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      /  Checkmate Digital A1500 plus prototype ready for Kickstarter
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PosterThread
clusteruk 
Checkmate Digital A1500 plus prototype ready for Kickstarter
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 8:49:20
#1 ]
Super Member
Joined: 20-Nov-2008
Posts: 1544
From: Marston Moretaine, England

Hi All

As some of you may be aware I used to run Checkmate Digital and the first product we released was the Checkmate Digital A1500 which a review was posted on facebook last week. Well this has gained some traction and I am considering re launching a newly designed version brought bang up to date. Now in true Checkmate style I will be a bit cheeky so it is being designed to honour the A3000 in looks and to have the option of the A1000 keyboard garage if using TenKeyLess keyboards (ie no number pad). Below is a very early concept design overview video and it is designed to hold either A500/A1200/A600/Vampire/Tabor-1222/MiniITX and maybe even the GBA1000 if I can get the dimensions and does not make it too large. The reason for mentioning here is because I want feedback from those who like to pimp out there Amiga's and would like a properly designed desktop case to do the pimping in.

Following feedback already recieved from A1k.org the front will have a removable section to allow optional CD/DVD drive, single floppy and SDCard slot, or dual Amiga floppies. Internally there is an adaptor to fit internal ACA A500+ and hopefully others, it will have a built in power supply and hopefully keyboard case adaptors and cable for different Amiga's however, there are some lovely vintage mechanical keyboards in the market. I am aiming to get the computer case alone well under 200 euros, hopefully close to 150 euros but the injection moulded front may cause problem in small numbers here. Any way I would appreciate all feedback so I can put them into the design. Some things will have to be missed out, some tweaked. For example the A1200 expansion slot cards will be flipped over and lay on top of A1200 to keep case size within the size I want.

If this makes it to market it will be marketed under iMica ltd as Checkmate closed a long time ago. Please contact me at steve at imica dot net with comments and suggestions, also please let me know if you would be interested in one if it makes it to market, just looking for interest. It will be launched with a Kickstarter once all testing and prototyping is done assuming people have shown interest. IMPORTANT, this could be a long journey so do not expect this in a few weeks. Personally I think 6-9 months.

Video explanation of design concepts so far

http://www.brahma360.com/general/BodegaBay-VS-CheckmateDigitalA1500.png

Original Checkmate A1500 vs Bodega Bay review scan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir4gbWO4Q9M

Mechanical Vintage Keyboard (TenKeyLess)

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1941

I am trying to find out what the community want and if there is a good enough interest, hopefully it is positive but if not then that is OK but I would like to be sure before getting to injection moulding stage

Steve

Updated picture


http://www.brahma360.com/general/Checkmate-1500-plus-Montage.jpg

Last edited by clusteruk on 15-Jul-2018 at 04:38 PM.
Last edited by clusteruk on 10-May-2018 at 09:26 AM.
Last edited by clusteruk on 25-Oct-2017 at 05:38 AM.

_________________
Amiga 1000, 3000D Toaster, Checkmate A1500 Plus
http://www.checkmate1500plus.com/

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g01df1sh 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 8:53:07
#2 ]
Super Member
Joined: 16-Apr-2009
Posts: 1777
From: UK

Will need a nice tidy way of connecting A1200 square power socket to the internal PC type power supply. Elbox did this with a little plug that went into the square socket and then back into the case.

The design of a desktop case like the originals is a great idea.

_________________
A1200 ACA1232 128MB Indivison MkIICr
Elbox empty Power Tower
RPi3 Emulating C64 ZX Atari PS BBC
Wii with Amiga emulation
Vampire v4 SA

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clusteruk 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 9:20:16
#3 ]
Super Member
Joined: 20-Nov-2008
Posts: 1544
From: Marston Moretaine, England

@g01df1sh

Plan is to do all power connections internally without the square plug, a) because it will be neater and b) plugs are hard to get now.

Steve

_________________
Amiga 1000, 3000D Toaster, Checkmate A1500 Plus
http://www.checkmate1500plus.com/

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g01df1sh 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 9:22:49
#4 ]
Super Member
Joined: 16-Apr-2009
Posts: 1777
From: UK

@clusteruk

Em be interesting on how they will achieve that..

Without the use of a bus board

Last edited by g01df1sh on 20-Oct-2017 at 09:23 AM.

_________________
A1200 ACA1232 128MB Indivison MkIICr
Elbox empty Power Tower
RPi3 Emulating C64 ZX Atari PS BBC
Wii with Amiga emulation
Vampire v4 SA

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clusteruk 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 10:02:45
#5 ]
Super Member
Joined: 20-Nov-2008
Posts: 1544
From: Marston Moretaine, England

@g01df1sh

Oh, and you read my mind, if you watch the video it explains it

_________________
Amiga 1000, 3000D Toaster, Checkmate A1500 Plus
http://www.checkmate1500plus.com/

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g01df1sh 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 11:59:59
#6 ]
Super Member
Joined: 16-Apr-2009
Posts: 1777
From: UK

@clusteruk

Looks like a lot of thought has gone into the designs. Funny how I see more cool innovative ideas in the Amiga scene than in the PC world.

_________________
A1200 ACA1232 128MB Indivison MkIICr
Elbox empty Power Tower
RPi3 Emulating C64 ZX Atari PS BBC
Wii with Amiga emulation
Vampire v4 SA

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DFergFLA 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 13:47:20
#7 ]
Member
Joined: 26-Jun-2015
Posts: 32
From: Unknown

@clusteruk

I would be interested. Just to make sure I read it correctly I should be able to put an standard ITX mobo into this case.

Looks really nice.

Thanks

Donald

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clusteruk 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 14:06:35
#8 ]
Super Member
Joined: 20-Nov-2008
Posts: 1544
From: Marston Moretaine, England

@DFergFLA

Yes, I think the Mini-ITX PC market may actually like the Retro feel of this case so I am ensuring it woks with them.

Steve

Last edited by clusteruk on 20-Oct-2017 at 02:06 PM.

_________________
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http://www.checkmate1500plus.com/

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IanP 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 15:42:08
#9 ]
Regular Member
Joined: 27-Mar-2008
Posts: 100
From: Unknown

@clusteruk This will be nice for the new boards that are coming out (Amy-ITX, Vampire 4 standalone, FPGA Arcade Replay, A1222 etc.). Personally I've never seen much point in re-casing the wedge Amigas unless it's to fit expansions that are to big for the case (CD/DVD or 3.5" hard drive), or that need access to a rear panel for connectors like a graphics card or Ethernet card on the A500 and A600. I like the small size and aesthetics of the wedges including the embossed Amiga branding. These days with CF card options even for the A500 instead of hard drives it's mainly internal optical drives that are a difficulty to fit in them.

Creating a case that meets the needs of a wide range of machines/users whilst not compromising the looks and still keeping the costs down is likely to be a big challenge. Also some parts may be tricky to get, there are always issues getting hold of A1200 bus connectors for example, with some expansions resorting to using labour intensive "cut and shut" PCI connectors. You may be able to get the bare case down to €200 for the mini-ITX market but I imagine it will be extra for the "fold back" expansion bus/power adaptors and various keyboard adaptors need for Amiga boards.

Will there be power, floppy and HD LEDs on the case with suitable cables/adaptors or will the LED wiring be run out of a keyboard socket for people that want to use their original Amiga wedge keyboard (with a suitable housing and adaptor)? Or is it up to the modder to work out their preferred solution?

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clusteruk 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 17:25:39
#10 ]
Super Member
Joined: 20-Nov-2008
Posts: 1544
From: Marston Moretaine, England

@IanP

Lots of questions which is good.

On design I have never been a fan of the wedge computers but I guess that is obvious.

You are correct on the connector which is actually a big concern and may scupper me, but people still get them so fingers crossed. The power connector is always another problem and hence doing internal power connection on adaptor.

Led's will be in the usual place for Power and Drive access if available on system.

Cost is true but I can but only try.

The price is only the case as you are correct on costing but again we will see.

My biggest concern is getting enough orders to pay the initial mould cost, hence a kickstarter and probably a minimum 100 to kick this off. Although already got more than that showing interest.

Steve

_________________
Amiga 1000, 3000D Toaster, Checkmate A1500 Plus
http://www.checkmate1500plus.com/

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g01df1sh 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 17:59:16
#11 ]
Super Member
Joined: 16-Apr-2009
Posts: 1777
From: UK

Would be cool if the people that did the kickstarter for new wedge shape cases modified there moulds to include fixing for a slim CD drive. Bet that would sell quite a few..,.


_________________
A1200 ACA1232 128MB Indivison MkIICr
Elbox empty Power Tower
RPi3 Emulating C64 ZX Atari PS BBC
Wii with Amiga emulation
Vampire v4 SA

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Signman 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 19:07:02
#12 ]
Regular Member
Joined: 16-Aug-2016
Posts: 100
From: Unknown

Fantastic, I would definitely want one.

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Rob 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 19:39:28
#13 ]
Elite Member
Joined: 20-Mar-2003
Posts: 6344
From: S.Wales

@clusteruk

Good choice in positioning the card bracket high up in the case, plenty of cooling so you can put a high end system in there.

I think this could be very popular with A1222 users looking for something with a real identity. It might be worth contacting Trevor and Matthew to see if a mutually beneficial arrangement could be made.

Are you considering a choice of colours like C64C and A1200 case remakes?

Have you considered trying get a licence for the Amiga brand name.

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cv643d 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 20-Oct-2017 21:51:10
#14 ]
Regular Member
Joined: 29-May-2009
Posts: 262
From: Stockholm - Sweden

Nice, but I liked the thin profile of the original Checkmate more. I think the original Checkmate looked better than the A3000 also. A nice slim workstation.

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wolfe 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 21-Oct-2017 12:33:04
#15 ]
Super Member
Joined: 18-Aug-2003
Posts: 1283
From: Under The Moon - Howling in the Blue Grass

@clusteruk

I'll be watching for updates . . . .

_________________
Avatar babe - Monica Bellucci.

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Tpod 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 21-Oct-2017 16:31:46
#16 ]
Regular Member
Joined: 16-Oct-2009
Posts: 122
From: UK

@clusteruk

Excellent idea, like you I think the A3000 is the best looking Amiga, always regretted not getting one back in late 93 when they were being sold off cheap! It looks even sexier with a Floppy Drive Cover Plate in place IMHO, I would prefer that kind of look, if its practical (may be non-removable & shorter so it doesn't get in way of any drive openings). Just an idea maybe others prefer it without?

I have a spare A500 GVP Impact HD/Ram board & Supra28Mhz accelerator, could that feasibly fit in (I know the size is a balancing act)? Either way its

A Vampire would be more appropriate for a nice new case like this anyway.

_________________
A1200+Mediator+Voodoo3+040+130mbRAM+0S3.9
A2000+Supra28mhz+9mbRAM+OS3.2.2, CD32 & WinUAE

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IanP 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 21-Oct-2017 21:35:14
#17 ]
Regular Member
Joined: 27-Mar-2008
Posts: 100
From: Unknown

Could the optical and/or floppy drive(s) be recessed behind flaps so they don't spoil the lines of the front fascia?

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_Steve_ 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 22-Oct-2017 15:09:18
#18 ]
Team Member
Joined: 17-Oct-2002
Posts: 6807
From: UK

@clusteruk

Just had a look over your video, and it seems like quite an interesting concept.

Rather than being limited to one model of machine, it is encompassing pretty much anything you would want to throw at it from the wedge design of Amiga through to the NG and ATX/MicroATX boards.

_________________
Test sig (new)

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TheDaddy 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 22-Oct-2017 16:17:11
#19 ]
Elite Member
Joined: 30-Sep-2005
Posts: 4499
From: Quattro Stelle

Let me know if any Amiga key caps for the mechanical keyboard are needed, a couple of years ago I made them for the following language layouts:

Italian, U.K., Spanish, German, Swedish (Finnish), Norwegian, American (ANSI), American (ISO), French, Serbian-Latin, Dual Greek-American, Danish, Russian, French-Canadian, French-Belgian, Turkish Q, Swiss-French.

It was this project:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/505470364/amiga-inspired-key-caps-for-mechanical-keyboards?ref=discovery

Good luck!


_________________
www.loriano.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

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IanP 
Re: Checkmate Digital A1500 plus concepts discussion
Posted on 23-Oct-2017 1:02:08
#20 ]
Regular Member
Joined: 27-Mar-2008
Posts: 100
From: Unknown

@TheDaddy Amiga style keyboards for the Vampire standalone would probably be a good thing. It's probably worth talking to the Apollo/Vampire team to see what they think. I'm not a fan of the boing ball logo, maybe you can get permission to use the Vampire logo on a key.

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