They simply don’t make them like they used to, and in the case of this retro LX system build, they only make what never existed in the first place. Earlier this year the long awaited video game UFO 50 released to widespread critical acclaim. The conceit of the game is an interactive anthology of a faux 1980’s game console constructed by a large group of actual indie game developers. Leave it to [Luke], who admitted to UFO 50 to taking over his life, to bring the LX system from the digital screen to the real world.
Each piece of the LX System case was printed on a multi-color filament capable Bambu Labs P1S. Dual XLR jacks wired up as USB serve as controller ports, and the controller itself is a repurposed NES style USB controller fitted with a new housing printed with the same filament as the case. Both the prominent front mounted power and “sys” buttons are functional; the latter actually switches to a new game within UFO 50. The brains of this project is a mini Windows PC hooked up to a 9 inch 720p LCD screen which is plenty enough resolution for pixelated look of the games. As impressive as replicating the whole case look is, it’s really brought together by the addition of a 3.5 inch floppy drive. It could be an interesting way to backup save files, provided they fit within 1.44 MB.
In addition to sharing the completed LX System, [Luke] has also made the print files available online along with a list of project materials used. It would be neat to see an alternate color scheme or remix for this working prototype of a console that never actually existed. In the meantime, there are plenty more games to play and discover in UFO 50…there’s 50 of them after all.
via Time Extension
I wonder whether switching the gender of the XLR would be wise, a hot pin isn’t a great idea in so open of a connector.
Point 1: I used to have a lawnmower that I had to turn off by unplugging the spark plug with a screw driver. Point 2: That was probably 12v and also probably more amps than the XLR has going to it. Point 3: When I got shocked it wasn’t that bad.
Conclusion: It’s perfectly fine and nothing should change and no one should be worried about anything. My logic is irrefutable.
I had a lawnmower like that too. Also sometimes the only way to get a turn using the riding mower as a go-kart was pulling the plug wire that conveniently was at the very back end.
Wow imagine if they built cars like that
And to continue the digressions, I once had a lawnmower that from the factory had a piece of spring steel that could be depressed to make contact with the unbooted terminal of the spark plug, shorting it to stop the engine.
Bringing it back, however, connector gender and orientation matter when it comes to reliability, see: upwards facing USB on PC cases, all the way to the occasional $2,651 connector in the cockpit of a fighter plane.
That’s hilarious! You wouldn’t see a lawnmower like that today.
“gender and orientation matter when it comes to reliability” Remind me never to hire you in an HR position.
(Note to moderators: I accidentally clicked report comment, please disregard)
Also a spark plug is several thousand volts, just for reference. However not a lot of amperage.
Oh okay, thanks. So that’s what the ignition coil does.
This is a hobby project, and a NES controller runs on 5 volt (USB or original). I’ve licked batteries with more potential than that.
Like, you’re correct that this wouldn’t be best practice for a mass produced consumer product, but come on man. Somebody makes something cool and this is your reaction?
I think he’s fine. He had an idea for a possible improvement, and it wasn’t a huge idea, but he shared it. Judging by his lawnmower stories, he isn’t particularly afraid of electrical connectors either.
To go further, I think his comment is probably evidence that he at least thinks the project is neat. Getting one comment about how maybe a connector’s gender should be flipped tells you that someone looked close enough at your project to notice, and that they thought about it a little bit, and that they decided to spend a little time typing. That’s something.
I think that if all you have to say is something like “maybe that connecter could be different”, it is better than saying nothing at all. I’ve written magazine articles that no one has said anything about, and it doesn’t feel great.
There is something to your point though. Perhaps ideally, for best effect and friendliness, criticisms should be accompanied by at least one modest compliment.
I agree but the danger is not for a user but for the internal electronic since any metallic object touching the hot pin could short circuit it and burn the input (or the whole mother board)
I haven’t played ufo 50, but this is a good looking project. Well done! I’d like to see a resurgence of people having fun making custom PC cases like this.
Is the Title Photo an actual photograph, or is it a digital composition?
For me, it seems to be in the uncanny valley between the two.
(Maybe I ate too much turkey yesterday)