First Look at the Checkmate A1500 Mini Desktop Case
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- Опубліковано 16 лип 2024
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ITX PC Cases are plentiful, but are they as stylish as this? A desktop case for ITX motherboards, Raspberry Pi's, FPGA devices and more thanks to Stephen Jones Checkmate A1500 mini case. Today we get the very first look at the case in the wild and I install my Vampire V4 standalone in it. Let's take a look!
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White Case: checkmate1500plus.com/Product...
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●Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:50 Who are PCBWay
02:19 Unboxing the Checkmate 1500 Mini
10:15 Installing a Vampire V4 Standalone
13:00 Amiga Keycap Kits
15:50 Testing out the Vampire in the Checkmate Mini
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#DesktopCase #PiCase #CheckmateA1500 - Наука та технологія
Piece of advice: HDMI audio extractors are a thing, the right one can deliver stereo via 3.5mm jack. Theoretically you could shove it inside the case as well, i've got one that's 5v i'm powering via a usb to barrel jack adapter.
$2 for a cheap one that goes to VGA form AliExpress.
I agree! I have an old LG monitor from around 2008 or so which has HDMI (probably HDMI 1.1) but no speakers, and so I have an audio extractor in order to route audio out to my speakers because the monitor didn't have an audio output and I didn't want to have to plug a separate audio cable into my devices.
It should still be on the machine.
Have used these devices before too.
I was about to say the exact same thing. This looks like it could be an interesting option. www.amazon.com/Extractor-Splitter-Adapter-Converter-Compatable/dp/B08KVR1LNG/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=HDMI+Audio+Extractor&qid=1624642912&sr=8-14
Watching this, more than anything, I am struck by how far you have come as a video maker Neil. I watch the A500 trash to treasure series from 3 or 4 years back and as great as those videos, your video production has improved so much in that time. Keep up the good work! Greetings from Japan!
That's kind thank you Chris
Just an idea, maybe you could make RMC badge or print a sticker and put that on top of the keyboard manufacturers logo. Would look a lot better that way, as your logo fits the vampire color scheme as well.
Depending on how the keyboard manufacturer's logo is applied, there's a good chance that nothing more difficult than acetone would remove it.
@@nickryan3417 I suspect it might be etched on there, unfortunately, if the pictures on HcMan's site are anything to go by. 😕
I think the HcMan logo is raised.
Maybe a 3D print with a logo on it
Put some vinyl on top of the whole keyboard, if the logo still shows just put a wide RMC sticker on it
It needs Commodore and AMIGA stickers on the monitor, case and keyboard to complete the look !
I think I seen people sell new Amiga case badges.
You type - I type. Video stops, browser exits. Oh well. Love the sound of Cherry MX Blues.
This is exactly what I wanted. Good on you Stephen!
Just discovered your channel and thoroughly enjoying the Amiga content!
What a beauty! Love the matching keyboard you made!! The Mistix sounds interesting too
"Washing my hair today" XD YMMD *g*
That had me laughing.
I really like the style of the case. Looks solid and strong.
The case/keyboard combination is very aesthetically pleasing. I'd love to turn that into a Amiga U/X machine.
The case looks very nice. I'm tempted to get one.
All ATX PSUs have a minimum power drain requirement which annoyingly very few PSU manufacturers ever publish. Some require a minimum drain on the 5V rail and some have a minimum drain requirement on the 12V rail. So you would need to connect a large wattage power resistor to either 5V or 12V (or both). If this minimum power requirement is not met then the PSU can fail to turn on or fail to regulate correctly and the power rails may be under or over voltage or just wander about (unstable).
This case with the V4 is a very sexy combination! I loved the ease with which the V4 is fitted inside and now I am tempted to get an A1500 mini for myself!
Excellent content as always mate
I'm glad this project has been worthwhile for its creator. Can't wait to see where he goes next.
16:08 Actually it's 🎵All about the Pentium!🎵
It looks pretty snazzy, I quite like artwork on the manual. It looks very slick!
The black finish makes me think VCR rather than retro PC
Loved the ‘world of commodore 92’ demo there
I have the DT770 pro 250 too, can't bear using them without completely changing the Fr with Eq. I guess making videos with these cans explains why the videos sound so nice on this channel, to make something not sound sibilant on the dt770 is a chore.
Fun fact: some monitors are actually able to extract the audio stream from the HDMI signal coming into their DVI input via regular passive HDMI->DVI adapter/cable. Even if there are no speakers built into the monitor and only an analog 3.5 mm line/headphone output, they do reproduce the signal through it. I know, I too thought digital audio via DVI was not a thing and it only arrived with HDMI but my girlfriend didn't know that so she went ahead and done just that: plugged some headphones into her monitor that was connected to her laptop via an HDMI to DVI cable. It worked!
*panics seeing a computer turned off while running* Then I remembered you could do that on the Amiga, and in fact if the HDD light so much as flashed when you weren't doing something yourself to trigger a read or write, you'd assume the device was haunted and throw it out the window. :D I kinda miss those days. You knew what the computer was doing at all times, and felt in control. (Nice to see Opus there, too! :D)
No need to be ashamed of enjoying a good click. Some of the music producer peoples I follow are absolutely obsessed with the quality of buttons and knobs. It really is a big deal over in the music production world. I think we lost that attention to detail in home tech somewhere along the way. Aside from keys on keyboards I don't hear much call for anything. I have this big knob on my keyboard that adjusts volume and I absolutely love it. Find things like that is not easy. I miss having rows of them on my early PC's that controlled fans and did other things. Today my PC case is just a box with a piece of glass on one side.
Man, I wish they'd make standard ATX desktop sized cases
I just received my Checkmate mini black w/mistix and keycap sets the other day. Already have Corsair SF450 modular PSU to reduce cable clutter and red/black cablemod custom sleeved cables. Just need keyboard for the mister.
Neat little case. However I am still waiting for a nice wedge style case with keyboard for small devices like Pi, or FPGA. They have to be right around the corner.
Oh yes please with itx too! For pi tough I'd just buy 400.
In development for the Pi 4 Compute Module, think it's on a crowdfunding site.
@@amirpourghoureiyan1637 link?
@@linkthehero1234 Jeff Geerling's video on 10 new CM4 boards, fast-forward to the PiKeeb
I don't know how this could compete with "accelerators" for actual vintage Amiga hardware (ie keyboard.) My TheC64 has plenty of room to accept an SBC like a Pi, a HDMI splitter and adding an interior usb connection to connect directly with the keyboard. I've been considering this myself. The UnAmiga (the only other FPGA solution I know of) fits in Checkmate and Checkmate ITX. Or you can settle for a RPi 400 as WolfKenneth suggests. It might be hard to justify a "wedge style case" when the alternative solutions depend on a degree of DIY, and people can hook up their $$$ custom gaming usb keyboards.
Not a good enough combination of nostalgia factor with practical advantage. Admittedly it would have a little bit of both, maybe just not enough.
You might have to get an HDMI to VGA Male Converter Adapter Dongle with 3.5 mm Stereo Audio, there is some with audio out that give you possibility to connect speakers, and also you will be able to connect old CRT monitors.
Best thing I've found if you want a CRT and audio from a headset would be a HDMI to VGA dongle, some have a headphone jack on the actual dongle, not pretty, but a quick and dirty fix!
Hello! Stephen has provided me with links for the Black and White cases should you want to pre-order:
Please note: I am not affiliated nor do I receive commision for this, this is a completely impartial review with pre-order links for your convenience.
- White Case: checkmate1500plus.com/Products.aspx?id=369
- Black Case: checkmate1500plus.com/Products.aspx?id=370
Neil - RMC
Neil - any link to that keyboard?
@@MrLukealbanese hey luke, it's on amazon, do a search for 'Hcman Mechanical Keyboard 87 Key Compact Gaming Keyboard'
@@bazza5699 cheers for this 😀😀
Very Nice setup you have there, great jobb :) This is how the vampire becomes interesting to me. Is there a way to expand or add anything to the vampire that could be installed in the case? That way the case would feel usefull and not just look nice.
OK, what Americans giggled a bit when he made the reference to the guy potentially "fluffing him"?
You can use acetone to remove the logo on that keyboard if it's metal on top. I've done this multiple times to different keyboards. Get a paper towel, or a microfiber cloth good and wet then rub the label off. Just keep it away from any plastic.
Thanks Megan, I'm not sure it worries me as much as to risk damaging the plastics...but it's tempting. I'm sure I'll crack before long and break out the acetone
Awesome video. Looking forward to your V4 review. BTW the V4 does not have a full USB stack so I highly doubt you will get your keyboard LED's working. Looking forward to my mini+mistix. Planning on a modular SFX PSU as that big jumbled up wiring harness is just soo wrong!
mmm some interesting stuff there.. would love to see a more in-depth look at the vampire.. your keyboard is the same as the one I've bought for my MiSTer.. i love those amiga keycaps.. very nice addition.
Thanks Baz, out of interest does your keyboard RGB come on as soon as you power on, or does it need software in the OS to turn them on?
@@RMCRetro comes on as soon as powered.. that's very odd that yours isn't lighting up.. on powerup mine cycles through different lighting themes, until one is selected. pressing the function key (guessing your right Amiga key) and the insert key clicks through the different lighting themes.
might be worth just plugging it into a PC, if it works you know it's the vamp and a power issue..
They do make such a thing as an HDMI to DVI + analog audio converter. Fairly cheap on Amazon and gives you DVI output and 3.5mm audio / RCA stereo output from an HDMI input signal. Might be a good option to run typical headphones or analog speaker outputs on this.
Hey! Maybe you can get rid of the residual power of the PSU if you connect a resistor on any of the remaining cables of the PSU.
Vampire tray is awesome concept, thoughI'd be tempted to pop the cover and solder in that LED activity wire....:D I'm going with a MISTeR for mine.
Same here
"i need to get a smaller HDMI monitor with audio....."
A TV. You are looking for a TV set ;)
Oh yeah baby
boioioioioing
The keyboard ASMR was perfect!
Excellent video, now I wish I could get that setup! LOL
What I do on modern PSU's if the load on a rail is not sufficient to make the PSU behave properly is getting a say 20ohm or so 10W resistor and connect it to a molex on the 12V rail usually but 5V to works with say a 10ohm one.
So one can use that on one or both rails from a molex or sata connector.
On my P3 system where the system acts up with insufficient 12V load that solves my post issues with some GFX cards.
Any artificial load really helps like a HDD for example or some fans.
It should also discharge the DC side of the PSU I figure.
It was pretty common to add a 10ohm 10W resistor to the 5V rail on a AT psu back when IF you used it for something that almost exclusively used 12V because you would not get proper 12V otherwise.
Anyways adding 1-2 10W resistors is easy enough and should solve most issues with a PSU not liking very small loads.
I was thinking that maybe a HDMI to VGA adaptor may work? These usually split HDMI to VGA (or DVI) and 3.5mm Audio. I do love the look of the black case with the keyboard. Might have to look at a power injector of some kind to get the lights on the keyboard going. I would have thought the Vampire should have enough from the USB's, but if it was desperately needed a power injector or small powered USB hub could work out. You have enough power cables internally :).
Edit: Just read other comments and saw the VGA adaptor thing mentioned :).
Why not fit a 5v case fan on the 5v supply so when you switch it off the 5V rail will be discharged more quickly, that will save having to unplug it. I noted there were positions on the PSU distribution PCB for dummy loads, maybe there is a position for one on the 5v rail so a resistor can be fitted to drain the 5v supply more quickly.
Look, just because I washed my hair doesn’t mean I can’t dive into retro stuff too! 😉
Woooow i'm early ,awesome video .
I think the 5V rail on an ATX psi is live all the time, maybe that’s what turning off properly turn off the vampire. Either that or you need to ad a resistor to drain the caps in the PSU when you power off.
My immediate question is whether or not the vampire might be being backpowered by the HDMi
That looks like a lovely case - only thing I'd say regarding the power supply situation:
Maybe they could offer a 5V power supply with a different power board for the smaller loads like a RasPi? Specifically because of the fan situation - also I reckon that the larger PSUs will waste at least a BIT of power compared to, say, a USB wall wart.
But in fairness, a full-sized PSU could be handy if you start using Desktop PC parts inside of this in tandem with the 5v devices, like a normal DVD drive or a harddisk.
And regarding the keyboard: I'd say some black electric tape would sort the logo out, or some black paint, perhaps with a decal.
All good PSUs should have something like an X2 /Y2 capacitor to drain off the residual current but the Vampire either uses so little power it keeps charged for a long time or that 5V you're using is constantly live (pin9 gives standby power all the time, pins 4,8,21,22,23 should shut off). Love the boxes, good luck on monitor hunting. A nice black 4:3 or 5:4 would look so good.
Neil, I bought an HDMI to VGA adapter that extracts the audio to a 3.5mm output. That should do the trick.
not really. RTG resolutions are garbled with those adapters because the V4SA uses a nonstandard HDMI implementation.
Hi, just a suggestion.
When you are reviewing items such as this, could you do some initial measurements on the case (eg. use a measuring tape on it to give quick impressions on the physical size)? Its tough to judge the size of the thing when watching the video.
(Thinking of using as a HTPC case but I need to fit into a limited space)
Thanks for the review!
Cheers,
The capacitor in you psu to help with sudden large loads is to big. Maybe a bleed resistor would help. Personally I think a pico psu might be a better choice.
I'd love to get one of the original cases, but I live in the USA. £179 converts to about $250 at this time and it's getting to where it takes more and more dollars to cover a GBP... My only hope (I think) is if I do get to "go on holiday" in the UK, that may be the time to buy one, especially if I get to visit the RMC cave while I'm there. This is because shipping would probably cost at least half of what the case costs.
The lights in the keyboard, some boards don't use software and just use the boards function keys to turn them on/off and change patterns, I am guessing the one you have is similar?
If I had the money to spare I would love to build a modern pc in one those cases.
To deal with that residual power, you should just be able to put a load resistor across the 5V line. Not sure what value would be appropriate for this, but basically the power supply needs somewhere to put the charge that’s residing in its capacitors. Incidentally, that would also fix the problem of some power supplies not detecting smaller devices as a load, and shutting off. It literally wastes power, but it’d do the job.
I'd be surprised if you couldn't get an adapter cable that breaks out the hdmi audio to 3.5 mil jack. I use one that does that for hdmi out to vga.
Is there a version of this with the front pop out bit for usb ports, etc?
Great but like the style from A1200NET A1200. cases much nicer and better. Waiting for the A500 case from A1200NET and the keycaps
If I can get mini itx PC and my A1200 in one of those boxes at the same time I'd buy one.
I think it fits a ITX and Mini ATX boards.
I can't say about the A1200, I don't have the case (Yet) and I am an Amiga n00b.
I hope the PCB mounting holes all line up in this case. I was disappointed that two mounting holes for the A500 PCB didn't line up in the 1500 plus case. Did anyone else have that problem?
Wish all those screws on the back were black but I guess that is something that could be changed afterwards.
Personally, I like the widescreen with that setup. I would have just gone with a regular keyboard though. I have to agree with the Vampire not having a 3.5mm audio jack, it's utter nonsense and a deal breaker for many, myself included... Apple's silly choices should NOT be resonating through-out the rest of the tech world.
I don't see this as an Apple-esque choice, it's just a reasonable choice given that a very large number of users will be using an HDMI cable which happily carries audio as well as video - as in plugging into a modern TV. Choice is good, but I can see the reasoning behind this one. Many HDMI monitors have audio out even if they don't have built in speakers so from that point it's not such a concern either.
@@nickryan3417 And why should we, the users, be concerned with cost and hassle of that? 3.5mm jacks are cheap, easy to build-in and provide an option that would negate the rigmarole you just described. No Thank You. 3.5mm audio jack or no deal(read smooch my hairy bum).
Vampire V4 and it's HDMI output never really worked for me. My monitor is supporting all necessary video modes but failed to recognise most of them when activated on the Vampire. To see it looks like the video modes are not 100% compatible and picky monitors fail to recognise them. I solved that problem with an HDMI to HDMI scaler. That scaler has also an analog audio output, which is nice if your monitor does not have speakers.
ATX PSUs provide 5v standby power for PC motherboards, so the Vampire is probably being powered from that.
i'd really like an ALL-IN-ONE amiga keyboard ready for the raspberry pi/mister - maybe not full size 500, but maybe like the 1200!! (of course not the 600)
Seeing as how the keyswapping being kinda ruined by a logo will probably be a very common thing maybe along with the keycaps they should include a couple stickers in different sizes to cover up such logos.
I got that keyboard. It's decent. But next time i'd get one with hot swappable keys
They certainly are lovely cases! Do you have an Amazon link for the keyboard by any chance?
Here you go: amzn.to/3wHPvpd
@@RMCRetro Brilliant, thanks Neil 👍
Good morning :)
If there were an Archimedes (A310) version I'd buy it straight away!
Beneath a Steel Sky, I love that game.
No no no! 13:30 go for the black set of keys, but the grey ones from the first set!!
Buy an HDMI audio extractor and fit into the case instead of getting a specific monitor with audio
It's still enormous. I would have backed if it was mac mini sized.
It's a hair on the large size for Mini ITX. I am sure the rear adapter plate fits other ITX cases.
My mistake, it also can take a Mini ATX board, considering it has room for a SFX PSU and a 5.25" drive bay the case is about as small as it can get without getting crazy crowded. Which if they made it smaller I think they lose the multi-purpose build.
Case is still really nice for a HTPC build.
Why is the MiSTix i/o board missing from the Checkmate site?
Not a bad looking keyboard, though I'd have spent at least a tiny bit more for a keyboard with a keypad. As someone who has so much trouble with the top row, using a keypad for number typing is such a blessing! Though I guess you're not going to be doing a lot of "serious" work on this. ;)
I can't remember the last time I've used an ISO layout keyboard... They look so weird. I think it's the massive Enter key...
I'd still love an Amiga mini. And a spectrum mini
@Podkova yep. 48k's about as small as you should taking it if you want to retain a working keyboard. And the N-GO/Next board uses all the free space of a modern solution to implement a whole lot of extra hardware you'd otherwise want to plug into the expansion bus.
Concievably you could make it a LITTLE more mini by squeezing the buttons closer together and things, but that's likely to impact usability. Plus, it's going to be a pain to get parts, vs the repro cases you can get now.
"Clear all that crap off your desk"
Or you could just put your monitor on top of it. That's what I'd do.
If you're anything like me the us small enter key will drive you nuts. Could not adapt to it at all
Depends on what you're used to. I'm Dutch, and as Neil correctly surmised, we Dutch use the US (ANSI, apparently) layout. Which is a problem for me, because I started with computers in the early 1980s, and all of them had US layouts. It's difficult to change after 40 years. And if you look at the TRS-80 model I, it has that exact enter key. It's white, even. Anyway, where I live now is a former British colony, BS 1363, the lot. And to find a US layout can be challenging; so much that I've actually ordered certain keyboards from the USA. But now I use Razer, and they have US layouts, so Bob's your uncle.
Ah..so you too hide your "Games" folder in the "Work" HDD.
Nice!
Playing these games is kind of his work now, I guess.
Neil is living the dream.
What are the dimensions compared to a real 3000.
@2:11 OMG that is RED! WOW that stands out ... like a sore thumb :-) I like it though.
You should ask Glarses to mod the keyboard for you.
Tell him you want MN Cherry Brown switches, he loves those as confirmed by his videos.
Loving the Amiga content (some of those boxes recently shown were awesome).
Any add ons for the electron you might need to spruce up? +x
Keep up the good work fella and stay safe.
You can get the logo off the keyboard by rubbing it with an eraser. It's probably only screen printed on.
Just a thought, for the keyboard logo. Why not print an Amiga badge, or Vampire, and cover it? A nice 3D badge in black PLA, with chrome decal lettering would look nice and factory, I would think.
No need to print, there are readily available. Personally I would take out the Checkmate logo from the case and put it on the keyboard, and put an Amiga badge on the case and a Commodore logo on the monitor.
HDMI audio extractors are useful and quite inexpensive.
Crap, I HATE this video. I was so happy running my new Raspberry Pi 4 with PiMiga emulator (My first amiga was an A1000 that I bought in 1996 and that my ex wife disposed off along with my A2000 while I was deployed and that was the reason why I divorced her 😂). Now I have to get me the case along with a Vampire. Thanks for the video my friend. Best regards from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Stay safe.
I'd get an Amiga or Commodore adhesive logo and cover-up that weird keyboard etched logo. Edit: seems like I was beaten to the idea a few times.
At first I was like oh, a **** pc case that well at least it is black. Then I realized it was those Amiga cases. So I'm thinking. Carry on, Carry on.
What is the dimensions of that thing? WxHxD? I can't for the life of me find that on their homepage.
US$826 for a Vampire to get installation convenience over a vastly cheaper MiSTer is a bit much.
Put an AMIGA sticker on top of that Chinese logo, and you're done!
I hope your nuts didn't explode this time.... LOL Cool video.
HDMI audio extractor ;-)
@19:34 Beneath a steel sky ? anyone ,help!
Yep that's the game
A nice sticker should hide that manufactures logo nicely.
just put and amiga badge over the top of the hcman logo
Blimey, didn't know the Vampire doesn't have a 3.5mm jack. That's a deal breaker for me.
Are you able to paint over that keyboard logo at all? You're a man of initiative, I'm sure you could! ;-)
@@jimb12312 The cheapness of an audio adapter doesn't excuse the Vampire/Apple teams.
@@jimb12312 Analog audio is not obsolete, and the cost is in pennies. What people with no taste don't want to pay for is if no concern to me.
@@potetnamnbaknamn895 For the hardcore enthusiasts who really care about quality, and who are the real target consumers, built in 3.5 mm audio quality is not acceptable. We prefer to use our own external DAC. Onboard audio sucks. I don't think you were seriously interested in this device to begin with, if that minor issue was a deal breaker. Just use UAE emulator. It's free
@Jim Beans I don't know what google is up to right now, but I can't see any of your posts except for the reply notification, unless you are deleting them.
@@jimb12312 Real "hardcore enthusiasts" don't want to take away options either, no matter how many diamond plated flac optimized HDMI cables they might buy. No I wasn't all that intrested in buying a Vampire, I already own a functioning A500 and A600, and they play the few Amiga games I care about fine, I come to this channel mostly for obscure hardware, and Neil's top class restoration videos. Also no 3.5 is always a deal breaker to me, just like not having a physical keyboard on a phone is.