Getting closer to fabbing a prototype Novena case

Post date: May 8, 2015 1:58:14 AM

I added the standoffs for the PCBs to my case design, plus the internal USB board and standoffs for it.

Stuffed

Empty

You can see the SSD still needs standoffs inserted- I still haven't figured out exactly how tall they need to be, or exactly where they need to be. They're coming, though! The rib between the SSD and the grey PCB might also move to be inline with the existing rib there (moving it along the -X axis). I have to fit a ribbon cable under there anyway, so it has to be below the SSD anyway (for at least part of its length)

Also of note is the new PCB (shown in grey, top image). This is a little board that the Novena uses to break out some stuff- a couple USB ports, speaker connections, power/user buttons, etc. You'll notice I said "a couple" USB ports, when only one is shown... I'm intending to cut off part of the board. There's just not space in my design with the heatpipe to leave it in. I could expand the case, but it doesn't seem that important when USB hubs are easy to come by. It's connected to the mainboard by a custom ribbon cable, so I can't easily move it somewhere more convenient.

One other sticking point: hinges. I ordered some hinges that are supposed to go in a ThinkPad T420s/T430s. They look like they should be pretty easy to mount to the case, but I don't have exact dimensions yet, so I'll wait to fab an MDF prototype until I can add those in. I'm hoping to get that done in the next week or two, but these things always take longer than it seems like they should.