Curto wrote:I agree 100% the walt perko guides sit too tall. I am going to run them through my table saw and use shorter standoffs.
I think that's a great idea. Totally do-able.
CodeCage wrote:Thinking of adding an IEC connector to my 8800c build to replace the included AC power cord.
What's everyone's thoughts on whether or not this voids the retro look. It would be on the back when everyone was marveling over the switches and LEDs!
I think it's a great idea too. I see the 8800c as being Mike's improvement on the original 8800, sort of a "restomod," to use a car hobbyist term. I've used those AC panel mount connectors on various prototype (and production) builds and they are handy 'cause you can get power cords anywhere.
But how would you cut the hole? Would you drill a starter hole and then use a nibbler? I tend to like having a machine shop punch holes that aren't round - like DB-25 and Centronics cutouts - and they do a great job on those AC connectors too. But I always have 'em punch on flat panels, like the front and rear panels of a Metcase enclosure.
Maybe I'm over-thinking it. The rear panel of the 8800c case just has the mounting "lip" bent into it, so maybe it's no problem for a machine shop to punch holes in that panel. I think they use a hydraulic press rather than a strike, but I'm not sure. I'm also not sure if the panel needs to be flat for the shop, so I could be wrong in my assumption that it needs to be flat. I may be - probably - am wrong about it.
Or maybe you have a punch that can be struck with a hammer. Or maybe the nibbler tool. Inquiring minds want to know!
As for me, I'm leaving the power cord through the strain-relief. I'm going to install a 3A fuse holder, but that's an easy-to-cut round hole. I'll just punch a dimple and drill it.
I am thinking I might like to mount a couple Centronics connectors though. I'm thinking about options for disk drive connections. I don't want to just run the 34-pin cable out through a hole. So I might use Mike's daughter board - the ones included with the FDC+ board - or I might use a 36-pin Centronics or some other connector. I just don't know yet.
I also thought about mounting a Centronics connector for a parallel port but I think I'm ruling that out. I'd rather just connect a printer to a serial port. Could have digital and analog I/O though. But now I'm getting way ahead of myself.
Too much rambling. Sorry. I'm just really curious how you plan to punch or cut the hole for your AC panel mount connector.