Featured: Project : V for Vendetta [Archive]

FyreKnight

10-09-2006, 03:19 PM

Well, here goes nothing. :)

I've been lurking around this site for a while as a silent observer, and I must say that all of the Mods here are absolutely fantastic. Some of them are actually quite stupifying in their complexity and astounding in their absolute perfection.

They are ALL inspirational, and I hope that my first mod will somehow manage to measure up to these giants.

So without further adeu I'll introduce you to the concept of Project : V for Vendetta.

For years I been using a Thermaltake XaserII case, and even with my best efforts at cable management (and Tube management when I've run water cooling) it has always seemed cramped and cuttered inside my case. To the point that in my lastest build I gave up completely on looming and tying all the wires up.

To solve this problem I've decided that a scratch-built custom case is my best/only option, combined with custom wire mangement and hard piping of my watercooling elements where possible.

This is a basic idea of what V will look like, it's done in Inventor 8 so I've converted them to Jpegs to post here.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Main_Case.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Main_Case2.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Main_Case3.jpg

I still haven't put in the other windows, or included hardware other than the CD/DVD drives for visual size reference.

As you can see, it's gonna be a monster with a footprint of approximately 23" x 11" and 24" tall. It'll be constructed of mainly aluminum angle and sheet to try and reduce it's weight a bit, and the painting will be outsourced to professionals so that it doesn't peel or flake.

The sides of the case (normally front and rear in a standard tower) will be featureless except for grills towards the top for 120mm fan cooled radiators.
The rear of the case (opposite the "V" logo) will be cut/formed to accomodate access to the expansion slots and I/O connections.

For a symetrical look there will be 2 cylindrical water rez's attatched to the front, one on either side.

I'll post more pics of the model as I complete it, and of course as many pics of the build in progress as I can muster. Right now I'm still in the materials gathering phase, but my goal is to complete the build before the end of October. (Wish me Luck :) )

Any comments or critiques are more than welcome, and suggestions are most definately appreciated.

'Till then Cya.

FyreKnight

elbarto241

10-09-2006, 04:16 PM

wow...i like the design very much. its extremely unique (did i spell that right)

anyway, keep it coming :D

FyreKnight

10-09-2006, 05:44 PM

Here's another one of the model .. I've done a little more work on it. :)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Main_Case4.jpg

Sometimes I think it'd be faster to make it for real than to create the model, lol.

Later

FyreKnight

DaveW

10-09-2006, 06:33 PM

Ta10n

10-09-2006, 08:56 PM

A great movie and a great subject for a mod. Keep up the good work!

b4i7

10-09-2006, 09:52 PM

how about making the "V" symbol into like say a fan hole? like cut out around the v and inside the circle and paint the v and circle around the cut....then you would have a nice fanhole right up front....if that works to your airflow

FyreKnight

10-09-2006, 10:21 PM

Are those 2 watercooling reservoirs? Cos i don't think i like them...it looked more interesting without them, but at the same time, it was too plain without them.

They just look too 'stuck on'.

Why not add in something on the theme of a fingerman badge, or a throwing knife? Maybe even the mask that he wears?

Or take the subtle approach with some fireworks... ;)

-Dave

Hello Dave ... I have to agree with you about the Rez's looking too 'stuck on' , it felt weird when I was placing them on the model but as of yet I've been stumped for what to do with such a large expanse of a case. The fingerman badge or the dagger(s) are an excellent idea, the mask I had already thought of but the only one I can get before December is a full sized mask and to me it would overwhelm the case too much, and to sculpt one from scratch would take too long considering my hectic work schedual. I'm already pushing the limits with trying to get this this completed before the Nov. 31st deadline in the Coolermaster Case-Mod contest. :P

Hey b4i7 ... one step ahead of you :) Behind the "V" symbol will be a 120mm fan with a removable filter, it'll blow directly onto the MB and most probably be the only intake fan present (depending on how I can design the HD array).

Thanks for takin' a look guys, and for the comments. Now I just hope I'm not setting myself up for a big embarrasment with the final outcome. :P

Later

FyreKnight

purdy

10-09-2006, 11:13 PM

OMFG! Dude, you rock! I am absolutely OBSESSED with that movie; I even had an extravagant idea for a V project but I told myself not to get carried away and to stick with one project at a time (which is going slower than I had thought). Anyways, I'll be following this project everyday. Good luck!

Best regards,
purdy (a.k.a. lone_wulf)

P.S. Who knows, later down the road, I might just start that project! ;)

simon275

10-10-2006, 03:28 AM

Interesting desgin I like it. Good luck turning the design into the real thing.

Maz

10-10-2006, 05:56 PM

nov 31st? sounds to me much like a deadline i might have to step it up a notch and give you some good competition. for the res you could make them rectangular and configure them behind the fingermen badges/ logo.

are you going for clean lines and shiny black paint; or would a few sliced up badges work?

elbarto241

10-10-2006, 06:41 PM

maybe you could try to make the res "blend into the case"....just a thought :D

FyreKnight

10-10-2006, 10:21 PM

:) Thanks for all of the comments again all ... did some more work on the model. Not exactly sure where I'm gonna put the rez(s) now, perhaps I'll cut back to a single rad, and put the rez in the spot the second rad was supposed to go. Of course there really will be LOTS of room inside the case so I'm not sure yet ... needs more thought. The daggers will be made from acrylic, cut and shaped and like the "V" symbol will be illuminated with EL wire. The two side windows will be dremel-etched with "People Should Not Be Afraid Of Their Governments..." and " ... Governments Should Be Afraid Of Their People." and will also be lit with either EL wire or LED's depending on which give a better effect.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Main_Case5.jpg

Maz : Not sure exactly what you mean by " ...sliced up badges", but yes I am going for mostly clean lines, and black paint (shiny or flat depends on what my powder-coater is running when I take it to him, costs a lot less if he can just squeeze it into a current production run :P )

So far I've bought the Plexy for the windows, daggers, and the "V" and since I was spending money anyhow I bought a new rivet gun with a swivel head (I know I'll be thanking myself later for that), also sourcing the aluminum I need, trying to get it through my company's suppliers as they can get better pricing. Time is my only critical factor, and if I don't get the build completed in time for the contest it's not like the world will come crashing down or anything. :)

Later all.

FyreKnight

simon275

10-11-2006, 06:03 AM

Seems to be coming along nicely. Rivet gun with a swivel head nice never heard of one with a swivel head.

Hope you can get it together in time for the comp.

Good to see someone finally using EL wire its such a great product I'm just trying to work out where some will fit into my case.

DaveW

10-11-2006, 09:01 AM

Now that looks a lot better!

If i was you, i'd throw some more ideas around, and try and mix and merge your ideas together. You're almost there.

-Dave

Maz

10-11-2006, 09:35 AM

i was saying that you can make your res like a badge then take a really thin peice of steel and put it over the top of a form that matches the size of the rad.

paint and everything, then take a utility knife and pliers to it making big long slashes/slash marks.

JacobS

10-15-2006, 04:31 PM

you really should incorperate the guy fawkes mask somewhere, maybecoming out of the top with some bondo action to keep your lines smooth

great idea (wish I had it first) good design

for your water cooling youcould make it look like medical gear from st.mary's

DANG-IT
I wish I had that idea

there's a lot that you can dowith that theme, good luck!

Vertigo

10-15-2006, 09:09 PM

Actually, there's a collecters edition of the DVD you can get with a Guy Fox mask that would be perfect for a mod.

FyreKnight

10-15-2006, 09:31 PM

All of your comments and idea's are awesome ... but they've made me rethink my design so much that I just can't keep the model up to date as fast as I think ...so I'm gonna lay off the model for now and just work with pen and paper for now. :P

But I'd thought I'd spill the beans on what I intend to live inside this case .. which is to me just as exciting as the case will be itself. I just finished ordering the last of it, so now I'm gonna pace around like an expectant father for the next week or so waiting for it all to arrive. :eek:

The list is as follows :

Abit:AW9D-MAX , Core2Duo: E6700, 2GB OCZ:DDR2-6400-XTC Rev2, BFG: 7900GTX-OC, Silverstone Strider 750W. Also I will be transfering my existing HD's and Floppy for the time being, though my existing opticals will be left by the wayside in lieu of my new sexy Pioneer DVR K16 Multi DVD burner. :twisted:

Cooling system will include: A DangerDen TDX (775) waterblock,and a DangerDen Koosah (7900GTX) waterblock, fed by two MCP655 waterpumps and a double 5 1/4 bay Rez, kept cool by a BlackIce Xtreme III radiator and 3x ULTRA 120mm BB fans. Additionally there will be 2 more 120mm fans and a 140mm fan in the case to keep everything that isn't under water nice and cool.

Well that's it so far, with hopefully enough headroom in there to keep me happy for at least a couple of years.

This week I should be getting the materials and beginning the build itself, hopefully with lots of pics for your feasting eyes.

Oh and I've already ruled out entering in the contest, as after extensive searching I've come to the conclusion that Coolermaster just doesn't measure up for this build. Don't get me wrong, if I wasn't doing a scratch built rig I'd most probably be using a CM:Stacker as I think that case is SEXY, but without the case to count as 2 CM items I don't think there are 5 CM things that'd measure up.

Anywho ... later all. 'till the next update (hopefully mid-week) :)

FyreKnight

10-22-2006, 01:30 AM

Ok, at last another update. Materials for the case arrived this week, but work has been so hectic lately that I haven't had a whole lot of time to do the building. Managed to squeeze a couple of hours in today, and I'm hoping to get at least 6 hours on it tomorrow. I appologize for not getting more pics of "in-progress" work but it's difficult to stop and take pictures while the creative mind is at work.

Oh and BTW thanks Vertigo for the heads-up, I've purchased the limited edition DVD box-set with the mask :) . Just waiting for it to arrive this coming week and hoping to try and fit it into the design.

Here's some of the material shots, sorry there isn't one of the 4'x8' sheet of Aluminum I'll try and remeber to take one tomorrow before I start cutting it.

First 3/4" x 3/4"x1/16" angles,
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Aluminum1.jpg

and 1"x1"x1/16" Aluminum square tube.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Aluminum2.jpg

After much figurin' and measuring and some carefull cutting and sanding.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/endprep1.jpg

And the shape of the case begins to form ...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Framestart1.jpg

Tomorrow I hope to have alot more to show you, like perhaps a good portion of the frame assembled so you can get a better idea of the shape.

I'll try and get some hardware shots too, but I'm still waiting on a lot of it to arrive :( .

'Till tomorrow then, cya :)

FyreKnight

FyreKnight

10-22-2006, 08:30 PM

Hey all, managed to get some more work done on the case today ...

..and I even managed to take some more pics even though the damned batteries in my camera died and I had to go out to get some more, unfortunately I didn't go out to get them until AFTER I had completed the work for the day so again no "in-progess" pics. :(

First here's some of the aluminum sheet I've cut...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Cutsheets.jpg

...and an overview of what's done so far...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Overview.jpg

... you can almost get an idea of the basic shape of the case from these pics, not too far from my original concept but not the same either...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Framework1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Framework2.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Framework3.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Framework4.jpg

... and a couple of close-ups on the cornerwork...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Framecorner1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Framecorner2.jpg

... and finally, just for kicks I thought I'd throw in a couple of shots of my workplace where I'm actually putting the case together.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Mywork1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Mywork2.jpg

Well .. that's it for now. Parts for the internals should be arriving tomorrow, though I've had word that one of my orders has been delayed by 2-3 weeks due to my motherboard being back-ordered. :(

Hopefully I'll get more done this week ... I'll post it right away if I do.

'Till then, cya :)

FyreKnight

tybrenis

10-22-2006, 09:06 PM

FyreKnight

10-22-2006, 11:48 PM

Wow. I had forgotten about this log's potential. Checking back in, I can see that it is being fullfilled! You are doing a great job with this mod, and you have a very unique idea for your case.

May I ask where you are fabricating this? Is it your place of work?

Also, how much was the aluminum? My only source of metal in my town is the home depot, a horrible source for metal. I just needed about 3 feet of U channel, but they only had 8 feet for 20 dollars. Rip-off!

TY :) Yes it is my place of work ... I work in a metal fab. / bending shop. No white collar here :P

As far as the aluminum goes ... umm 8 20' lengths of 3/4"x1/16" angle, 1 24' length 1"x1/16" square tube, and 1 4'x8' sheet of 1/16" aluminum sheet ... Cost? Around $300.00CDN, but my boss is paying for it ... he likes to make me happy sometimes :) Should be plenty left over when I'm done "V" so I'll probably start another box soon after :P

Later all.

FyreKnight

vermillion_part2

10-23-2006, 08:22 AM

i am really liking this project i also like the movie, I cant wait until it is finished. keep up the great work.

b4i7

10-23-2006, 10:09 AM

but my boss is paying for it ... he likes to keep me happy :)

heh...youre boss want to make me happy too :D

jk...looks like its gonna be a fun project GL with it

Zephik

10-23-2006, 10:45 AM

Very cool!

Glad to see you went though with this idea! Should be an instant hit yes?

Good Luck!

-SF

BTW I saw your first sketchup. I like this one alot better. Well done in the remodel! Bravo

NocturnaL

10-24-2006, 02:08 PM

Wow, ive been messing around with this forum for about a year now and finally got off my ass and registered due to the fact i wonna say how cool of an idea you have going, alot of people dont understand the message behind the movie and what it hints at, but either way its a great movie and a great mod that you have going. Great Work ;)

FyreKnight

10-26-2006, 09:59 PM

Thanks all of you for the comments, I'll try and live up to your (and mine) expectations. :)

Work has been busy as usual this week so no work done on the case :(. I'm hoping to squeeze in a few hours this weekend, so with any luck I'll have some pics of it come sunday night. But....

... GOODIES!!!! The stuff I ordered has begun to arrive, and knowing how everyone likes to look at brand new SHINY's (and how I like to show off brand new shiny's to people who appreciate them) I snapped a few shots for your approval.

Oooo boxes, I wonder what's inside...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Incoming2.jpg

First Box ...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/1stBoxcontents.jpg

Ooooo Subject of the theme, with...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/1stBoxMask.jpg
... the perfect sized mask for my case. :) (Thanks again Vertigo for the info!)

Next box...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/2ndBoxcontents.jpg
... 5 120mm fans and a 140mm fan, cool :) (pun intended)

And finally, the third box...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/3rdBoxcloserlook.jpg

Koosah block for my 7900GTX, Triple120mm Radiator, 2 Swiftech MCP655 waterpumps, and the Strider 750W power supply. :) :P

I love it when a plan starts to come together. I also recieved notice that another package is waiting for me to pick up at the post office ... I really need to get more time in to work on the case, as it stands I'm gonna have $2000 sitting in boxes waiting for me to finish it. :(

I'll post more pics tomorrow of the goodies I get, and hopefully LOTS of pics of the case work I do over the weekend.

'Till then, peace all.

FyreKnight

simon275

10-27-2006, 01:40 AM

Ohh the third box is the best.

I swear when ever I get a parcel in the mail it is like how you feel at christmas when you where little.

Who knew you could by fans in 5 packs

GT40_GearHead

10-27-2006, 07:03 AM

i must say i love the mask, i love the movie even more

NocturnaL

10-27-2006, 12:08 PM

I'm Loving the mask idea you have going, im curious as to what your going to do with it... *sits on edge of seat* :)

FyreKnight

10-27-2006, 07:57 PM

Well as I promised, here are a couple of shots of today's arrivals ... Simon is right, it's like Christmas morning opening these packages, 'cept I KNOW I'm getting what I asked for :) :banana:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Arrived.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/inside2.jpg

Awesome .. Abit AW9D-MAX motherboard, E6700 Core2 processor, 2Gigs Dual-Channel OCZ PC2 6400, and some red and black filters for my fans. :) (No dust bunnies gonna invade this rig)

Almost everything I ordered has arrived, I appologize fopr not getting a shot of the BFG 7900GTX when it arrived (it came first) but I was so excited I slammed it right away into my existing rig, as it's the only part I can actually use right away. lol

Now the hardest part about having everything here will be waiting 'till the case is finished to get it running, and resisting the temptation to throw the thing together in my current case just to see her fly. I promise to try my best, besides it provides more motivation to actually get as much work done on the case each week as I can.

Tomorrow and Sunday are already slotted in as modding days so barring any extreme situations I should get some serious work accomplished. I'll try and get alot of pics, and maybe a few mock up shots to show some of my plans.

'Till then take care all.

Fyreknight

Custom

10-28-2006, 02:40 PM

Good luck with the project: it is coming along very well, I especially like the mask idea.

FyreKnight

10-29-2006, 11:10 PM

Ok .. it's Sunday night and as I promised ... Update time!

Managed to get in some work yesterday and today and actually made some progress :) Finally finished the case shell itself, took a few tries and several hours to get the door section right ... but I finally manged to get it to match the case body. The next part will be the "Modding" of the shell to suit the custom layout, cutting holes for the fans, power supply, windows, and drives. Designing a way to display the mask effectively in the case, etc. (I still haven't decided whether I'm going to make a motherboard tray, or canibalize another case for one.) I also have to figure out how I'm gonna work the door, like whether to just have it removable, or figure out a way to have it swing up and over the case (kinda like a garage door) the way I would like it too.

Anyhow ... here the pics of what I've got so far (sorry again no in-process pics, too busy with the doing to stop and take shots)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/CaseProgress1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/CaseProgress2.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/CaseAssembled4.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/CaseAssembled5.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/CaseAssembled6.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/CaseAssembled1.jpg

That's it for now ... as always comments or suggestions are always welcome.

Later all.

FyreKnight

Crimson Sky

10-30-2006, 12:04 AM

The project is looking great.I love the aluminum work you've done. :up:

That workshop is...damn

have to change my underwear.

silverdemon

10-30-2006, 04:37 AM

looks very pro! keep up the nice work and keep making pictures:D

top job

Maz

10-30-2006, 08:32 AM

doncha' just love what you can do if you just have the right equipment...

looks very good, cany wait to see it all together.

GT40_GearHead

10-30-2006, 08:36 AM

very pro dude, the bends are spot on.
keep it up

DaveW

10-30-2006, 09:30 AM

Damn, you put that together fast. As was said above...nice shop man.

Watching this ;)

-Dave

NocturnaL

10-30-2006, 02:40 PM

Love the case youve made out of the sheet metal, one question tho, are you planning on painting it black like your 3D model, or are you keeping it how it is?

b4i7

10-30-2006, 03:12 PM

The project is looking great.I love the aluminum work you've done. :up:

That workshop is...damn

have to change my underwear.

great....look what you did fyreknight.....

you made paul ruin a pair of modding pants

i like your aluminum work a lot....very clean lookin..cant wait to see the final product

simon275

10-31-2006, 01:37 AM

This is one very fast moving mod. I like. Gosh you are a luckly duck AW9D-MAX motherboard, E6700 Core2 processor, 2Gigs Dual-Channel OCZ PC2 6400

What graphics card you gonna get to compliment this nice set of gear.

The can of coke is for scale and refreshment purposes right :bunny:

FyreKnight

11-05-2006, 02:51 AM

Well, another week has passed and as luck would have it I managed to spend some serious time working on the case today. So it's once again ... Update Time ! :)

First I'll answer the questions...

DaveW: Damn, you put that together fast. As was said above...nice shop man.

Watching this ;)
simon275: This is one very fast moving mod. I like. Gosh you are a luckly duck AW9D-MAX motherboard, E6700 Core2 processor, 2Gigs Dual-Channel OCZ PC2 6400

What graphics card you gonna get to compliment this nice set of gear.

The can of coke is for scale and refreshment purposes right :bunny: 10-30-2006 02:12 PMWell ... you all might think it's a fast moving mod but to me it's taking forever. lol The graphics card is, as I said in a previous post a BFG 7900 GTX O/C, and yes the coke can is there for scale (the refreshment part was long since gone by that point :) ).

NocturnaL: Love the case youve made out of the sheet metal, one question tho, are you planning on painting it black like your 3D model, or are you keeping it how it is?I will be having the case conversion coated and then powder coated black once I'm finished. Following which I intend to paint the interior red as well as add some red highlights/accents to the exterior.

Now on to the pics of todays progress.

I decided not to build my own motherboard tray, so I went out and bought the cheapest case I could find to scavenge.

Here's the victim...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Progress9Nov4.jpg

...looks so innocent and virginal sitting there, totally unaware of what I'm about to do to it. :twisted:

12 screws and 20 or so drilled out rivets later ... I had my tray.
The scene of the crime...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Progress8Nov4.jpg

The aforementioned motherboard tray ...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Progress7Nov4.jpg

And some surprise goodies, the victim also contains 4 LED's pre-wired with resistors, and a front panel with USB ports and audio jacks. I know I'm gonna be able to use all of that and maybe even more from this sacrificial lamb of a case.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Progress6Nov4.jpg

So several hours, much thinking and planning, and a little elbow grease later we have this...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Progress1Nov4.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Progress10Nov4.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Progress3Nov4.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Progress5Nov4.jpg

The hole in the back is only rough cut so far, tomorrow I will clean it up and make it match the box. Maybe even get the holes cut for the fans/rad, and perhaps start on the case door.

Here's a mock up of the door so far, for the mask I intend to make a windowed box approximately where it sits in the pic (I know it's not a very good vantage point/pic), the box will be flat black inside (might line it with the box the mask came in as it has a form for the mask to sit on) and the mask will be illuminated from below with two of the LED's that I scavenge from the donor case. The 140mm Fan will be mounted at the bottom of the door as in the pic, haven't decided whether to put the filter mesh infront of the fan or behind it. The space between the mask and the fan is now reserved for the 7in widescreen LCD screen I just purchased.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Progress11Nov4.jpg

Well that's it for now ... it's late and I need to sleep. Hopefully I'll have more to report tomorrow, and more pics to share.

I would like to thanks everyone for the great comments, this is after all my first mod and the encouragement and support from this group is just awesome, I'm glad I joined here. :) I hope I can be of some small help to someone else at some point to repay in kind.

'Till tomorrow night. Peace all.

FyreKnight

simon275

11-05-2006, 03:25 AM

Oh wow a 7in lcd screen that will look nice. What are you going to use as the video feed for it? The main grapahics card or a second one that runs on PCI. Also is the screen VGA or video.

I agree making a mobo tray is to much trouble better to save the time and effort and get a cheapo case.

Can't wait to see this done.

samurai_crip

11-05-2006, 05:05 AM

I think this will turn out to be a kick ass mod :banana:

Vertigo

11-05-2006, 08:42 AM

Nice work man, coming together pretty quickly too.

TOXIC

11-05-2006, 08:52 AM

ooooo!

this is nice, and more

you did a great job, just go on ;)

DaveW

11-05-2006, 10:33 AM

That's a pretty big computer! Didn't realise it was so large.

-Dave

Crimson Sky

11-05-2006, 11:51 AM

What are you going to use as the video feed for it? The main grapahics card or a second one that runs on PCI. Also is the screen VGA or video?

The best solution would be to run a dedicated PCI card for the monitor. If he chooses a VGA 7" monitor, only an older PCI card would allow for the low screen res that is probably required by the monitor. On a composite signal, desktops look like ass, and you cant use the touchscreen functions, if it happens to be a touch.

Problemchild49

11-05-2006, 03:12 PM

Excellent work so far. I love the way you did the back of the case. I can't wait to see the mounted mask on the front.
keep up the good work.

NocturnaL

11-06-2006, 01:16 PM

The best solution would be to run a dedicated PCI card for the monitor. If he chooses a VGA 7" monitor, only an older PCI card would allow for the low screen res that is probably required by the monitor. On a composite signal, desktops look like ass, and you cant use the touchscreen functions, if it happens to be a touch.

Indeed, im currently modding one of those portable play station 1 LCD's. The soldering would usually suck, but i rigged it to an IDE cable that plugs into the designated PCI card i found.

The case looks great man, rugged as hell. Will probly look 10x better with a nice black powder coat as you said. And heres an idea for the mask you have. mayb stick some red LED's behind it causing the eyes to glow red?

And may i ask how much that case you bought was? looks like it made a good investment :)

Maz

11-06-2006, 07:57 PM

is the mask just going to stick out? would it look cooler if you had a window for it, and mounted it on the inside. possibly a fog machine and some explosives for effect inside the window (partitioned off from the rest of the case).
i think it would look pretty sweet, but im sure no matter what way you take this mod it will look as if alan moore had a hand in creating it himself.

FyreKnight

11-06-2006, 08:19 PM

Ok I know I said I would post this yesterday, but it was late and I was tired so it got delayed a bit. :P

NocturnaL: Quote:
Originally Posted by Crimson Sky http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?p=54169#post54169)
The best solution would be to run a dedicated PCI card for the monitor. If he chooses a VGA 7" monitor, only an older PCI card would allow for the low screen res that is probably required by the monitor. On a composite signal, desktops look like ass, and you cant use the touchscreen functions, if it happens to be a touch.

Indeed, im currently modding one of those portable play station 1 LCD's. The soldering would usually suck, but i rigged it to an IDE cable that plugs into the designated PCI card i found.

The case looks great man, rugged as hell. Will probly look 10x better with a nice black powder coat as you said. And heres an idea for the mask you have. mayb stick some red LED's behind it causing the eyes to glow red?

And may i ask how much that case you bought was? looks like it made a good investment :)

As to the question of what's going to drive the 7" LCD, I haven't quite decided that yet. It isn't a touch screen, and it's native existance is as a 7" widescreen TV with composite in (looks like svideo in the pics) So I'll have to wait 'till it arrives and disassemble it to find out what drives the LCD itself. It's a 1480 x 234 Active Matrix TFT LCD so I've got my fingers crossed that I'll be able to splice a VGA connection in there somewhere, but as a back up plan I can run it in composite mode as I only need it mainly to display Time/Temps/Fan Speeds and the like.

The case I bought was $39.90CDN after the tax man took his share, I think it was a good deal considering the work that it saved me and the bonus items I got. :)

For the mask, yes I've considered backlighting the eyes so they glow but I haven't decided yet. I'll prolly play with it and see how the effect grabs me, and whether or not it blends with the lighting from below the mask.

DaveW: That's a pretty big computer! Didn't realise it was so large.

Yeah it's pretty big (26" wide x 12" deep from the very front x 24" high), but due to some inefficiencies in the design/shape of the case the front section is mostly un-usable except for cosmetic purposes, so it's still a challenge to fit everything in and guaranty good airflow and esthetics at the same time. It's a learning experience to say the least. :)

Thanks all of you again for the wonderfull comments and encouragement.

Now on to the pics of yesterdays work ...

First I didn't light the pic I got yesterday of the case front mock up so I took it again.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Nov5Progress1.jpg

Then I cleaned up the big hole in the back to make it match the internal box better.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Nov5Progress10.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Nov5Progress8.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Nov5Progress7.jpg

Then I went ahead and cut the holes in the top of the case for the rad fans, and then mounted the fans and rad. I actually quite proud of how they turned out. :)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Nov5Progress11.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Nov5Progress13.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Nov5Progress12.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Nov5Progress14.jpg

And lastly heres a shot of the planned layout so far, still some details to iron out but this will be pretty close to the final.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Nov5Progress3.jpg

Well that's it for tonight, I hope you all enjoy. :)

'Till next time, peace all.

FyreKnight

NocturnaL

11-07-2006, 08:32 PM

Very nice man. That case was a deal for how much you salvaged out of it lol. Keep the updates comming, Your keeping me entertained in school :)

simon275

11-07-2006, 08:36 PM

OMGOSH WOW This is a nice mod. Good job with the fans there. I cant wait to see this one finished.

jdbnsn

11-07-2006, 10:55 PM

Nice metalworking skills, very neatly done! This is one cool looking case, you just need a couple of rows of daggers somewhere... I loved that flick too, and had never heard of the gunpowder plot until I saw it, very cool story.

FyreKnight

11-26-2006, 12:55 AM

Well I know it's been nearly 3 full weeks now since my last update, but work and family sometimes just can't help but take some of my free time. :P

Today however I was finally able to get back to work and although there was not as much progress as I would like, I did mange to get some things done.

There has been a small change in my plans, the 7" widescreen LCD panel turned out to be a flop. I wanted to run it from a vga connection but it was configured for TV input, so after much researching I tried to wire the controller for a vga input. Unfortunately it was a dismal failure and in the process I completely fubar'd the chances of using it in its original TV input format.

So after a short fit of depression over my lack of success, I picked myself up and blew a fond farewell kiss to the $140 experiment. (Life's lessons don't always come cheap. lol)

Still determined to have an LCD screen integrated into my case and no where near the limit of my VISA card I began searching once again, this time with the clear resolve to find an LCD with VGA input already there.

This is what I ended up with ...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/LCDNov25001.jpg

A package?.... For Me? What's inside?
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/LCDNov25003.jpg

Ooooo ... and it's a touch screen too!! :D

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/LCDNov25004.jpg

And now for todays progress...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/ProgressNov25002.jpg

I cut the first holes in the front cover, for the mask shadowbox, the LCD, and the 140mm fan. The pics were taken after 15mins of cutting and around 1 1/2 hours of filing. They turned out pretty good I think.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/ProgressNov25001.jpg

And here I was finally able to properly mock-up the front cover, although I still have the 2 angled sides to take care of. As of now the plan is to have a large window on the right side, and perhaps acrylic daggers arranged on the left. The fan will have the "V" symbol over it in acrylic which I will try to have lit-up, and of course the shadowbox for the mask will be covered with acrylic as well.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/ProgressNov25004.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/ProgressNov25005.jpg

And these are a couple of shots of the beginning of the door mechanism, it's basically a modified keyboard drawer slide. The idea is for the door to swing out and up a few inches and then slide up on the drawer slides, and finally tilt back until it rests on top of the case.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/ChangesNov25001.jpg

I don't know if you can tell from these pics, but installing the slides involved a slight modification to the original I/O box for clearance. Of course saying it was a slight modification is only in reference to the looks, the work involved was almost as much as making the I/O box all over again. :P

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/DoorSlideNov25001.jpg

And that's it for today ... 9 hours worth of work and it barely looks like I even showed up. :(

I should be able to get a few more hours in again tomorrow, so I will try to post another update then.

Peace all.

FyreKnight

elbarto241

11-26-2006, 03:33 PM

oh my damn....that touch screen looks seXy! o.0~!

DaveW

11-26-2006, 05:32 PM

Aye Caramba, nice work. You're good with the metal dude.

-Dave

FyreKnight

11-27-2006, 01:06 AM

Thanks for the comments guys ... you're makin' me blush :P

As promised I managed to get a little more time in on "V" today so here's another li'l update.

Didn't get anything done on the case or door today, but I worked on my hinge assembly and I'm quite pleased with the outcome. Still needs a little bit of fine tuning and I'll have to reposition it some, but the main part is there.

The pics ...

Here is the assembled hinge in it's down/closed position, if you'll notice one of the adjustments I have to make is to move the hinges in closer to the center of the case, as in their current position they stick out a li'l bit too far. A minor miscalculation on my part but nothing I can't adjust.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HingeNov26001.jpg

And here is the hinge in it's up/open position...

I still have to make the mounting for the door itself, which will be at the very top of that aluminum tube where the door can pivot and rest on top of the case.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HingeNov26002.jpg

And finally some pics for a change of how I got there.

First, start with a shape...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HingepartsNov26001.jpg

Copy it many times... (8 times to be precise. :) )
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HingepartsNov26003.jpg

Add in a few more carefully crafted pieces...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HingepartsNov26004.jpg

And begin assembly, first one hinge plate and the hinge tube...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HingepartsNov26005.jpg

...then a spacer tube, it's shorter than the hinge tube by a little more than the thickness of two hinge plates...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HingepartsNov26006.jpg

... add another hinge plate and stuff the lot inside the carefully cut and drilled square tube, securing it with the proper bolt...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HingepartsNov26007.jpg

...repeat the process with all of the hinge plates...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HingepartsNov26008.jpg

...and again repeat with the other end of the hinge plates and their respective square tubes.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HingepartsNov26009.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HingepartsNov26010.jpg

...And Viola!! a working hinge assembly which, coupled with the drawer slides gives me 3" overheight clearance for the door allowing it to pivot back and rest on top of the case.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HingeNov26004.jpg

It took a total of 7 1/2 hours to accomplish all of that. including some time for designing on the fly.

That's it for this week ... not sure if I'll get a chance to work on it next weekend as it's my birthday on the 4th and my fiance's birthday on the 3rd. So inevitably the in-laws will be hosting some manner of get-together. We'll just have to wait and see what happens. The weekend after that looks good so far, so I will most definitely have something to report by then.

'Till next time, PEACE!!

FyreKnight

ColModish

11-27-2006, 11:22 AM

I wish I had a workshop like that :(, I guess i just have to confort with my own little crappy garage.Anyways looking pretty pro man, nice metal work !!

DaveW

11-27-2006, 08:22 PM

Hi there intergalacticman. What compelled you to start (de-constructively) criticizing other people's work on your second post?

You're going to be very, very, very, unpopular here with that attitude.

-Dave

intergalacticman

11-28-2006, 06:55 PM

ok ok sorry about that

NocturnaL

11-28-2006, 08:54 PM

Lol, would loveee to see you come up with somethign better Inter. But anyway the mechanics of it all is great man, i like the hinge idea you have. And that touch screen LCD is gonna be sweet as hell once its installed. Is it going to be for a desktop display? or mayb something else?

Tweezy

11-28-2006, 11:48 PM

I'm interested to see where this is going. One thing that you might make sure to look out for, being as everything on your front panel involves wires, you will want to make sure that the wires are long enough that you wont need to disconnect the lcd, the led lights, and the fan everytime you lift up the case. (I'm sure you'll be showing off those hinges to more than one computer fanatic)

intergalacticman

11-29-2006, 06:32 PM

hmm, the toch screen is nice touch, are you going to have a seperate monitor also, cuz the screen looks a little small, and also the fan size is a little overkill, but then again, the case is not done yet, so i would like to see it when its done.
ps, kudos on the built from scratch thing, i mainly revamp old computer cases, so the case shape was a little suprising, sorry for the negativity earlier

tybrenis

11-29-2006, 08:35 PM

Wow. This mod is looking simply amazing, great job with everything! The hinges are especially cool and well done.

Maz

11-30-2006, 08:55 AM

wow looks good, almost too good. are to sure your not part of the chinese mafia?

anywho, almost looks like a kick ass workstation for a custom machine. touchscreen control, water cooled, this is an awesome mod if i ever saw one. kudos.

Computer-Geek

11-30-2006, 10:12 PM

That is a sweet ! mod continue with the updates lol ;)

isunktheship

12-06-2006, 10:41 PM

Great movie, and equally great mod! I'm subscribing as we speak.

If I ever get around to a mod of my own I'm definately putting in a screen. Could you show us how you hook it all together?

Thanks!

Durrthock

12-06-2006, 10:43 PM

Very good mod
My favorite movie at that
You should put the words he has written on
the mirror on there

t3hninja

12-07-2006, 12:00 AM

Zephik

12-13-2006, 11:39 PM

I think it should have a built in speaker that announces "Remember Remember the fifth of November, the gunpowder, treason, and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot" on startup. You'd make everyone around you have to change shorts.

I'm insanely impressed. Ill be following this.

lol

That would be kind of cool, have it quote a part of the movie on startup. Good Idea. ^^

This is such a good movie, I am so glad you are doing it justice Fyreknight! Keep up the A+ work!

-SnowFire

Cool1Net6

12-14-2006, 12:33 AM

...And these are a couple of shots of the beginning of the door mechanism, it's basically a modified keyboard drawer slide. The idea is for the door to swing out and up a few inches and then slide up on the drawer slides, and finally tilt back until it rests on top of the case...
Magnificent! I have always liked the idea of a door mechanism sliding, shifting, or cleverly moving out of the way, and the way I have seen your's done is simple, yet complicated, and completely fantastic.

I also wouldn't put red LED's behind the mask. I would simply illuminate the face of the mask; in the movie his eyes were never red, so why should they be here? And you said you were going to have a window on the right and daggers on the left. Why not have a window on both sides, as in your original design, for symmetry?

-Cool-

Maz

12-14-2006, 12:58 AM

all i can think to do with the quote on startup is to put the mp3 in your startup folder... you could probably do it through the use of a yak back type device with a transistor that initiates the play switch then the computer puts power to the hard drives.

</rant>
Damn I'm good

Omega

12-14-2006, 02:12 AM

naspc

12-14-2006, 02:29 AM

wow! this what modding is all about. i love the fabrication of the case so far.
i can't wait to start mine!

t3hninja

12-15-2006, 03:06 PM

For the startup sound you could do something extravagant like Crimson did on the airlock door on the Doom 3. He had a total sound card with a bunch of sound effects that initiated on boot.

simon275

12-15-2006, 10:11 PM

Yes the fabrication on this case is top notch. If you were ever going for a job that involved working with metal you could use this in your resume.

FyreKnight

12-18-2006, 02:23 AM

Thanks for all of the great comments guys ... it's almost enough to make a simple guy like me blush.

Durrthock: You should put the words he has written on
the mirror on there.

Hmmm .. Never even thought of that ... thanks I'll have to try and find a place for it :)

I will definately have a sound clip from the movie as my windoze start sound, just haven't decided exactly what to put yet. :)

As before I appologize for the long period between my updates, it seems this time of year is full of other obligations ... but, the week between Christmas and NewYears looks awesome for mod-time availablity :) :up:

For the time being, here's a small update. Managed to get a few hours in today, reworked the hinge assembly for movement and clearance, and built the HD rack. And of course .... PICS!!

First an Overview ...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/ProgressDec18003.jpg

The HD Rack assembly...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HDRackDec18001.jpg

A closer look ...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/HDRackDec18002.jpg

I'm pretty sure this is how I'll cut the windows/details on each side, sorry about the lighting in the overview pic ... the aluminum is too reflective, bounces all of the flash AWAY from the camera if it's not facing it directly. :(
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/WindowPlanDec18003.jpg

Here's a couple showing each side ...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/WindowPlanDec18002.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/WindowPlanDec18006.jpg

And that's it for now. Comments and suggestions are always welcome. :)

Peace all.

FyreKnight

Cool1Net6

12-18-2006, 02:28 AM

I retract my previous statement. The knives, window, and fingermen badge look decent the way they are, although I wish there was more window.

-Cool-

simon275

12-18-2006, 06:13 AM

Looks like you are gonna be putting a few drives in there.

elbarto241

12-18-2006, 01:10 PM

he could always put a window on the top, maybe =D

ScoutV2

12-19-2006, 12:51 AM

Man this is a sweet mod. I can envision a lot of things like this that I'd like to do, but can't envision how to get it done. Truly an inspiration ole boy. Look forward to watching this progress. :up: :up:

NocturnaL

12-19-2006, 01:14 AM

Wow that is looking verrrry sweet my friend. Those HD bays look nice and accessable. Those cuts look like they should turn out nice considering your LEETness towards metal :)

Zephik

12-22-2006, 02:49 AM

I will definately have a sound clip from the movie as my windoze start sound, just haven't decided exactly what to put yet. :)

How bout the song from his first bombing? The one from the scene where he firsts meets evee (or however you spell it)? Beautiful song! I can't believe I don't remember what its called? ><

-SnowFire

Cool1Net6

12-22-2006, 03:56 AM

Its Evey. And I just heard that song on a commercial and cant remember the name either.

-Cool-

zitwep10

12-22-2006, 08:04 AM

Dude... you are crazy!! This thing is coming up awesome, I can't wait for the final product, I wish I had a workshop like you do, all I have is a drill, a dremel and a couple of screw drivers.

JacobS

12-24-2006, 12:45 AM

uhh yeah, that would be the overture of 1812 guys good idea, good work, good night

SgtM

12-24-2006, 11:23 AM

uhh yeah, that would be the overture of 1812 guys good idea, good work, good night

Gotta love the 1812 Overture.

mercerman318

12-24-2006, 02:04 PM

instead of the overture you could always put his first speech on there. or evee line after that "are you a crazy person" or something along those lines

Vertigo

12-24-2006, 04:32 PM

You know, looking at this, I was thinking it would be neat if you could somehow incorporate any of the signs/fliers from the movie with the V spray painted on them. The case itself, could be a wall/facade with the flyers and signs on there. Probably a bit late in the design process to be tossing that out, but yeah. The case just has a very futuristic industrial building feel to me. I can't wait to see this thing assembled.

FyreKnight

12-28-2006, 01:04 AM

Hi guys! With this whole week off from work I finally got my first full day in on "V" today. It wasn't as productive as I would have liked it to be, but I did manage to get some things accomplished.

Unfortunately as I've progressed further into the project and come closer to cutting the two side panels, I've come to the conclusion that my painstakingly handcrafted hinges are too bulky and will interfere too greatly with the view of the interior. :(

Which of course serves to further remind me that my next scratch-built project will consist of a more conventional shape.

It also means that I wasted A LOT of build time on something I'm not actually going to use. The resultant frustration is probably the reason I didn't get as much done today as I should have.:mad::redface::dead:

Anyhow ... on to the update.

Some people have said they wished they had my shop to work in, and I get the impression that they are overestimating the kind of tools I have at my disposal.

Sorry to disappoint, but for 95% of the work this is what I use...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec27Tools003.jpg

A cordless drill, a couple of files, an angle grinder, and a die grinder. I have various bits for the drill, cutting disks and sanding pads for the angle grinder, and cutting wheels, sanding(flap-wheels), and grinding stones for the die grinder. Of course there's also my trusty pop rivet tool. :)
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec27Tools002.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec27Tools001.jpg

I also have a band saw (made for cutting metal) which I've used to do some of the notching and angle cutting, and a drill press which I used to stack-drill the hinge plates.

The majority of the work is done manually.

Today's work involved taking apart and removing all of the hinge assembly, cutting the hole for the slim optical drive and building the mounting for it, and planning/mounting the water pumps. I also spent a fair bit of time trying to plan the case wiring, and design a mount for the LCD that will let it remain in the case when I remove the front. (that way I don't have to disconnect it constantly) Tomorrow I will try and implement those plans and perhaps finally cut the window panels (which I still keep modifying :P )

And ... here are the pics. Sorry for the lack of WIP pics, but I just don't seem to be good at getting those.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec27CD-Mount002.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec27CD-Mount003.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec27CD-Mount001.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec27CD-Mount004.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec27PumpMount002.jpg

There's still so very much to do, at times it seems like it will never get done... but I still have high hopes for it looking halfway decent when it's all finally finished.

Once again I'd like to thank everyone for all of the comments and encouragement. For my first mod I think it's coming along ok, but sometimes I think you guys are viewing it through "rose-colored-glasses", 'cause when I look at it I see all the things I don't like. :)

Someday I'd like to be able to make something as awesome as Paul's "Mars City" or Franklin's "AlumaxX" ... or any of the other AWESOME projects I've seen on this site that just blow my mind, there are just too many to list. For now however, I'll be happy if I can make this thing 1/4 as good and get it completed without going completely mad. :P

That's it for today ... thanks for takin' a look, and thanks for listening to my inane ramblings.

Peace all.

FyreKnight

vermillion_part2

12-28-2006, 05:14 AM

i love your work man keep it up i wait like all week to see a update and they are always good.

b4i7

12-28-2006, 05:27 AM

with how awesome this case is...im surprised it hasnt hit featured yet....

lots of excellent craftsmanship went into this case...looks like its gonna be beautiful when done......kinda rare (but becoming more popular) to see scratch built cases like this

Omega

12-28-2006, 05:53 AM

Haha, I was suprised slightly at the fact that you're using an angle grinder (however, that would be my first option as opposed to dremel due to their power).

Much respect, man. The case looks great. Just goes to show what some bored geeks can do with power and hand tools. Oh, and easy access to aluminium.

+rep.

jdbnsn

12-28-2006, 06:49 AM

sometimes I think you guys are viewing it through "rose-colored-glasses"

First off, most everyone I know who produces art is less impressed with their own work than other are impressed by it. May look simple to you, but we see some very complicated structural design that is very well built. Nice theme, bonus for the added technology (LCD screen) and the best part was already mentioned...scratch built is always impressive to me.

Crimson Sky

12-28-2006, 11:28 AM

Looks fantastic so far! One question though:

With such a large case, why are you using a laptop optical drive? You may have considered a Plextor with SATA connection and much better performance. The MTBF for laptop drives is also a consideration. Just an observation.

Thanks for bringing this great project to the folks here!

FyreKnight

12-29-2006, 06:48 AM

OMG, I nearly had a heart attack ... logged in and "V" wasn't where I left him. I was like "What the....??? I posted yesterday, how could he be bumped to page 2 of the "Works In Progress" already?", so I went to page 2 .... nothing!! I started to panic. "What happened?" I thought, "Did I do something wrong and someone erased "V" as punishment?".

Then a thought struck me "Featured? No way?!", so with a faint hope that my worklog had not been wisked away into the ether never to be seen again, I clicked on the Featured Worklogs link...and...BAM!!, there was "V".

I don't know what to say except thank you guys, and OMG!!! I don't know how I fit in with mod-gods in this section :redface:, but now I'm gonna have to work extra hard to feel worthy of being in here. OMG OMG OMG!!!

Now ... it's a late post for me as it's currently 4:30AM, got home an hour ago from the shop working on "V". I'm dead a$$ed tired but I had to post what I accomplished, and what I didn't. :(

First the "didn't"... I did not get the windows cut out today, much to my dismay, nor did I manage to construct the support for the LCD. Although I did get this >< much closer to figuring a way to do so.

What I "did" get done today was kind of like one step back and two steps forward. I have a feeling that there's going to be a lot of that as I get closer to the end of this project, the result of too many "on the fly" design changes. C'est la Vie!

First, I decided I didn't like the placement of the HD rack, so I repositioned it more to my liking, then I cut a new fan opening behind the rack to help keep 'em drives cool. After that I was trying to envision the placement and routing of the resevoir, waterlines, and power wiring... which needless to say was difficult since I still don't have my resevoir. So I decided to make my own. :)

And now ... the pics! I even managed to take some WIP shots this time. :) :up:

Here you can see I've drilled the mounting holes for the new fan and marked out the circle for cutting.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec28HDFan001.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec28HDFan002.jpg

And after the initial cutting ...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec28HDFan003.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec28HDFan004.jpg

And finally, after careful carving with the cut-off disc, grinding with a die stone, and smoothing with a flap-wheel. (all bits for the die-grinder)
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec28HDFan005.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec28HDFan006.jpg

And here's the pics for the Res... for this I brought out some of the "special equipment".

First marking out the shape for the base on 3/16" stainless steel plate, then grinding away the excess with the angle grinder...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec28ResBuild001.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec28ResBuild003.jpg

Same thing for the top ...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec28ResBuild004.jpg

Grinding complete, cut a piece of 4 1/2" OD stainless pipe, drill holes for barbs...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec28ResBuild005.jpg

Made the barbs out of 1/2" OD stainless tube, beaded the ends to make for very secure hose fitting... test fit it all together...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec28ResBuild006.jpg

Tig weld the whole mess together and polish it up a bit, and tada I have a nice shiny new water resevoir ... yes it is a little big, but I like it. :)
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec28ResBuild008.jpg

And here's a trial mount of the finished product, the orientation is not right and I may yet decide to change it's location a little but there you have it.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Dec28ResInPosition003.jpg

You can also see in this pic (kind of) the change in the HD rack position.

Now, I'm about falling asleep at the keyboard here so I'm off to bed. I'm taking a break from "V" tomorrow (today now), but I might be able to squeeze in another day or two over the weekend and New Years Day.

Thanks for all the great comments and suggestions as always, it keeps me going at times like this. :)

Peace all.

FyreKnight

Oh yeah ... Crimson, I used the lappy optical because it fit where I needed it to. Although the case looks and actually is big, there is surprisingly little functional room inside of it because of A: the irregular shape, and B: the rear access box which takes up a huge amount of space. The MTBF of the drive doesn't concern me greatly as I don't actually use my optical drives very often, and the performance difference is well ... meh!?! What's another 10mins on a program install? No biggie. :)

Crimson Sky

12-29-2006, 10:05 AM

I hate you. I hate that you can weld aluminum in the shop. But I LOVE the reservoir! damn thats cool.

Airbozo

12-29-2006, 12:39 PM

I hate you. I hate that you can weld aluminum in the shop. But I LOVE the reservoir! damn thats cool.

I am with you on this Crimson, and in awe. I love the work on this!

b4i7

01-01-2007, 07:20 PM

hehe i so called the feature coming!

congrats man...love the project....almost reminds me of something i was workin on in my machining class

FyreKnight

01-02-2007, 01:10 AM

Happy New Year All!!!

I managed to get one last day in at the shop working on "V" before the end of my holidays. Overall I'd say I'm pleased with the results but disappointed that I didn't get more done. It's surprising sometimes how much time ticks away while working on a particular thing, then when you add a few of those things together with a generous helping of design/planning time, and suddenly the day is gone. Of course the two steps forward-one step back aspect of this phase in the project doesn't help much, but I think I've got a handle on the situation now and there shouldn't (hopefully) be too much more of that.:neutral:

Now ... the progress.

After many layout trials and much frustration I finally got the resevoir and the pump in their final locations. I decided to run a single pump for now as space limitations and visual appeal considerations won't allow for the second one. If there is need for it later when I watercool more than just the CPU and GPU I believe I have thought of a way to add the second pump, but I won't know for sure until the rest of the case is finished.

Once I had finally settled on the single pump and found the permanent homes for it and the resevoir I made a false back plate to raise the resevoir off of the rear of the case. This allows me the space I need to route the case wiring out of sight. :) Then I made a shield to cover the majority of the cooling lines and the inlets of the resevoir, and a small extension to conceal the wiring as it exits the power supply.

And of course ... some pics :)

First, the pump and resevoir in their final locations ... the riser plate is already installed underneath the res., you can almost make it out in the pic.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Jan1Progress002.jpg

Then, a couple of shots with the shielding in place ... I'm quite pleased with the way this turned out, although there was some serious bits of frustration along the way there. :D
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Jan1Progress003.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Jan1Progress004.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Jan1Progress006.jpg

And finally, one overview shot of the case interior as it stands right now ... it's getting there! :P

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m87/TracerFire/Jan1Progress008.jpg

That's it for now .. time for me to head to bed, back to work tomorrow :( :down:

Thanks once again for the great comments, those and suggestions are always most welcomed. :)

P.S. Crimson: Although we DO have the capability to weld aluminum in my shop it's not something I've ever tried to do, apparently it takes quite a "knack" to do. What I welded there was stainless steel. :) (Hey I had to bring out the "special tools" at some point didn't I? Don't make me have to start using the lathe and the milling machine too, people will start to cry "FOUL !!" lol)

Peace all !!

FyreKnight

DaveW

01-02-2007, 09:33 AM

Another +Rep for keeping this great worklog going.

Yo the man, dude!

-Dave

NocturnaL

01-07-2007, 04:16 PM

Great work man, Your metal skillz are rediculous. Nice engineering ;)

Commando

01-07-2007, 07:01 PM

Phenomenal work...

jdbnsn

01-07-2007, 09:37 PM

Hey Fyreknight,

It might be kinda cool if you could scribe that rant that V goes on after beating the crap out of the two fingermen,

Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin van-guarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition. The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous.
Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose, so let me simply add that it's my very good honor to meet you and you may call me V.

Although it's long as hell, it would look sweet as trim around the border somewhere since you have plenty of surface area, maybe as printed decals? Anyway, just a thought albeit a nutty one...
Jon