Project: ZERO

[Luke122]

Good evening (morning?) to all!

It's been a long time since I did any real modding around here, so I figured it was about time for me to do something. Also, having a worklog here will keep me on task, since people will (hopefully) be interested in seein the project progress and be completed! So here we go... Project: ZERO.

The Idea:

A complete media playback solution, small enough to fit behind a 15" LCD monitor, and cost $0; all parts/software must be things I already own, or barter for (no money), or be open source for software (or something I already have). Zero dollars spent.

The Donor:

A DV2000 laptop which had the screen removed in a rather unsafe manner (dropping it off a table onto the screen, which was open) was going to be scrapped, due to the cost of replacement on the screen. The unit was out of warranty, and owner decided to go new.

Here it is, in pieces, but running.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_022.jpg

Specs:
AMD TL-60 cpu (2.0ghz)
1gb PC2-5300 Ram (soon to be 2gb.. just needs to be installed)
80gb SATA HDD (currently in my XPS)

The Screen:
15" NEC Multisync LCD 1545v(1024x768 resolution)

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_021.jpg
---------------------------------------------------------------

So at the moment, the system is laid out across a table, and running diskless, with XBMC Live. Media playback has been tested from the SD card slot on the mobo, and works great.. I'm currently listening to some music on it while typing this on my desktop!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_026.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_024.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_023.jpg

The optical drive that this is running from right now will have to go I'm afraid.. with the drive attached, the setup is too large to fit behind the monitor. I'll either installed XBMC Live onto the HDD (which is not currently attached) or I'll use Vista and run XBMC on there, or maybe use the Vista Media center, since this laptop has the cool little remote for it.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_028.jpg

I'm also planning on using a set of speakers salvaged from a Toshiba Laptop. They are Harmon Kardons, and sound great! Here's a shot with the remote and a quarter for reference.. the speakers are actually pretty beefy, and are completely enclosed in their own sealed little enclosures. Output is huge, and the sound quality is awesome.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_029.jpg

I'll be replacing the HP speakers (junk) with these HK's, and mounting them up the front of the LCD as well. I'll also be mounting the IR receiver from the laptop onto the front of the LCD, so that the remote will work.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_030.jpg

The mobo has a built in ethernet port, an SD reader (as mentioned; not sure if it's SDHC compatible.. I'll check that out later), and a few other goodies. Obviously it has a mini pci connector for wifi, and it also has a bluetooth adaptor, and 3 usb ports. It's unlikely I'll use the wifi, but the bluetooth could be useful, as well as the usb ports for game pads (most likely will be Xbox controllers.. never know when the urge for some SNES will strike).

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_031.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_032.jpg

The power button for the unit is luckily on a remote pcb, connected with a short cable to a plug on the mobo. 3 wires (easily de/re-soldered) provide the switch, and a power LED (which *might* be moved to the LCD front also) means I can easily replace the button with a proper momentary power switch, which would be more easily operated.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_034.jpg

The mobo power connector is on a short pigtail connector as well, which also works well for me to relocate it and mount where I want. :)

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_033.jpg

So there you have it, the start for my project. I'm still working up a drawing/sketch/whatever for the final project, but more details and changes will come along, I'm sure. When have I ever stuck to a plan 100%? :D

[billygoat333]

nice! looking to do something similar with my DV4000, soon as I get time/ambition. excited to see what you do with this and will hopefully be able to steal/borrow some ideas from you! :D

[blueonblack]

Wow, seems like a very ambitious project, I'm impressed. Keep us up to date!

[slaveofconvention]

Got me thinking now... I have a laptop in full working order except for a smashed screen - same situation - cost of screen is more than laptop would sell for repaired and I don't need it personally.... I also happen to have a 15" LCD sitting spare too hmmmmm heh I'll be watching this one....

[p0Pe]

dude this is awsome! what is that program your running? xbmc? gotta look into that one!

[Luke122]

Update 2:

So today I made the decision to use my 20" LCD (HP w2007) instead of the little 15" NEC. I'll still use the NEC for testing and mockup purposes, but the final product will be mounted to the 20" HP. (Which was also free! Yay for trades!)

Some of you may wonder how I'll be mounting the system to the back of the LCD. Well, almost all LCD's now have the option to be wall mounted or arm mounted. I'll be using those mounting holes to attach an LCD mounting kit (which I already own.. was purchased for my LCDTV, so it's good for 120lbs.. lol), to which I'll attach a mobo tray and finally attach the mobo/system to that.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_051-1.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_050-1.jpg

Admire my makeshift workbench!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_040-1.jpg

I knew that I wanted to replace the speakers with something better, and not use an external powered set.. I'm already going to need 2 power cords for this rig, so I'd like to keep it at that. The decision to use the onboard audio output was an easy one, but the HP speakers were not up to the task.

The salvaged Harmon kardon's are great, but I hesitated to cut up the HP set.. I might be able to trade them to someone else as replacements, or even unload the remains of the HP on Ebay or something, so I managed to find a matching 4 pin connector from an Acer laptop that had an incident with an impatient Newfie. :D

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_037-1.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_038-1.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_039-1.jpg

I chopped the connector from the Acer, and soldered the wires to the HK speaker wires. Some heatshrink tubing to cover the joins, and we are golden. Note to self, shiny heatshrink tubing from RadioShack is GARBAGE.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_041.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_049-1.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_042.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_044.jpg

On this same topic, I decided not to chop up the HP power switch/LED combo, and found another matching connector from the remains of the Acer. :D This way, I can unload the switch later if need be, but mostly I dont risk destroying it, and not being able to boot Zero. That would suck.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_046.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_045.jpg

I'm now looking for a good power switch for this project.. no shortage of LED's here! :D

I'm definitely going with the 80gb hdd for this project. I'll ghost the 80gb to the 160, and put the 160 into my XPS laptop to free up the 80gb for Zero, so that'll happen tonight or something.

Desoldering the IR receiver might not be easy enough to be worth attempting it.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_047.jpg

There it is on the right.. Lets see the bottom if that pcb...

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_049-1.jpg

Zounds! Perhaps I'll do more thinking on that.

Tonight I'll be reassembling and testing HDD mounting solutions, and *hopefully* building a mobo tray.

[blueonblack]

Dude!!! You've got a workbench that also dries your clothes?!?!??? Wow.

[Luke122]

Well, it used to dry my clothes.. now it's just a workbench.. haha. At least until someone comes and takes it from my house for me.

More updates to come tonight.

[Locum51]

Looks good so far! I can't wait to see more!

[Luke122]

Update 3 (small update)

I'm definitely going to use the 20" LCD.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_052.jpg

It's just so much nicer than the 15", so I said "why not?"

So, now to test mount the hdd. Since the original casing held the hdd in a tray, which attached to the bottom half of the case, i'm stuck with a mobo header connection sort of off by itself, and nowhere to attach the hdd.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_053.jpg

Obviously I cant rest it directly onto the mobo (zap!) so I had to come up with something. Hmm... there's holes in the board there...

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_054.jpg

Ok.. so if the hdd was raised up from the board, say with some little rubber feet or something..

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_056.jpg

..like the ones from ANOTHER scrap laptop..

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_057.jpg

Then I could rest it right on the mobo.. and attach it with...

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_058.jpg

TADAAA!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/IMAGE_059.jpg

No, I'm not serious.. this is just a temporary attachment so I can continue working on this while I figure out a real solution.

I also decided on the OS for this tonight.. I'll be putting Vista Home Premium on here, which will allow me to use wifi, emulators, xbox controllers, the fancy little media remote, etc, and since I already have it (it was the OS on this laptop originally), it cost me NOTHING.

I started the install on it tonight, but since my testing keyboard and mouse are both PS2, i had to use a ps2 to usb adaptor, which the vista installer did not recognize... so I called it a night. I rearranged the entire basement to make room, and I've got lots left to do, but it's 1000x better than it was, so i'll call tonight a victory.

Still sketching up my final product....

[OvRiDe]

Looking good! Nice progress, anxious to see MOAR!!

[Trace]

Good to see you finally doing some work around here!
And with an HP! :p "I feel sorry for you"

[Luke122]

Haha.. well, I'm hopeful that this will stay nice and cool since it's wide open. On the flip side, I have considered doing a cover for the whole unit, and maybe adding a 120mm fan at one side to force air across it..?

[985323]

A cover would help with the appearance. Nice hdd trick you did there :)

Will

[Airbozo]

Luke, What are you missing to be able to use your optical drive? I have tons of mounts and cables for those things if you need them...

I tore the one I am using for my Bubble gum machine mod (yes it is still a work in progress), from and old sun workstation. I have lots of that kind of stuff, yours for the asking...

[Luke122]

Thanks, but i think I'll be ok. :)

I'm grabbing the rest of the laptop remains today to see if I can fab up a better hdd mount.. sometihng somewhat serviceable would be nice (no cutting and replacing ties all the time..hehe).

As for the optical drive, the final box wont have one installed.. it's just a size issue. :D

I'm hoping to have a test mount of the board to the monitor tonight.. I've finally made a decision on the speaker situation too, so we'll see how things come together tonight. The HK's sound great, but the volume just isnt there.. since this unit will be used to play movies/music, it definitely needs to be capable of more volume.

I'm bing such a perfectionist that it's going to drive me nuts until I get this thing done, and done right. I want it to be super clean and smooth.. so I've got a few more ideas to pull out tonight. :D

[b4i7]

LUKE!!! you made me come out from hiding! its been a minute since ive posted... but im diggin this project! especially (as curtis can tell you) ive been planning on doing something exactly the same LOL... laptop to monitor mod!

[Luke122]

http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/07/harman-kardons-transparent-gla-55-2-0-speaker-set-gets-glaring/

Mmm.. sexy.. and inspirational.. The little HK's I'm using as part of this build are the same drivers in those speakers.. hmm.. ;)

Hopefully an update tonight on this project!

[BerticusPryme]

the hk's your using do have a good sound. I got a set similar in my Qosmio. you can google qosmio x305 and see them. I really enjoy them.

[billygoat333]

I love how half of us have a similar project in mind - thats awesome. great minds think alike! :D

[Luke122]

My little speakers came from a Toshiba Satellite actually. :)

No update on the build tonight.. just research, so I'll post something constructive tomorrow, when I actually.. um.. construct something.

[Luke122]

Update coming this week!!!

[Trace]

Awesome. Can't wait to see it

[Luke122]

It's hard to accomplish anything when the workshop is also the guest room, and you have house guests. Needless to say, I'm absolutely ITCHING to get back to work.

On a side note, I confirmed last night that my motherboard in my desktop machine (Asus P5GL-MX) is a piece of crap. After some weird video related issues, I investigated the board specs/updates/bios to try and sort it out.. it turns out that although there is a PCI-E x16 slot on the motherboard, funtionally it's limited to x4 speed. So I'm done fighting with it.. desktop is now strictly file serving/limited internet usage.

Here's hoping I can swing a deal at work and get that G71GX....

[Luke122]

Update!

2 complete DV 9000 laptops have come my way, both with completely failed motherboards. Why is this good? Well, the casings from both will be used to try and create a very factory looking enclosure for this project.

My goal with Zero is twofold... First, completely free (Zero dollar) build. Second, to make it appear as stock looking as possible.. as if HP actually built this unit themselves. The casings from the DV9000's will let me build a very smooth and factory correct looking enclosure for this unit.

I'm also planning on using the webcam from one of them, the touchstrip controls from above the keyboard, the bluetooth module, and hopefully some other bits to make some trim pieces.

Also, I'm still on the fence as to whether or not the speakers will be attached to the monitor, or free standing. Free standing would mean better sound since they can be positioned differently, but that also means more cable mess. Decisions, decisions...

Ive also decided to use the 250gb hdd in this project, and have some media stored locally, rather than strictly streaming from a network server. This gives me a bit of flexibility for location, or even for taking it with us when we travel to entertain the kids. (or the parents).

Since we'll have bluetooth in this unit, I'm on the lookout for a bluetooth keyboard/mouse (combo or separates) that someone might be willing to trade barter. OK, that's it for now.. hopefully some photo updates coming tomorrow.. band practice tonight!

[Mark_Hardware]

Luke!! How did I not notice this project before? Lookin good man

[Oneslowz28]

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/slaveofconvention/banners/features/theweeklyspotlight/worklog.png

[Mushroom720]

O_o awesome! grats you deserve it. i was going to do something like this with a asus eee(laptop) cuzz i broke the screen.:(

[SXRguyinMA]

congrats!

[Luke122]

OMFG! I made front page?!

Yay!

(Disregard these.. I'm using them as placeholders for image uploads when I get home!)

OK, another update. A third dead DV9000 will be joining my pile of donor parts. With the 3 complete casings, I can build the enclosure I want now, and make it look goooooood.

(dead dv9000s pic, finished enclosure sketch)

I've decided I will keep the speakers separate from the unit, allowing me to move/reposition them as needed for better sound. The w2007 monitor has built in speakers, so if I need true portability, I'll just use the onboard ones. They arent great for music, but for regular media, they are plenty. The speaker enclosures will be manufactured from dv9000 cases as well, to keep the similar lines/finish so that they match the rest of the mod.

(Pic speakers, pic speaker sketches)

Also, all the LED's in the project are blue, so we've got some consistency there too.

(LED pics)

Since I'm going with the 20" monitor, I'll be able to fit the optical drive back there now, so we are GTG on that.

(layout pic, comparison to LCD)

As I mentioned, I'm going to try and re-use the webcam, bluetooth, audio jacks, IR sensor, touchstrip controls, microphone, etc.

(touchstrip pic)

The touchstrip controls will be top mounted, along with the power button. Ideally, I'd like to the power switch for the monitor to turn off/on both the monitor and the PC at the same time, but in the interests of moving this PC behind my LCDTV later, I wont do that. Plus, I'd rather not open my monitor and risk screwing something up. It's fine as is, let's keep it that way. :)

(audio jacks and IR sensor pic)
(webcam pic)
(microphone pic)

The webcam, mics, and audio jacks/IR sensor will be mounted below the LCD on the front, for easy connection of audio in/out. I thought about mounting behind, or towards the top (IR sensor would be better at the top I think, but it wont be easily removed from the PCB with the jacks, and I dont want cords hanging all over the place.. I must make this thing look clean!)

I'm still on the fence about the wifi. I have an Intel 4965AGN adaptor so I *could* use it with my N router, and probably stream 720p video from my server, but... I also have gigabit ethernet in a wall plate right behind where Zero will be located.. so...

(4965agn pic, house layout sketch)

I've considered doing some plexi/edge lit accent pieces too... these might make an appearance too.. we'll see. :D

(plexi + LED's pic)

More (plus pics) to come tonight!

Thanks so much for the feature!

[Oneslowz28]

You sure did. This is some prime old school modding going on. Keep up the good work my Canadian friend.

[chaksq]

This project is awesome! Reminds me of my project Framed which is on long term hiatus. I definitely respect the completely free aspect. Good luck and I am keeping my eye on this one.

[Mark_Hardware]

congrats Luke!

[Liquid_Scope_99]

congrats and very cool

[p0Pe]

love it dude!
you should check this out:
http://www.team-mediaportal.com/

a danish review with some pics
http://www.itrends.dk/7636

[x88x]

:pics:

Come on, you promised them to us 5 days ago, where are they? :D

[Luke122]

Oh man.. I'm getting an hour of sleep a night right now because of screaming newborn. I'm doing my best!!

[x88x]

Hahaha, fair enough. Just giving you a little reminder ;)

[Airbozo]

Oh man.. I'm getting an hour of sleep a night right now because of screaming newborn. I'm doing my best!!

They have a cure for that Luke...

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-qF6CbJo2vY/SYXInDYWL2I/AAAAAAAAE-o/eoE8Iiy4kUI/s400/birth_control.jpg

I jest!

It sucks now, but when the youngen is heading off to college you will cherish this time.

[Luke122]

Heh.. I'm pretty sure this one is the last one. :)

I promise I'll try to get some pics of progress up soon! I cant do much during the day because I'm at work, and I'm put to work as soon as I get home. Once the family goes to sleep, I crash too... then I'm up all night once the little one wakes up. :(

[Mark_Hardware]

They have a cure for that Luke...

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-qF6CbJo2vY/SYXInDYWL2I/AAAAAAAAE-o/eoE8Iiy4kUI/s400/birth_control.jpg

I can think of a different cure for that, http://www.flyingfingers.com/shop/images/medium/__notions__Clover/Scissors-493S.jpg
(perhaps a little more reliable. I have 3 birth control babies)


It sucks now, but when the youngen is heading off to college you will cherish this time.

You couldn't be more right there....

[LiTHiUM0XiD3]

or the newfie way...
http://www.themagazine.info/56/Pictures/Briner%20inc/HangerChromeThree.jpg

(no intent to offend anyone.. i know some ppl r sensitive about that kinda stuff lol)

[TheMainMan]

Didn't offend, but it did make me shiver...ouch.
As for Project Zero, I'm very interested to see how this turns out.

[Luke122]

So am I! I guess I better keep at it so I can actually post something.. we are finally up to 3 hrs of sleep a night, so things are looking up.

Also, I'm still collecting parts/ideas, and teaching myself some sketchup so I can get my idea successfully expressed.

[Luke122]

{insert tire screech sound here}

OK, this project died a very sudden death, didnt it? Between screaming babies growing teeth, working 4 jobs, and the threat of bankruptcy, all side projects were halted.

I've been thinking about this one more and more lately, and a stroke of luck *MIGHT* have brought me an easier option.

I was donated an old Apple LC475 desktop computer. Unlike the iMac's and such, this is a seperate desktop chassis, thin and small enough to fit nicely on my televisions stand, but will be easily adapted to an acceptable appearance.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/lc475.jpg

Initial calculations (aka wild-ass guess) show that the DV6000 mobo should fit nicely into this chassis. I should also be able to fit the power brick into the case, AND route the cables internally as well, and just drop them out a slot on the back.

Maybe a quick coat of paint on the mac, some sanding/dremel work to the front to get the optical drive in there.. who knows. :) Progress coming soon!

[x88x]

Sounds promising. The tops on those things come off really easily too, so if you need to rework the cabling for any reason, it would be easy to open it up and do so.

[Luke122]

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/lukifer122/luke-2.jpg

Updates coming.. I promise!

[mark22]

Well, it used to dry my clothes.. now it's just a workbench.. haha. At least until someone comes and takes it from my house for me.

More updates to come tonight. business web hosting (http://www.businesshostingprovider.com/business-hosting.htm)

Interesting post dude....discussion are always helpful in one way or the other. Thanks for giving out information. It’s really nice and mean full.

[The boy 4rm oz]

You have me intrigued dear sir :D.

[Luke122]

Is this thing dead?

[OvRiDe]

LOL. I dunno...YOU tell us! :P

I hope it isn't I wanted to see how it turned out.

[Luke122]

;)
Big update coming tomorrow..

[OvRiDe]

:up:

[SXRguyinMA]

it's past tomorrow....

[Luke122]

It sure is!

I managed to land an HP elitebook to use for this project, but it turns out that it's dead. :( I'll return to my original unit, a DV6000. In the meantime, a second machine, a Fujitsu lifebook fell into my lap, so I'm looking into using it.. the CPU fan is failed, so I'm trying to rig up a replacement.. once I have something concrete assembled, I'll update.

I dont want to get all hopes up again until I have something worthy of posting.. :( I should have kept my mouth shut until I knew that other HP was working.. dammit.. Quadro card on it too. :(

[Luke122]

http://forums.watchuseek.com/attachments/f71/757177d1341644306-rolex-submariner-vs-orient-mako-thread-res.jpg

It's about time!

In the last year, I've been through some tough (financial) times. At the same time, many of our forum members here have had serious health problems, lost family or friends etc, so my troubles were pretty minor by comparison. I hope that everyone is well, and that you are all blessed with good fortune!

I've decided to give this project another attempt! I'll be salvaging as much as I can from the previous iteration, and I'll still be sticking to the "Zero dollars" mantra!

At the moment, I've got the HP running Ubuntu on my desk, and I've been trying to get a good feel for capability and functionality as an AIO type machine. I'm almost ready to spend money on a touchscreen overlay, just to get that functionality, but at the same time.. zero dollars.. and I want to stick to that.

The new job is going to be a huge stress reliever for my family, as the hours at this one were just getting out of control; as I handed my resignation, I calculated that I have 5.5 weeks of banked time.. since May.

No new pictures as of yet, but I promise that I'll complete this project ASAP! Pictures and regular updates are back on the schedule!

I hate being unable to finish a project, particularly something that had such potential, and got so much positive feedback. Life gets in the way. *sigh*

Stick with me, I'll make it through!

[Luke122]

So you have a table, but also dry your clothes?

Dont you? :D