Update 2024-05-05

The countersink for the two screws is now deeper and not angled so M2.5 pan head screws won't stick out.

Summary

This is a freestanding dock for CompactFlash cards using a ZIF-CF board of the kind pictured. These can be found on amazon or aliexpress for quite cheap.

It achieves the following goals:

• Gives the adapter a place to sit and makes it less ugly
• Prevents risk of shorts by placing the bare PCB down
• Hides the FFC ribbon away from sight
• Allows the status LED to shine through

You will probably want to get a longer 40-pin flat flex connector (FFC) ribbon cable, with 0.5mm pitch, straight-through (no twist). When folding corners, fold around a card to prevent damaging the conductors. Run the FFC through the guide at the bottom of the dock, optionally using some double-sided tape to keep it in place, and up to the PCB. Then affix the faceplate over top with two M2.5 ~10-12mm screws. If you're threading the ribbon cable around an edge of the PC chassis, you might want to put some tape around that edge to ensure it's not sharp.

Usage Notes

If you're using a CF-IDE adapter for your retro computer, but you want easy access to the CF card, you could consider a CF extender, but these are quite expensive! You can use the ZIF standard for a DIY alternative!

I've used the following items, but you can find similar items from other sellers:

• An IDE-ZIF adapter, these should be quite compact and cheap [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000546300208.html]
• A long (30-40cm) 40-pin 0.5mm pitch FFC ribbon cable [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002468334211.html]
• A ZIF-CF adapter pictured here [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32839401765.html]

Printing notes

Don't forget to reorient the print to lie on its back 😅

For best finish, print the face of the faceplate flat down on the print surface. No supports should be needed. You may want a brim to prevent warping when printing the base.