First launched in 1983, the Commodore SX-64 was one of many earliest transportable private computer systems on the business market. The {hardware} inside these computer systems was similar to what was discovered within the extra well-liked Commodore 64 desktop laptop. Nevertheless, the built-in 5-inch show and 1541 floppy disk drive, at the side of the distinctive kind issue that made it doable to choose up your complete system like a suitcase and carry it round, made the SX-64 very fascinating.
However, they didn’t promote particularly nicely, largely as a consequence of their excessive price. An SX-64 price about thrice greater than a typical Commodore 64. Consequently, the Commodore SX-64 was solely in the marketplace a bit over two years, whereas the Commodore 64 held on for twelve. For that reason, there aren’t a number of these computer systems accessible right this moment on secondary markets. Classic computing aficionados that need to choose one up right this moment should be able to shell out a number of hard-earned money in the event that they need to do their retro gaming on the go.
Putting in the motherboard within the case (📷: Ominous Industries)
YouTuber Ominous Industries wished a Commodore SX-64, however was extra within the aesthetic than really having an genuine system. So quite than monitoring down the true deal, Ominous Industries determined to construct a contemporary recreation of this basic laptop.
The {hardware} is all modern-ish. A motherboard was scavenged from an outdated Lenovo desktop, with an Intel Core i7-7700 processor and 16GB of RAM. This was fitted right into a {custom}, 3D-printed case formed like a sq., which was practically one foot lengthy on all sides. In a break from the unique design, the print was finished in black and neon inexperienced to provide it what Ominous Industries calls a “hacker” theme.
Making ready the FM radio jamming {hardware} (📷: Ominous Industries)
A five-inch LCD show was chosen instead of the unique CRT show, however it was put in with a entrance plate that brought on it to be recessed and have a considerably extra genuine look. Consistent with the hacker theme, an FM radio jammer — powered by an Arduino — was additionally put in within the system. A personality LCD, potentiometer, and a button had been included to regulate the jammer, and an antenna extends by the roof of the case.
A removable keyboard, which can be utilized to cowl the entrance panel of the pc when not in use, was additionally custom-made for the construct. A equipment that contained the circuit board was used, and Cherry MX mechanical switches and neon inexperienced keycaps had been added to it. Some RGB lighting was included as a result of — nicely, as a result of it seems cool. A 3D-printed casing rounded out the keyboard, earlier than magnets had been put in to connect it to the entrance plate.
Ensure you get my good facet (📷: Ominous Industries)
The completed product even has some secrets and techniques like a hidden compartment that shops a travel-sized mouse. However the truth that the case needed to be printed in a number of segments does imply that some pretty apparent seams are seen. That may give this machine somewhat bit an excessive amount of of a DIY search for some, however total, it seems fairly spectacular.
The video isn’t fairly a step-by-step information, however if you’re proficient with a 3D printer and in a position to improvise a bit, you may get some good concepts to your personal retro-inspired transportable laptop.
