Bubble Gum Machine Mod

[Airbozo]

I have been promising to start posting this log for a while. I have been making slow progress on this but decided to post what I have.

Most of the "mods" I have ever done were modifying ordinary office and house items to hide a computer. I have built almost 2 dozen different desks for various customers as far back as 1983 to hide an IBM terminal (did 3 of those). Turned one of the first IBM PC's into a sliding panel inside a "secretary desk". Stealthed an entire MAC into an office desk complete with one way glass (couldn't tell there was a monitor mounted under the glass). There are more. I took some simple photos that have been lost while moving around the country. One of these days I will do some sketchups and post them.

This mod started out as a kiosk for a customer, but due to some legal issues we changed the kiosk to a standard atm style box. I decided last year that I wanted to put this mod back in progress with a personal use twist. As always I am building this thing so that it retains it's original function as a gumball machine and can be upgraded.

Here is what I am starting with:
------------------------------------------------
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/11680619061628.jpg

I then cut some slots in the sphere to fit an atx size motherboard, and a plexiglass mounting plate;

http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/59880619061631.jpg
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/54310619061631a.jpg

I then dissasembled the coin mechanism from the base;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/96820619061629.jpg

...which includes the gumball dispenser;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/30620619061643.jpg

...the coin mechanism on the left and the metal t-bar in the middle;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/99740619061648.jpg

I placed a mark on the inside of the enclosure where the bottom of the gum ball dispenser sits;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/82370730061444a.jpg

I need this line to determine where I can mount the dvd drive. I tried various ideas and in the end decided to use a slimline dvd to avoid any space issues.

I marked my cutting line on the outside;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/8760730061444.jpg

and hit it with the dremel;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/86160730061545.jpg

I took apart the coin mechanism to figure out how to modify it to use it as a power switch;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/30750730061639.jpg
I have a few different switches that I can use, and I have figured out how to mount them, but I may change this idea and put in a stealth power switch.

I am further along than this and once I get the pictures taken I will post another round.

Things still to be decided:
---Hard drive location. I could mount it in the sphere or under the dvd drive since I cannabalized a server for the dvd mount and it has one 3.5" mount under it.

---Lighting. I am replacing the light in the spiral with a new light rope. The rest of the lighting is still to be determined.

---Cooling. I was toying with the idea of drilling holes in the top cover for the sphere. I also had the idea to just put some spacers on the lid to allow for more airflow and still not let things fall into the top. Still working on this idea.

---Coin collector. Since I am putting the power supply in the base of the system (more pics on that later) I have to build some sort of coin deflector/collector to keep the quarters from dropping onto the power supply.

---Cabling. This is a biggie. I am still looking at different ways to get all the connections from the motherboard to the outside of the bubblegum machine. right now I am planning on just running extension cables from the inside, to the back of the area where the dvd is mounted. I figured that would be the cleanest looking place. I can also build most of the cables myself, except for the video cables and I have a good cheap source for those.

[Murader]

WAy cool

[ESX]

Thats gonna be so sweet with some light later on :D

[NamesAreUseless]

For cooling, why dont you drill holes on the top, put an air filter, or that stuff that covers subwoofers, and put a lighted led 120mm case fan on it?

And for using the knob as a power switch why dont you solder or weld a metal rod to it so that every time it turns it presses the power switch or if you dont get what im saying, just put the switch where the gumball comes out at the bottom and use the knob as a fan controller or a light controller.

[Airbozo]

Found this in the metal bin at work;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/39180901061821.jpg

and wanted this;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/37800901061822.jpg

So I broke out the saw and cut out what I wanted from the chassis;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/25980901061842.jpg

as an added bonus I was able to salvage some leds attached to a nice circuit board with cable;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/7910901061822a.jpg


I will be bending and cutting the dvd mount as needed to fit. It looks like I am going to have to cut part of the bubble gum drop tube for a little extra room needed for the circuit board that the dvd attaches to. It is only pvc so it will cut easy.

On another note; I have the power supply mount figured out and will take some snaps and show the install.

One more item. I have possesion of an DFI LanParty UT nF3 250 Gb including 2gb memory and processor. This board will be great, since all the plastic on the mobo is pretty much the exact color of yellow that the gum machine is. Now I have to come up with a colored heatsink and cabling.

http://www.dfi.com.tw/Upload/Product_Picture/nF3_250Gb_large2.gif

More pictures later!

Keep the comments coming!

[slytherock]

For the power switch, you can use something like a key lock switch.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v68/slytherock/IMG_1183.jpg
Integrate the key into the dispenser mechanism.

[blue73]

Hey Airbozo have You thought about the cooling anymore? I know I'd love to see a cooling res made out of the gum bowl or I think even better the spirally column filled with cooling fluid all lit up. That'd be pretty smart I reckon

[chedabob]

^^

Thats what I was thinking.

[m4gnum]

I love mods that turn ordinary stuff into super mega computery stuff.

There is a smaller version of a gumball pc here: http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/gumballpc/

[OvRiDe]

Good to see that you have had a chance to get started. Looking forward to your progress!!

[GT40_GearHead]

great concept airbozo!

do you think you would be able to keep the whole mechanism functional so you could still use it as a Bubble Gum Machine


maybe have some bubble gum around the mobo :D

[Airbozo]

Thanks for all the ideas guys. Keeps me thinking about the direction of this mod.
A few things:

I have decided right now to just put in a stealth power switch. I am still looking at the idea of using the coin mechanism to power on the system but that is on the back burner for now.

Cooling; I am not planning on doing any water cooling, but that could change depending on how far I get on this in the near future. If I have time I will rethink this or just put it in the future mods category.

GT40; My intent is to keep this bubble gum machine fully functional. I am planning on putting in a plexiglas cover for the Mobo, so I can fill the sphere back up with gum. Part of what is taking me so long on this mod, is the fact I want to keep it functional. I am having to fit the parts and pieces around the working items (took some thought and experimentation to fit in the dvd drive without affecting the function of the machine). One of the challenges right now is the tube that goes up the center will have to carry all the power cables, allow the quarters to drop and possibly channel the cool air up to the sphere.

I have a few more pics showing the power supply bracket and will post them later.

[GT40_GearHead]

what mobo are you planing on using,
the first thing that comes to my mind is a VIA Epia mobo

[Airbozo]

what mobo are you planing on using,
the first thing that comes to my mind is a VIA Epia mobo

I am using a DFI LanParty UT 250gb.
http://www.dfi.com.tw/Product/xx_product_spec_details_r_us.jsp?PRODUCT_ID=2840&CATEGORY_TYPE=MB&SITE=US

It is what I have laying around and all the plastic bits on the mobo match the color of the BG Machine. I also have an extra ATI x850xt (I say extra, because I have that exact same card in my gaming rig now). I am initially using this mobo because I have it and did not want to spend any extra $$ on this mod. I will however be building this project with the idea of upgrading to a better mobo and video card. Probably will make it to be sli compatible too, so I have to make sure and get enough power up to the sphere.

[GT40_GearHead]

good point:think:

now i realize it will be big :D, big is good :banana:

now, time for GT40's stupid question :smoker:

what is the helix thing under the sphere :think:

[Airbozo]

From the top down;

Top cover of the sphere, yellow fiberglass, may drill some holes and put a fan in this or just elevate it to allow air to escape. This is how you fill the sphere with gum balls once everything is put together.

Sphere; Clear plexi (or something close). This is where the mobo will get mounted and I may also mount the hard drives here as well. There are some pretty severe scratches in one side of the sphere that I am not sure what to do with. I may "use" the scratches for a custom etching thingy.

Coin mechanism. Yellow fiberglass, holds the dvd drive (maybe the hard drive), the outside connections for the mobo will be in this section too. Holds the coin mechanism and gum ball dispenser. Deposits the quarters and gum balls down the respective holes. Also acts as the top piece to hold everything together.

Gum ball spiral; The center tube is where the quarters fall and is also where I will be running power cables and maybe some lights. Depending on the cooling I come up with this is also the path of air blowing through the system. The spiral is the path the gum balls travel when dispensed. I will be putting some lighting modules in here. Both 110v and 12v for different effects.

Base. I am mounting the power supply in the base and also a light controller for the lights that will be in the spiral section. This is also where the quarters end up so I am working on a deflector and holder for the coins. I will also be mounting a fan in the base to provide most if not all of the airflow (I have a big silent fan for this section (180mm I think)).

Working on getting some more pics up.

[GT40_GearHead]

There are some pretty severe scratches in one side of the sphere that I am not sure what to do with


you may just get away with it, the there is a product used for repairing plexi windows in weekend race cars, just sec to find a link


this is the stuff or one of them anyway the stuff (http://www.aircraftpolish.com/scratch%20off.html)

more stuff (http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/long25.htm)

[GT40_GearHead]

are you still building it ??

[ReignInPain]

Ayee! I want to see some good results on this one! Its an awesome idea!

[Airbozo]

Thanks for the link GT40. I have some polish and have tried to remove the small scratches, but the ones I am concerned about are ~1/8" deep. I am looking at doing some sort of design on the side with the most scratches, to hide them.

I am taking a small break from this to finish my sgi540 to pc mod. I need to clear up some room in my office so I can actually work in there. I have made some progress, but I have just been lazy posting pictures.

Here is the current status of this mod;
I have the power supply mounted and am in the process of creating a panel for all the PS leads to plug into (it is a bitch finding all the correct male and female molex connectors, so I am scavenging old systems and local computer recycling shops). I am also in the process of creating the power cables that will run from the base to the sphere. I have the slimline DVD mount in place and need to add some fiberglass to clean it up and make it more secure.

As soon as I get motivated to put pics up I will explain a little more.

[Murader]

this is sweet. Powerup the Cpu and get a gumball. or have it so you can dispence gumballs on the fly hah

[crazybillybob]

Here's a link to a usb servo controller (http://www.phidgets.com/index.php?module=pncommerce&func=itemview&KID=1169244742152.160.16.68&IID=30)

They have VB and C examples, should be easy to whip up a little program to drop a gumball with the click of a mouse.:banana:

Love the Idea...Hurry and finish :)

CrazyBillyBob

[Murader]

haha that would be so cool. GumBall on Command +Rep

[Airbozo]

Short note. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I am finishing up on the sgi to pc mod and then will get back to this. Expect some pics soon!

[Zephik]

Can't wait! Are you planning on keeping the original paint? Any idea's for "case lighting" yet? I have a few idea's that might help spark some idea's for you.

You could place pretty blinking lights up and down the gum ball track.

You could frost the globe and have some lights in there to light the whole thing up.

Another idea is you could add a small fog machine into either the tube or globe part of the machine and light that up.

Or you could just keep it as is, that would be cool too. I'm pretty sure no one else has a gum ball machine computer... lol

[ReignInPain]

http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/gumballpc/images/gumballpc0031.jpg

Well not one of the size that Airbozo is thinking! I can't wait to see it finished!

[Airbozo]

Ok sorry for the long break between pics. I have made some progress and wanted to post up some shots. Thanks again for all the comments. I am actually trying to fit in some of the lighting and cooling ideas, Keep 'em coming.

I am attempting to enclose most of the mother board so I can fill the top back up with gumballs and still have a nice view of the electronic bits. Here is the back of the system mount. I am leaving the area on the top until I get the right measurements for the sides and rest of the enclosure.
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/90361022061442.JPG
Here is a closeup of what the jigsaw foot did to the paper. I sanded it down and the tears went away.
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/46321022061442b.JPG
I have all the slots cutout and needed to thin out the area where the cards and I/O plate are so that you can actually get your cables in (and out). I used my router and a high quality bit along with some custom jigs (strips of hardwood flooring) to keep the router between the lines. I then set the router to take off 1/16" at a time, not quite sure what to expect since this was my first experience with using the router on plexi. I had a few flubbs from my uhm,er,ah, custom jig, so I called it quits before I ruined the piece. I am putting together a solid jig for a standard router and once it is done I will post some pics of the routing process. I was actually quite impressed how easy the router works on plexi. Easier than most hardwood because there is no grain.

On to the power supply. I am mounting the power supply in the base of the unit where the power originally came in for the spiral lights. I wanted it out of the way so I had more room for the gum balls and other items. I marked up the bottom inside, drilled some holes and bent a piece of aluminum angle, then riveted it in place;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/91691023062001.JPG
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/23361023062002.JPG

I am in the process of making a plate to plug the power supply into so that all the connectors will be carried up into the sphere and mid section via one bundle of wires. I am playing with some ideas to have the different colors exposed or just professionally spiral and shrink wrap them. I am waiting on that project until my new camera gets here and I can take some decent pictures of the process. It is also a chance to show the difference between using certain tools like a nibbler, hacksaw, and jigsaw, and how each have their function.

I was also able to mount the slimline dvd holder into the midsection. Right now it is just epoxied in place and I am considering doing some simple fiberglas work to make it more secure and blend in better;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/55591215061431.JPG
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/78831215061432.JPG
You can also see the piece I had to remove from the bubblegum ejector tube to make the dvd fit. I have worked with the pvc pipe many times so I can fix it with some glue.
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/21281215061433.JPG
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/40781215061433a.JPG
The dvd slides right in as intended...(whew!)
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/60571215061434.JPG
...and fits rather nicely;
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/96071215061435a.JPG
I am planning on making a dvd drawer cover to match the contour of the mid section. As you can see by the pic I have plenty of room to work with.
http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/99431215061434a.JPG
Also you will notice the chips. I will be angeling the edges for a tight fit with the door so they will be gone. I will have to fill some of the larger chips and then do some sanding.

I was not intending on painting this thing, but may not have a choice if I want it to look top notch. I have a friend who can do some airbrushing for me so long as I buy the paint and keep it simple (he is fairly busy). I may just offer to be his gopher so I can pick up some tips and do it myself. Nothing like watching someone in the act.

[Airbozo]

Small update, no pictures yet.

I am working on the custom cables that will allow me to put the PSU in the base. It has been a PAIN to find the 8-pin pcie male connector to make this happen. I am still sticking to my goal of making this an "upgradeable" mod so I am rethinking how the MOBO will fit inside the bubble to allow for an easy upgrade.

I have also acquired "most" of the parts to make this build happen. I have;
ASUS Striker Extreme (could not pass up the good price)
CPU (picked a pentium D 950 since it was cheap (free) (Still have a 950, 940 and several 8xx series p-D's))
Evga 8800gt 640
650 w PSU (forgot the name, but it is quite and shiny!)
OCZ Platinum 4gb set
MANY HD's to choose from (OK so I have a well stocked stash...)


I made a jig to router down the circle piece I am using for the mobo tray. I was planning on making it able to move around in the bubble, but that may change. I cut it to the correct size and the edges are smooooth! Gotta love a sharp blade and the right tools to make a difference.

Also been working on routing the back I/O plate area and the add in card supports.

A few updates and I will post some pics soon.

[jdbnsn]

Oh hell yeah! The Bozer's back in business.

[p0Pe]

gotta love this:D... as far as the psu concerns, couldnt you just make exsteners so its easy upgradable? like a male molex, and a female :P?... ive always thought of doing that... should be rather easy if you understand:p?

[jdbnsn]

Hell the last time I remember you working on this was before last Christmas, do you remember this (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=168)?

[SgtM]

Sweet! Can't wait to see picture updates.

[Airbozo]

Yes it is a shame I have not worked on this mod since it is sitting next to my desk staring (glaring) at me to finish. I am actively working on it in between my 3 jobs (4 if you consider my house), and have made progress. Now that I have most of the parts (already installed in another case until this is ready for them), I am making some progress.

pOPe; Yes I am making a custom cable assembly that will make upgrading the PSU _easy_! This involves creating a mounting plate for the PSU and the cable connectors. That is the easy parts. I am also creating a custom wiring harness with one or two large molex connectors on one end, and all the _regular_ molex connectors on the other end. This is why I am still looking for the 8pin pcie female connector. I will be finishing the extender cable this weekend and will post up some pics...


Anyone close to me good at engraving in plexi? I need some designs done on the sphere to hide the _deep_ scratches once I get the mobo insert hole done. Do any of you know how hard it is to cut a straight line in a sphere? In fact the hardest part of this mod will be cutting a square hole in the sphere in the _right_ place. Pi FTW!

[Luke122]

I'm pretty decent at engraving.. but I suppose I'm a bit far away. :P