Hugo Holden
Veteran Member
I liked the way in the SOL-20 computer that they had two large thumb nuts to remove the top cover.
In the PET there are two screws at the front to release the top. But it means having to remove them with a screwdriver to get into the unit. It would be better if they were thumb nuts.
I looked around to find something suitable. They would have to be a fairly long thumb nut because they are recessed somewhat.
Could have machined my own from scratch, but that wouldn't help anyone else. So I started to look around at what readily available part could be used or perhaps "re-tasked".
The screw thread is 10-32 UNF, or 3/16 inch diameter 32 TPI. Interestingly this is very close to the UK type of screw known as 2BA.
RS components sell some nickel plated brass 2BA terminals:
I have attached some photos. All that is required is to cut down the long side of the threaded rod, so it projects about 1/4 inch. Then screw the thumb nut onto that with some epoxy resin (JB weld or similar). With these terminals the central part has been pressed on to the rod.See photos.
Then it makes a tall thumb nut for the PET.
In the PET there are two screws at the front to release the top. But it means having to remove them with a screwdriver to get into the unit. It would be better if they were thumb nuts.
I looked around to find something suitable. They would have to be a fairly long thumb nut because they are recessed somewhat.
Could have machined my own from scratch, but that wouldn't help anyone else. So I started to look around at what readily available part could be used or perhaps "re-tasked".
The screw thread is 10-32 UNF, or 3/16 inch diameter 32 TPI. Interestingly this is very close to the UK type of screw known as 2BA.
RS components sell some nickel plated brass 2BA terminals:
I have attached some photos. All that is required is to cut down the long side of the threaded rod, so it projects about 1/4 inch. Then screw the thumb nut onto that with some epoxy resin (JB weld or similar). With these terminals the central part has been pressed on to the rod.See photos.
Then it makes a tall thumb nut for the PET.