[sdiy] 19" rack mounted & modified Atari Mega STe

[Mike]

>
> Also, since my project will not just consist of "rack mounting an Atari
> ST" (or Mega STe in my case) but highly customizing it for MIDI use
> it'll still be a lot of work to modify something pre-made like that.
> Actually it might just cause problems for me, so I think a completely
> blank and empty 19" rack enclosure (3U high perhaps) will be the best
> solution for me.
>
>
> >  Furthermore I've heard that racked
> >> computer equipment (servers etc.) came come as deep as 100cm!
> >> So 50 or 60cm should probably be fine. But where do i find empty rack
> >> enclosures that deep?

The enclosure for rackmount servers are quite deep, but also, the earlier
ones are available at close to scrap prices here in the UK.

My thought would be to look at a few, find a suitable one, gut it, ebay the
bits you don't need, and the literally saw it down, (a wooden straight edge
and a disc cutter are a good method), it's only steel after all.. You could
section out the original back panel and fit your own custom panel on top.
Ditto the front. With any luck you might end up with decent, yet replaceable
switch mode PSU as well. A bit of thought might see the re-use of disc drive
mounts too.

A lot of recyclers break old file servers because they have limited resale
appeal. They are worth befriending: like all scrap dealers, offering cash
usually helps....

I've just been given a batch of damaged laser printers from that source - I
want the scanning mirror assemblies to make some of those 'Liquid Sky' laser
effects. I'm waiting on a small skip full of obsolete and damaged hard
discs. I want a large batch of the magnets for a quick drapery fixing idea
for set dressing.

HTH

Mike