Bf3.3

[Richie123]

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/jdbnsn/bf3mod/banner.png

Welcome guys, to the mod log of my next Project, BF3 .3, there are many reasons why I have entitled this project BF3.3 I might get onto that later ;)

First off I would like to thanks the current sponsors, some of which came on board before I even touched a screwdriver, thank you guys!

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project1/2.jpg
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http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/2010.mnpctech.banner.jpg (http://www.mnpctech.com/casemodstore.html)
I will of course show pictures of products as they arrive ;)

Anyways lets kick off with my rough plan of the mod I wanted to do, basically I wanted to make a nice Battlefield 3 mod, this involved one of my misses hand etched master pieces. Being battlefield 3 themed I also wanted to get the camo effect on the case, I also wanted to have some sort of realism into and that’s when I came up with this idea.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project1/image007.jpg

This was to be my starting block, although I am not quite sold on which camo route to go down, but it will be a desert style one.

The basic idea was simple, strip the level 10 GT side panel down to rework the side panel and rebuild it flush to the top grill to take a full length window with an etch in it, now I know a few will say the green does not look that right with the tan, but green UV is chosen simply because it is best at making the etchings stand out.

Oh the magazine in the side, I should mention that I plan to make this the security key and without it sitting in the slot, the PC power button won’t work.

Ok now we got the basic design out the way, I can start thinking about add-ons and other things to tie in with the battlefield 3 theme, but first I would like to start off with the etch. This process has taken weeks and is created using 1000s of dots to create the shading effects.

Original art work.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project1/image008.jpg

So here is how far we got.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project1/image009.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project1/image010.jpg
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http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project1/image013.jpg

One of the best etches she has done yet I think, although it has taken some time, once finished completely I will post up some more pictures of the etching, but next instalment will be the start of the rework of the side panel ;)

[Twigsoffury]

Actually, Larger mag is needed for the security switch, its not actually needed for the room for HDD, hence me going for the inwin one. those are not wide enough.. also I have a couple of magazines, but not them I have gone for exacly same as the one in the gun it artwork and etch, in fact i am also going for the holosight in the etch, the kings arms silencer, the PEQ 15 and the tatical light... yes I am getting the accessories :P. but thats for another day and another post.

Camo wise I am open to all the desert types (if you goto appearance in BF3 under customise you will see all the deserts are availible), especially both USMC digital and non digital, which seam to be pulling ahead at the moment

You know in Afghanistan the majority of the troops aren't wearing "desert" camo. they are packing the "Modified UCP-E or D" print




I can ship you a Colt 5.56 magazine, but our forces also use the HK G3 as well, but we call it the PTR-91 here in the states. It'd also be the 10 round clips as you yourself i think would need some special s#%t to be in possession of a "greater capacity" magazine like a 15 or 30. (depends state to state)

The magazine in that BF3 photo is a 30R COLT PTr .223 magazine...hold on a second.

[edit]

Heres some pix of a spare one thats the same as the one in the illustration.

http://i40.tinypic.com/156qrk0.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/105p729.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/14tws4.jpg


But HEY!!!


You'll also need your Class II with CWP to even be in possession of a real actual suppressor in working condition, or face a automatic class A felony with 5 years federal time, 125,000$ fine and they take it very very seriously in court You WILL go to prison, you WILL do the full 5 years and you WILL pay a outlandish fine once your out or go right back to prison.


That's just a heads up, laws do differ state to state, and especially country to country. But in the united states, Suppressors are pretty controlled seeing as its not a "needed" accessory for defense, harvest/hunting or home use. suppressors are basically only needed when your killing someone softly and that's automatically what the police assume when they see it...



Oh and you'll pay more then that computers worth for a real genuine insight PEQ15/a that the troops use (about 2,275$), knock off's can be had for like 100$ though for airsoft rifles and such. The genuine one is also military restricted. meaning that if you have your hands on it, the ATF WILL bust down your door, flash bang your living room and boot stomp the back of your neck if its discovered you are in possession of it.

Heres a link to a real one

http://www.opticsplanet.net/insight-technology-atpial-an-peq-15-standard-power-advanced-target-pointer-and-illumi.html


You'll probably notice the giant yellow triangle warning that says "Restricted use"


Heres the cute fake one

http://www.airsoftarms.com/VFC-PEQ15-Illuminator-Aiming-Module-in-Desert-Tan


i might actually go for a "barrel extender" and not a actual suppressor if your not already a gun nut with all the qualifying things you need to purchase and possess a suppressor.

http://www.amazon.com/JBU-Barrel-Extension-Airsoft-8-25-Inch/dp/B002Y17JYI

I think those are aluminum and not plastic.



If your ever in oklahoma around june, hit me up and i'll take you out to this.


rQmcUGtCzRc

If you've got the $$$$$ for rounds, you can shoot most anything you want.

(That's my G3 clone sticking out at 1:03 lol)

[Richie123]

You know in Afghanistan the majority of the troops aren't wearing "desert" camo. they are packing the "Modified UCP-E or D" printIf your ever in oklahoma around june, hit me up and i'll take you out to this.


rQmcUGtCzRc

If you've got the $$$$$ for rounds, you can shoot most anything you want.

(That's my G3 clone sticking out at 1:03 lol)

Should point out that I am in the uk so the magazine offer would get me hauled up before customs and probably the police, Last time i fired a weapon with live ammo was about 15 years ago and that was a crappy SA80 with the dumb magazine release on the inside, so if you run with it the mag drops out lol.

So automatcally going doing the airsoft route, and even that is tough here, if it even resembles a firearm (real imitation firearm), there are certian laws that mean you have to go to a skirmish at least 3 times in 2 months to be able to hold one, or paint 53 percent a bright color, it is also against the law to have anything attached to a RIF...

My only saving grace, is the VFC MK18 MOD 1 is a Daniel defence and colt licenced product so it is 100% close to the real thing that you are going to get.

http://www.airsoftclub.gr/eshop/images/MK18MOD1GBBR.jpg

Supplied by VEGAforce Company (generic picture from web) ;)

How ever next time i am going to be in the states with your offer, i will try and get on to you about the trip.

[Richie123]

What was the subject again :lick:

Done a little bit of work on the tower

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project2/image001.jpg

(caption: yes Richi, this is exactly where you should start cutting if I was you, put the dremel in line with the window).. These mod kitties are popping up everywhere, get yours from a cat shelter near you :P

Measured up the gap between the side panel and top of the upper mesh grill slat, it was 15mm wide sticking out from the top, I had some acrylic rod (square) lying around that happened to be 10mm so I measure up.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project2/image002.jpg

This combined with a sheet of 5mm acrylic brings the panel out to 15mm so it will sit flush with the upper grill that lips over. Now that was done it time to start marking up and cut the side panel.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project2/image003.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project2/image004.jpg

Side panel is now cut , the idea I have in my head is to wrap the etch panel, along the side in Biffenix uv LED strips, the idea is to keep that light separate from inside.

The way the side panel will work is that the etching panel overlaps the hole I cut above, so lights will be recessed once attached to the etch panels edge and should stop most of the glow from the uv lights from hitting the inside of the case. I want the inside to be dark and the etch to pop, but when you open the side panel separate lights turn on. (Just wondering if I should go down the route of pressure switch on this or push switch)

Also done the rough cut for the magazine security switch.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project2/image005.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project2/image006.jpg

Just a bit of tiding up to do to get the edges smooth, I still have to prep for paint ect, but will need to do that as I get nearer to that stage.

While I was at it I also decided to mock up some keyboard, mouse and headset plan in Photoshop.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project2/image007.jpg
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http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project2/image009.jpg

Hopefully I can get some more done at the weekend, just waiting on some bolts and bits to get to work finishing up that side panel.

[Richie123]

Well did not get that much done at the weekend, really as I realised most of my drill bits were blunt, so I had to order some more, 1st bump in the road hit. Still I got on with it and done what I could.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project3/image001.jpg

With the 10mm square rod I had lying around I bonded a frame to the back of the extended side panel section, once attached I am going to probably fill the seams between it at the side panel itself so it is one panel.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project3/image002.jpg

Side panel build up ready, just need drill bits for mounts and once attached to sand it all down so it’s perfectly level with the side panel edges and the overhanging top grill..

Also something else I thought I would show you which should answer all the questions about why do I want to go desert camo.

Thanks to Vega Force Company (maker of licensed BB airguns) one of the sponsors of this mod for helping out big time with this, I had asked them if they had any shop soiled display models of their MK 18 Mod 1 AEG even a model that had no inners to create a replica of the weapon the soldier is holding in the art work and they were kind enough to come on board.

The idea is to create something like this that was completely unique in the fact the weapon at the top represented the weapon in the etch and the artwork.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project3/image003.jpg

Maybe not so bright on the orange lighting I think, but something along them lines, anyway back on point here is a lot of photos of the centre piece I received from them for the project I have added quite a few, simply because I could not believe the attention to detail in their product.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project3/image004.jpg
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http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project3/image022.jpg

And the addons they were able to supply

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project3/image023.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project3/image024.jpg
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Very nice bit of kit and very realistic to a point, before I show you some final pics of it assembled here is another item I managed to source off of ebay for 24.99 GBP! Go figure, yes it is only a replica, but a full metal one for that price was quite a surprise.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project3/image032.jpg
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Some shots to show the sight actually works, even though it will not be used.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project3/image037.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project3/image038.jpg

Now putting all together we have the final piece for the top of the case.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project3/image040.jpg

I think it is as close as I am going to get to the weapon the soilder is holding in the Battlefield 3 artwork (and also the etch).

Vega force Company make some nice kit and even though it is only a BB gun, the attention to detail on the weapon is superb, you can find out more about these guys and the products the offer at www.gb-tech.com.tw (http://www.gb-tech.com.tw) and if you would love something like this you will not go wrong with the brand. There are some tight laws on BB guns all over the world though and I suggest you look here (http://www.socomtactical.net/World-laws-of-airsoft.php) for the legality of it all were you live.

Again thanks to VFC (GB-Tech) for supplying the centre piece for this mod who deserve their pimpage.

[Richie123]

hey that's pretty cool looking., I'd definantly pop several caps in your ass if that was in your hands.

:whistler::whistler:


Well got round to doing some more work yesterday, just mainly got the side panel done

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project4/image001.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project4/image002.jpg

Just got to put some elbow grease into the rubbing down to smooth it all out, Also thought I would try something out and found a little fancy dress item on ebay for a few quid/dollars.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project4/image003.gifhttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project4/image004.jpg

Stripped it down to test placement roughly to see what it looked like (although this can change if it does not look right once the camo is done). Why I was there, I thought I would try a test fitting of the side panel with etch in rough place.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project4/image005.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project4/image006.jpg

The window will be up a little higher of course once mounted as I did not secure it, just masking taped it in.

Why I was there, I thought I would mock up the HDD tray security system, this was done by using a small sensor switch and a bit of mechano to help keep the enclosure secure when inserted.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project4/image007.jpg

A clean up is needed, but I will prep this as well to have it done like the rest, Some one very helpful also pointed this camo out to me, so plan is to do camo like this for the mod.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project4/image008.jpg

Until next time guys :P

[Richie123]

Sorry for the lack of updates guys, and a case of the man flu and it hit me hard, was in bed for 6 days, anyway more to the point back on with the mod.

My first task was to fill and smooth out the sides for the panel that I had made, this involved some filler and a lot of elbow grease.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project5/image001.jpg

Now for the really crazy part…. After all that hard work making it even, you know its Battlefield themed so I have to now try to turn it into a worn used look.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project5/image002.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project5/image003.jpg

Crazy I know, but I want this desired effect (darker effect in clear areas) to give that worn feel.
Why we are here I might as well show the product that turned up as well, well in fact a few things turned up, I’ll just add one today and take pictures of the rest today or tomorrow..

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project5/image004.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project5/image005.jpg

This is the Calibur11 Battlefield 3 Vault for Xbox 360 Slim, by some miracle I managed to convince Calibur11 to supply one for the mod, just so I can steal some parts from it.

This is how it would look on the Xbox 360

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project5/image006.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project5/image007.jpg

It also is made for the PS3, In fact calibur11 make quite a few nifty themed products for both the Xbox and PS3. The second image above should give you an idea of the parts I am going to take from the Donor Battlefield 3 Vault.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project5/image008.jpg

One half smoke grenade and of course the Claymore

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project5/image009.jpg

What is great about these, is the fact as with all the calibur11 vaults all the items and attachments are screw mounted on so you can place them virtually any place on the vault, the best bet is though that calibur11 will be offering the accessories for all their themed vaults separately soon and they have some pretty cool items that I can be seen used on PC mods. Check out what I mean here (http://calibur11.com/about-calibur11/.

That’s all for now but expect some more updates more regularly now man flu has gone ;)

[Richie123]

Another small little update with the sponsor packages that turned up.

First up a big thanks to Zotac who supplied the graphics card for this project

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project6/image001.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project6/image002.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project6/image003.jpg

I feel so privileged on this mod with sponsors so a special thanks to Zotac for Stepping on board, I am not done yet though time to look at the second parcel that came.
This time from the guys over at EK.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project6/image004.jpg

They were good enough to step in a supply

EK-Supreme LTX - Acetal

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project6/image005.jpg

This came with the necessary mounts for the LGA 2011 platform, one think I noticed from the outset why putting this together (yes I know I only hand tightened the screws and one is not all the way down yet) the build quality is superb. Next in the box was this

EK-FC5X0 GTX+ - Acetal+Nickel

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project6/image006.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project6/image007.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project6/image008.jpg

I guess you should know by now that I am going down the route of keeping the interior as dark as I can by using black products in the build, obviously I won’t be able to get everything in black, but I will certainly try. As you may have spotted in the group shot I also have this to put on the card.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project6/image009.jpg

This is the back plate for the card, why not necessary, for this mod and the fact I want to keep the insides as black as possible it is perfect, so let us get this on the card.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project6/image010.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project6/image011.jpg

Next up was the pump.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project6/image012.jpg

This is EK’s own branded pump and will be more up to the job; they also supplied a mounting kit with it.

Now things are starting to filter through I can slowly see the project getting its skates on, hopefully I can get the case out and back before the holidays to show you guys some lovely pictures, but until then I will keep posting hardware as it comes.

P.S I might be able to get spray work done by guy that done my level 10, if I can you may see this.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project6/image013.jpg

You have to picture it though without the soldier or the writing in the artwork and just the etching with the background.. I am not yet decided it all depends how the camo looks on test panel once done. Decisions decisions decisions…

[Richie123]

Hi Guys back with a little update, on the cables, so this lot turned up from BitFenix who were the cable suppliers for the BMW M power Level 10 Mod and there is a reason I chose them as the photos show bellow. The Cables in question are from their alchemy line of products (see here (http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/premium-modding/alchemy-cables/)).

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project7/image001.jpg

The package also contained some lights, I will photo these at a later time, as you may have noticed in the picture above I basically have 2 of all the power connectors and being BF3 themed I can imagine you all know why the colour combo. I am not going to be making any major adjustments to them just swapping out a couple of cables in the black ones for the orange ones. Yes using these is cheating, but after trying them out on the BMW M Power Level 10 mod I had to use them again.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project7/image002.jpg

Of course I should show you what I have planned by quickly doing one cable to give you an idea of what I am doing to them, first up a close up of the sleeving, just to show you how tight the weave is.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project7/image003.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project7/image004.jpg

I love the now heat shrink part on their alchemy connectors, and as you can see the weave is really tight (cables are black under these).

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project7/image005.jpg

I thought I would include this photo to show you how the bitfenix cables are done, unusual with no shrink, but gives a better finished look in my opinion.
Here is how the couple I did turned out. I have done the 6 pin and 8 pin PCI-E connectors like this and also going to do the 8 pin CPU and also the 24 pin (although the 24 pin with have 4 cables changed)

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project7/image006.jpg

As you can see this ties in with the BF3 theme (I think so anyway) my plan was always to keep the mobo section of the case all black with just a hint of orange in the cabling and one piece of orange UV tube going from CPU to GPU block) the rest of the tubing will be all black as will the connectors, blocks ect. Until next time :D

[Richie123]

Picked these bits up to make a Fallen soldier tribute in or on the case

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project7/bf3.3Fallen.JPG

Not sure how i will fit these into the mod, but I think it is a nice touch.

[Richie123]

How big are those they look pretty small.

Might be cool inside a reservoir? *shrugs* not that small :P

Sorry about the lack of updates guys, still got to get case prepped, anyway I thought while were waiting,
I thought I would show you how the case is getting on (this is only layer 2 of the artwork there are a few layers to go yet).

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project8/image001.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project8/image002.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project8/image003.jpg

I cannot wait for it to be finished so I can carry on with the finishing touches to the mod, until next time (hopefully in the next week)

[Richie123]

Well thankfully McNETT were kind enough to get involved in this mod, and supplied me with a few rolls of Camo form/wrap in multicam style,

McNETT are a us based company that supply all sorts of products for the hunting and fishing market as well as products for military use. You can find out what over products they make here http://www.mcnett.com/

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project9/image001.jpg

As mentioned the product they supplied us with is camo form which is popular in the military as well as the hunting and fishing market,

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project9/image002.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project9/image003.jpg

This stuff is pretty amazing to be honest as it simply clings to itself, without having that Velcro feel to it, what makes it good is it also is washable and once dry it returns back to its stick state (useful if you have been rolling around in some mud, thankfully the rig won’t be doing that :P)

Anyway I thought I would start applying it to the weapon that is mounted on the roof of the case and this is how it came out.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project9/image004.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project9/image005.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project9/image006.jpg

What was also handy is it also made it very easy to mount the pressure switch for the tactical light on the foregrip.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project9/image007.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project9/image008.jpg

I still have a few more things to do to with the camo form, but I need to wait until the building stage of the rig to do these, but I thought I would just share these with you for now.

While I was here I thought I would also show you these, which arrived from crucial

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project9/image009.jpg

These are part of the Ballistix range (http://www.crucial.com/ballistix/) of memory, the kit supplied was a 16 GB quad kit so I set about making custom heat spreader stickers for them.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project9/image010.jpg

Ties in with my theme better I think, more updates coming soon as more stuff turns up for the project, I should also have a nice update on the case for you next week.

[Richie123]

Oh well even the best laid plans go out the window when modding, this time bad weather and couriers are the delay. Anyway to keep your appetites wet I thought I would share a couple of photos with you before the case got lacquered.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project10/image001.jpg

The main side of the case, cannot wait to mount the etching in there, even though it will be one of the last things I do.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project10/image002.jpg

And for those of you that want a little close up of the tank

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project10/image003.jpg

Will post some more stuff soon as the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight

[Richie123]

Well guys Back for another update,

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project11/bf3.3_1.jpg

Not sure on bullets over hard drive compartments and will be removing these I think.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project11/bf3.3_2.jpg

The back artwork is better than I expected, you may have also noted the Camo Form on handle and on security magazine, these looked way to clean when I first applied it so some aging was in order, I also aged the Camo Form on the weapon too.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project11/bf3.3_3.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project11/bf3.3_4.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project11/bf3.3_5.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project11/bf3.3_6.jpg

I like how it’s come out if I am honest, and getting happy with the way it is starting to look, while I am here I thought I would I would show you that something that arrived from the guys at FrozenQ (http://www.frozenqpcmods.com/bay.php).

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project11/bf3.3_7.jpg

Yes it is there Dual Bay Helix res, with orange helix

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project11/bf3.3_8.jpg

The res feels well constructed and is hopefully going to match the scheme properly with the orange glowing claymore on the front. I know the shot most of you are interested in is this one though.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project11/bf3.3_9.jpg

Very nice indeed and I think it will fit in with the mod just great, Ill post an update again this weekend, got a few 100 tiny things to do on the to do list

[Richie123]

Back again with a minor little update, decided against the bullets and thought I would mount the Dice nade that I harvested from the Calibur Battlefield 3 vault.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project12/image001.jpg

Used a dremel drill piece with some masking tape, to make initial guide holes in the right place, then removed the tape and put a grinding piece on (pointy thin type). You may have noticed I removed the tape, the reason for this is when grinding plastic, the plastic can get hot and if you leave tape it will get caught in the tape. Removing it allows me to quickly remove any that may come up through the top onto the paint.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project12/image002.jpg

Mounted nice and tight to the panel, now time to move onto the claymore and mounting that, this means it’s time to do the same thing with that, but it’s not going to be as quick as this.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project12/image003.jpg

The first thing I done here was get the placement right, I wanted a small gap at the bottom, those of you that have actually dealt with the level 10 case will know how awkward this is going to be to mount, the front of the case is very uneven and just select were to put the mount holes is a bit awkward.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project12/image004.jpg

So after a lot of trial and error, I worked out my placement for the mounts to get it into the right place, the issue with the spot though is one is right next to the HDD tray release button, not ideal but with the right tools possible. As it was so close to the button a smaller pilot hole was made this time with the tape, then I had to remove the tape and use a bigger drill piece, just to ensure I was careful enough not to damage the button.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project12/image005.jpg

Then as with the previous mount for the nade I had to grind the hole to the right size without the tape.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project12/image006.jpg

As you can see I had to grind down 2 pieces of plastic so the button still had full function, at least the opposite side was not as troublesome.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project12/image007.jpg

Same as the previous side, small pilot hole was made with a smaller drill bit, then the tape removed and a larger piece used, this was then grinded open as with the previous holes.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project12/image008.jpg

Now the clay more was mounted and I was happy with how it came out, time to see how it all looks on the case.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project12/image009.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project12/image010.jpg

Overall I am happy with the way this is starting to shape up and look like what I had planned in my head, once I decided to go with the BF3 artwork, see you at the next instalment.

[Richie123]

I likey!
Gettin there slowly

Back again with another update, first off I’ll show you the products that arrived from some of the sponsors.

First up Bill stepped up and offered a set of MNPCtech Grooved feet,( nice to get sponsored by someone whos builds you have followed for a long time) his BF3 mod and another are the reason this mod was called BF3.3 as it is the 3rd BF3 mod to be done at time of planning.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project13/image001.jpg

Nice little package from them cheers bill.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project13/image002.jpg

I have used MNPCtech’s feet on a build before and they were the obvious choice for this build.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project13/image003.jpg

I think we can clearly see why MNPCtech’s products are loved by us modders, (yoda Bill defo knows what his doing over there at MNPCtech).

The next item to arrive from a sponsor was the military themed InWin Commander 850w PSU.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project13/image004.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project13/image005.jpg

Credit were credits due to the sponsors for supplying these products, Back to modding and it was time to finalise the etch, this meant adding the only logo that would be visible on the window as it has a miltary style to it.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project13/image006.jpg

Logo Printed out and flipped, the first thing done is too do a gentle dotted line around the edges.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project13/image007.jpg

As you can see once you have done that, rather than lines you can see from this picture the logo is gentally put in with dots. (this also allows for small errors to be corrected).

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project13/image008.jpg

Closer image of the outline in dots, as you can see its very light indeed

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project13/image009.jpg

Then by adding more dots you can thicken up the lines its quite time consuming but it’s the best way to etch imho as you get a better overall finish.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project13/image010.jpg

Now the outline was more bold you can go in and give the shading effect to the etch.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project13/image011.jpg

And that’s it, the overal logo is done, flip it over the right way and then you have this.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project13/image012.jpg

Ok I suppose you just want to see what it all looks like with the BF3 etch don’t you, well here is the final result.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project13/image013.jpg

I can not wait to get this in the case and lit up, anyway that’s all for today, more work to do.

Opps what a meany I am :eyebrow: should at least let you see a larger picture of the etch, link to larger image here (http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6797389684_f028276abb_b.jpg)

[Richie123]

Back again with another small update on the mouse, I have to say I love it, but I am sure it will not be to everyone’s taste but matched the used and worn look I am going for. With the mouse stripped to just the base I had to mask up certain areas.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project14/image001.jpg

The reason for such an extensive mask on this was because of the fact I was going to use some really messy airosol furniture glue. This stuff sprays out like a party streamer spray and is used for sticking material to furniture.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project14/image002.jpg

After a good coating the wrap was added to the base, held in place for 10 seconds and left to dry for an hour, after which I took the craft knife to it, the trick here was not to make it perfect to match the mouse top and look used.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project14/image003.jpg

Just a little excess to trim here and there but overall I am happy with the result, one thing that I did discover doing this is how much better a mouse feels to have a material edge, does not sound like much, but it feels a lot better than plastic or rubber.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project14/image004.jpg

Still waiting on more lacquer to turn up to give the top of the mouse another few layers so I can rub it down smooth, thanks to the Steelseries sensei mouse’s silver surface making a worn scrape on the left click was easy, I also added a few nicks just down to silver next to it for the keen eyed. Before you ask why the wear down to the semi transparent white plastic ill explain.

I want to basically cut a thin slice in main base next to were the wheel is ( I will post pics once I am on that stage) so the orange light from wheel will spread under the left click and glow through that area.

Now for a small Homer Simpson moment twist, the shot above was took using my mobile, just after I clicked the snap button, an email msg popped up on lappy, as I had been waiting for an important email as this was sitting next to my lappy mouse (top left of pic) I just without thinking grabbed the above mouse and for 10 seconds was thinking what the F*** is up with my mouse… What a Dingbat rofl… Stay tuned for another update this weekend.

[Richie123]

First off I would like to thank Intel for stepping in with these parts for the build

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project15/image001.jpg

Intel 3960X CPU

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project15/image002.jpg

Intel DX79SI motherboard, and before I anyone says it, I do count myself really really Lucky to have secured their sponsorship.

Anyway back on course with a small update this time, first up I ran a quick test to see how the Etch would look in the custom side panel

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project15/image003.jpg

I love the way it has come out and looks in test run, on the left is white LED strips, the glow on the right is from a UV tube in another case and shows the reason why I decided to ditch the UV as you can see it makes the actuall acrylic glow and etch, were the left side with white LED’s the light focuses more on the etch itself.

Also spent the day mocking up placement of tubes wires ect before the fans arrive

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project15/image004.jpg

Please excuse the colour, had to shadow highlight the picture as it was very dark and yellow, hopefully the Fans will turn up this week and I can get this puppy up and running.

[Richie123]

i got messed up the other night, its like the guy was following me in one map claymore done me 9 times grrrr

Been a while since I updated, as I thought I would hang for the radiator to do another update, sadly still not here, but it is due to hit me this week, anyway here is what I have been upto meanwhile.

After being let down with my fans for this mod I quickly reached out and overclockersuk stepped in and supplied me the fans I needed, Originally I had wanted orange bladed fans but when my contact suggested I use the Alpenfohn fans that have a hint of orange I thought no way until I saw the link. As the build is black and orange (with only hints of orange inside).

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image001.jpg

So Thank you to OCUK

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image002.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image003.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image004.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image005.jpg

I was pleasently surprised with the build quality of these fans, especially with the rubber like coating on the frame and blades. And up close they look very well made. The fans themselves come with PWM connectors as standard, but come with this inside the box.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image006.jpg

What yo basically have is a 4 pin to 3 pin adptor, a molex adaptor and 4 silent fan grommets in the same colour as the orange hint on the fans, A nice touch if you ask me.

Mod wise I put the mouse back together, but not before I re hacked away and the mouse base to get the orange to bounce out of the worn trigger finger button.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image007.jpg

Ok so first attempt at filling down the base to bounce the light down almost worked, so it was back to the drawing board with this.

( yes my hands are really that big and yes they are covered by modders tattoos (tattoos in this case means loads of little scratches and nicks lol)

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image008.jpg

Second attempt worked out a lot better with the glow finally reaching the bottom and having the bright spot in the middle instead of all the way to the back of it, this was done using a bit of foil stuck to the back of electrical tape inside the main body (only stuck to the back of tape so it was no longer conductive).

So here is how it looks in the dark

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image009.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image010.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image011.jpg

Next up was the headset, after wearing it down a bit I took the camo wrap to them

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image012.jpg

Funny thing happened just before I went to post this the radiator turned up!! So I went to town installing it and took some more pictures for you guys. So here are some pics, these were rushed so I could post this before trotting off to work.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image013.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image014.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image015.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project16/image016.jpg

That’s all for now folks, I am hoping to have some final shots done by next week fully assembled and up and running.

[Richie123]

Messing around with different colour lighting one the window, made something wierd happen when you walk past the panel (sorry could not help myself and had to show this.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/6851427902_1acba806cc.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7106/6997557685_c3d96e44ac.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/6997556081_c1cf85c832.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6851429890_7739e8640b.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6106/6997550357_9cd4f4c9db.jpg

As you can see the colour changes as you move from side to side, but the amazing side effect makes it look like he is watching you and turning body to follow you too..

full pics here flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60677764@N06/sets/72157629621388407/)

[Richie123]

Well after a good few months and a lot of work it is time to show you what has been done, as the finish line has been reached, I know some people will have some different opinions on this mod as I had a hard time deciding where to make the right marks, scuff marks and loose cables, as well as adding scratches mark and even dirt in some places, I know it sounds strange, but I found it hard second guessing myself on this project.

Anyway guys here are the final pictures, I hope you enjoy, added some white edge on a couple of pics that edges were not clear with black background.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_01.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_02.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_03.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_04.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_05.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_06.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_07.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_08.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_09.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_10.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_11.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_12.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_13.jpg

Now we have seen the outside and a few wear marks here and there, let us take a look at the worn used been In a battlefield look (excuse the lame pun :P ) inside.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_14.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_15.jpg

The picture below and above should give you some idea of some of the work gone into this, you would not believe how long it took me to get the back panel and the bottom of the case looking like that, it’s a in use for months look that looks dusty and dirty, but you cannot actually wipe it or move it.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_16.jpg

I think I nailed it tbh, but that’s my opinion.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_17.jpg

Wear and tear on inner door hinges, as well as rough looking edge cut to tie it in ( I did of course plan to file down and add u channel, but it just looked too clean), I also done some nicks and a few notches on this edge (using small thin round modelling file) and loose molex pushed down into groove of at back of window frame, the actual molex is not needed as the lighting I done for the window (orange leds one side white the other) runs from the contact switch on the chassis (black wire next to hinge)

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_18.jpg

I know some will either like or love the rough and ready look, but again I had give it a Battlefield used feel as well so for me it was a must, nearly got a bit carried away with the used look though as I was going to take the sand paper to the back plate on the EK GPU block as well :O, but as I could not do the cpu block as well so I decided against this.

I am well happy with the used dirty look I got on the inner section, but yet keeping the actual components of the rig squeaky clean, I also love how the dirty industrial tubing looked as well, and I think it ties in nicely with the build.

Now let’s power it up shall we

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_19.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_20.jpg

Side panel without the Left sided LED lit up, and yes that is a green piece of acrylic looking like its orange

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_21.jpg

Now a few of the side panel lit up showing how it looks when walking left to right at the window

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_22.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_23.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_24.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_25.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_26.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_27.jpg

Thanks to the contact switch when the case is opened the lights cut on the windowed panel, which leaves the inside lit up with a nice calm orange glow.

Last but not least, the Keyboard and mouse, here is how they came out.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_29.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_30.jpg

They keyboard is just right a small hint of the theme, but making it still tie in.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_31.jpghttp://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_32.jpg
http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_33.jpg

Have already had a bash with the mouse and keyboard gaming and all I want to say is manufactures take note a material side feels much better than a rubber or plastic one!
I do have a little more planned for this, but that is once it gets back from its outing later this month.

http://www.xtremecomputing.co.uk/images/mods/BF3/BF3Project17/battlefield_3_28.jpg

I also plan to do a little video of the rig running, Until then I hope you enjoyed my take on a Battlefield 3 PC that has seen a bit of action.