Apple Lisa 3d Case Project

wottle

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Oct 30, 2021
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OK, With the addition of the the LisaNet module I added (connected to the LisaFPGA's GPIO pins), I noticed with my case and my software enhancements, the chip was getting hotter than it should. So I've optimized the software a bit (and removed a feature I wasn't using - 1024 x 768 support) and have it running within a few degrees celsius of the stock firmware. I think with my case, the vertical orientation, and the software, it is higher than I feel comfortable with.

So I've added a spot for a 40x40x10mm fan above the FPGA chip. I also have reworked the rear case so that it can be printed without supports. That required removing the skirt from the main body and allowing it to be printed separately. One advantage of that is that you can print the skirt you like (with the cutout for the keyboard cord, or without).

Screenshot 2026-10-20 at 10.17.18 PM.png


I'm printing it now, and I finally got my ESFloppy screen in. Note to others: if you do relocate the ESFloppy screen, triple check your wiring to make sure you don't get any wires mixed up! But it now is fully working, and I can test with my on screen menu system to confirm it doesn't cause problems. However, with LisaNet in place, I can do basically anything I would do on the onscreen menu without touching the machine. Those settings are all available (plus some settings not in the settings menu) in the LisaNet web interface. I'll be updating the 3d model files in the repo, cleaning up the instructions a bit, and sharing a video of it all in action.

Trying to make it modular so if anyone does create it, they can pick their level of customization. Moving the LED power button and ESFloppy to the front was a lot of extra work. I think it was worth it, because it really does make the experience much better. But there are risks and challenges with soldering to the LisaFPGA board (as evidenced by my fried ESFloppy LCD I had to replace).
 

wottle

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Oct 30, 2021
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Paint it Black to match the peripherals.:cool:

/Rolling Stones
There’s definitely a black version when I wanted to not use up my platinum filament. You can actually see it in the part 2 of my interview with @classiccomputing in the Raspberry Pi version.

IMG_2186.jpeg

It here’s also a version I lovingly referred to as my McDonalds version where I used some spare filament I had in red and yellow to print prototype shell pieces.
 
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Trash80toG4

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Apr 1, 2022
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Very cool! Can't wait to see a pic of it set up. Wondering how may folks will hit the music video link? That's one thing that doesn't even show up in black the way my desktop is set up.

Think of it as Watchmen having been set a few years earlier in time.


edit: too bad your model hasn't got enough pieces for a golf tournament special edition or a display that'd work for a LisaBook:

JLPGA-PB170-Front-lg.jpg
 
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wottle

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Oct 30, 2021
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OK, made a video showing the latest (and hopefully the final) revision of the hardware for the Lisa Mini case. I also cover the software updates, including the previously mentioned USB support, as well as the new WiFi capabilities that I got by adding an ESP32 S3 connected to the GPIO pins on the LisaFPGA. This allows me to emulate a FujiNet device on Serial Port B. This means the new apps being built that support the FujiNet will work with it. I don't have room in my case for the real FujiNet device to plug into the Serial Port, so this was a nice convenience.

Also, I show off the LisaNet wifi interface that provides the following functionality:
  • Control the LisaFPGA settings (CPU speed, ROMs, RAM, display refresh rate, max contrast, scanlines, inverted video)
  • Adjust the display location (left / right) within the 1080 output - allows you to display it off centered
  • Activate the Lisa Power button, reset, or NMI buttons
  • See the FPGA core temperature
  • Eject the ESFloppy disk image / Insert a new ESFloppy Disk image
  • Enable / Configure the FujiNet interface
  • Enable AI interface for the LisaChat app to access AI agents from your Lisa
  • Update the ESP32 firmware over wifi (with auto rollback for a failed firmware update).
  • Manage the contents of the ESProfile SD card
    • Add new hard drive images
    • Rename, move or delete image files
    • Set the current profile.image to determine the image used at boot time
  • Manage the contents of the ESFloppy SD card
    • Add floppy images
    • Rename, move or delete image files
    • Set the "Mount next" flag on a floppy image