Project - 5 1/2" Fan controller

[XcOM]

He, i've been around here for a while, done a few mods in my past, did start on earlier, but i scraped it due to server problems.

Now, i saw this somewhere a month or two back, and i can't rem where i saw it. So credit to who ever did this first.

Ok, my plan is to make a custom fan controller, no fancy speed controls, just on or off. I plan to use rocker switches.

Ok, I will use my spare 5" bay cover, attach two rocker switches to it, add a molex connector to the bay cover so i can remove the bay cover, split the 12v to the switches, then run the switches to another molex connector so i can remove the fans also. back to the molex input, split thr corresponding ground to the molex connectors to the fans. this way either the fans or the front bay cover can be removed. I also intent to add to LED's so i can see the status of the fans.

I just ordered all the stuff from EBay (£15) did a plan, becuase as meny people say (And i live by) if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Anyway, heres the plan:
http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/6972/fancontroler6bh.jpg

I know this is not a huge mod, but to me, i haven't played with electronics for a while now, and it will also give people ideas/advice so thay can avoid errors i make.

Anyway, play nice kiddies. P.S What do you think:D

[cheztir]

Nice, i'm doing something similar on my project.

Useful directions on how to do this at directron.
http://directron.com/makeabus.html

[XcOM]

nice dude, i might use your idea with using a broken CD-ROM as a casing.

Cheers dude, nice work.

[XcOM]

Update time:

I got a delivery this morning, got most of my items i ordered (Just waiting on front rocker switches and resistors.

Now then, my tools for today:
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6086/dsc05342tn.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc05342tn.jpg)

Heres what got delivered today,
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/980/dsc05356zd.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc05356zd.jpg)

using cheztir's idea of using a old CD-ROM drive, here the dead drive with all its guts all over the operating table.
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/5503/dsc05369ud.th.jpg (http://img160.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc05369ud.jpg)

After ripping the drive apart, i cut and bent the lid so I can mount the Molex connectors (Just waiting for contact glue (araldite))
http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/3823/dsc05386uh.th.jpg (http://img226.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc05386uh.jpg)
http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/4544/dsc05390gp.th.jpg (http://img66.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc05390gp.jpg)

I decided to twist the wires together and heat shrink them, this will have a good connection, That and i can't be arse to get my soldering iron out, (Will get out net week for the switches.

I also cut the recess for the main switch to turn the complete unit off and fitted the switch.
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5427/dsc05406mg.th.jpg (http://img218.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc05406mg.jpg)

I fitted the lid, and i am finished for today.
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8389/dsc05415xk.th.jpg (http://img207.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc05415xk.jpg)

Update some point next week.

[XcOM]

Ok, i got the last of my order, so here goes:

I started by removed the front panel from my PC,
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/4018/dsc05422xh.th.jpg (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc05422xh.jpg)

Next i marked where the switches will go, and drilled along the marks to make it easier to remove (Should really use a dremel here, you'll find ou later why)
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1151/dsc05438ba.th.jpg (http://img402.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc05438ba.jpg)

Next i got out a scaple and started cutting and removed the plastic to insert the switch.
http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/1788/dsc05455cl.th.jpg (http://img252.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc05455cl.jpg)

Now this is why 1)
You should always have a first aid kit to hand, now most people take photos of there accidents, i am no diff, appart from this time i ran down stairs, got the first aid kit, cleaned the wound, and wraped it up. I can't remove it yet, im waiting for it to heal!
http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/493/dsc05509xf.th.jpg (http://img330.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc05509xf.jpg)

I was cutting and slipped.

Its handy knowing first aid, and knowing some one that can peform first aid, i looked it it, thought, SILLY F***ER, that was stupid, then i saw the blood gushing out, i was fine with that, but when cleaning the wound, i almost fainted!, i sware was only a few mill off the bone! I mesured the blade to see where the blood had gone, gone in about 3-4MM, that dosen't seem alot, but when your bone is only about 5-6MM under your skin!

This is also why you should use the proper tools,

So unfortuantly, this mod is on hold for about a week while i wait for my finger tp heal (Doctors orders!)