leesmithsworkshop.co.uk/products/the-mechtrum-mechanical-keyboard-zx-spectrum-case

40 years later, the Sinclair community builds there own computers .....100%... did anyone imagine this?

@ClassicRetroByte

Жыл бұрын

The Zx 80 and 81was a DIY kit build.

@mrkrusher29

Жыл бұрын

The ZX Spectrum is the most cloned computer on earth, people have been making them from scratch (with no ula) since they first made it across the iron curtain

No further agadoo required!

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

Agadoo all the things

Abosulty love this Lee. Its given an old caseless specturm a whole new lease on life. Also I love the case design, it reminds me of some of the fascinating Rusian spectrums, but also the Oric Atmos.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

while I was working on the design many people showed me the Rusian models and mentioned how close it was to them.

@absinthe4breakfast299

Жыл бұрын

The Atmos was the best looking computer of it's generation, a seriously stylish machine.

Looks really awesome, I have a rubber keyed wonder under the bed in good condition, but if the dead flesh becomes too much this looks like an amazing replacement, must feel like a whole new machine with a real keyboard!

Incredible mechanical design, exterior design, parts fitting, several air intakes, colored logo, ZX layout keys, very well-crafted work.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

thank you

Beautiful! Really really awesome replacement case solution. I hope you sell loads of these beyond the first 10!

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

A nice steady flow of sales would suit me, so I am not running the printers 24/7

Looks fantastic bud, the changeable IO plate at the back is such a genius idea.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

I used it a few times, printing those thin parts between the IO is not great and they just snap. so printing them flat makes it a lot stronger.

Good day Leesmiths Workshop! Excellent inspiring work. There is a lot to like here. The sound vent underneath, the patterned squares. The way this comes apart. The experimental designs. I particularly enjoyed your conservative designs besides your final result. It is all very intriguing. Thank you very much for sharing and for the contagious enthusiasm. Best wishes for your channel and future creating! Warm regards from the Cape of Good Hope peninsula SA.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

Quite possible the nicest comment ever ! Thank you for taking time to watch and comment, I am glad you enjoyed the video.

That looks great Lee... and the texture on the top is lovely,

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

it's also very tricky to get perfect every time, I have to watch it print that first part and the rest is normally ok.

Thats a great looking case!! Nice hearing all the design iterations too

great video lee ,love the look of it ,have got the files off you ,thanks for all your time to make a STL .

I bought one from Lee a few weeks ago. Simply brilliant design! The video doesn't really do it justice - you've gotta see it close up to appreciate it completely.

Nice, gave me some ideas to tweak the mister case im making for myself.

Wow, looks amazing Lee, you’re such a genius!

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

I have the odd moments of clarity.

Lovely job!

Matte PLA looks awesome when printed on the textured PEI beds, this case looks wicked and for a minute I thought it was injection moulded, I dont have a Spectrum but I do have my original VIC-20, after seeing this I thought about scanning the case and printing it in PETG carbon fibre as I have a roll in my collection.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

www.cgtrader.com/3d-print-models/hobby-diy/electronics/breadbin-commodore-64-enclosure-3d-print-model

@AndrewAHayes

Жыл бұрын

@@leesmithsworkshop Thanks Lee! if my scan doesent work out good enough I may well buy this file.

It's the coolest thing I've never seen... Just incredible. I want to do the same but with a +2B made by Amstrad for the spanish market... your work is a inspiration for me.

Really nice work! It was very interesting to see the evolution of the design, too.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching the design part.

Hi Lee, a very aesthetically pleasing case….and mechanical keys!🤩 Well done! 👏. As always, a very thorough well thought out project. It was nice to see your case through its prototype journey with your thought processes and troubleshooting confessions to the final finished product so thanks for sharing🙂. Merry Christmas and may you have many orders for 2023! 🤗.

@EnjoySynthSounds

3 ай бұрын

Reminds me of the Amiga 600. Could do with the white Sinclair logo on the left somewhere. But great if you like playing games with keys or do lots of typing.

Nice ! If I acquire another MB I might consider this :)

That looks great

Absolutely BRILLIANT, Lee ! Thank you for mine. I'm so thrilled with it. Maybe the best Speccy case I ever saw. And the keyboard, it's a KILLER !!! This is a dream came true for every Speccy fan. Man, those rainbow stripes are absolutely gorgeous ! That SiZif bracket is a treat. (hope I didn't exhaust English language superlatives :) )

Nice work Lee!

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

Thanks

That is fraking cool!

It's looks smashing and that new keyboard is ace. I want one day to get a ZX Speccy.

Great looking design Lee!

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Todd, means a lot coming from you.

That is a thing of beauty.

Love it mate, a lot of work has gone into this however definitely worth it

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you like it

Lovely machine!

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

Indeed!

Really cool. Reminds me the Amiga 600 case

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

It does in ways especially with that grill.

This looks absolutely brilliant, Lee!. Very keen to order one of these next year (though I suspect this will be long after the first 10 have sold).

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

I hope to have it for sale as long as possible.

This is fantastic work and the end result is brilliant, well done. Being a 3D printing guy myself I appreciate the great many hours (and the money) you've put in to this. As a 48K user from '82 the thing for me that the original lacks is a power switch. Back in the 80s I sent off for a sort of wedge shaped affair that plugs into the power socket and sits on the case, with a switch on the front. You plug the power lead into the back of that. Still got the Sinclair User mag it was advertised in, and it cost £4.95 in 1985! Having a small rocker on-off switch on the side maybe would be the cherry on top (I don't know the wiring that would be required). Love this project and wish you many sales!

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

I just kept it as simple as possible and if you want a power switch you can use an inline one to save any mods to the spectrum board. Thank you for the nice comment, I really enjoy making these and trying to hide the normal signs it's 3d printed. You have to love textured PEI.

great work - I would definitely consider upgrading this to be more like the Spectrum + / Toastrack style with spacebar and enter key. Could also be an interesting case for the Spectrum Next board.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

Point me to a keyboard PCB I can buy or make and I will look into it.

that matte black looks really good. Maybe you should try a wood filament 🙂 Very nice design,

Really beautiful work! Also +1 for an opportunity to buy the STLs or printed parts alone.

PETG or something like that may be a "better" choice, so you don't need the power solution and maybe brass inserts? That would prevent cracking plastic when screwing, you can put the inserts in with a hot iron for instance. Very nice case!

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

brass inserted needed more plastic and it stopped the case fitting around the space ln the spectrum board. Petg is ok, but it limits the printers I can use and my bigger printers are not really setup for it.

@OzRetrocomp

Жыл бұрын

I'd argue that it's a good idea to replace the old 7805 DCDC converter regardless of the case being used. As Lee pointed out, reducing the heat should help with CPU and ULA longevity.

@ZaPpaul

Жыл бұрын

@@leesmithsworkshop PETG is no different to use than PLA. It prints at almost the same temps (just a little higher). Unless you dont have a heated bed, there is no reason not to use PETG. It is a much better choice for this application.

Really nice design, very professional! I love the way it keeps to the “Spekky” vibe without being a direct knockoff. One suggestion though - if you print the backing for the keyboard as a separate piece and glue it in to the keyboard surround, rather than having it as part of the it, you can eliminate aa lot of your supports and cut down on the printing time. It would also potentially allow you to have a different infill density on the supports than on the case, again possibly cutting your print time and costs.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

I was thinking of ways to remove the needs for the supports today, Something I can experiment with over Christmas.

You popped up on my Facebook. After watching the video I couldn't resist, so one's on order. Thinking of sticking a Hermit ZXZero in it.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, The new keyboard PCB arrived today, the Key switches are in the post so the last part are the key caps and I think they will be with the engraver next week.

@mickymillersson4376

Жыл бұрын

@@leesmithsworkshop hi lee, I contacted you regarding extending the keyboard ribbon cables to fit a Hermit board in the case. I'm waiting for some ribbon cable so I can get started on it. Where would I get hold of the connectors you have on the ends of your keyboard ribbons?

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

@@mickymillersson4376 HI, it was something I designed myself so not sure if you can find anything like that. I was working on it for you,. but work has got in the way at the moment.

Just discovered your channel, amazing. Are you going to do more? as I will be interested in purchasing a case.

Great job!!! PS: I know you've done a great MSX repair - did you see my Tweet, would you like to appear on part 2 - or would you be happy for me to show a clip of your MSX repair?

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

I did see that and you asked for gamers so i didn't reply. I also sold it to a friend so can't do anything new for you. You're welcome to use anything from the video. I will have the original upload file if you want parts from it just ask.

@GadgetUK164

Жыл бұрын

@@leesmithsworkshop No worries - I said gamers to widen it tbh, but repairs is what we do =D I have a few clips from others and photos and stuff, so if you are happy I will stick a short clip from your repair in there and shoutout!

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

@@GadgetUK164 Yes sure and thanks 😄

Very impressive case well designed , I like watching done and I like what I see good channel .Retro Robbins my indeed participate in a purchase unfortunately a little bit short of cash at the moment hopefully we'll still be doing this project just after my birthday in order for me to place an order

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

I am going to try and keep parts in stock so they will be on sale as long as possible.

It doesn't look 3D printed, and the end result looks great. Amazing!

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

You can get some very good results with a bit of thought, but then it's not always easy to print. I try to keep things simple like how square everything is and it's helps make it look clean and tidy.

@DaveVelociraptor

Жыл бұрын

@@leesmithsworkshop I noticed you mentioned Richard during it - he's really talented in that way!

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

@@DaveVelociraptor Indeed he is, I printed the Multisystem case from him and that was how I found it.

This looks fantastic! Would you consider selling the STLs for those of us able to print our own?

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

eventually Yes, but you should know it will not fit most printer beds. the top cover is a fraction too big for prusa - ender size printers and the base is right up to the edges.

Really, really nice job, Lee. Have you considered making an XL or "Plus" version with extra keys, maybe a numetic pad? I'd love something like that for my N-go project.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

Did you not see the N-GO case I showed in the video ? However because of reasons I will not be selling those.

A ZX with a mechanical keyboard would have costed a fortune at the time. Still I'd imagine that it it would have sold like bread loaf

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

You had the DK Tronics keyboard.

@robm8809

Жыл бұрын

@leesmiths workshop There were several keyboards like that, I had an LMT 68FX2 keyboard on my Speccy, it was ace, had a numeric keypad and various extra keys.

Great case. Where can I find the Keyboard ribbon connector pcb's?

I feel like that vertically printed case would be a much better candidate for ABS, but the support issue is huge. Cylindrical edges lend themselves extremely well to being roughly sanded smooth (600, then1200 grit) and acetone smoothed to a bit of a dull shine Prints can look very much like an old injection molded ABS part this way, trades some horizontal strength for stronger layer bonding. I know people like the full shine, but it's starting to damage the plastic at that point. Definition starts to be lost on simple details where a deft hand and sanding tools would preserve it easily.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

I can imagine this would have warping problems because it's quite thin and standing up for so long while printing.

@wyattalan3883

Жыл бұрын

@@leesmithsworkshop Without an absolutely nailed down ABS printing setup a long part like that will warp at the ends. But depending how far it goes up the print it might not matter much. After finishing it might almost look like a contour that was meant to be there. Or at least that's what I tell myself sometimes...

Fantastic work Lee. I would have given up a long time ago. Possibly the best 3D print project I've seen. Can I ask you what printer you have please? It's such a wide template. I never had the original rubber model, I had a zx 48K+ but unfortunately it was fire damaged in 1988. I've a lot of old spectrums now though . I remember all those old flight cases people made to hold all the kit. They sold them in Sinclair User, this reminded me of them It's a great project. Well done.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

I have many printers and the two big printers I use for the case are customized and no longer for sale. Both are 400x400x400 and I upgraded to SKR 1,4 turbo controls boards with tmc drivers and E3D Hemera extruder with Revo hot end. Others parts are printed on mt Prusa Mk3 and others on my DIY corexy printer.

That looks superb! I’ve been following the progress and it’s a fantastic job. Will there be an option to buy the 3D files for self printing?

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

eventually, but it will not fit on most prusa - ender sized printers.

@geezerdiamond

Жыл бұрын

@@leesmithsworkshop Ah! Good point!

Really awesome case! And very interesting all the iterations you went through. The only "but" is that I'd really want the 128 spec and its proper space bar (well technically the bar is also in the plus). Anyway, here in Spain there are a ton of +2s and it would be really great to have someday a compact sweet case like this one as a replacement.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

You can get the N-GO case manuferhi.com/p/n-go-case-keyboard

@RaM-xy8kg

Жыл бұрын

@@leesmithsworkshop but I cannot fit a +2 inside. going the FPGA route is an ok case, although I think I prefer the feel and finish of yours

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

@@RaM-xy8kgso the grey +2 ? I would need one to do all the test fitting.

@RaM-xy8kg

Жыл бұрын

@@leesmithsworkshop the grey! I hadn't noticed the PCB is way smaller. looks like the main issue would be the db9s and the reset button at the left. just a tad wider maybe

It is a really great project. ZX Spectrum need to be black. 😀 On the other side grey keycaps would make it more similar to the original. I bought in the past a ZX Spectrum with "real keys"… but in the last years it was stored in a box. Unfortunately it is not mechanical, and the rubber pads deformed under some of the keys, so they are continuously pressed, although ha the foil is intact. Maybe i will be interested too, but grey caps would be great upgrade. PS my main platform is Commodore Plus/4… it also had an iconic look and had a pretty good keyboard. White keys 😀

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

I don't have any choice in the colour of the key caps.

Nice Keyboard 👍. I had a Fuller Keyboard back in the day and it was noisy as hell. How does yours compare to modern keyboards noise wise. ?

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

These are basic blue switches used in many modern keyboards that are marked at Clicky. It could have any type of modern switches I like these so went with them.

how about a version for NGO with room for the the raspberry pi accellerator, and cut outs for SD, joysticks and reset, nmi and drive buttons?

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

I have one, but for reasons I don't want to share it's not for sale.

I see a missed opportunity here for an improvement: a space bar. I've never had the chance to play with a ZX Spectrum or its variants/clones, and not having a space bar is a bit of a hindrance. I know that there is a space key in the bottom right of the keyboard, but it's not the same.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

A space bar would need to be more like a Plus model.

@michalpolak4098

Жыл бұрын

Didnt You try gray keycaps?

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

@@michalpolak4098 I don't have any choice in the colour.

Now that's ZX Spectrum that beats 8-bit Atari and C-64 ;) Well, the keys are better than in Atari XE and XL, though if someone prefers clickless, Atari XL keys were not bad. IDK if all C-64 keyboards were clicky, but mine was. I sometimes miss that kind of click. As for the board - it's obviously less capable than Atari and C-64, but still some ZX Spectrum games had more colorful graphics than both Atari and C-64. ZX Spectrum was horrible because of the abysmal keyboard, and this one has a keyboard worth more than the rest of this thing ;)

Is there a ready made one that doesn’t require building? I’m not that good at things like that. Thanks.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

what do you mean ready made ?

Superb! Can I ask what you design in and what printer you're using? In return I can recommend truck bed liner spray for finishing printed cases. PLA takes it wonderfully and it hides every layer line and imperfection. Best of all, it's just the right textured finish - in black - for a Sinclair computer and is tough as hell!

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

I use older software called 123design just because I am too stubborn to learn something new. My printers are all customised, but the basics are 400x400x400 printer size with E3D Hermera and Revo hot end. One started as the Anycubic Chiron, but only the frame is still used.

@IrregularShed

Жыл бұрын

@@leesmithsworkshop I spent so long trying to learn Fusion 360 that I can understand reluctance to change! And I figured that you had to be using a big-boy printer to get the full case on the bed; my Ender 3 Pro has been upgraded continually but going bigger isn't an option in my office/workshop/den, so my printed ZX Uno/Pi 4 machine has a million joins to deal with (and cover with the truck bed paint)

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

@@IrregularShed If you want to see one of my multi part designs look at the Multisystem case video.

@IrregularShed

Жыл бұрын

@@leesmithsworkshop I just did before I subscribed 😉

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

@@IrregularShed

Can I buy the files to print my own?

I'd rather use a Spectrum Plus, move the arrow keys and set it up with a slightly more modern setup, then decode it through an Arduino for the spectrum signals. Maybe even add in some intelligent options to it.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

working on it.

Can you design an Amiga 500 case that can fit PC keyboard and is so loose and generic that just about any PC laptop motherboard would fit in it?

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

I don't have a printer big enough to design an A500 case, but someone has already made one for a pc, I just can't find it at this time.

Do you still sell the N-GO enclosure? It is much better than the one is offered by the N-Go market place.

@leesmithsworkshop

10 ай бұрын

HI It was never sold and I have no plans to do so.

@4034miguel

10 ай бұрын

@@leesmithsworkshop Got it. It is a pity, though. You did a great job with the ZX MECHTRUM. Congratulations.

Please don't say 'coolest'. It's so American.

@leesmithsworkshop

Жыл бұрын

Cowabunga dude