[Info-vax] Modding a DS10-L

[Rich Jordan]

On Mar 15, 2:20 pm, VAXman-  @SendSpamHere.ORG wrote:
> In article <10808166.1468.1331834038332.JavaMail.geo-discussion-forums at vbbfy7>, abrsvc <dansabrservi... at yahoo.com> writes:
> >On Thursday, March 15, 2012 1:09:03 PM UTC-4, Rich Jordan wrote:
> >> One of my two hobbyist DS10L systems has bit it; the main logic board
> >> is dead and it just isn't cost feasible to repair/replace right now.
> >> So I have a full set of working spares (less the MLB, all tested in
> >> the second DS10L) including two extra 512MB DIMMs, sadly not the rare
> >> low profile DataRAM models.  And I have some tools (and access to
> >> others) and I'm not afraid to use them. especially on spare parts.
> >>=20
> >> I was thinking about cutting a nice rectangle in the lid right over
> >> the memory slots.  Then making a sheet metal cap that would provide
> >> enough clearance so that I could use the DIMMs vertically instead of
> >> with the right-angle adapters.  That would allow me to take my working
> >> DS10L up to 2GB.  The cap would get riveted to the case lid (I don't
> >> have access to a welder, nor the skills to non-destructively weld
> >> sheet metal).
> >>=20
> >> I don't expect any problems except for possibly the frontmost case
> >> screw mount, which might partially overlap with the area needing to be
> >> cut.  Given continuous metal still shielding the system/RAM, am I
> >> likely to run into any EMI problems caused by the system? I don't
> >> think cooling will be affected enough to matter (as long as there is
> >> some turbulence to prevent the metal cap from becoming a dead-air
> >> hotspot).
> >>=20
> >> Fun to think about while I wish  (and keep an eye out for) a free/
> >> cheap DS15 or free/dirt cheap DS10...
> >>=20
> >> Rich
>
> >The biggest concern with modding the cabinet is air flow. As long as the "b=
> >ox" remains sealed, you should be OK.
>
> >On another note:  What appears to be the problem with the MB?  It is rare f=
> >or these to fail.  If you are in the US, perhaps I can repair for a reasona=
> >ble fee.  Contact me offline.  I may also have a few spares around.  Shoot =
> >me some details.  Let me know also if you find a cheap/free DS15 as I could=
> > use one too...
>
> I did it with mine.  First, I "nibbled" just enough space to allow the memory
> to poke through.  Then, I built a cap for it out of two pieces of clear plex-
> iglass. One piece serves as a spacer, the other as the cover.  I toyed with
> the idea of modifying the sockets but decided against that.
>
> --
> VAXman- A Bored Certified VMS Kernel Mode Hacker    VAXman(at)TMESIS(dot)ORG
>
> Well I speak to machines with the voice of humanity.

I'm definitely not touching the sockets; I only have one working
system right now.

Plexi or plastic would be easier to work with, I just don't want to
create RF interference to my neighbors (or my clock radio, which I
tragically still use ;)