Removable/swappable mini-ITX chassis???

[mr.Curmudgeon]

I work with networking hardware that includes a fully swappable chassis, midplanes and backplanes and I got to thinking, is there any way to build a removable mini-itx system, so that I could say, slide it into a custom-built, easily transportable CP/joystick...then if I'm not going to use it for any extended period of time, I can slide that very same mini-ITX chassis into a home entertainment pod and use it there?

Is there a piece of third-party hardware that works as a "socket" or backplane for all the ports on an ITX board? Is this making any sense at all? 

mrC

[Lilwolf]

I think so...

But remember.  Your cabinet is really just a keyboard + vga connection right?  You can plug your system up outside the case completely.  You could have an easy way to plug 3 cables (power, vga, keyboard) in... Then unplug it and take it with you.

I wouldn't make a special connection myself... but I would be worried about the power...

[Samstag]

but I would be worried about the power...

They make tiny DC-powered supplies for ITX boards that plug in nice and tight.

[Witchboard]

I've got one of those for my itx project.  When I got mine it was costly though and I had to import it from Canada.

[Lilwolf]

It still is taking power.  I would be worried about not plugging in the power at the same moment and blowing something.

Its not that bad with a single + and ground.  Because it doesn't work until they are both there.

but with a +5 +12 g +others... What happens if g and +12 plug in without +5 for 1/3 second? 

Its probably going to be fine... but I hate messing with power.

but I would be worried about the power...

They make tiny DC-powered supplies for ITX boards that plug in nice and tight.

[Samstag]

It still is taking power.

[Witchboard]

That one is a lot smaller than the one I have.  Mine is about as wide, but as long as the ITX board.  That small one is pretty cool, but wouldn't work on either of my ITX boards because of where the power connector is.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

THIS is the kind of thing I was trying to get at for the mini-ITX.
http://homepage.mac.com/lazzwaldo/PhotoAlbum2.html

I imagined a "dock" of sorts that lets you slide in a mini-ITX setup. You could then have several "docks" in various locations (ie: car, entertainment center, mame controller, etc).

You don't suppose there is anything like this for the mini-ITX, do you?
Maybe I'll have to start building one...


mrC

[Lilwolf]

doesn't seem all that hard to make.  It would be cool!

Seems like make sure none of the connections are super tight... plug them in.  attach them all to something (did he use model clay?)... then presto.

I thought you where talking about creating something that you would add to the back of the computer (your own interface) and the same on the other side. 

[Witchboard]

If you're interested I can post up some pics of my ITX project.  I made a custom acrylic case where the motherboard slides in instead of being mounted by screws.  I also made a port on the front so I can change out hard drives like disks.  I should document it on my website, but I haven't.

[cholin]

Get writing Witch!  Sounds very interesting and I would love to see it.  As for mr C, you will probably end up building your own because even if they do sell them, think of the price.