Project; Mark1

[Mark_Hardware]

http://thebestcasescenario.com/oneslowz28/worklogbanners/markI.jpg


Sponsored in part by;

NZXT
Well, I didn't know everyone would be mooding a Lexa case at the same time, but oh well.... I started my idea a long time ago.
This is my first mod, and consequently my first worklog. I will try to keep my story congruent and cohesive, as I don't always work in the most organized fashion. I tend to work on several things at once.
The case I'm using is the NZXT Lexa Blackline, with the red lights. It's a very nice looking case even by it's self. Here's some of the hardware I will be using;
eVGA 790i ftw digital motherboard,
Intel QX9770,
OCZ 4GB DDR3 1800 PC3 14400 RAM,
Tagan BZ 1100w psu,
eVGA GTX285 ftw graphics card,
Koolance Exos 2.5 watercooling system, with a Swiftech Apogee GTZ cpu block,
Hauppage winTV HVR-2250 TV card,
Western Digital Velociraptor 300GB 10K rpm HDD,
(5) WD 2TB HDDs,
(2) LG GGW-H20L bluray drives,
Antec Multi-Station Premier,
Fan controller, and sound card have not been decided yet.

Ok, a few generic before shots;
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/7048/1114603802.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1) at 2009-06-15
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1755/1114603806.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1) at 2009-06-15
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1755/1114603806.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1) at 2009-06-15


Sorry, I forgot to take the before shots.

[Mark_Hardware]

OK so I have to apologize, the first few steps are not that well documented. You see, this mod came about in steps.

When I got the case, I didn't even have any plans to mod it! Then I started getting ideas. First was a way to hide

wires, with some simple sheet metal next to the mobo. Also, I was going to build a rack out of 1/2" square tubing

for the Koolance to sit on. Then I ran into a bit of a problem. You see, the Imon is a dual bay device, plus two disc

drives, plus a fan controller... Well that is more than the supplied 5 drive bays. So, the idea changed a little, to add a

drive bay into the rack. But then I needed a way to cover it. And after days and days of trying to figure something

out, I came accross a material that I knew would work.
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3017/261j.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with

KODAK Z1285 ZOOM

DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?

model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMERA&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-18
About this time, The design changed a little bit. Grew, you could say. I decided to use these panels to encase a

metal frame, and on top of that would be a smaller case that will house the imon and perhaps a few other things. I

refer to this as the minicase.
OK, a few hardware shots, goodies that the ups man brought :)
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1540/140ixm.jpg

(http://img145.imageshack.us/i/140ixm.jpg/)
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/5126/1000175a.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with

KODAK Z1285 ZOOM

DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?

model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMERA&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-15
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/4254/1000173.jpg
By Hardware_Mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/Hardware_Mark1) at 2009-06-15
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/5236/1000174.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with

KODAK Z1285 ZOOM

DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?

model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMERA&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-15
And the first chops,
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/4530/038e.jpg

(http://img218.imageshack.us/i/038e.jpg/)
I also cut off the metal that was rolled over along the edge of the drive bays.
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/5998/1000051l.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with

KODAK Z1285 ZOOM

DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?

model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMERA&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-15
First warranty voided.
That'll be all for today, have to go to work. I apologize if things are a bit unclear, I promise it gets better!!!

[The boy 4rm oz]

YAY, another LEXA mod. I am going to do another LEXA mod (hopefully) and will be using a red Blackline but I will be replacing the black brushed plastic front with the silver ones from my LEXA classic spare fascia, I am not a huge fan of the black front.

You have some nice gear there mate, I hope you get it all to work/fit lol. The LEXA looks like a big case due to the extra height its feet give it but it is quite small, especially if you use 1/2" tubing like I did haha.

I wish you luck my friend and if you have nay questions about the LEXA don't be afraid to ask ;).

[DonT-FeaR]

yay nother lexa

[Mark_Hardware]

yay nother lexa

lol yeah like I said, I didn't know there would be so many Lexa's at once.:eek:

[Mark_Hardware]

Hey I did get a little bit of a before shot.
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/905/140o.jpg

(http://img221.imageshack.us/i/140o.jpg/)



http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/5245/1781401224.jpg (http://img221.imageshack.us/i/1781401224.jpg/)
OK, first, the blue lights have to go.



http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9382/1000605.jpg (http://img221.imageshack.us/i/1000605.jpg/)
Thats better.

Originally, the idea was to use sheet metal, flush with the motherboard, to hide the wires. Well it became evident

fairly quickly that that wasn't going to work. So I decided to make it stand out more, as well as overhang the mobo

to hide the power connector and sata connectors. Also, I decided to make it go over the graphics card, instead of

underneath it. This will hide the power wires to the card. I call this the "wire channel." Sounds confusing, you'll see

what I mean.
Other ideas I had from the beginning was to use sheet metal to make a psu cover, and drive bay cover.
Instead of sheet metal I am going to use these panels.


http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/9683/1000078.jpg (http://img524.imageshack.us/i/1000078.jpg/)


http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4752/1000075.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/i/1000075.jpg/)

This is why I cut the metal off the side of the drive bays.
This is was the first attempt;


http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/7454/1000086.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/i/1000086.jpg/)
I don't like it. I recut it, using straighter lines. Also, I wanted to be able to see the lights on the front of the psu,

without seeing the wires. I came up with the idea of of putting holes in that area, effectively creating a grate, sorta.


http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9200/1000193g.th.jpg (http://img209.imageshack.us/i/1000193g.jpg/)
Then I took a micro file and filed all the holes square, as you see I started there.

Here is the final result of that.


http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5189/1000623d.jpg (http://img198.imageshack.us/i/1000623d.jpg/)

I also started cutting a piece for the bottom.

[DonT-FeaR]

thats cool mate great work

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looking good, that cover looks pretty cool.

One thing I remembered that might be helpful with cable management is the mobo tray. There is very little room behind the motherboard tray for cables so try to hide some under the motherboard itself or cut channels in the motherboard tray to make things easier.

[Mark_Hardware]

Looking good, that cover looks pretty cool.

One thing I remembered that might be helpful with cable management is the mobo tray. There is very little room behind the motherboard tray for cables so try to hide some under the motherboard itself or cut channels in the motherboard tray to make things easier.

Yeah one of my goals for this is to not see any wires or cables at all. That may be about the hardest part!

[DonT-FeaR]

haha yeah,,,
can be done tho

[Mark_Hardware]

OK, so once again, I started on the side panel. This is the last one of these I am cutting, dangit. Here is the third, and final revision. I am still going to cut something in the panel to let som light through, but I haven't decided what yet. And, until I know for sure, I'm not doing any cutting! I also cut a smaller piece for the 3.5" bays. Here you see those two pieces, plus, you can see where I cut out the material on the backside of the HDD cage.
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/7863/1000626.jpg

Here is a shot of the piece cut to cover the bottom of the case.
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/2496/1000625.jpg (http://img266.imageshack.us/i/1000625.jpg/)
The square hole is for the fan on the bottom. The edge on the top that is uneven will be under the motherboard.
Speaking of the bottom.... I am working on building a 'skirt' to go around the bottom.
Here are the bolts I am using. I love these bolts! I believe they are called "elevator bolts."
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/5422/1000632.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with KODAK Z1285 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMER A&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-19

I started out using 1/2" square tubing. Eventually, I figured that 1" would be much easier to work with. Yeah, it will add some weight, But oh well, this baby is gonna be hefty by the time I'm done anyway.
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4303/1000637.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with KODAK Z1285 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMER A&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-20

I have this skull,
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/9769/s7366.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1) at 2009-06-20
that I want to incorporate into the case.
I had been trying to figure out something to use to fill up some space, as well as add a little something extra. I thought about several different avenues, then I saw this, and I knew that was it.
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/766/1000627g.jpg
By Hardware_Mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/Hardware_Mark1) at 2009-06-19
It's a heatsink, from the same place I got the panels. I am going to cut and file away a lot of the material in between the fins. The idea is to see the skull, but only kinda. I want the reaction not to be, "Oh, another skull," instead, "What's that? Oh wow"

[The boy 4rm oz]

Shaping up nicely, I like the idea of the bottom plate.

[DonT-FeaR]

sweet... looks good man

[Mark_Hardware]

Alright, update!
Here is another picture of the HDD cage.
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7251/1000635.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with

KODAK Z1285 ZOOM

DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?

model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMERA&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-20
I did this so I can flip the hard drives around, so the cables will be on the backside, instead of on the window side.
I will have to mod the HD rails so they line up right, but I will do that later.
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/7310/1000657.jpg

Also, I am thinking of building some kind of a box onto the back, to hide the hundred or so wires that go to the

back of the computer. Haven't quite decided exactly how I want that to look. Something like this....
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/1695/056o.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with

KODAK Z1285 ZOOM

DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?

model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMERA&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-18
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/6208/057c.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with

KODAK Z1285 ZOOM

DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?

model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMERA&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-18
Now you can start to see a little bit of a bigger picture. eh?
In that pic, you can see the rivets I had originally used to mount the panels to the case. I pitched that idea with the

newer panel, in favor of a method resulting in a cleaner finish.

OK, so some progess on the skirt. Here you will see why I switched to the 1" tube.
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/9784/5302009072.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with

KODAK Z1285 ZOOM

DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?

model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMERA&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-20
I can screw the bolts right into the bars! And this makes mounting the skirt to the case a snap.
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8830/1000650.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with

KODAK Z1285 ZOOM

DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?

model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMERA&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-21
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/3448/1000651.jpg

Also, here is part of that heatsink I showed you earlier. I am so happy with the way it turned out!
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/9506/1000643a.jpg

I still haven't decided how I am going to style the front part though. The back, however, is pretty simple. I took the

back leg, which also held on the curved piece of plastic that goes on the back of the case. Well, the leg won't work

with the skirt, but I need to hold on the rear piece.
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/2987/1000660.jpg
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/4040/1000658p.jpg
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/9149/1000659e.jpg

Easy fix, just cut off the superfluous plastic!
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/6291/049cmm.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with

KODAK Z1285 ZOOM

DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?

model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMERA&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-18


Here is a couple more pictures showing some progress
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/5554/079t.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with

KODAK Z1285 ZOOM

DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?

model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMERA&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-18
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6/080p.jpg
By hardware_mark1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hardware_mark1), shot with

KODAK Z1285 ZOOM

DIGITAL CAMERA (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?

model=KODAK+Z1285+ZOOM+DIGITAL+CAMERA&make=EASTMAN+KODAK+COMPANY) at 2009-06-18

I made a psu cover, as well. Nothing too fancy...
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/9154/1000645a.jpg
The metal tabs will let me screw it onto the back of the case.
Next update, I start building up!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ah your reversing the HDD mounts, nice idea, I am doing the same to my brothers NZXT Alpha but I am actually rotating the HDD cage 180degrees and pushing it towards the window about an inch so I don't have to worry about chopping the HDD rails down. I am really liking the bottom compartment, nice execution.

[DonT-FeaR]

nice idea mate

[Mark_Hardware]

Yeah I can't rotate the cage 180, then my beastly graphics card won't fit :lick: Moving it closer to the window is a good idea, but I'm gonna need that space too.

Ooops did I say too much? :devious:

[The boy 4rm oz]

I said 180 degrees, not 45 ;). It would just be flipping it around.

[Mark_Hardware]

Oh yeah, sure I knew that, I was uh, just testing you.....:dead:

[Mark_Hardware]

Now I cast my eyes upward.
Originally, the idea was to use the 1/2" square tubing to build a frame. Again, I pitched that in favor of 1" tube. So I

made these two simple square frames.
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/4241/5302009122.jpg
JB weld, plus angle irons. Should be sturdy. I wish they could be welded, but I don't have any means to get that

done. The piece of panelling on the side is just to get it square.
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/6838/1000665.jpg

More of the elevator bolts will mount them to the case. These are especially useful where the rear frame is, since

it's right above the psu, and there is limited clearance.
I also cut out the fan grill on the top of the case. I am going to put a piece of 3" pvc pipe here, as a "ventilation

shaft."
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/2272/1000666g.jpg
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/3808/1000668.jpg

This whole area will be enclosed with panelling, with the "vent" on the left side. This will house the skull I showed

you earlier.
The right side, nothing too complicated.
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1120/1000669f.jpg

The back will be a simple panel.
Another simple panel will close off the area where the skull sits. I had a picture of those panels, but they didn't turn

out very good.
Speaking of the skull, I gave it some life.
My new hard drive activity lights!
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2167/1000640w.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

Mark I really like what your doing with the top compartment, very nice idea, although it does go against my view of the LEXA being perfect already lol, it is a great idea.

What exactly will you be putting n that top compartment?

[Mark_Hardware]

Well, the main thing that will be in there will be the skull. I am thinking about putting something that will come out the side, but I just can't decide what.....

[Mark_Hardware]

Yay delivery!
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/8121/1000681p.jpg

Hmm deja vu....
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/4337/139mao.jpg

Now why, oh why would I be showing pictures of a new case now? Because it's Lexa case number 2!!!
I know it doesn't seem to make sense to buy a whole 'nother case, but I have several reasons for doing this. 1, it will save me a lot of work if I use pre-existing drive cage, as opposed to building my own. 2, in an effort to help, my desk was cleaned for me, resulting in most of the screws that came with the case getting lost, or mixed in with all my other similiar hardware, thus becoming hopelessly confused.
So basically what I am going to do is take this case, and shrink it down to about half size. I need the two drive bays or my Imon controller. I also decided to give myself one more extra 5.25" bay, just in case. I also went ahead and put in a cage for one HDD, just for the heck of it.
Sooo, some quality time with ye olde power drill, and it's presto, yet another warranty voided. This one within five minutes of taking delivery!!
And here we go, a nice pile o' parts.
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/7594/142.jpg

Now I'll keep the top and bottom intact, obviously. Also, I am keeping the mobo tray and back panel intact. I won't be using it in this build.


OK, so my big plan for this part; I am calling this the minicase. The idea here is to make it look like the regular case, just, uh, smaller.

So I chopped the the 5.25" cage down to size. I chopped down the corresponding front panel, as well as thee HDD

cage, for one hard drive. Here are those pieces mocked up together.
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/3783/149j.jpg
Cut the right side panel.
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/4056/1000682.jpg

Made a psuedo rear panel.
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/8994/1000680.jpg
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/8930/1000679f.jpg

I actually am planning on putting a couple things in there like regular pci slots. One thing will be the video capture

inputs that came with my Hauppauge TV card.
Of course I will have to lengthen the wires.
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/1623/1000673.jpg
And now I leave you with this (teaser?) shot:
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/8692/156f.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

Hmmm, another LEXA, I am liking this :D.

[Mark_Hardware]

Alright, did some work on the minicase. Like I said, it's supposed to just be a smaller version of the case.
JB Welded the pieces of the drive bays together. It looks like crap. I'm going to make sure as much of it is hidden as

possible.
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/3792/1000690s.jpg
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/3930/1000688.jpg
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/520/1000689r.jpg

Riveted the cage to the front panel.
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/522/1000687.jpg

Cut a new side panel.
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/6042/1000700i.jpg

Now in the minicase, there are no 3.5" bays, so there is no "step down." So I cut the edge off, and kept the ridges,

to replicate the edge of the other side panel.
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/3895/1000709g.jpg
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/7858/1000711.jpg
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2258/1000702i.jpg

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/9589/1000713.jpg

Also cut a panel to "cover the psu" Obviously there is no psu in here, this is just to keep the look going.
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/6748/1000716.jpg

And we have a problem. The fan is in the way.
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/5861/1000718p.jpg

I don't want to put the panel in front of the fan, cause then you wouldn't even be able to see the fan. So, I'm going to redo the rear panel. That will have to wait until I get more sheet metal. I need to get a heavier gauge. I will remake it with fewer pci slots, I'm thinkin just 2. That will let me lower the fan, and I think it will help make it look more to scale.

Cut a bottom panel.
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/4586/1000698.jpg
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/8108/222oiv.jpg
lol I promise the smaller pvc pipe in the back lines up better with the hole. That was just a mockup. And of course the 3" is directly underneath that fan grill.

Installed a length of 1.5" pvc, to act as a conduit to run wires back and forth between the cases.
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5426/1000685b.jpg
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/756/1000686h.jpg

I am going to have the Imon in the minicase, as well as the video capture device, one hard drive, and Idk what else.

I am going to have some servo controlled parts, so I am thinking of mounting the servo controller to the right side, like a simulated motherboard.

Here we go, a couple of progress shots.....
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/2271/1000697.jpg
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/9676/1000696.jpg
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/8535/1000695.jpg
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/4611/182u.jpg
Maybe this will clear up some confusion


Confusing? I prefer 'Enigmatic' :D

[The boy 4rm oz]

Biggest LEXA I have ever seen lol.

[Mark_Hardware]

Alright, a couple smaller things...
As I got to looking at the HDD cage, I noticed that when it's full, the bottom hard drive won't really get any air from the fan in front. (yes, it will be full, eventually.) So, I decided to fix this by adding a fan on the bottom. 80mm fan fits right in there.
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/37/1000762d.jpg
Drilled holes in the bottom panel of the case. Can you guess which one I did and which one is stock?
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/6156/1000378.jpg
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/7523/5302009086.jpg
Yeah looks like garbage. I'm just gonna take the 3" hole saw and use mesh. Even though that won't get seen, I know it's there....

Also, the door sans hinge is annoying. I'll fix that. I'll start by cutting off the rolled over metal.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9644/232r.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4017/226h.jpg
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/6162/236d.jpg

Jeezas that was a pain.
I cut off the corresponding rolled metal on the case. I don't seem to have a picture of that part right now....

I used a solid hinge, mainly because I knew that if I used a few smaller hinges, I wouldn't get them all lined up right and it would just piss me off.
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/5489/1000759mkl.jpg
Cut a few areas in the hinge to get around rivets and such.

Good ol' JB Weld to the door.
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/1808/1000760.jpg

Yeah, so the picture isn't all that great, cause I ahem kinda goofed. I used wax paper when I clamped the hinge to the door, to keep the clamps from getting glued to the door. Well, it wasn't wax paper like I thought, so the paper stuck to the door. Nice. :mad:
I will sand this all down, and if im not happy with how it looks, I'll just cover it in some bondo. Same with the half that's in the case. I have to figure out some way to cover that up, maybe another piece of that panelling, mebbe just simple sheet metal, idk yet.

I'll do the same for the minicase.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looking great mate, it is gonna be one awesome LEXA when your done. I like what you did to the side panel, I have some really good ideas for my next LEXA side panel ;).

[Mark_Hardware]

I like what you did to the side panel.

Which one? The door? I thought of you when I posted the work to the door, you should know how that door kinda sux :lick:

[The boy 4rm oz]

Personally I have never had any problems with my windowed side panel, fits great and sits flush.

[Mark_Hardware]

Oh yeah it fits perfect I was referring to the lack of a hinge thats all

[chaksq]

Nice, I like the effort so far. That is one seriously tall case.

[Mark_Hardware]

So I finally decided what I am going to do with the front, or at least the part on the bottom.
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/8681/1000728o.jpg
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7291/1000721.jpg

It's a large heatsink, this one with the edges and such still intact. I had to cut it down, it was a bit too wide. This left it asymmetrical. Dammit. Oh well, I will just cut off one fin, and maybe glue it back on in the center.
I cut the plastic so that it runs down into the fins. I will use JB Weld and bondo to make a smooth transition, and hopefully get it to look like one solid piece.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/1927/1000739y.jpg
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/7480/1000745.jpg
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/441/1000780d.jpg
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/5266/1000781b.jpg
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9025/1000750.jpg

Nah, I'll just leave the middle like it is. I like that body line, and I think I want to keep it.
At the same time, I am having issues with the left side panel. I had it all together once, but then I found two things wrong with it, so I broke it apart and am redo-ing it, step by step. Here is an ugly picture showing the progress on that.
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5660/1000763k.jpg
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/7386/1000765f.jpg

I am also notching out a space for the front audio header. I cut out the plastic surround from the factory location.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9083/1000758a.jpg
http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/7393/1000782.jpg

Yeah I screwed up. It got rubbed by the collet on the dremel. I'll have to sand that out.
Here is progress on that notch.
http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/461/1000776o.jpg
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6149/1000778.jpg
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/124/1000772.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/7721/1000773z.jpg
But my last cut off wheel broke, so I'll have to get more later. Happy 4th, for those it applies to!

[The boy 4rm oz]

I like what you have done to the bottom of the front panel, very different idea but it works. If you are going to be using the stock "alu" panels for the front and are intending to cut them be careful cos they are actually plastic and are pretty brittle.

[Mark_Hardware]

Mine doesnt have the fake aluminum, its the shiny black plastic. I have some very special plans for those :D
BTW thanks for the tip and the feedback!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yeah must be the same stuff as mine but with a different coating, no worries mate ;).

[Mark_Hardware]

OK, a quick update today, not too much to report.
Got the front header area cut away.
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6491/1000847.jpg
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/918/1000843.jpg

Let me tell you friends, that was the exact opposite of fun. No room to move a file, no room for any dremel attachments... Ugh

Still needs some finish filing though...

Next I need to cut down the fins a little bit so the plastic cover will fit and be flush with

the front of the fins.
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3193/1000851i.jpg
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/9042/1000853.jpg

Thats all for now, gotta go to work! 8)

[Axis Machine]

That computer sure looks like a beast keep up the great work! :D

[Mark_Hardware]

OK, another small update. Just been working on this front header more. Got more of the filing done.
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/2415/1000867g.jpg

Sits down in there nice now.

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/7280/1000859.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/2615/1000860.jpg

I am going to cut down the pcb a little so it doesn't hang over,

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/4271/1000862.jpg

Been really busy, so haven't had time to do much.
This weekend I will drill a couple holes for wires and start filling in the gaps.

[Oneslowz28]

looking good man. Keep up the good work. + Rep

[Mark_Hardware]

Wow gave me my second bar! Sweet thanks man!

[Mark_Hardware]

Sooo.... Let's take a look at the material I'm using, as well as some of the methodology as it's evolved.
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4852/261w.jpg

Here is the source of the material.
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/479/1000883b.jpg

They are data recorder boxes. "The little black boxes." On the end you'll see where the heatsinks come from.
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/4338/1000882e.jpg

The boxes are made from some kind of aluminum (alloy?) cast, hard as hell
(hardened?) and a nightmare to work with sometimes. So far I've ruined my (really nice) jigsaw, dulled three files, and gone through more jigsaw and sawzall blades than I can count.
Speaking of sawzalls... When I started, I didn't have a sawzall. See this lip?
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/5197/1000879j.jpg

It's not possible to cut with a jigsaw. Solution? Drill a hundred holes then file down all the ridges.
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/7585/1000049c.jpg
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5830/1000048i.jpg
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/3303/1000047.jpg
http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/4599/1000046u.jpg

Sweet baby Jesus that did suck. Also it resulted in piles and piles of metal shavings, which my wife was just thrilled about.
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/5319/1000155.jpg
http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/7355/1000054.jpg

I don't have a workshop, I live in a crummy little apartment, so I work in my living
room. (in case you haven't figured that out by the backgrounds in my pictures lol)
Something else my wife is thrilled about.
Here is the result of the drill/file method
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/5885/1000881.jpg
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/282/1000880.jpg

I am happy to report that I finally made the trip to my friendly neighborhood Harbour Freight and got a sawzall and a new jigsaw.
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9927/1000885.jpg
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6807/1000884x.jpg

Much better. Still, each cut is a pain, and I have to file and file and file..... Gawd I am
sick of filing. I don't even want to use my filing cabinet anymore. filing.....

[Mark_Hardware]

Here we go, nother update.
Got the front piece glued together. This weekend I will be working on filling all the
gaps. I cut down the pcb,
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/3395/1000917e.jpg

Well crap. I cut it down to the point where I didn't need to cut the groove in the second
fin. Oh well.
Anyway, I figure I won't be using the plastic piece I cut out. I will just make my own
cover. Here is a test piece. This is not the final piece, but something to give me an idea
of what to do. First, I apologize, I had a hard time getting good pictures.
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/2533/1000905b.jpg
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/853/1000908.jpg
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/8302/1000911a.jpg

Here you can kinda see what I am going to be doing to match and blend that bodyline
of the case.
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/2877/1000914s.jpg
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4303/1000910r.jpg

Here is something that will boggle everybodies minds.

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/1028/1000876.jpg

That's right, door. Permanently glued shut.

Made some cuts...
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9130/1000891.jpg
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/3595/1000900k.jpg

and we have access again.

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/8683/1000898.jpg
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/9084/1000899i.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7029/1000895.jpg
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/8885/1000894.jpg

Sanded down the edges, to clean it up a bit.
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/5086/1000935b.jpg
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/5066/1000938d.jpg
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/8328/1000939i.jpg

The cover still fits nice.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8736/1000941.jpg
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/2119/1000943.jpg

[Mark_Hardware]

OK, so the next couple of days will be spent switching all my pictures to photobucket, cause I am tired of imageshack. first that crap with the big black boxes filled with some psuedo political crap, now I got the red X of shame and my pictures don't show up on imageshack's own site. Soooo, excuse the lack of progress this weekend :mad:

[Mark_Hardware]

OK, so it has come to my attention (more than once) that people may feel a lack of direction in this build, hence a lack of enthusiasm.
I admit I did not undertake this project with a concrete plan. I had a general idea, a few things I wanted to do, then I let the inspiration come to me. I took an artistic approach to this whole project. Da Vinci reworked his ideas many times before realizing a final result. And just like Da Vinci, I have a few things I know for sure and hold to, and let the rest come to me as the pieces speak to me.
K enough art teacher speak.
I have a few ideas that I've had from the beginning, and that I know for sure that I am going to implement. Namely, Largely, the doors.
Ahh the doors. Something that can make or break a case. Or just plain break and screw the whole deal up. This case has a neat looking door. Sharp body line that I love, cool lighting....
Now how can I make it better. How can I make it, different.
You saw that I glued part of the door on, then cut part off
Here's the idea, presented in no-talent sketchup.

This is the front piece to the door.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_0956.jpg
The whole front of the case has these matching pieces with this beautiful finish.

I am going to cut that in half. I will mount a servo that will open the door as such,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_0960.jpg

then another servo, mounted on the inside of the door, will "slide" the door back, as so;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_0966.jpg

this of course will be mimicked on the other side. (and remember, that door will be cut in half)
There are three places this will occur.
On the mini-case, where the Imon holds it's place of honor,
Of course the main drive bay area,
and...

On this bottom section,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_0971.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_0970.jpg
Those are some progress shots showing the bondo work coming along.

Think armoire doors,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/armoiredoor.jpg

[DonT-FeaR]

if i mod inside i have to clean it up b4 mum gets home :P

nice work

[The boy 4rm oz]

You have made some really nice progress mate, keep at it, I can see your vision, not to my personal tasted but it is very interesting and unique in its own right and I still enjoy watching this build thoroughly.

[Will]

I'm really interested in the servo part. That's a cool idea.

[Waynio]

OK, so it has come to my attention (more than once) that people may feel a lack of direction in this build, hence a lack of enthusiasm.

I'm watching :)
You have my interest in what is building up, I like mods where I have no real idea what is happening or what to expect and then all of a sudden I go ahhh wow cool, keep it up m8 look forward to seeing what comes next :up:.

[Mark_Hardware]

Thanks for the kind words guys. I am trying to make sure I keep the progress flowing, and keep makin ya nod your head and say wow lol

[Mark_Hardware]

OK ladies and germs, here we go....

Not much of an update today, but I promised I'd get something out this week.
This piece has been kicking my butt all week.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1057.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1044.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1045.jpg

Hopefully you can kinda see where I'm going with this. I have to sand down all the bondo in between all the fins, for one. The problem is, it's very difficult to do by hand.

I used a dremel with this attachment,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1072.jpg

But that left a rough finish. Btw I know that's not the designed use for that attachment, but it actually worked really great for that. I still use it, but only to take the bondo down a little, not all the way.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1051.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1054.jpg

I have come up with a potential solution to this problem, a simple block of wood, sanded to the size to get in between the fins.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1086.jpg

Here's the other problem area.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1055.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1056.jpg

I am trying to get a smooth transition between the plastic cover for the front header, and the rest of the cover. This really is the area I am having the most trouble with. I can't quite figure out how to attain the look I'm going for.
I'm thinkin I will just take a break from this part and work on a different area for a while....

Here is the front of the minicase. The plastic there is cut off the front bezel from the second case.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1087.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1042.jpg

Here is the piece I am thinking I will attach here.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1075.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1073.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1074.jpg

I know it seems a bit odd, or backwards to attach the bottom piece here. My reasoning for that is twofold; one, I it will make the plastic level with the front of the Koolance unit. Two, it is longer, so it comes down to about where I want it. One other thing (ok so it's threefold) is this gap will be a great spot to mount this remote control reciever that came with my Hauppauge tv tuner.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1082.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1076.jpg

One other thing, got a surprise in the mail today, the data cable I ordered. It's a usb to serial cable. I have to give a quick shout out to bestlinknetware.com. I searched and searched for this cable, and I would find a 12" one for $13, but the wouldn't work. Then I would find a 6' cable for $30 plus. That wouldn't work either lol. Plus, they were all blue. Yeah, so, anyway..... But this site had this cable, in black, 40" long, and for 8 bucks. Oh hell yeah. And it got here really quick, I was surprised! [/schelling].
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1083.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1080.jpg

This cable is for my servo controller, when it comes on Monday.

So that's all for today. I was hoping to show some more definitive progress, sorry guys.

[Tech-Daddy]

That fin sanding is a byotch.... and you did the right thing by coming up with a custom tool. Keep an eye out for needle files, those would likely work great in that tight space. If yo uhave a HArbor Freight near by, you can get them for cheap.

For the plastic cover/front header area, get some shortstrand fiberglass filler. Since you are going to be plugging stuff into that area I'd be concerned with all that bondo built up like that, seems like a potential for cracking.

This is one helluva case... and you running with the muse is keeping everyone guessing.
You keep building for you, and not everyone else. If you follow everyone else's desires on design, you are not building your case anymore. :)

As it stands, one thing that is driving me nuts is the butt end of this thing, and I'm sure you have a plan to clean up the seams and the various "levels". Still early in the build, and the artist is still working! So, keep on going and I look forward to what you will be doing!

You like your JB Weld.... they sponsoring you? ;)

Keep up the great work!
-=TD

[DonT-FeaR]

looks good mate! i really like

[p0Pe]

this look really, really good! i miss some more "overall pics" where you see the whole case. just went through the entire log dude:) great work! and wicked choice in material.

have a +rep and lets se some more work!

[Mark_Hardware]

Hello all again just a quick text update today....
Thanks for your comments and support everybody, sorry I didn't say so sooner.
TD, Yeah I have needle files, they are a life saver I use them constantly. And I assume you are talking about the back of the case? I still don't really know for sure what I'm gonna do. I knwo I want to use the plastic it came with as well as hide every wire back there. And the seams I am thinking a gasket maker. Will ensure no gaps and clean transitions.
Pope, I will try and get some more pics like that, it's just usually in pieces so I can work on one part at a time.



So starts the beginning of my weekend today. Gonna run a few errands, including a trip to ye olde Harbour Freight as well the my freindly local neighborhood Home Depot for supplies.
Quick stop by the doctors office (always fun) then it's on to modding! Oh yes I plan on getting some serious work done this weekend. It's on like Donkey Kong.
Gonna do some (more) work to the front piece, as well as an idea I recently came up with, a place to stash my ipod.
I got my servo controller in the mail, and I only got one servo (lame) cause I'm perpetually broke these days.
But I plan on figuring out how to mount one of the servos for the doors, and hopefully get those going in the right direction.
We'll see!

[Mark_Hardware]

So just got back from running around... Got cleared for surgery (yay) and a trip to Harbour Freight resulted in a little more than just sawzall blades.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1140.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1141.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1143.jpg

Oh yeah. It's not huge or anything, but hey it's a friggin drill press heck yeah! I'm super excited I've wanted one for a long time. This will definitely come in handy!

[blueonblack]

I think you'll be amazed at how useful that little machine is. I know I use mine a LOT more than I thought I would when I got it. New tool rep!!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Nice drill press. I was going to get one but ended up getting the Dremel workstation instead lol.

[AndyLivingston]

I've always wanted a drill press that doesn't wobble when it comes in contact with the material... An exact drill press would come very much in handy with metalwork and circuit work. I'm jealous. Also, I'd love to see you use one of those black box... boxes as carryon luggage.

[DonT-FeaR]

nice drill press mate! looks good

[Mark_Hardware]

Update for today, and as usual, I didn't get as much done as I had hoped. But in my defense I had an excuse today. car (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?p=254030#post254030) drama, and some kid drama too.
Anyway, Been working on a special place for my ipod. A door, behind the vent, that will open and presto, docking station.
Here is the rough cut hole.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1144.jpg

And ipod for perspective.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1146.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1147.jpg

Filed smoooooth;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1150.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1151.jpg

This is the backside of the door. I am using 5/8" U channel for the ipod to slide in. Eventually I'll mount the connector in the bottom, too.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1183.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1184.jpg
(I realize I should have set it on the table, not on top of another panel, to avoid confusion. Oops)

Now, the putting a hinge on here is way trickier than I thought it would be. Hopefully you can get an idea why. Here it is closed;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1153.jpg

Here it is open;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1158.jpg

It lifts just a little in the back, so a straight hinge won't work. This kicked my butt all day trying to get something worked out. I tried making a hinge with a bar and lines cut in sheet metal, but it wasn't stable. So, I decided to try making an assemblage that would allow the door to slide straight out.

The concept;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1175-1.jpg

mocked up in place;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1176-1.jpg

and trashed;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1177-1.jpg

Sigh. Came up with a different solution. It won't be hidden, like I wanted, but if it works, then it's what I have to do. It's a simple as just flippng the hinge around, and making a notch for the barrel. Here it's done on a scrap piece for testing;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1179.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1180.jpg

Here it is mocked up, to give you an idea of what it will end up looking like...
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1181.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1182.jpg

Oh, and for anyone interested, I have still been working on that pesky front piece. I don't make it focal point for now though. I work on it when I feel like taking a break.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1186.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1192.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

I like your iPod dock idea, should look great when finished.

[DonT-FeaR]

/\ ditto.. looks good

[Waynio]

Nice one :) good drill press, really is fantastic how accurate and clean you can drill now with one of these, even going through multiple layers is so easy, and yeah the ipod docking idea is nice :).

[Mark_Hardware]

Quick update today, not much work done.
I decided to make a groove where the barrel of the hinge will rest, instead of cutting a notch. This will make it more discrete, cleaner, smoother.

Here is the hinge resting in it's new home,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1197.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1201.jpg

And getting glued.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1204.jpg

That's it. Tomorrow when the glue is dry we'll see how it fits/works.

[Oneslowz28]

keep up the good work mark.

[Mark_Hardware]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the comments.
Not much progress today, just little work on the ipod door. Good news is, the hinge will work just fine!
Now, one thing I've noticed while parruzing through hundreds of photos in countless worklogs, is the exurberant number of pictures of peoples cats. My wife asked me about it, and I have to admit, I just don't know why there are so many cat pictures.
Now, I don't own a cat. However, I don't want my worklog to be viewed as sub par due to feline deficiency. So, I, ahem, borrowed the neighbours cat for a quick photo shoot.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1207.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

Can't wait to see that iPod dock together.

[DonT-FeaR]

rofl u borrowed a cat!

im a dog person and i would like a cat if that counts?

[AndyLivingston]

I think most people have pictures with their cats because cats just love to get in the way. Anybody who was a cat probably has a picture with their cat. Cute borrowed kitty, by the way.

[Waynio]

rofl u borrowed a cat!
Me too :D

[Mark_Hardware]

Here we go.
Been working on my ipod dock this week. I've been doing little bits before going to work. Little bits of progress that aren't worth posting about, but are time consuming nonetheless.
Here is the door, with the guide in place and sanded down a bit.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1255.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1256.jpg

Made a bracket to mount the servo;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1257.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1258.jpg
Ha didn't see that one comin, did ya!

Here it is all clamped up
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1259.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1260.jpg

Now the last step, glue on the piece for the armature mount.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1263.jpg
I did this last because I wanted to test out the servo first and determine the best postion for the mount.

Now I have to wait till tomorrow for the glue to dry (dammit) then do some sanding, and cult some felt to line that uchannel with, but other than that, the ipod door is done!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Can't wait to see the door in action, you have done a very nice job with it.

[AndyLivingston]

So is the goal on this project to make everything completely bomb-proof? If so, you're off to a great start! I've always wanted to use servos in a case, just never had the inclination or the money. Looking good!

[Mark_Hardware]

Here is a short, crummy video of the door in action;

amAl-GEv9c0

I know, it's just full of action and suspense. But hey, it's shot in HD :D

[msmrx57]

AWESOME! Been watching this and really linking what you're doing. +rep can't wait to see it finished.

[Axis Machine]

You have made some good progress while I was gone keep up the good work.:banana:

[chaksq]

This is the way modding should be!

[DonT-FeaR]

haha thats wicked!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Nice work mate, loving that door.

[Waynio]

:) I thought I commented on this earlier Doh!, the motorized door looks awesome m8, great progress :) + rep.

[Mark_Hardware]

thanks guys! I have some more parts coming this week, so there should be some interesting progress this week!

[Tech-Daddy]

This is the way modding should be!

QFT!!!

Great work!

[Mark_Hardware]

Ok, not much today. I have been waiting over a week for this, and it finally came.
It's a 5" lcd screen for use with various gaming systems
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1313.jpg

Kind of a cool little deal, too. Also came with a base to attach it to, whatever, as well as a cable for use with xbox or playstations.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1314.jpg

But I'm not interested in all that! Here's what I want!
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1319.jpg

Hmm. Not quite what I was hoping for.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1321.jpg

Here is where the monitor is going.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1326.jpg

The backside;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1323.jpg

This is going to be a challenge. I'll keep you posted as I make progress on this.

[Axis Machine]

Nice that lcd is going to look awsome on your rig.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sweet screen bro, I should pick one up for myself :D.

[AndyLivingston]

That is a nice screen. Nice to see that it comes with its own driver board, which includes some standard inputs. +Rep ('cause apparently I didn't already do that.)

[Mark_Hardware]

Nooooo tragedy strikes!!
My trusty Dremelike has officially taken a dump on me.
I was working on those damned fins, the cutoff wheel jammed, and it broke the flex attachment, and I guess it was just too much for my old rotary tool to handle. Damn you, hard ass aluminum! Damn you.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1346.jpg

Idk if I'll be able to get a new one today... Still have to work on my car (again). Can't really put that off much longer or I won't have power steering anymore.
So, after 6 years of trusty service, it's time to give my loyal tool a proper send off....

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1348.jpg
Good bye old friend.

Some progress,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1328.jpg

Cut out the hole. Now, bear in mind, I will have to eventually cut this hole larger, to accomodate the mechanics for the doors that will cover it.

I started grinding down the fins behind the screen, so it will sit down flush.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1343.jpg

Eventually I decided to just cut the fins off. The don't serve any purpose, and they won't be seen back there.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1331.jpg
Plus it's a little weight reduction. win-win.



Ohh yeah ps, I set my stuff up on the table while I went to the store, and when I looked at it, that would be a sweetass place for a monitor. Not many 3.5" bay devices to use, for the most part anyway. Just sharing an idea, mebbe someone can use it :up:
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1333.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

Damn that sucks about the Dremalike, I had one, lasted 3 months HAHA got myself a genuine one after that, works a treat. You shouldn't throw away that flex shaft though ;).

[Mark_Hardware]

the flex shaft broketed too. ends spin independently

[The boy 4rm oz]

Damn that sucks, those things are expensive lol $50AUD.

[Mark_Hardware]

yeah, bout 30 bucks here. gonna delay things a bit.

[DonT-FeaR]

looks sweet!

[Mark_Hardware]

Well, won't be any updates this weekend. Just had surgery, and I'm in mondo pain... I thought I would be able to get some stuff does this weekend, but it ain't gonna happen. Once I get back on my feet, I'll get some work done. As always, I'll keep ya posted

[The boy 4rm oz]

Get well soon mate :D.

[Axis Machine]

Hope you get better soon I am sure you will be back to modding in no time.

[AndyLivingston]

Recovery's a PITA. Possibly literally, depending on what you had done. Best of luck.

[Mark_Hardware]

lol I had a hernia fixed. So, I guess you could say that's close, but this is worse.

Thanks guys, for your kind words.

[AndyLivingston]

Hey! Been there twice, in my young life. I know what you're going through. Just don't overdo the pain pills and puke like I did. That was the worst pain ever, on fresh stitches.

[Mark_Hardware]

Twice? egads wtf r u doing man?

Oh yeah, I didn't take any pain pills. A couple ibuprofen and that's it.

I'm doing ok, I'm back to work now. As long as I don't move too quick, jerk around, or strain too hard, I'm ok. So I take it easy, limping around like an old man...

[AndyLivingston]

Well, they say when you get one inguinal hernia, you're a whole lot more likely to get a second. First was from coughing too hard from a cold. >< Glad to hear you're up and moving again. When can we expect more progress outta you? ;)

[Mark_Hardware]

That's what I had, inguinal hernia. Most common type of hernia. The result of a weak spot in the abdominal wall in males...
Anyway strange thing was the doctor said I was most likely born with it. wtf?

[Mark_Hardware]

Well, half assed update. I'm still not feeling all that great, but I wanted to try and get some work done. Unfortunately, things went from bad to worse.

I decided to go a different route for the screen. I need to have room for the hinge mechanics, so a flush mount won't work. I decided to cut out the whole area and recess it. Basically, it will kinda look like the main drive bay area. After a couple of ill advised, not carefully planned cuts, I have this;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1372.jpg

Not what I was going for. At all.

Soooo, I started cutting out what is now the bottom section, since the front piece is now two pieces. Sigh. Then this happened;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1375.jpg

Grreeeaaat. Sure that's what I was going for. Here is the line I was cutting along;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1374.jpg

The idea, like I said, is to cut out this whole area. It will be covered by doors.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1377.jpg

So that's it. yippee. Sorry, I started out in not that great of a mood, and it sure didn't get any better. :mad:

[Axis Machine]

That really sucks I am not having the greatest day or should I say night either but I am sure you will troop through this I am sure you can think of some sort of a fix for it. :(

[The boy 4rm oz]

Really suck about that split mate, nothing some alu, epoxy and bondo can't fix though ;).

[DonT-FeaR]

/\ yeah bad luck mate

[Mark_Hardware]

So, made a little progress today. Turns out, that piece breaking made it easier to cut right. (See the focusing on the positive part there?) Here's those two pieces;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1381.jpg

Now, I have been puzzling over what material to use to build the new back and mount the screen. I didn't want to use sheet metal, I would rather use plastic, and a good plastic epoxy. Then it hit me, just use the casing the screen came in! So, trimmed it down a bit, and it will fit as such;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1386.jpg

Maybe that will provide a little clearer picture as to where I am going here, too. Now, of course it still needs more trimming, and I will fill the various holes so it looks like a solid piece, but it's perfect cause it's already ready for the screen to be mounted.

All this speak of the screen, I will sequay into bad news. Here is my screen;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1391.jpg

Yeah.... and that's all it does. So that sucks. Nothing like some bad news for a change. Hey, could be worse though.
Anyway, came across something the other day that finally struck me for use as mesh. I have been searching and searching, cause I just wasn't crazy about the usual suspects. Walking down the isle at My Friendly Local Neirbourhood Home Depot and my wife said, "Hey what about this?"
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1388.jpg

It's a screen filter for hood vents that are over stoves. Pull the frame off and the layers apart,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1389.jpg

Voila instant modders mesh. Holes are too small to really see through, but light can come through, and the holes aren't round. Yay so that's settled!

Till next time....

[DonT-FeaR]

looking good mate. cant wait to see more.

[985323]

shame about the screen, Cant wait to see more

Will

[Mark_Hardware]

Sorry I haven't updated in a while... Been feeling run down a lot lately. Plus a lot going on. Plus stifled by a lack of supplies (ie lack of funding for supplies). I will try hard to get something this weekend, and resume my usual once a week updates. :)

[Mark_Hardware]

My lucky stars, an update! Not a huge one, though. I'm gonna keep working through the weekend, so hopefully some real progress will ensue.
Here is one thing I need to do, this part broke. Some jb weld to the rescue there.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1459.jpg

What I actually have done so far,
glued the piece for the monitor in place. Here I used a plastic epoxy instead of JB. I thought I would spice it up a bit lol.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1469.jpg

Then I cut it to the right length to match up to the heatsink. As you can see here, the cuts far from match up nicely. Oh well, I'll get it smoothed out, I always do.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1460.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1458.jpg

Now I have to make more cuts and stuff, and some of the areas I will be cutting away are actually areas that show me how the two pieces line back up. So, I got everything lined up pretty, then drew the outilne on paper, so now I have a template, should anything happen.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1457.jpg

Then I started cutting away even more of the heatsink, to acommodate the pcb that's larger than the screen.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1471.jpg

That's as far as I got then my dremelike started smoking pretty good. Whoopsie, guess that means I need to take a break. Oh yeah if you havent figured it out, I got a new dremelike. The ol' Black and Decker RTX, as well as a new flexshaft. Here is a pic I took trying to capture the smoke;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1465.jpg

I really like it. Smooth, quiet... course my Craftsmen dremelike was older than three of my kids so I guess anything would seem quieter and smoother. My flexshaft is quieter, too. Think my old one was no good to start with maybe.
One more thing, I cut away this section on the side. Gonna put wire mesh there instead, and make it blend into the sides of the heatsink. The other side is cut identically.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1463.jpg

Left me with this nifty lookin piece of scrap.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1464.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

Nice little bit of progress :D.

[Mark_Hardware]

Alright, got some more stuff done today.
Finished cutting out the material in the back, to make room for the pcb.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1473.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1474.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1478.jpg

And, just when I was finishing the last bit,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1472.jpg

Dammit! This crap is going to fight me every step of the way, I swear. Can be fixed, but more pita....

Now I need to cover and build up the bottom. Recognize this piece?
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1476.jpg

No? How about now?
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1477.jpg

I'm after the bottom of this. It has the angled front, like the rest, so it should match up nice...
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1481.jpg

Or not.

So, here's the little bit of plastic I cut off the bezel for the monitor to the rescue.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1483.jpg

Obviously it's not level, but that will get fixed. All in due time.

If that stupid heatsink hadn't broke in half it would have been an even cut. [/expletives]
Then I'll sand this excess plastic down so its nice and flush....
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1484.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1485.jpg

Also, I got to use my "modders mesh." Working out pretty nice, I think.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1486.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1487.jpg

Here's a little sneaky-peeky at what's in store here.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1490.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1488.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1491.jpg

That picture was a nightmare to capture, so I took several, so you can get the idea. It looks sweet.
Got lots and lots of JB Welding to do tonight. Gonna fix the broken part I showed, fill the holes in the bezel by the monitors, and two parts of the front bezel for the mini-case.

[DonT-FeaR]

looks fantastic mate!

i really am enjoying this one!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Nice mate, the display looks great.

[Mark_Hardware]

Small update today.
Lots of gluin' Filled in the speaker grills;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1507.jpg

Added some reinforcement behind the monitor bezel;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1510.jpg

Yay for globs of glue!!

Also fixed the broken part;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1504.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1501.jpg
I will slowly drill out the old useless glue, and refill with new, so it is nice and sturdy.

And, as far as this piece goes. I'm gonna nickname it the hemorroid cause it's such a pain in the arse! But see the difference in height? Thats cause it broke while cutting it. I decided that I am going to wait until I get another tool so I can make a nice straight, level, even cut here. So that's all for today.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1512.jpg
Sorry for the picture quality, light in living room is broke.

[DonT-FeaR]

this is gunna look sweet when its all painted and stuff :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

The front is really coming together, looking great.

[Oneslowz28]

http://thebestcasescenario.com/oneslowz28/front_page/worklog_notification.jpg

Congrats man. You deserve it.

[DonT-FeaR]

congrats. well earned :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Congratz mate.

[msmrx57]

Congrats! Keep up the good work.

[Mark_Hardware]

Thanks guys!

Another not -so-great update. I didn't get to do much to my case, cause I did this-
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1565.jpg

sure, that part was easy. The part that was time consuming was soldering in extension speaker wirefor some of the speakers, cause the wires weren't long enough. Specifically the rears. Ironic, since my room is tiny.
Also, I had to work on my car. Trying to fix a door lock that isn't working right. Boy I'd like to shake the hand of the engineer who designed...... And next week I get to replace a blower motor. Oh what did I do to deserve this?
Anyway all I really did was sand and file. Woohoo who doesn't like doing that?

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1560.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1559.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1561.jpg

Nice and smooooth. I was going to cut out wire mesh for the sides, but I decided to wait until I get the bottom re-attatched so I know it will blend well.

[DonT-FeaR]

:up:looking good

[Trace]

Coming along nicely, I will be following this one.

[Mark_Hardware]

Well, unfortunately I don't have any actual progress right now, but I do have some exciting news;

parts!
Courtesy of NZXT,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1641.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1642.jpg

A brand spankin new whole front fascia. The took a look at my work and sent me the part I asked for

free of charge.
Thanks NZXT, you guys rock!

[Waynio]

:) Excellent, that is very nice of them :up:.

[billygoat333]

awesomeness!

[gntlkilr]

That was nice of them. I had to do that with Coolermaster awhile when I broke the front fascia of my old centurion. They charged me shipping. Looking good.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yep NZXT is great, they sent me a whole new fascia when my hinge broke, great bunch of people. I am hoping they would like to show some interest in my next LEXA project ;).

[Mark_Hardware]

Well, I finally got some appreciable progress done today.
First, I cut a hole in the mobo tray for access to the cpu cooler. Not exactly foward thinking, but it's a nice addition.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1656.jpg

I flared out the sides around the screw mounts, just in case. Ok just for the heck of it.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1662.jpg

Speaking of the cpu cooler, I decided to add a layer of plexi to make it a little thicker, and
hold more pressure against the cpu.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/5-30-2009092.jpg

I also cleaned up the edges of the various cuts. I had planned on filing them straight, but I
decided that sucks so I just used my dremel.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1664.jpg

Not too bad, actually. Not perfect, but close enough for government work. The edges are
not sharp at all, but I probably will give em a little sanding, just for fun. (huh?)

Gots to do me some measurin. I'm taking measurements for the 'wire channel.' I had
some pieces actually cut for this already, here's an older picture of it;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_0299.jpg

but I decided to incorporate the ram cooler into it. So, I measured, and I cut and I drilled
and her we go,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1657.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1658.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1659.jpg

a ram cooler. Or, as the say in France, ze ram coola
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1661.jpg

I will file the holes square, (sound familiar?) and I will put spacers between the fan and
the panel, so it wont restrict airflow. I may put some mesh in there, to better hide the fans.

Speaking of mesh, (like the seque's here?) I am kinda thinking of using this panelling for
the right side. Too many times the right side goes neglected, ignored. I am thinking I'll use
this, with some mesh behind it so you can't see through it.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1665.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1646.jpg

I had also took the heatsinks off the mobo, to replace the TIM. I had heard it helps.
Here is my 790i digital nekked;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/5-30-2009077.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/5-30-2009074.jpg

now now boys, it's not polite to stare.

[985323]

nice work!
love where this is going.

Will

[Mark_Hardware]

a quick add on- my ram cooler-
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1673.jpg

[Axis Machine]

I am really liking that ram cooler it looks awesome. :up:

[The boy 4rm oz]

You have made some real progress, I love the RAM cooler :D.

[DonT-FeaR]

yeah i agree with jase! looking great!

[Mark_Hardware]

Woot woot! Free stuffs! Got a box o goodies today from the Fedex man, courtesy of NZXT.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1716.jpg

New side panels, (I only asked for the right side but hey)
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1717.jpg

NZXT shirt. In case you haven't noticed, white isnt really my color, but I am happy to have the schwag and will for sure wear it!
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1718.jpg

case screws and of course,

the piece de resistance,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1719.jpg

a NZXT Sentry LX fan controller!

Here is a not-so-good picture of it next to my iMon,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1720.jpg

and one with flash
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1723.jpg

sorry, I had a hard time getting a decent pic, but it's a great match!

I am editing my first post to say "sponsored in part by NZXT"

[Luke122]

WICKED... I totally want both of those now!

[DonT-FeaR]

:O congrats on the free stuff

[The boy 4rm oz]

Congratz on the free goodies mate, I really like the new Sentry, an awesome bit of kit.

[slaveofconvention]

Yeah, I really like that fan controller too - been thinking about getting one for Lobo but it's just out of my price range by roughly 99% of the price of the controller lol - I'm already WAY over budget on what was supposed to be a spares and parts super cheap mod :p

[Mark_Hardware]

I was planning on getting the sentry LX, just hadn't gotten around to it yet. The free part puts it right in my price range :P I am really liking it already, and no, I am not just saying that. I can't wait to see it in the case!

[Mark_Hardware]

update for today; I spent today working on the right side panel.
Started with this, and cut it down to the right size.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1732.jpg
(that pic came out crummy)

Dammit all.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1733.jpg

Size down,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1735.jpg

existing panel cut,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1736.jpg

fits nice.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1737.jpg

Started filing down the edges,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1742.jpg

decided that sucks big. Time to call in the backup
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1743.jpg
oh yeah.

sanded down most of it,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1741.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1738.jpg

will sand down the rest later.
Here's the plan, brace it with strips from behind. Hold everything together with rivets while the JB Weld dries. After JB dries, drill out rivets, fill the holes and the gaps. Result; a seamless panel on the outside. Hopefully.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1747.jpg

A pic of it on the case so you know what it looks like;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1748.jpg
Also I am gonna put mesh in the slats so you can't see through it.

Here's how it sits right now.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1751.jpg
cheers

[985323]

That looks great!

Will

[The boy 4rm oz]

Nice side panel, looks cool. I like the industrial look.

[Mark_Hardware]

Little update today, just wanted to show how the side panel is turning out.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1754.jpg

Not too bad! I am happy with it. I ground the rivets flat, and sanded down all the JB Weld.

Next just need to give it a little bondo lovin.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1759.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1760.jpg

Miniana, I start working on the side panel for the minicase
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1755.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1758.jpg

[DonT-FeaR]

looking great...

[billygoat333]

this is coming along. i like the looks so far :)

[Acey]

Them gon be chrome, Mark?

[Waynio]

Looking good Mark :up:.

[Mark_Hardware]

thanks guys! And Acey, I'm not sure what part you mean, but nah, there's not gonna be any chrome :)

[msmrx57]

And Acey, I'm not sure what part you mean, but nah, there's not gonna be any chrome :)

I think he was talking about the vents. By the way nice progress. :up: Definitely following this.

[Acey]

Yep the vents. Kinda forgotten the word LOL. Ah, thought it would be chromed and that would be ohsum. :banana:

[Mark_Hardware]

Well, here's my update for this week. Been working on the side panel for the minicase. Meh the steps were identical, with one exception. See, I took one regular side panel, cut out the middle section, then sandwiched the two together. Why? The result;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1814.jpg

A nice folded edge on both sides. This will ensure the side is nice and flush, top and bottom. I could not have done that by hand.

Here is the smaller side panel, with the last side all clamped up.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1826.jpg

Slapped a coat of bondo on it,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1839.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1842.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1840.jpg

Here's another side by side so you can see how the line up;
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1817.jpg

That's it for today. Hmm seems like it would have been more... Sure as hell felt like more....

[slaveofconvention]

LOL - well better than my last update - 10am-midnight and I managed to bend and straighten the same piece of perspex 4 times - and ended up nowhere further at midnight than I was at about 10:15 when I finished cutting....

[Mark_Hardware]

I saw that lol made me chuckle. Hey you got a nice texture effect on there :P

[Mark_Hardware]

And now, ladies and gentleman, for my next trick, I need a volunteer. Anyone will do, yes

you sir, up front,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1849.jpg

come on down!
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1850.jpg

Now watch, as I turn one ordinary needle file and one ordinary jigsaw,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1851.jpg

Into the Mark Hardware Filing Machine 2000!
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1854.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_1855.jpg

In action;
D7d2Zos5FgY
mwahahaha!
you all remember the last time I filed a bunch of holes like that. To heck with that!

*note to self, do not have wife hold camera anymore

EDIT; Sooo yeah... that video was supposed to be there the whole time, and the joke about the wife holding the camera tied into that, sooo...... yeah..... :whistle:

[Liquid_Scope_99]

Looking very good man +rep

[The boy 4rm oz]

That is a very very cool invention mate. I did something similar by putting a round file into an electric drill lol, worked like a Dremel sanding drum :D.

[Mark_Hardware]

Heeeya! *cough cough* *blows away the dust* Is anyone alive in here?

Helloo?

OMG, its alive!!

That's right suckas, I'm back in action! Took me a little hiatus there. Between work and school and a string of disenheartening FAILures I just had to take a break for a while. But with tax season here, That means new parts are just around the corner! As soon as my employer quits draggin ass and gives me my W-2 that is :p

Started out by working on something kinda simple. I call it the wire box, for lack of a better term. See, one goal of this project is to see no wires what-so-ever. The back of the case (where there is usually the most wires) is no exception. This box will serve to hide these cables. I am thinking I may add a hub here, to make everything accessible at this point instead of having to get to the I/O panel.

So this wasn't too complicated, just add some alum channel,
make a frame,
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2917.jpg

curse, swear,

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2902.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2905.jpg

My first day back to real modding and it's like I never left. This stoopid piece broke during drilling.
That's ok, I will fix it, make it stronger, make it better.

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2907.jpg

Anyway, here is that, attached and happy.

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2908.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2910.jpg

I also started working on the upper front pieces. I cut and sanded the plastic and replaced it with wire mesh. Both sides will be identical. I also started blending this piece of heatsink into the front plastic. It will have a similiar appearence to the bottom.
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2819.jpg

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2919.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2921.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2918.jpg

Just for funs, I hooked up this key switch. Originally I wasn't going to use it because it's too big, but I have changed my mind, deciding that it's actually perfect because it's big. So say hello to my new "on" button.

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2915.jpg

One more note, I have also come to the difficult decision to not use the front fascia, do to the exorbitant amount of problems and ongoing design changes. What I have decided to do instead is use this piece for experimenting on, and once I get everything figured out, I will make a final model. From now on I consider this a prototype. I already have the parts lined up, but I am not making a single cut on them until the prototype is done and I have everything figured out.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Glad to see that you are working on this again. I can't wait to see more.

[Waynio]

It seems pretty hit & miss if I get worklog update notifications, which is why I haven't been posting much.

I like the filing machine idea, good thinking +rep, should save some effort :), gotta say I'm keen on making something similar thinking of its potential uses, and wow, a key switch power on, can't say I've seen that done before, adds a nice security feature to it too, no need for a login :).

About you treating the front piece as a prototype, sounds like a good plan if like you said were having various problems with it.

[Mark_Hardware]

Woo hoo more!
Actually some kind of exciting progress for me. Been working on the heatsink for the front. (Gee that sounds
familiar)
So I took my Mark Hardware Filing Machine 2000 and put a saw blade back in it.

BAM instant table saw! This was literally exactly what I needed to cut this plastic right.
(Action shot!)

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2922.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2925.jpg

Also, it worked fantastically to cut some of the unwanted material off this heatsink.

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2927.jpg

An after shot;

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2937.jpg

Now let me say this! I do not advise doing this. It just doesn't seem like the safest thing. I mean, it may just be my opinion, but it seems like a great way to lose a finger. My wife concurs with me.
Everytime I use it. Also, I don't want to get sued by any 9 fingered modders cause I gave them the idea. My wife concurs with me on that, too.

Anyway I'm also have been removing some material to mount the red lcd screen. I'm not too worried about having it as a temperature readout, I just like the red screen.

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2933.jpg
http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2936.jpg

So here is what its looking like.....

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/Mark_Hardware/100_2929.jpg
Me likey!!!

[Trace]

Coming along! I want to see this finished!

[Mark_Hardware]

you, me, and my wife lol

[Couch3ater]

Hahaha, the wife must be thrilled about all the shavings everywhere; and the lack of a husband being around. Hahaha, like the mod so far. ^_^

[DonT-FeaR]

looking great man.. love it :P

[Mark_Hardware]

OK, so just an fyi gonna be kinda quiet for another couple weeks. Waiting on Tax Claus to come around so I can get lots of goodies.
For some reason I seem to love my kids a little more this month :rolleyes:

[billygoat333]

lol I hear ya on that one! I am thinking about dropping some change on an i7. would be a nice upgrade from my athlon x2 +4200! lol

[Mark_Hardware]

I haven't forgotten, I'm just still waiting on money to come in :D

[Mark_Hardware]

This is the reservoir for Mark1. It will end up being a standalone deal, sitting on the desk next to the case.

So I am very excited to bring you my latest creation, an external reservior for Mark1. This idea came to me completely out the blue one day, not long after a water pump died on me. As, usual, I came up with a simple idea, and it exploded lol.
See originally I was just going to build a simple reservior onto the side of the case. Then Eureka!
I have been dying to find a way to incorporate this vodka bottle, but until now I didn't really have a viable use.... So, onto the pictures! (Who reads all this anyways?)
So after some deliberation on material, I decided on 3/8" rebar. Using the box as a size reference, we cut and bent lengths of rebar into "U's".
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/2271/imag0363j.jpg


Mocked up;
http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/3048/imag0365i.jpg
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/1861/imag0364qg.jpg


Welded together now;
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/714/imag0366.jpg


Using diamond mesh for the the bottom, here's what it looks like so far...
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/7908/imag0375i.jpg
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6726/imag0377j.jpg


My high-tech aging process;
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1945/imag03812.jpg


And here's the stopper,
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/1263/imag0369.jpg

After a brief introduction to my drill,

and the bottle is now plumbed.
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4181/imag0371.jpg


The line going into the bottle;
http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/9291/imag0383d.jpg
A ziptie, to act like a hose clamp to help secure the silicone plug.
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5465/imag0395k.jpg

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/9116/imag0396r.jpg
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3928/imag0397o.jpg (http://img257.imageshack.us/i/imag0397o.jpg/)
(awkward, unclear picture. This is the front of the tubing.)

end plugged, side cut. This will make the coolant actually run down the inside front of the bottle, (cool) instead of just running in (boring).


That's all for now. Still to come, a door for the backside, a way of wrapping or covering the joints. Also, a sweet ass idea for for a stand.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Glad to see you still working on this one buddy, can't wait for more updates :D.

[Mark_Hardware]

Quick update today. Didn't get as much done as I had hoped I would. I know, shocking, right.
Ok, so, got the door built;
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8409/imag0403.jpg


am in the process of grinding down all the weld marks. Might get done tomorrow, idk.

Also started wrapping all the joints...
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/9322/imag0399b.jpg
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/700/imag0398.jpg

I will twist the backside and cut them off later.

The plumbing to the bottle is also complete;
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3727/imag0401l.jpg
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8183/imag0402l.jpg

aaand that's all for now.

[Mark_Hardware]

Gonna run through two updates, since this is also posted in "Your Mods" (not my idea)
Almost done grinding. Basically taking the weld marks from this;
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/6128/imag0409q.jpg

to this;
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6196/imag0410.jpg
which will rust and fade out nicely.

Also, got done wrapping the joints on the cage. I wrapped them all in a special pattern the mostly covers the actual joint part.
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/8558/imag0404.jpg

Then I cramped down with vice-grips,
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/1403/imag0405.jpg

twist twist twist,
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6828/imag0406b.jpg


clean break off. Then I just hammer that little part down. Simple, effective.
http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/7825/imag0407.jpg






Yay! So Stage 1 is like, almost done! This update will flow quick.
Decided to use standard hinges, and just beat them and rust them.
The door is welded on, and the joints wrapped. TBH, I'm not necessarily 100% on the hinges, but hopefully, with a little work,
and time, they'll grow on me.

ooohhh shiny. That just won't do.
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/9484/imag0415v.jpg

Hey a bubble bath!
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4818/imag0416r.jpg

Hehe naked metal...
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/2619/imag0418k.jpg
This is what sandpaper wished it could do. Now the hinge is weldable, as well as rust, which in this case is, of course, desirable.
Isn't chemistry cool?

ditto that with a chain.
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/6672/imag0419.jpg

Also, weld marks just won't do;
http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/5933/imag0421.jpg

ALL weld marks ground off, and also I cut a groove in each link, to simulate the links being hammered
together instead of welded.
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/6922/imag0423k.jpg

Now, smooth steel... Hmm need a highly technical, advanced proccess to utilize, to add a nice, aged and abused appearence...
http://img574.imageshack.us/img574/7561/imag0428.jpg
(12 hours of getting dragged around behind my truck would make anyone look old)
heh

(ignore everything but the chain in this picture!!) seriously.
This is the chain, after a day in the fishtank. I just opened the first and last links for four lengths.
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/6264/imag0431r.jpg
As you can see, the "special aging proccess" eliminated even the grinding marks from me grinding down the welds.

Pictures!
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/3996/imag0437v.jpg
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/2803/imag0432.jpg
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/8656/imag0434b.jpg
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4295/imag0430.jpg
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/5619/imag0435c.jpg

Video!
nlZSfAThXdQ

This is Stage 1, about 98% complete, sans more aging. I have some parts ordered, just waiting for them to come in and we can begin Stage 2.

[Waynio]

What on earth lol :D:up:, wow what to say, like straight off a saw movie set lol, looked pretty crazy when the pump switched on & it all turned red :eek::D.

[SXRguyinMA]

that looks sick!

[msmrx57]

Awesome!!!!!! :bowdown: +rep

[Mark_Hardware]

OK, update in here... Updates will be jerky in here, sorry. Stage 2; The Stand.
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2425/imag0004tj.jpg

Normal arm, meet normal metal;
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/3389/imag0007t.jpg

First cuts made;
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4773/imag00082.jpg

And replacement "bone" insterted;
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/5414/imag00092.jpg

Progress is goin somewhat slow, but going nonetheless.

Working on the main frame;

Several angles...
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/4549/imag00102.jpg

This update brought to you by the letter "D!"
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9210/imag0011uv.jpg

I wasn't trying to make it symmetrical and even... The odd shape is intentional.

Remember this guy?
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3091/imag00132.jpg
Well, he is getting, reassigned...


Section of steel hose, jagged cut.
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6082/imag0014qe.jpg

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/6023/imag0005n.jpg
These wires don't go to anything. I just found a bunch of different wires and a small section of hose and cut them and pulled them all in different fashions.

Some black convoluted tubing. This does have tube in it, but it's just to keep its shape. It doesn't go to anything, and the othe end will not be exposed.
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/8161/imag0015i.jpg
http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/7000/imag0006n.jpg

Here it is mocked up together, maybe you can get a rough idea of where this is going. Probably not, but hey.
http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/249/imag00122.jpg

[DonT-FeaR]

waits for next update :P this is looking really good mate

[Mark_Hardware]

More materials;

I know the color doesn't come through in this picture, but trust me, this sand has a beautiful red color. I got it from the red rock area around Sedona, in northern Arizona. I will sift it, getting rid of everything but the fine sand.
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/8562/imag0023bo.jpg

Also snagged a few red rocks.
http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/8606/imag0028b.jpg

As well as these, from a local fish store.
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/2306/imag0024tu.jpg


Now, I know these would never exist in the same place naturally, so I don't need some would-be geologist telling me that. I dug the red earth myself, so I know what was around....
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7376/imag0025j.jpg

These will all come into play in the final stages.

(For those of you unfamiliar with the natural beauty of Sedona, here his a random pic from the web. Almost kinda looks like Mars or something.)
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7810/cathedralrock3.jpg

Taking some inspiration from the Wood Stove Mod, (that and the fact that I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for anyway) I decided to make my own smoker unit.

Simple cast aluminum project box, used a dremel to cut the hole for a 40mm fan.
http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/8821/imag0029u.jpg
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9341/imag0030po.jpg

DC powered soldering iron;
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/8232/imag0027b.jpg

Assembled;
http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/1342/imag0031vs.jpg

The clear tube off to the side goes to the respirator mask the biomech skull will be wearing.

Test run using vegetable oil;
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/3355/imag0035w.jpg
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/3355/imag0035w.jpg

It smokes, but I'm not exactly going to be using this to send out any smoke signals.

To get more contact with the actual heating element, I disconnected the wire,
http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/8044/imag00392.jpg

Then flipped the element around inside the barrel. The holes will allow more contact, and better heat dispersion. Or something. And stuff.
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/9431/imag0040j.jpg

Got the arm welded to the frame.
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3291/imag0045lc.jpg
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6163/imag0046m.jpg

Here it is with the real arm in place;
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/9450/imag0049w.jpg

Cage in place;
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/1673/imag0054d.jpg

Also, one leg, prepped for install;
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/8004/imag0056pp.jpg



http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2700/imag0058ze.jpg
Nice and flush.
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9690/imag0059g.jpg

(As it turns out, the single flat stock isn't strong enough. Will have to switch to angle iron or something that doesn't flex.)

Here it is all mocked up;
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/565/imag0055q.jpg

Please note- the water pump will not be right there. It's just holding up the skull right now.

[Mark_Hardware]

Alright, an update for those who don't stray from the WIP section;
I had to use angle iron instead of flat iron. The flat iron flexed when the cage was hung.
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2700/imag0058ze.jpg
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/4931/imag0071f.jpg


I've been working on the legs for the base. Now, I kinda wish I had gotten more (better) pictures, cause I'm pretty proud of this work lol.
On both the legs, I made notches;
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/9832/imag0076e.jpg
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/1605/imag0077o.jpg

On the bottom side of the frame, corresponding notches;
http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/5059/imag0079d.jpg

This is where the arm is welded to the frame. You can see it is notched out here too;
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7366/imag0081f.jpg

All these pieces fit together like a big 3D puzzle, it really worked great.
The flat bar welded on here at an angle is for the bio-mech skull.
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4798/imag0082d.jpg

Here are a few pictures showing the legs, post- assload of grinding;
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/9851/imag0102i.jpg
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/3456/imag0103e.jpg
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/4002/imag0104n.jpg

During which my RTX died. So after some shopping around, I decided on this little number;
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/5218/imag0087q.jpg
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9334/imag0089z.jpg

Eh I'll read this later.
http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/5195/imag0088e.jpg

Got a few other things in the mail as well;

Tools!
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9562/imag0091r.jpg

Connectors!
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/5204/imag0092a.jpg
Now, I'm not 100% on how to use these, so if anyone has any pointers, it would be appreciated. There are pass-through and end cap connectors there.

And let's not forget;
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4496/imag0090p.jpg
hehehe

Speaking of "legs"
On the cage side, the femur will rest on the angle iron. (Which has been cut to length now) I will cut away parts of the bone to fit down on the metal snug.
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/6779/imag0101m.jpg

For the other side, I cut the other femur;
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/6918/imag0096k.jpg

Some grinding blah blah
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/8025/imag0098x.jpg

fits in there great.
http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/822/imag0097f.jpg

Eventually I will stick a carriage bolt in there, reminiscent of the arm;
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/4179/imag0100e.jpg


Some gratuitous shots, how it sits now;
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1726/imag0093z.jpg
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/4418/imag0095s.jpg