Case Mod How-To for the Alix Single Board Computer

Article Index:

Let’s do the actual case mod now. First, insert your compact flash card into the Alix board, then (temporarily) mount the board by screwing it in the case.

If you have a silver sharpie, mark off your cut lines now on the inside of the Alix case by tracing around the compact flash card (Fig. 21-27). If you have a darker colored sharpie (like me), you won’t be able to see the lines too well on the black paint. In this case, you can use green painter’s tape to mark your cut. The green tape will also provide a slight bit of scratch protection if your Dremel goes off course.

Fig. 21: Marking the Cut

Fig. 22: Marking the Cut

Fig. 23: Marking the Cut

Fig. 24: Marking the Cut

Fig. 25: Marking the Cut

Fig. 26: Marking the Cut

Fig. 27: Marking the Cut

After marking the cut lines, remove the Alix board from the case. Yes, I realize that should be obvious to all but the most obtuse of people. Nevertheless, I thought I would point it out. If you make one accidental cut on the Alix board you’ll be sorry…

Now do the cut using the same techniques discussed on the previous page. Don’t forget to test the slot with a compact flash card during the filing stage (Fig. 28-29). After cutting and filing, you should end up with a sweet cut (Fig. 30).

You’re almost there. Just a few finishing touches to go.

Fig. 28: Does the compact flash fit?

Fig. 29: Yup, it fits

Fig. 30: Nice cut!

Article Index: