PiDP-1 - Assembling the console case

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I decided to assemble the console case while I was deciding how to approach the main board switches, mostly as something to do. The case went together easily, mostly due to my experience building the rack case. The only 'gotcha' is that the bottom is easy to intall upside down; I had to fix this upon inspection. Once I was satisfied with the tape job, I soldered one lug per panel. After another inspection, I soldered the lugs on the case as per directions. I'm quite pleased with this case.

I am also almost out of good (MG) solder. I tried another brand I'd purchased some years ago but was immediately disappointed in how it simply does not flow properly. As a result, further console work is on hold until new solder arrives next week.

The remaining jobs are to solder the white front panel onto the console so I can move the circuit board with LEDs and switches from the rack to the console as desired.

I will install the clip-in base panels once the front panels are in place. I don't want to try clipping/unclipping these as the tabs look just fragile enough to require some care.

I added the white front panel bottom section to the console case as 'ottopanel' and after ensuring correct fit and placement proceed to solder it in place. I set the main white front panel in place and secured it with tape, which is as far as I can go until more solder arrives.

After soldering the ottopanel into the frame operator panel and fitting the circuit board without issues, I decided to finish the console case by installing the white front panel as ottopanel as per directions. I soldered tabs to the inside of the panel, then fitted the panel into place, checked alignment, applied tape then soldered the case in several key areas.

Now I really have used up all the solder, so cannot complete 'the plumbing' (soldering the rest of the top areas) until more arrives. However, the case is solid and substatially complete. I can move the circuit boards from the rack to this case without issues, which is very satisfying.

Addendum (2025-12-27): The two bottom panels are not yet fitted. I've done a trial fitting, but realize that it is easier to complete the soldering without them, so they will be fitted after I have new solder and the console is complete. I see the little solder spots and will use them to secure the two bottom panels once installed.

Today my new solder arrived, so I completed soldering on the console case, and added the two back panels. The console case is now complete.

These are a couple of photos of the completed console case with electronics installed. I was worried that installing the back plates might cause difficulties installing the circuit boards, but it turned out to be a non-issue.

I am still missing one LED on the main panel due to missing standoff, which should be arriving this week thanks to Mike Gardi. Many thanks!

Inside, I am using a 20cm ribbon cable because one of the supplied 10cm ribbon cable ends broke; they were very difficult to put on the pins. My 20cm cable was easy by comparison. I use tape to hold the ends in line for easy installation. I've also ordered another 10cm ribbon cable that should fit better in the space.

I am very pleased with the final look of the PiDP1 in it's console case and cannot wait until I am done and can use it!