Lattepanda Alpha case - Numeriform design

bioan · Wed Jun 05, 2019 9:14 am

This is our first prototype of Lattepanda Alpha case.

The most important aspects of case design:

Optimal ratio between mechanical resistance and ventilation

Direct and easy access to Arduino GPIO

The size of the case allows external M.2 SSD radiator up to 6 mm high

Standard auxiliary power jack

Additional comfortable start button

Magnetic grip (screw-less / no tool) cover for fixing M.2 additional SSD

Material used for case construction: black acrylic plastic + aluminium composite panel
Case size: 126.5 x 90 x 32 mm

Access Facebook page prototype link

SixSixSevenSeven · Thu Jun 06, 2019 7:08 am

Very interesting, my only major suggestions would be to provide access to the Arduino gpio and also add a way to affix WiFi antenna

bioan · Thu Jun 06, 2019 9:35 am

SixSixSevenSeven wrote: ↑
Thu Jun 06, 2019 7:08 am
Very interesting, my only major suggestions would be to provide access to the Arduino gpio and also add a way to affix WiFi antenna

Hello!
There is no problem with access to the Arduiono GPIO, the upper cover of the case is cutting exactly on GPIO contours with chamfered edges to provide perfect access, as you can see in the pictures attached.
The antenna wires are fixed, no problem at all. For Hackintosh we use an USB Asus Wi-fi antenna

SixSixSevenSeven · Fri Jun 07, 2019 7:19 am

I'd much rather use SMA connector based antenna than the film antenna that came presupposed and lead to awful WiFi performance in my experience.

mhedhli · Wed Aug 14, 2019 4:04 pm

I second the request for external SMA connectors OR at least the holes in an area that is considerate of optimal placement as well as the needed space for the pigtail connector on the inside of the case. I modified the titan case but the only space for the antennas was on the top middle sides... and there was more tension on the SMA to pigtail connector than I'd like!

I really like this case design, particularly the consideration for the traditional DC power supply. One other suggestion; can you utilize a screw in locking DC female jack? I would pay extra for the case with matching screw in DC adapter for sure.

Example: https://www.amazon.com/Locking-Connecto ... B075D52YXF

Musakilic · Fri Aug 16, 2019 5:23 am

Cooler fan for nvme because nvme very warm

Musakilic · Fri Aug 16, 2019 5:32 am

Also add power button

bioan · Fri Aug 16, 2019 8:54 am

Musakilic wrote: ↑
Fri Aug 16, 2019 5:32 am
Also add power button

The power button is already added.

bioan · Fri Aug 16, 2019 9:05 am

Musakilic wrote: ↑
Fri Aug 16, 2019 5:23 am
Cooler fan for nvme because nvme very warm

I have tested my LattePanda Alpha for more than half year without cooler fan, but a passive aluminium one and I must admit is getting hot but this is not critical up to now. I do not want to change the case design because I do not want to hear any noise from this mini-computer and in the same time to keep a minimal size of it, to be as much as compact possible could be.

bioan · Fri Aug 16, 2019 9:37 am

mhedhli wrote: ↑
Wed Aug 14, 2019 4:04 pm
I second the request for external SMA connectors OR at least the holes in an area that is considerate of optimal placement as well as the needed space for the pigtail connector on the inside of the case. I modified the titan case but the only space for the antennas was on the top middle sides... and there was more tension on the SMA to pigtail connector than I'd like!

I really like this case design, particularly the consideration for the traditional DC power supply. One other suggestion; can you utilize a screw in locking DC female jack? I would pay extra for the case with matching screw in DC adapter for sure.

Example: https://www.amazon.com/Locking-Connecto ... B075D52YXF

I will give a try to find an improved solution for antenna, better if I have another board to play with, the only one I have I use it extensively.
The DC female jack is in fact very similar with the left one in the picture you have indicated. If the screw doesn't exist, the surrounding aluminium composite panel, which is in fact only one piece bended, could not be fixed at the ends to ensure a single uniform aspect. Also, inside the case, to avoid any problems with back and forth mechanical stress, the jack is fitted and glued inside an acrylic part secured with screws from the rest of the case. So there is no chance to be broken!!
I design this case to be used inside other super-compact case (i9 / Mini-Itx) CAD/CAM workstation - as an external additional computer, plugged into the main one as an external device, connected with power using the DC female jack from workstation power supply directly.

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Lattepanda Alpha case - Numeriform design

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