ITX RISC OS Hardware?

After a short hiatus I have returned to RISC OS…

Now I’m looking (once again) to build a dedicated machine to run it – previously I looked into resurrecting an old Acorn Electron but that project never did get off the ground.

Now I have an old 1U ITX case that used to be our firewall and I was hoping to build a RISC OS computer inside it – I know that the folks over at CJE Micros sell an adapter that will allow a Pi to be used in an ITX case so that would be my default option (especially since I already have a Pi) but what I was wondering is if anyone knew of any other solutions for mounting a RISC OS compatible board in a ITX enclosure?

We sell mountings for our ARMX6 kits for ITX case, as well as older mounts from our Pandaboard-based ARMiniX.

However, mountings are just a small part of the puzzle. You need to consider how you’re powering/controlling/connecting the board etc. In the grand scheme of things, an ITX case itself is probably only a small percentage of the overall project.

In the grand scheme of things, an ITX case itself is probably only a small percentage of the overall project.

It all depends on the end user I suppose.
In essence you have three options for something with an a Pandaboard base

1. Buy a complete unit from your good self
2. Buy the bits as above with a support package.
3. ITX case, assorted bits as you figure out what’s needed and load the code available from ROOL.

The first is easy and will appeal to the less technically minded or those wanting ongoing support on a warrantied item.
The second is more fun but still has the support
The third allows full customisation but you’re sort of on your own.

Horses & courses.

If I were to use the Pi I would probably provide power using a Meanwell PD25 – the ITX case already has a modified plate instead of the normal 1U PSU which takes a 5mm barrel connector (I previously used it with a picoPSU).

Storage requirements would be minimal and either consist of just the SD card or an additional USB stick.

If I need powered USB ports (i.e., for some keyboards, etc.,) then I could also draw power off the Meanwell PSU and put a small powered hub inside the case. I wouldn’t need an optical drive – I’ve only used one DVD-ROM in the last 12 months and it turned out to have an error on it so these days I stick to USB or other flash media!

Andrew – what are these ARMX6 kits…that one seems to have passed me by…I can only seem to find fully built ARMX6 computers…?

Andrew – what are these ARMX6 kits…that one seems to have passed me by…I can only seem to find fully built ARMX6 computers…?

He doesn’t advertise them on the web pages or let people know the pricing.
Might end up selling his “babies” :)

I was wondering is if anyone knew of any other solutions for mounting a RISC OS compatible board in a ITX enclosure?

I’ve built a few “RISC OS inside a PC Case” things. To mount a Pi inside, I make a couple of holes in a standard 2.5 to 3.5 drive adaptor plate and use nylon screws and nuts to secure it. Using a right angle HDMI adaptor which this allows the HDMI to fit too. All I do then is make up some mountable USB extension to pin headers and connect it to a 1x e-SATA 2x USB PCI bracket – this has the advantage that you can remove the eSATA cable and replace it with a HDMI extension from the right angle adaptor! Given that HDMI is digital, it either works or it doesn’t. Drill a hole of you want a 3.5mm hole if you want rear audio out, too. If you want more USB slots, add another USB extension PCI bracket or better still, run them to the front ports.

Another option I have used is a PSU blanker and dremelled some holes in it for outputs, but I’m not great at that, so it looked far too messy.

In all cases, I just used a 5v 4a wallwart type psu to power the Pi/Beagle xM/Panda – I never felt the need to add a USB hub inside and was content with the four ports available (there are two extras on the Panda header). I just used a panelmount barrel socket and soldered the appropriate cable on the back with an inline switch. As the front switch doesn’t work in this build, I just reconfigured it as a reset switch on the Panda and Pi (Model B rev. 2, at least.)

I’ve built several Pis inside PC cases using this method, alongside the PC! I even managed to bridge the networks a couple of times, but sourcing the right USB-ethernet adaptors was a massive struggle. Kind of makes a RiscPC with PC Card, but it’s just the other way round – it’s a Pi Card inside a PC! I have also mounted 5v Ethernet hubs inside and split the power cable inside using a CCTV power cable chain.

There’s a ridiculous “Cerberus” build, pictured here where I mounted a Pi, a Panda and Beagle alongside a PC and powered using home made molex adaptors, with 2 USB and 1 HDMI output for each RISC OS machine on PCI brackets at the rear. Required the PC to be on to work. I’ve since totally rebuilt this to remove the PC and drop back to the 5v 4a wallwart PSU here and the inside gubbins are here

I used a CIT Vision Mini ITX case for that one, with a CJE Pi ATX mount (painted black) as the ATX I/O plate but not holding a Pi.

I wouldn’t want to mass produce any of them like Andrew does, but if anyone’s interested, I do have a few of the cables, PCI brackets, various adaptors, and 2.5 to 3.5 brackets available. I could make up a few kits, if people wanted to try it themselves.

For a project, that should keep someone busy for a day or so!

The ARMX6 kits are 325+VAT/carriage and include board, additional hardware, 16gb storage, commercially licenced OS, disc image (ready-to-go, plus complete SSD image), instructions for adding SSD, OS updates/support just like full ARMX6 and so on.

Basically you need to provide case/mountings/power/ssd etc. However, the system is fully functional (each machine is tested booting to desktop and browsing the web) out of the box, provided you have a 5v power source.

We don’t advertise them heavily due to the fact that we had a few people early on who would have been better with full machines (they hadn’t thought things through or had overestimated their “techiness”) so the kits are a product that is supplied on request. They are in stock right now, and can be delivered next-day. All the people posting on this thread would be fine with kits by the sounds of things.

Thanks Andrew – that is definitely a tempting proposition and one I will give serious consideration to at some point soon. Sticking with the Pi for now basically because I have no money left (buying a house and restoring a 2CV have taken their toll this year). Once I’m liquid again I’ll most probably get in touch!

Once I’m liquid again I’ll most probably get in touch!

If you’re anywhere near London in the period 11th – 15th the Great British Beer Festival is at Kensington Olympia Exhibition Halls.
You could start the conversion to liquid working from the inside outward :)

From the visitor figures around 60,000 people have a go at the conversion each year…

@Glen

I think I have any parts you need. Somethink like my Obstkiste (search in the forum for pictures). Pi in a ITX.
lf you have a interest, contact me via riscos.openpandora.org. But it take some time. I’m in holiday.

Its OK Raik – I usually have lots of ideas but rarely get around to making them reality! The case is still sitting on top of a bunch of packing cases where I left it a few weeks ago and probably wont be touched for another few weeks…at which point I will probably move it onto another pile of boxes and leave it there!

If I was working as a suit I might say that I am “moving the project forward”… :—)

I have also not the time for all my ideas. But any of than come true and any other must wait.
If you find the time and if you need a (christmas) gift, contact me. ;-)