Famister AV - Another consolized case for the QM Tech style MiSTer boards

Introducing Famister AV !

Famister AV is a new case specifically designed around the QM Tech boards, sold on Aliexpress. (link) These boards have several interesting features that allow the slicker and more refined design, such as USB ports integrated directly on the I/O board, a discrete power supply header, also on the board, and of course, the integrated SDRAM on the underside. all this makes it easier to integrate into a compact and complete case, packed with features :

• Direct access to most of the connectors on the boards (HDMI, VGA, audio, SD Card, User), but also the buttons ans the LED.

• Access to USB ports on the front via two flat flex cable extensions

• Access to Ethernet via an extension cable

• Integration of an USB M.2 drive adapter inside the case

• integration of a NFC reader in the top of the case, for seamless Zaparoo integration !

• A dedicated power switch

Here's the list of the required parts for a complete build (with example links) :

• One 10 mm panel mountable barrel jack for power (link)

• One 2 prongs JST plug with wire (link)

• One 15.6 mm by 7.6 mm by 7 mm sliding switch with 6 terminals and a 6 mm lever (link)

• Four 8mm M4 screws

• Some 6mm or 8 mm M3 screws and some 20 mm long ones (about a dozen each should get you covered)

• Two « Flat Flex Cable » USB extensions. the male side can be either straight or angled, but it’s important that the female side is exactly the one that is used in this guide. (link)

• Some wire and a way connect the cables together inside the case. (Terminals, Wago or Dupont connectors should do)

Optional parts :

• A M.2 SSD drive with an external USB case. There is no specific model required as the Famister has been designed to accommodate pretty much any of them. For the drive itself, focus on the drive capacity and reliability more than the speed, because you’ll be limited to USB 2.0 anyway. (links : case - drive)

• A panel mountable Ethernet extension cable with right angled plug (link)

• For Zaparoo : PN532 USB reader (https://zaparoo.org/docs/readers/nfc/pn532-usb/) (link)

• Bluetooth / Wifi combo dongle. The usual MiSTer Dongle works just fine (link)

Note that if you wanna use every option possible, you will also need to use an USB doubler cable such as this one, since you'll require 5 USB sockets and the board only features 4 (the one on the bottom board is disabled) (link)

Print instructions : 

The case is quite easy to print : every part should be facing down on the plate, with automatic "on plate only" supports enabled for a cleaner result.

Everything fits on a smaller 180 x 180 mm bed, such as a Prusa MINI or a Bambu A1 Mini. Total print time is around 7 hours on my Bambu A1 Mini with .20 mm layer height and a standard .4 mm nozzle. Can be slightly less if you use only one color by part.

The specific holders for the M.2 and Zaparoo are in their own directory.

Build instructions :

I made a build instructions video available on Youtube in which I go through a complete build with every option. It will guide you through the build process.

Note that this video does not go into details on the wiring of the power switch. The easier solution is soldering the wires and using connectors such as Dupont, but it might be possible to avoid soldering completely, using terminals, terminals, crimping tools and Dupont connectors. 

However, BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THE POLARITY. Never plug the system backwards or you will enjoy the magic smoke. I con't be held responsible if you destroy your MiSTer. This is pretty basic soldering and wiring, but it is easy to make a mistake if you don't pay attention.

Other than that, this is a pretty straightforward build.

Have fun !