.  CTRL apple reset has to be hit after the hard drives spin up to speed.

Upgrading to a RamFAST will fix this problem.  If that's not an option and if 
you're moderately familiar with electronic circuits, you might consider
building a time-delay switch to put between the motherboard power connector
and the power supply.  A 555, a couple of smallish relays, and a few other odd
components can be combined to make a widget that would delay motherboard power
for 10 seconds or so.  This would give your hard drives time to spin up.

Scott Alfter
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