(COMPLETE) SFF Inception: NFC Skyreach 4 MINI Brickless Build Log

[seven7thirty30]

Update: The custom foam inserts for the travel case are taking forever, and when I get impatient I have to stay busy. I started to work on a prototype S4M vertical stand that could be used with the machined aluminum feet that I originally planned for this build. I want to keep the bottom open for airflow through the bottom of the case, but the first prototype proved that there need to be supports to prevent flexing. Working on a new revision now.

I found the perfect place to put my signature on the build. Denton font from Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

 

[seven7thirty30]

Update: Final revision of the S4M stand is complete. I added supports to help prevent flexing, but still allow for airflow through the bottom of the case in a vertical position. I painted it black to match the case and applied clear coat with a crackle effect in the hopes of creating a "Titan Shield" effect from the game.

I have made the .step file for this stand available for free to download under the "Resources" section of the forum. You can find it at the link below:

.STEP - Skyreach 4 MINI Vertical Case Stand

A 3D printable vertical case stand for the Skyreach 4 MINI case from NFC. There are two versions. The "Slim Version" is for the standard case dimensions. The "Wide Version" is for the 5mm extension to each side panel as seen in the build log at...

smallformfactor.net

 

[east113]

Where did you get the aviation connector? I've looked online but haven't had any luck. Might use that for the S4T if I can get my hands on one for my APU builds new home.

 

[seven7thirty30]

Where did you get the aviation connector? I've looked online but haven't had any luck. Might use that for the S4T if I can get my hands on one for my APU builds new home.

Of all the items that I purchased for this build, the 16mm Aviation connector was the most illusive. I found one on eBay, ordered it, and it never came. I ordered another one from the same seller, and it never came. I found one on Amazon, and three consecutive times the item was "damaged" during shipping and I never saw it. I almost gave up on it, but the last order through Amazon finally arrived.

 

[east113]

Of all the items that I purchased for this build, the 16mm Aviation connector was the most illusive. I found one on eBay, ordered it, and it never came. I ordered another one from the same seller, and it never came. I found one on Amazon, and three consecutive times the item was "damaged" during shipping and I never saw it. I almost gave up on it, but the last order through Amazon finally arrived.

That sounds like one hell of a time getting a hold of it. I'll do some more digging on amazon then to see if I can find it.

 

[Curiosity]

I think a good term to search for would be 'cannon plug'. That's what we call them at work.

C90-3102R10SL-3P Harwin | Mouser

C90-3102R10SL-3P Harwin Circular MIL Spec Connector 3P PANEL PLUG MIL-C-5015 COMPTBL datasheet, inventory, & pricing.

www.mouser.com

Maybe this works?

 

[RoedCrimson]

This is awesome, can't wait to see the finished product!

 

[seven7thirty30]

Update: It took longer than expected, but the custom foam inserts for the travel case are finished. Everything fits well without movement or shifting. The only thing that won't fit is the vertical stand, but I'm OK with that. Final test will be this weekends' flight home. Final pictures coming soon!

 

[Curiosity]

Looks fantastic!

Maybe cut a small channel out for the mouse cable to pass straight into the cables cutout, to relieve that sharp bend?

Thinking about it you could just cut a line into the foam and that would work fine

 

[seven7thirty30]

Looks fantastic!

Maybe cut a small channel out for the mouse cable to pass straight into the cables cutout, to relieve that sharp bend?

Thinking about it you could just cut a line into the foam and that would work fine

Good idea. A slit will be sufficient.

 

[Valantar]

When I first saw the first pic I thought you had gone for a too small carrying case - but then I saw the second layer, and I realized that it is pretty darn near perfect. Nice job. Did you cut the foam yourself, or have it done somewhere?

 

[seven7thirty30]

When I first saw the first pic I thought you had gone for a too small carrying case - but then I saw the second layer, and I realized that it is pretty darn near perfect. Nice job. Did you cut the foam yourself, or have it done somewhere?

Had it cut locally through a small business. I used a thin sheet of plastic under the top tray, and attached nylon handles. There are a few online websites that will do it, but they charge too much.

 

[m.trix]

Where did you find the information on wiring the Avi connectors? I know @Josh | NFC has some on his site but not sure where to looking for wiring. Would love to do this for a potential HDP400w brickless in my S4M.



The mounting of the HDPlex 400W AC-DC mod required new holes to be drilled and tapped into the case frame. A new challenge was apparent when connecting the Aviation Power Cable. Quick disconnects are needed, so I re-soldered and re-sleeved the cables.

[/QUOTE]

 

[seven7thirty30]

I didn't find the information online. I just followed the wire from the outlet plug of the power cable to the AV connector, then to the AC-DC power supply. Black to black, red to red, green to green (yellow).

 

[m.trix]

I didn't find the information online. I just followed the wire from the outlet plug of the power cable to the AV connector, then to the AC-DC power supply. Black to black, red to red, green to green (yellow).

Ah Okay, gotcha. So they are color coded then. Was unsure as to how I am going to wire it up since I do not yet have the HDP AC-DC. I'll keep that in mind when I finally get it. Might settle for the connectors it comes with for now.

 

[Choidebu]

Ah Okay, gotcha. So they are color coded then. Was unsure as to how I am going to wire it up since I do not yet have the HDP AC-DC. I'll keep that in mind when I finally get it. Might settle for the connectors it comes with for now.

The socket itself is not color coded. What he means is that since you'll be doing both the plug and the socket, just make sure the corresponding pins have same cable color.

These aviation connector (GX16-3, is that correct?), is not strictly used for certain purposes unlike IEC power sockets and plugs, so the standard doesn't dictate what cable goes where.

 

[seven7thirty30]

The socket itself is not color coded. What he means is that since you'll be doing both the plug and the socket, just make sure the corresponding pins have same cable color.

These aviation connector (GX16-3, is that correct?), is not strictly used for certain purposes unlike IEC power sockets and plugs, so the standard doesn't dictate what cable goes where.

In addition, the aviation connectors are numbered 1-3. I used 1 for red, 2 for black, and 3 for green/yellow.

 

[m.trix]

In addition, the aviation connectors are numbered 1-3. I used 1 for red, 2 for black, and 3 for green/yellow.

When you say they are numbered, do you mean the diagram for it is numbered or the connector for the HDP?

 

[Choidebu]

When you say they are numbered, do you mean the diagram for it is numbered or the connector for the HDP?

On the socket

On the plug

 

[m.trix]

Ah I see what you mean, litterly. So just match up the numbers to which ever contacts you choose, just "don't cross the streams". LoL