First mod and I need some help.

[aldenhg]

Hello all.
I've been throwing an idea back and forth through my head for a while and I've decided that I want to give it a go. I'm a photographer and I have an old Federal enlarger that is designed to enlarge 4x5in negatives. The head is about 8 inches tall and it's diameter is around 7 inches. If you have no idea what an enlarger is, check out this (http://cgi.ebay.com/Old-Antique-Federal-Number-219-Photo-Enlarger_W0QQitemZ7622560848QQcategoryZ29985QQssPa geNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)ebay auction. The enlarger for sale there looks a whole lot like mine, but is a lot smaller.
So here's what I want to do: I want to cram a computer and projector in there so that the profector is the display and uses the lens that's already on the enlarger. Idealy the ports would be hidden from view (or not there at all with some fancy wireless equipment) and it would look just like a regular old enlarger.
The challanges that I'm running into are as plentiful as they are obvious. First and foremost, I don't know what kind of mobo would fit in there. I'd like it to be a fully featured computer in the end, but i'd be willing to give up some higher end functionality like good video and sound cards. Onboard isn't the best, but it'll do. Second, how the hell am I going to fit a projector in there? I've got a bit of wiggle room on this one because I can always move the lens further down, but that could impede on the whole "looking like an enlarger" thing. Third, everything else that you have to worry about when building a computer (i.e compatability, heat, etc.).
Basically I need help in every way short of building the damn thing. I don't even know where to start looking for parts and I don't know how I'm going to rig up the projector. I was thinking of getting a broken one and apropriating the lcd panel and building an array of white LEDs, but once again I don't know how viable that would actually be.
Being a noob to this sort of thing, I turn myself over to the collective knowledge of the people on this board. Any help that you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Alden

[Cevinzol]

Welcome to the board.
wow. sounds like your biting off a lot to chew on, for a first mod.
heres a few thoughts.
- Have you any modding experience? built a computer before?
- Your 'case' is going to be 7"x8"? is that right?
- 7"x8" is pretty tight (if not impossible) for everything you're trying to put into it
- ITX M/Bs (http://www.mini-itx.com/) might fit
- I would look for a working LCD projector small as possible. They are not cheap. Then you'll have to strip it down to bare essentials in order to fit it in your "case".
- I would be happy just fitting an LCD prjector in your federal case. Then stealthing the VGA cable to your computer wich is in another case nearby.

If you want to tackle this. I would start with some serious research. draw up some designs (post em if you can). Maybe practice your ideas out separatley to see how you like the outcome. Remember this is going to be YOUR mod. You will be doing all of the work. We can give you advice but we can't hold your hand (literaly).

[DaveW]

Hmm...it does sound like some pretty advanced stuff here. If you PM CrazyBillyBob he's put a little projector into his R2D2. He might be able to help you out. Even then, you're going to be sacraficing a lot to get everything into that space: most projectors run very, very, hot.

-Dave