[Scratch Build] ZOTAC "Valentine" ZBOX

[Shuper' Luu']

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/header2.jpg

Welcome,

Valentine
I’d contact ZOTAC with the idea to build one custom scratch case for one ZBOX with a very especial theme. In less that 2 days they accept the idea and they’d choose one ZBOX nano XS AD11 PLUS (http://www.zotacusa.com/zbox-nano-xs-ad11-plus.html). This project will be simple, thematic and well documented. More that the review of the case, till 14 of February of 2013 only small teasers will be showed, after that the topic will start having full worklog, with EN videos of all the process (we’re Portuguese, that’s way I’m referring it) of all the process, a little like our BlackStorm H406 (http://modaafoca.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=616), but this time in full EN and with different type of episodes (with tips and little talk on the build).
I want to thank here to Patricia Igual from ZOTAC Espanha and to Christopher Dean from Imacula PR for all they help and to make this possible.

Features
# Main colors, white and red
# Structure multi layer of acrylic
# Thematic Lighting
# Unique design and stunning look when power on
# Subtle look, nice concordances and little details

Ideas
# Build a simple case and thematic
# Extended videolog
# Be good looking to female eyes
# Vertical support matching the theme
# Study cooling to not heat more on the new case, trying even to make it better


Hardware
# ZBOX nano XS AD11 PLUS (http://www.zotacusa.com/zbox-nano-xs-ad11-plus.html)

Software
# Windows 7

Coldware

Worklog
Intro

Videolog

Livestreams


Sponsors
Zotac (http://modaafoca.com/index.php?option=com_banners&task=click&bid=48)

How to follow the project?
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/Moda.a.foca)
Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/modaafoca)
Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/modaafoca)
Skype: modaafoca
Messenger: modding@modaafoca.com
Main worklog : (Portuguese) http://modaafoca.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1561

[Shuper' Luu']

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/Valentine071.JPG

Welcome to the first Teaser!

Isn't the case spectacularly small and cute?

The worklog will have 7 videos (6 at 720p of videolog and one final one at 1080p), are you ready?

[Shuper' Luu']

Hello,

http://www.modaafoca.com/images/stories/valentine087.jpg

Today Sneak Peek!

[d_stilgar]

Nice start. Can't wait to see more. I love small builds and hand-built, custom cases.

[Shuper' Luu']

Nice start. Can't wait to see more. I love small builds and hand-built, custom cases.
Thanks! Good you like it, because the case will be that, "small, hand build and custom", and cute hehe

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/Valentine051.JPG

Today Sneak Peek, with me cutting the first acrylic part on that big sheet of white 3mm acrylic!

[Shuper' Luu']

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/1/update1.jpg
Hi,

Happy V-day everyone!

DsbBWX8ggBU

On this first episode/letter we will intro the project, show how we start, the idea and a little more, it's a intro video. After you see the video, here are the photos,


http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/1/Valentine003.JPG
First thing was with cardboard, pen and calculator start making the samples for cuts, before we had the ZBOX,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/1/Valentine004.JPG
I'd use simple cardboard red and yellow,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/1/Valentine007.JPG
The ZBOX is really little, this is it next to one phone "sock" of Bart. The yellow and red even match hehe

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/1/Valentine008.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/1/Valentine011.JPG
Netbook with Solidworks helping, always,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/1/Valentine023.JPG
The little 720p webcam that help on the videos,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/1/Valentine025.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/1/Valentine028.JPG
The DREMEL and hand fills i'd use. This kind of mods don't ask for big machines,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/1/Valentine032.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/1/Valentine035.JPG
Always with ZOTAC HAND helping on the manual work,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/1/Valentine039.JPG
The white acrylic 3mm, that will be the main case element.


Next Episode: Open your Heart

[Shuper' Luu']

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/update2.jpg
Hi,

1nqZHdpUBC0

Welcome to second episode of Valentine project, Open your Heart. On this episode we will do unboxing of the ZBOX, open everything, analyse and discuss some of the things. After some measures and decisions, we cut some parts of the stock case that were necessary.

After see the video, lets go to some photos we had take at this phase,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine056.JPG
First four episodes we're made here, as mainly of the case. With the help of mine DREMEL and fillings, ACER notebook and the 720p webcam,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine058.JPG
Everything that were inside the box of ZBOX,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine061.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine063.JPG
Frontal and Read views of nano XS AD11. You can see the power on button, the audio/micro on front and there is 2x USB 3.0 in the back, always subtle.

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine065.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine067.JPG
Black gloss mirror top,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine070.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine071.JPG
Remember milka from the first teaser?

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine072.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine073.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine075.JPG
Almost everything out, memory and SSD and close up on cooling. The out/in take of the air have to be done the same way on the build of the case,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine076.JPG
All the cardboard, plus main strucural pieces and the two side panels,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine077.JPG
I had to take out the for nuts on the top panel, easy, fast but necessary on the new case,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine078.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/2/Valentine079.JPG
On the "ring" metal part, i'd to take out the for supports with a saw blade, because DREMEL don't fit there,

What are you thinking, is it VALENTINE?


Next Letter: Cardboard Heart

Remember to follow us!

[Shuper' Luu']

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/update3.jpg
Hi,

wHWK9SQg9aQ

Welcome to third episode!

On this episode we will only talk about the cardboard used as samples, they we're central on this project and projects like this, with direct modeling.


http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine012.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine013.JPG
The two main pieces, ZBOX and the heart.

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine015.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine016.JPG
All shapes together, not couting with the little ones on the air zones.

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine017.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine018.JPG
And now, can we compare it to a cap?

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine024.JPG
The basic heart shape on the big acrylic sheet.

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine037.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine038.JPG
First step, draw the model on the acrylic, with a fine pen.

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine041.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine042.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine043.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine044.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine045.JPG
Photos of the cuts of the first side panel, usind DREMEL and one reforced disk.

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine051.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine053.JPG
One of this photos already had been a sneak peek! And one close up now maybe?

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine081.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine082.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/3/Valentine083.JPG
The ZBOX frame on the main heart shape and the basic multi layer samples. What you think?


Next episode: 4# Letter - Cut and Bond

[Shuper' Luu']

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/update4.jpg
Hi,

ldOofrQS5EQ

Maybe the most wanted episode of all, we will on this episode make the cuts and glue the case. Are you ready?

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine052.JPG
The basic heart shape over the big acrylic sheet,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine085.JPG
To make the two side panels equal, nothing best that fill and grid till they match. With the help of a black pen is easy to know where to fill.

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine086.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine087.JPG
The multi layer parts of the bottom zone, and the ZBOX there,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine088.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine089.JPG
Photos of the paiting of the main frame in red,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine090.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine091.JPG
All the pieces together, with the plastic protection on. It start taking shape,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine092.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine093.JPG
We start gluing for the bottom. Do it look good?

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine094.JPG
Bottom zone done, with zone to intake.

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine095.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine096.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine097.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine098.JPG
The the top pieces of the multi layer enter the mod,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine099.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine100.JPG
Now the exaust zone on the top,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine102.JPG
Isn't ZBOX really little?

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine103.JPG
The heart on the side panel, best result of a fake competition ever hehe

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine104.JPG
The modding HQ during the process. You can see the glass of skill stills there,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine105.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine106.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine107.JPG
Time to get ZBOX ready for it final position, and to finalize it main frame.

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine108.JPG
Time to wash the case, to take out particles and work dust.

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/4/Valentine109.JPG
The final two parts over the red acrylic for the final piece, isn't it pretty?

Now is time to fill and grid, and grid and grid a lot.

Next Episode: 5# Letter - Heartshape Tech

[Shuper' Luu']

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/5/update5.jpg
Hi,

ZYmAJAfdzuY

Ready to see the ZBOX on the new case turning on? And see the result of the assembly?

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/5/Valentine110.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/5/Valentine111.JPG
The ZBOX already on the case, but it had go one more time to paiting.

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/5/Valentine112.JPG
Here she is next to the new feet, last bond ready!

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/5/Valentine113.JPG
One sneak on the top of the case,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/5/Valentine114.JPG
The left side panel of the Valentine case,

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/5/Valentine115.JPG
The back, have to glue the feet and fill the case one last time, almost ready!

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/5/Valentine116.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/5/Valentine117.JPG
Two not final photos of the case, to see how it look with more lightning and with the foot on.


http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/5/Valentine118.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/5/Valentine119.JPG
Turn ON by HDMI to a small TV. Till i know the TV color where the ZBOX will be used, the remote stays black.

What's you opinion? One thanks episode lasting, one final video and the awesome final photos. In LOVE?

Next episode: In the end, Love is all that matters

[msmrx57]

Very nice! :up:

[d_stilgar]

Looks great!

[Shuper' Luu']

Very nice! :up:


Looks great!
Thanks!

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/6/update6.jpg
Hi,

Welcome to the sixth video episode of project Valentine. This is almost end video with thanks and some words, before the final worklog post with the final video and final photos.

A93ZZYsV18A

Big thanks to ZOTAC (http://www.zotac.com/) for making this possible, to Patricia Igual and Christopher Dean, and to all of you that followed the project,

Any ideia of improvemnt/evolve to one next project say it and see you on the next mod!

[Shuper' Luu']

http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/update7.jpg

Welcome to the last episode of Valentine, the cuttest nano ZBOX.

1a0uuF6aSZQ

To finish the project, one special shoot and a very special video. I let you with the final album of the last photos, on a garden.

To all mine big thanks, here are the photos so you dazzle,

VALENTINE
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal01.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal02.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal03.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal04.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal05.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal06.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal07.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal08.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal09.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal10.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal11.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal12.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal13.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal14.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal15.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal16.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal17.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal18.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal19.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal20.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal21.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal22.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal23.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal24.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal25.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal26.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal27.JPG

Modder vs Mod
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal28.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal29.JPG
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http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal31.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal32.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal33.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal34.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal35.JPG
http://www.modaafoca.com/imagensmodaafoca/equipa/projectos/zotacvalentine/7/ValentineFinal36.JPG

And this was Valentine, the cuttest nano ZBOX. Hope you had like, shortly i will redo the first post on all foruns worklog, videolog and link to download all the episodes at the original 720p.

[d_stilgar]

Hey! That turned out really nice. It looks great.

[Shuper' Luu']

Hey! That turned out really nice. It looks great.
Thanks!

I will upload video episode tonight, so people can save them as a little modding series :crossed:

[Shuper' Luu']

Hi guys!

With Valentines day tomorrow, im posting to remember you that tech and love can walk side by side, like this mod! :D wish you all Happy V-Day!