Project: Origami

[|wm|]

Hello. I’ve been watching this forum for a bit and I think the people here are top notch modders. Thought I’d post the plans and progress for my new system here and see if you all had any input for me.

Here’s the short of it: I’m a professional graphic designer (actually an ‘art director’) I got into modding 3 years ago when I built my last system…and loved it. It’s time for a new system. Basically my use of a computer is purely for the professional purposes of doing design work. Massive amounts of vector illustrations, photoshop, web/flash, and some 3d design. I don’t game. My full time gig is as an art director at a sign manufacturer. I have access to dozens of plastics, computer controlled routers, lasers, vinyl plotter and every manner of saw and drill around. Soooo I think it’s time to build a case from scratch. I’m easily and expert plastics fabricator (and modest too) so I think I’ll try my hand at an acrylic case. I’m also a bit obsessive about good planning. You’ll see what I mean below. (and please be kind, I’m by no means a great 3d modeler)

Here’s what I’m thinking:

http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/origami.jpg
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/rear-top.jpg

Basically what you’re seeing is an acrylic box held together with some fancy aluminum hardware. The cylindrical sections at the corners are a 1.25” dia aluminum extrusion with (2) 3/8” channels at 90 degrees to each other. (4) ¼” thick acrylic panel go between these to make a box. They’re held in place by a rubber gasket inside the channel. The side are also larger pieces of acrylic held to the ends of the extrusions by way of 4 ‘caps’ (think of them as really fancy bolts) They pass through the side panels and thread into the aluminum extrusions. The fancy hardware is made by a company called Gyford that I use in a lot of sign designs (http://www.standoffsystems.com/)

http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/exploded.jpg

Most of the visible acrylic I’m using here is a reverse engrave type. Basically It’s a ¼” thick piece of clear with a thin layer of black fused to one side of it. The graphics on the out side of the case will be engraved out of the black layer (but don’t go really any deeper than that) which basically makes them clear. I’ll be using blue CC lighting on the inside, which will light up like crazy when it shines through the panel. I did this on a case I build for a Theremin a few friends built and it worked great (see below) Yes, I know it doesn’t have a window…I’m actually not crazy about seeing the inside of a case.

http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/theramine.jpg

I’m trying something a little strange on the fans. I’d like to try and move air in/out of the case by moving it through a vent just behind the outer graphic panels. I’ll take a piece of ½” acrylic and cut it like a comb. Then I’ll use a layer of 1/8” acrylic, cut 120mm holes in it, and mount an array of fans to pull/push air through the vent. It’ll restrict the airflow a little, but there’s (7) 120’s in there, which is plenty of movement. The 3 fans at the front (right side) pull fresh air in. The 2 in the middle (right next to cpu’s and video card) exhaust hot air. The fan just above those, I’m not sure on. FB-RAM gets super hot, and I’ll just have to test if I want it to pull or push. The 7th fan, which is not really shown is a 120 in the PSU. It blow up, and I’ll have to add vent on the top panel to let the air out there (also not rendered). I’ll regulate the fans so the in fans are going fast than the out fans. I’m on the ‘positive pressure’ side of the airflow argument. The nice thing about the case design is that it is very well sealed (no unnecessary holes), so the positive-p theory could work very well (or at least test the theory on a sealed case)…and hey less dust is great.

http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/heatpath.jpg

The hard drives and opticals are mounted on clear acrylic panels which then mount to top/bottom panels of the box. This again is some fancy hardware. Basically just an aluminum gripper that bolts on the case panel and holds the acrylic panel with a set screw. The mobo is mounted onto a hollow acrylic box. The box then mounts to the rear panel of the case. This does two things: Let’s me pull the whole mobo easily (just remove back panel) and the space inside the box makes for a nice easy place to stash cables. The heat sinks on the Xeons mount to the case (not the mobo), so I’ll need to find some way to hook them to the box, but I’m not too worried about that.

http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/hd-mobo.jpg

I’m also a bit of minimalist when it comes to hardware. I’m only planning for one optical drive, and the only card I’m using is the video card. The rear of the computer is sealed except for the i/o plate, the psu opening and one PSI (for the gpu). I’m doing a classic stealth job on the optical drive. It’s simple and I’ve always liked this mod. The little twist here is that I’m using it to cover the bay above the optical when will hold a digidoc. I like having temp monitoring and fan control, but once it’s all set, I don’t want to look at it all the time. I know that’ll send some people running in terror, but really I don’t mind.

http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/stealth.jpg

So that’s the idea. I think it’ll look hot. I think it’ll weight a ton (that much acrylic is HEAVY)…and hopefully the strange fan system will work out. The fabrication is pretty straight forward ( I do stuff like this everyday…really) So what’s inside:

Dual Xeon Woodcrest 5130’s @ 2.0 ghz
SuperMicro x7DAL-E Mobo
4gb Crucial FB-RAM
Silverstone ST75F 750w PSU
PNY VCQFX1500 Quadro 256mb GPU
150gb Raptor HD (system)
(2) 500gb Caviar HD (storage, Raid 0=1tb)

This is a design workstation. Of course this could be higher spec, so if anyone wants to mail me a few Clovertons…I’ll give you my address. I’ll keep this log updated as things progress. I’ll start ordering parts and materials at the end of this week. Let me know what you all think. Suggestions are very welcome (it’s just pixels right now)

Happy new year:banana:

PS: if you’d like to see my last system: http://www.xoxideforums.com/case-gallery/3015-hive-complete.html?highlight=hive

[Slug Toy]

so the vents for airflow are the little slits in the panels... very interesting, very different. any plans to filter the air? maybe some fine mesh at some point on the intake side? a little filtering can go a long way for dust related hassles.

i dont believe you're not a 3d modeler. those pictures are just too damn good. thats just retarded... i use sketchup for my stuff, so it doesnt look nearly as good.

overall, should look good. just dont make everything too bright... i doubt that will be a problem anyways... theres no huge transparent sections to leak light out of.

have fun building, and ill have fun watching and being glad that im not doing the building.

[dgrmkrp]

i... can't... help myself...
it's not new year yet here, and i said i would refrain from posting till then.... :| but HELL!!! this is a kick ass project! and the graphics are sweet :)
i think the idea is very good (the slits for intakes... woot), but there are still some things you could improve on.. and go wayyy overkill in the process :D

1st, use bigger, as in thicker, plexi for the intake/exhaust panels.. and, seeing that u have the necessary equipment, to improve on the weight issue, simply remove material from unneeded sections.. and use that space too>> lights :)

2nd, even though the airflow and case looks kick ass, why not going with a 3.120 x2 radiator/fans setup.. like, water cooling? there are some new slim radiators on the market and maybe, just maybe you can re-design the interior to fit them.. from outside, the nice model will be unchanged, but inside, the thermal conditions will be far better.. also, budging some water cooling for the ram (fb.. nice.. i wish i had the money and time.. :( i respect u, man!) would make them happier (either use a thermaltake or koolance or homemade block) :)

3rd.. i love this!!!

http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/theramine.jpg
I'm subscribing (and expecting a steady progress;)) as i think there is lots i (errrm.. we) can learn from you :)

and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!

[Omega]

I don't suggest you use CCFL's unless you're going to use frosted plexi or something to diffuse the light. I think EL wire or whatnot will work better, however, for a more... ominous glow.

[armadilloben]

wow..... thats alot of fans. i mean wow u its gonna sound like a wind tunnel dude!

I LOVE IT

[SgtM]

Very nice plans man! I'm looking forward to seeing more progress. +rep

BTW, what 3d modeling program did you use?

[NocturnaL]

Wow those are some verrrry nice models. I need to start messing around with modeling so i can plan my **** better. Could you hook me up with a link as to what you use? Thx.

[|wm|]

thanks for the positive response all. I'm way excited to get started.

dgrmkrp: Actually the original design was WC'd. I eventully pulled away from the idea because of cost and reliability issues. Water cooling dual prosessor systems really adds up. Also I've never done a WC and I'm sure I'll screw it up, which I really can't afford to do concidering I need the system for work. Howuuuuver...I think the system I'm using right now (HIVE) would be a prime candidate for WC once I've got Origami up and running. OC those old xeons and cool em with water...we'll see

armadilloben: I'm a little worried about the fan noise too. 3 things: 1) thick acrylic is a good insulator of sound and case is well sealed. 2) 120 are pretty low noise as it, and I'll be running them at a lower RPM 3) I need really good fans. That being said. Anyone have any suggestions. I was looking at these, but I can't find anyone with any in stock: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5229/fan-258/SilenX_120x120x25mm_-_11dBA_-_46CFM_iXtrema_Pro_Fan_IXP-74-11.html?tl=g36c15s550&id=BM23b4Fy
Anyone know where to find them? or something better...that isn't $20 each

The models were all done in 3d Studio Max V7. It's pretty robust and has a ton a features I don't understand. Modeling a case is pretty easy though...basically just boxes with different materials and skins applied. V7 isn't the current version, but it seems to work fine for me. Check your local torrent server for further details. This is first case I've designed in a 3d program, and I really can't recommend it enough. The version you're seeing is about the 5th-6th one. You really learn alot about how you're about to screw up all that plastic when you can look at the thing from every angle. An early version had all (well most) the wiring rendered...but then I felt like a freak and deleted it...but you could take it this far.

nocturnal: love your sig graphic

I'm ordering parts this week. Please keep feedback coming.

[FyreKnight]

That model is awesome ... I'm looking forward to watching this worklog progress!! Fabulous design, nice clean look!! I wish I could work acrylic like that.

+rep fer sure!!

Peace

FyreKnight

[tybrenis]

That's some grat work you're doing, I really am looking forward to seeing this get done. I am sucker for acrylic myself, and I have always wanted to do a case just like this - looks like you beat me to it. There's nothing cooler than a black acrylic case done well.

Good luck with it, it looks very promising. +Rep!

[Cool1Net6]

This is the first case where the 3D model of the case left me speechless. It is extremely elegant. The color scheme is fantastic, the exterior design is artistic, and the overall look really fits the name. If the exterior design lights up and looks anything like the case you built for a friend, it will be stunning. Its sleek, minimalistic, and I like the clever and unique fan setup.

I agree with Slug Toy's recommendation for improving weight. For example, in the fan vent layer, behind the actual slits that form the fan vent, you could remove a large square chunk of acrylic. It wont show because it will be sandwiched between 2 other complete sheets of acrylic, so the side panels will now have a space of air between them. Just an idea...

I have one question, however. It seems that the outermost layer of acrylic will hold the design in the reverse-engraving style, but what about the other interior layers? Will the fan vent layer and innermost layer also be painted that way, or will they be clear?

Again, fantastic work. I am definitely following this project.

-Cool-

[dgrmkrp]

I'm a little worried about the fan noise too. 3 things: 1) thick acrylic is a good insulator of sound and case is well sealed. 2) 120 are pretty low noise as it, and I'll be running them at a lower RPM 3) I need really good fans. That being said. Anyone have any suggestions. I was looking at these, but I can't find anyone with any in stock: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/52...50&id=BM23b4Fy
Anyone know where to find them? or something better...that isn't $20 each
i've searched for silenX fans.. very nice specs... i remember i've seen some on vouyeurmods.. long time ago.. what i find now: expensive stuff...

so, considering the fans won't be seen... i know a nice place that helped in buying my case.. and they are serious about their silent pcs... ;) linky (http://www.silentpcreview.com/article695-page1.html)
here you can find quiet fans, you can choose which one you like and pair them (need 6 of them, right?) with a nice fan controller (if u want one..) or hard-wire them to work at your needed voltage~speed..

about the w/c.. this time maybe you can't do it... but you could plan for it.. a designer makes bucks quickly (hopefully, as that's what i wanna be..) so maybe in the near future you'll have the finances.. (i'm just going thru some prices at performancepcs.. 2x59$ xeon apogee block, 95$ a triple slim radiator, 80$ for a nice swiftech pump plus tubing and a reservoir of choice.. ~ 300$.. it's less expensive than a pair of Clovertons ;).. and you shouldn't be afraid of messing it up, as there is plenty of help here :)) it would be a downer if u could afford it and not have the space.. sure, you could modd it again.. but if u have max :D... this design is absolutely glorious! i'm not saying you should watercool it.. but maybe plan for it? and keep a backdoor open? :)

on another note (yes, i am a cooling freak), if you wanna go air.. are u sure the stock heatsinks are efficient enough? i've googled "xeon stock cooler" and i either got replacements for or small images of a copper block with a smallish fan on it.. as you've used them before, u should know best about their noise and cooling power characteristics (i had a brief contact with a dual xeon server once, but it was noisy as hell.. worked full-load 24/7 tho).. funny enough, there aren't many air coolers out there for xeons (one nice swiftech that looks like a hedgehog, a smallish thermalright and some small noisy 1U coolers).. what did strike me was that the CM (120 and 80mm fan versions) aquagate is xeon compatible... that's water again... eerm.. so, i'm gonna quit my rant and go have a nice afternoon nap :):bunny: happy modding!

[armadilloben]

thanks for the positive response all. I'm way excited to get started.

dgrmkrp: Actually the original design was WC'd. I eventully pulled away from the idea because of cost and reliability issues. Water cooling dual prosessor systems really adds up. Also I've never done a WC and I'm sure I'll screw it up, which I really can't afford to do concidering I need the system for work. Howuuuuver...I think the system I'm using right now (HIVE) would be a prime candidate for WC once I've got Origami up and running. OC those old xeons and cool em with water...we'll see

armadilloben: I'm a little worried about the fan noise too. 3 things: 1) thick acrylic is a good insulator of sound and case is well sealed. 2) 120 are pretty low noise as it, and I'll be running them at a lower RPM 3) I need really good fans. That being said. Anyone have any suggestions. I was looking at these, but I can't find anyone with any in stock: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5229/fan-258/SilenX_120x120x25mm_-_11dBA_-_46CFM_iXtrema_Pro_Fan_IXP-74-11.html?tl=g36c15s550&id=BM23b4Fy
Anyone know where to find them? or something better...that isn't $20 each

The models were all done in 3d Studio Max V7. It's pretty robust and has a ton a features I don't understand. Modeling a case is pretty easy though...basically just boxes with different materials and skins applied. V7 isn't the current version, but it seems to work fine for me. Check your local torrent server for further details. This is first case I've designed in a 3d program, and I really can't recommend it enough. The version you're seeing is about the 5th-6th one. You really learn alot about how you're about to screw up all that plastic when you can look at the thing from every angle. An early version had all (well most) the wiring rendered...but then I felt like a freak and deleted it...but you could take it this far.

nocturnal: love your sig graphic

I'm ordering parts this week. Please keep feedback coming.

the stock fans in my tt armor case are silent and at radioshack the 120mms are only like10-15$

[DaveW]

Slick dude, +Rep!

-Dave

[|wm|]

dgrmkrp: thanks for the good fan advice. That's a really nice review. I can't stand searching for fan reviews because of 6 billion out there, most are crap. Those guys did some good tests. I think i might go with the Noctua fans they recommeded. Really nice specs, but good god why did they pick that color. What is that? eggplant and 1988 crayola flesh crayon... Ehhh, that's what vinyl dye is for right?

Good call on removing those big blocks of wasted weight on the vent plates. Must do.

The WC question is still negs with me. Although I've never had one, I think WC systems become more like a pet than a reliable tool. (not that I don't love my dog) We'll see about turning the old system into a WC pet, and if that goes well, this one can certainly be modified later. Nice thing about this designer and hardware is it's very modular and I could add WC elements by just changing out one or two panels. Also the stock HS on xeons are massive. The current ones weigh so much they have to be bolted to the case (they'd tear through a MB). I'd still to try one of the improved HS, but I can't find enough info I'm comfortable with. Some say they're compatable with the socket, but they don't actually test to see if you could put two of the side by side. Just means I'll wait till I get the board in and look it over first.

[dgrmkrp]

What is that? eggplant and 1988 crayola flesh crayon... Ehhh, that's what vinyl dye is for right?
:) that's why i wanted to make sure they were hidden =) weird colors.. maybe they affect noise ;) and scare it away :)

you are absolutely right about the cooler and waiting till you can see what the actual tolerances are :) so, patience is a virtue :) i usually can't wait and search the entire net for specs and sizes then try to digitize all that crap and see if it could fit.. if it doesn't, i have to see why.. take a lot of time when it starts.. must.. stay.. away.. from.. my retailer's.. parts list.. :)

[luciusad2004]

Awesome design. I love the minimalistic look of it. This looks very promising and i cant wait to see how this turns out. +rep

[NocturnaL]

indeed, this looks like its going to turn out well. Thanks for the feedback on the modeling, ill look into it ;)

[jaxspades]

WOW. Nice skills on the 3d art. I'm amazed. Simply Stunning. I like how everything is stealthed, and it is minimalist--yet beautiful. Wow.

Interesting ideas with the fans, and I have to ask--how long have you been doing 3d art now? This is just too great. +1 rep.

[Seven]

Hey |wm|,

I was a big fan of your last project (Hive) way way way back when it was posted on Xoxide Forums (i went by Fyberwire over there). It's good to see you back with even more innovative ideas.

I really do like the idea of the acrylic vents, those are sweet. They might be a bit hard to clean though if you live in a particularly dusty enviornment, but I think you'll handle it.

Looks great, keep up the good work.
7

[Reyer]

Thats amazing looking, i cant wait

[Problemchild49]

I love the design and colour. Excellent 3D
I have used the silenx 80mm fans, very quiet. I bought from this location, it's near. http://www.bigfootcomputers.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1035&Category_Code=700.22
They seem to alwasy have them in stock.

[|wm|]

Hey all. Here’s the first official progress update on Origami. Sorry the for the delay, but I had nothing ordered when I posted those plans. (this is not a bad thing, it’s good to sit on your plans for bit before you start pushing the button on 100’s of dollars of materials…)

Fans and switches are in.

http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/fans.jpg

So the only things more ugly than a Noctua fan is SIX Noctua fans! These things are top notch quality, but painfully ugly. I’ll get a can of vinyl dye to them shortly. Big thanks to Moddersmart.com for having the sense to carry these and for shipping them out.

The vandal resistant switches will be used for the power/reset. I originally planned to put them on the back (how often to you really use those buttons), but these switches are just too hot, so they’ll find a home on the front panel. Anyone ever use these before? There are four connectors on the bottom; I assume two are for the switch and two are to power the blue led on the inside. I’m just not sure which is which. Also no sure how I’m going to power the led.
The connections are arranged like this:
+|?
-----
?|-
http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/switches.jpg

Also got my fancy aluminum hardware in from Gyford. These kind of things make me very happy.
http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/gyfords.jpg
Here’s the edge of the extrusions used on to hold the corners of the box together
http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/untapped.jpg
You can see the two channels used the hold the edges of the box there. Also notice the center hole is not tapped. The vender wanted another 50 bucks to tap those for me, so I value engineered and decided to do it on my own. This is a manual die and tap set:
http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/tapset.jpg
Basically you just screw one of those drill bit looking pieces (tap) down in to the hole which treads the inside. The very hard part here is to keep it straight. My technique is lubricate the tap (silicone spray) then crank in a 1quarter turn, rotate the piece being tapped, and repeat. This lets you keep adjusting the tap to make sure it’s going in straight. It’s actually pretty tricky and I’m sure there’s a better way, but it worked for me.

Now for the plastic. Spent hours at the shop last night engraving the graphic side panels and the one of the vent panels. The plan on the vent panels is to go as big as I can. I’m shooting for 1”. Problem being 1” acrylic way to expensive for me. I’ve scavenged up a large piece of scrap 1” but it’s 16” x 48”. That won’t make one 20”x20” vent panel. I’m going to make one panel out of this in two pieces and seem them back together. I’ll use this for the left side vent which is actually painted black around the edges. Hopefully that will hide the seem. I’ll make the right vent panel out of (4) pieces of ¼” clear acrylic (thus 1”) and glue all the panels together. This panel is clear on the edges and there is no way to make them look like one solid piece, but I think the 4 even layers will still look very nice.

Here’s a shot of both engraves working. One is on the graphic panel the other (with heavy router head) cutting the ¼” acrylic for the vent.
http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/engravers.jpg

Even equipment this nice has it’s problems. The router is so strong it vibrates the “fingers” on the vent, and this causes the edges to chip because the pieces is bouncing around. There are 21 fingers per vent (times 4 panels) this is a lot of cutting

http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/ventcutting.jpg
http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/mess.jpg

Here’s a tight shot of the chipped edges…grrr

http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/badedge.jpg

Fortunately no one will ever see those parts. All the outside edges are very clean and smooth. They’ll get a proper flame polish this week.

I took the suggestion to do a little weight reduction on the vents. I took out a large chuck in the middle. Each ¼” panel weighs 7 lbs. The chuck I took out weighs 4 lbs. The other side made of solid 1” should weight the same so that just saved me 32 lbs! (but this is still going to be a very heavy case). Here’s all four panels. They still need to be cleaned, glued and polished on the edges. I’ll be working on the solid 1” panel later this week.

http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/4panels.jpg
http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/thick.jpg
The graphic panels also had some mixed results. Just so you know it took about and hour and half to take my original vector drawings and prep them for engraving. The koi on the top panel took the most work. I started the two large panels 9:30 pm and they were still cutting at 2:30 when I walked out. Here’s the engraver doing it’s thing

http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/engraver.jpg

Basically what’s happening is the engraver is loaded with a fine tipped conical bit. It just goes back and forth filling in the shapes I give it on the computer. (like you would color in a coloring book…if you’re into that sort of thing) The blade is cutting through a thin layer of black on the back side of the material, which is clear except for that thin layer.

http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/engraving.jpg

All this was going very well, until I walked in this morning. (FYI, these engraver run unattended all the time) It seems at some point in the last hour of engraving the machine decided to die. Basically just stopped as it was almost finished. The right side panel was done, but it still has a few wavy lines for the left


This sucks, but I think I can save it. I hand cut the pieces out from the larger sheet. I checked them against the vent panels, and I actually got them out square and correct size. I’ll just need to round the corners and add holes for the end caps. I should be able to put the left panel back on the engraver to finish the missing lines…once it gets working again. That said, the graphic panels are going to look great. This will give you an idea of what the light will look like coming through them.

http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/lightpanel.jpg
http://doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070114/matte-surface.jpg

that's all for now. Thanks for the great advice. I'm wiped....

[OvRiDe]

Well Duh!! I see your problem... That equipment is TOTALLY wrong for what you are doing.. The way I see it.. you should do some research and get some better equipment so those little problems don't happen.. THEN ship all that stuff to me so you won't me tempted to use it and mess up any important pieces..

:D

Just kidding!! Very nice .. From design to production, I am REALLY looking forward to seeing this project come together. Keep up the Great Work!!!

[JRSCAcura]

Wish I had access to all that fancy equpiment. The end results look sick nice job, can't wait to see the end results.

[slytherock]

Look like I'm getting jealous of a lot of members in here. Really nice job, cool tools too.

+rep for the nice tutorial on tools I will never have access... lol

[NocturnaL]

Wow, those plexi cuts look very nice. I want one of those routers badly, i saw a tutorial on how to make one, but i dont got that kind of dough lol

[tybrenis]

How, this project is really looking sweet. I have always wanted to do something like this, painting clear acrylic black on one side and then engraving out patterns. Did you buy the acrylic like that or paint it yourself?

Nocturnal: soon I'll be making everyone jealous with my home built cnc router, just like the one seen here.... It'll be big enough to cut out whole computer cases!

[EPYK]

i have used the Vandal Proof switches before.
the + and - are for the LED, be careful the led will probably only use 3 volts or so so if you hook it up to anything higher than 3.4 volts you'll probably need a resistor. the other 2 connectors are for the SPST momentary switch, there is no polarity here so just do what ever you want

[|wm|]

Look like I'm getting jealous of a lot of members in here. Really nice job, cool tools too.

+rep for the nice tutorial on tools I will never have access... lol

Thanks. I admit this isn't stuff everyone has access too, but don't sell yourself short either. Those vent panels could have been made with a table saw and hand-held router...thing about it. You could actually cut all 4 panels at once that way. I did it this way because it let me do other things while the machine was running (and it's a bit cooler). You could get a simular effect to the graphic panels by starting with a piece of clear acrylic and then painting it like a graffiti stencil in reverse. I guess the point here is just to be inspired and get there how ever you can. I don't really thing tools are limiting of a factor.


Hey |wm|,

I was a big fan of your last project (Hive) way way way back when it was posted on Xoxide Forums (i went by Fyberwire over there). It's good to see you back with even more innovative ideas.

I really do like the idea of the acrylic vents, those are sweet. They might be a bit hard to clean though if you live in a particularly dusty enviornment, but I think you'll handle it.

Looks great, keep up the good work.
7

Thanks 7...glad to know someone else is getting older. I live in NM, which is very dusty. I'm still not sure what to use for filtering the vents. I was thinking panty-hose over the fans, or some white scotch-brite material at the ends of the vent finger (over the fan). The former would require cutting it into strips to fit the fingers, that's 42 total...so I think I'll just filter the fans. The vents are completely removeable (like the exploded renderings) so they should actually be pretty easy to clean.


i have used the Vandal Proof switches before.
the + and - are for the LED, be careful the led will probably only use 3 volts or so so if you hook it up to anything higher than 3.4 volts you'll probably need a resistor. the other 2 connectors are for the SPST momentary switch, there is no polarity here so just do what ever you want

thanks for confirming that. I just find a way to alter one of the regular molex connectors to power these guys. What is SPST?


How, this project is really looking sweet. I have always wanted to do something like this, painting clear acrylic black on one side and then engraving out patterns. Did you buy the acrylic like that or paint it yourself?

Nocturnal: soon I'll be making everyone jealous with my home built cnc router, just like the one seen here.... It'll be big enough to cut out whole computer cases!

This stuff comes that way. It's not really painted, it's a thin layer of black fused to the a piece of clear. See comment above, there would be nothing wrong with painting clear and engraving it off, masking it while painting, or just scratch it off by hand (like a scratch board from art class). Also you could do a applied vinyl graphics (like you see on car windows) and use those as a paint mask. Vinyl shops are really competative and price pretty low these days.



Thanks all for the feedback. The engraver I broke will be back to full health on Weds. I think i might take another crack at the graphic panels to make sure they're perfect. Also should start ordering the actual COMPUTER that lives in side this thing soon.

[Maz]

SPST- (single pole single throw) its a term for switches and how they operate, ie function.

[|wm|]

Another weekend working on origami

The goal was to recut the graphic panels that got jacked last weekend (when the engraver asploded), complete the vent panels and to a test fit to see how close to crazy I am.

I spent some time optimizing my files for the graphic panels, and recut those with success. No pics of the process, but you’ll see the results in a bit.

Vent panels we’re the main fabrication focus. I wanted to make two 1” thick vents, but I had a bunch of ¼” acrylic a 16” x 48” piece of 1” thick. Last post saw me cutting (4) ¼” panels. I’m going to glue all those together. For the 1”, I’d just have to make the panel in two parts and join it in the middle.

Making a 1” panel. Please keep in mind that this panel only needs to be clear to get light out to the graphic panels on outside of the box. This is going to be ugly

Meet Mr. Weld-On.
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/weldon.jpg
Weld On is a water-thin acrylic glue readily available from any plastic vendor. Chemically it’s almost acrylic. It glues things by stealing a few molecules from the acrylic you apply it to, and turns it’s self into acrylic. In skilled hands it makes very strong almost invisible bonds. Uhhh, that’s no me, but no one can see the glued areas in the finished case. To make the 1” panel, I stacked the four ¼” panels and glued the hell out of them.
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/glueflood.jpg
Basically just flood the top of the panel with weld on, then stick the next panel on top.
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/gluefinger.jpg
The vent fingers hand to be glued individually. This is easy because the glue is so thin and comes out of a needle applicator.
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/glueedge.jpg
Once all four panel we glued together, I ran a line of glue down the seem of all the edges. Water-thin adhesives will flow into the tiniest openings. (actually called capillary action) This just made sure I got a good bond all the way to the edges. As you can see, it makes the acrylic pretty ugly.
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/gluefinish.jpg

For the 1” acrylic, I had the vent cut as two pieces and then joined in the middle with a plate
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/leftpanel.jpg
You might notice on face is pretty ugly. The piece of 1 inch I had was really old and the masking paper had stuck to it. I had to sand off the paper residue. This really isn’t important because you only ever see this piece from the edge. (and the edge is flame polished and damn pretty)

To increase the strength of this part I didn’t have the vent fingers cut all the way through.
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/leftpanel-d.jpg

I also had two of these parts made. It’s like a mini version of the large vent panel made for one 120mm fan. I don’t really have any plans for them, but had some extra room on the piece I was cutting. Hotness!

http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/minivent.jpg

Also assembled the fan mount panels. This are 1/16 clear with 120mm holes in them. I powered up one of the Noctua fans, and I was blown away. These are the quietest fans I’ve ever (not) heard. I couldn’t hear it over the fans in my current computer. I’ve got no worry about putting 6 of these a computer…it’s not going to be loud. Also I think the 90 degree vent will do a lot to dampen any noise from inside the case. Noctua also provides these neat little rubber mounting pins for the fans. I assume these cut down on vibration.
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/fanpanel.jpg
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/fanmount.jpg
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/fantug.jpg

Last step before the test assembly was to paint the channel gaskets for the corner pieces. This is “U” shaped rubber gasket the grippes the ¼” material used in the top/front/bottom/back panels and then slips into the 3/8” channels in the corner pieces. It only comes in grey, so I used some vinyl dye to paint it.
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/corner.jpg
This is how it works in the corner piece
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/assemblyhalf.jpg
As you can see this is going to leave the system very well sealed. That’s good considering I want positive air pressure.

http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/testfit-right.jpg
The test fit went very well. Everything fits and I’m a happy boy. Even with all the modeling, I didn’t realize how big this thing really is. The thick side panels give this buff look to the box. I like it!
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/testfit-left.jpg
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/testfit-top.jpg

The array of circles is a semi-passive vent. The Silverstone PSU I’ll be using has a 120 that blows straight up. The holes vent the hot air from the PSU and pull out any heat trapped at the top of the case

http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/20070123/big.jpg
WAY BIG
I do have some concerns. I hooked up a test PSU to test the fans and lightingThe 90 degree vents are a little fussy. They actually seem to exhaust air better with the fans running at 5v instead of 12v. I think the 12v pushes more air than the vent can move, so it “bounces” air back into the case. I’ll need to test this more once the case and content are more complete. Any thoughts? The intake side seemed fine and pulled a healthy amount of air in. The side panles don’t seem to diffuse as much light as I thought. I tested with 2 (there will be 6) lights and you could make out shadows of the fans on the graphic panel. I might need to sand the acrylic layer more or sandblast it to make it scatter the light more.

Well that’s all for this update. Questions? Ideas?

[Seven]

Looking great so far. I can't help but say I'm totally floored by the craftsmanship behind the project. This reminds me of the first time I saw your Hive mod, and the first time I had to wipe up a puddle of drool from my desk.

I can't help but contain my envy as I look at it, it just looks too cool. Those fans are truly great, I'm probably going to pick up a few for my next project.

In terms of a few suggestions/comments...

-Dust shouldn't be that bad, I can just see some unsightly accumulation over time in those channels. I think it should be okay for now, but cleaning should be a simple yearly process in any case (no pun intended).

-You're probably encountering some resistance from pushing so much air through such a little opening. 5v should work and should be a bit quieter without doing a major redesign.

It's looking great so far. Where's mine?
7

[OvRiDe]

Lian Shmian .. Now THAT is a case.. Talk about delivered as advertised!! Very nice work. Looking forward to the seeing the rest fall into place.

[slytherock]

This concept leave me breathless everytime. I really love your idea :up: +rep

[ReignInPain]

That looks awesome so far! Can't wait to see it lit up. Very nice idea, well executed!! +rep

[Crimson Sky]

That's an excellent scratch built case!

[agnat]

Along with everyone else - I am floored! That is an awesome concept and what you are creating is fantastic!! Thanks for sharing with us not only your creativity but genius.
Did you also do the Super Hornet that is featured in the February 2007 Maximum PC? It looks so similar to the Hive.
Again thanks for showing us your skills.

Agnat

[DaveW]

Wow man. Just...wow. That's one the best builds i've seen in a long time. +Rep for everything, this is off the charts.

-Dave

[Silenced_Coyote]

Great work. I love it! I can't wait till you post pictures of it all lighted up.

Concerning the fans:
Would it be possible that the fans don't have enough pressure? Which may cause the air to "bounce" back?

Or could it be the design of the vents? Maybe a fan like the one found on the Nvidia 8800GTX would be better suited with your vent design?
http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/14-130-078-03.jpg

[Zephik]

Congratulations, you do beautiful work!

[sirkillalot617]

wow just wow love the fish

[|wm|]

Looking great so far. I can't help but say I'm totally floored by the craftsmanship behind the project. This reminds me of the first time I saw your Hive mod, and the first time I had to wipe up a puddle of drool from my desk.

I can't help but contain my envy as I look at it, it just looks too cool. Those fans are truly great, I'm probably going to pick up a few for my next project.

In terms of a few suggestions/comments...

-Dust shouldn't be that bad, I can just see some unsightly accumulation over time in those channels. I think it should be okay for now, but cleaning should be a simple yearly process in any case (no pun intended).

-You're probably encountering some resistance from pushing so much air through such a little opening. 5v should work and should be a bit quieter without doing a major redesign.

It's looking great so far. Where's mine?
7

Thanks 7, yours is in the mail. Actually I've made 500 hundred of them and I'm sending them to everyone with a numeric name...because I like that.

Actually i'm considering a way to manufacture something like that minivent as a bolt on part, but that's a ways out.

Those fans are great, but they are soooo ugly. Respect for Noctua for marketing something so ugly it could be iconic. I'm still wondering how I'm going to filter the vents. Any suggestion?


Along with everyone else - I am floored! That is an awesome concept and what you are creating is fantastic!! Thanks for sharing with us not only your creativity but genius.
Did you also do the Super Hornet that is featured in the February 2007 Maximum PC? It looks so similar to the Hive.
Again thanks for showing us your skills.

Agnat

hmmm, nope that's not me, but the simularities are there. I'm not saying Hive got copied, it's a pretty obvious design if you want a hive/bee/wasp's nest themed case. Wicked dual WC'd cards on that system. So how do you get in Maxium PC anyway?


Great work. I love it! I can't wait till you post pictures of it all lighted up.

Concerning the fans:
Would it be possible that the fans don't have enough pressure? Which may cause the air to "bounce" back?

Or could it be the design of the vents? Maybe a fan like the one found on the Nvidia 8800GTX would be better suited with your vent design?
http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/14-130-078-03.jpg

That fan would be perfect. I had a slot cooler fan like that (with the blades perpendicular to the spin axis) That would be the way to do it, but I couldn't find a fan like that in 120mm. Also I noticed my slot cooler fan really hated to be turned on it's side. I kinda figured on this, but I think with 6 of those guys blowing, i'll get enough airflow even at reduced effincy.

Anyone know the voltage that commonly comes off the HD activity led on a mobo header. I was thinking it would be nice to power the LED in the switches of the HD activity indicator...or at least use that make the light blink .

[Seven]

The problem with the filtration system is that I can't figure out a way of making an adequate filter without ruining the light diffusion from the system.

Honestly I would have fabricated a little (well not really) plate for a big piece of mesh to fit into (like plastic spongy stuff that they use on newer Lian-Lis) and just strapped that to the side panel. I don't know. I think it might work if you have the interior of your case glowing like Three Mile Island, but I'm not sure.

I'm not sure about rig of the month and how to get it, probably a simple e-mail, but this is just incredible and totally worthy of the distinction. I'd check a few back issues of MaxPC that I have lying around, but I have a lot of school work and just wanted to get my ideas out before I return to studying.

Anyway, keep up the good work and start building mine, hahaha.
7

[agnat]

Rig of the month entry for Maximum PC...

http://www.maximumpc.com/2006/02/enter_rig_of_th.html - this is basically what it says...
TO ENTER: Your submission packet must contain your name, street address, and daytime phone number; no fewer than three high-res JPEGs (minimum size 1024x768) of your modified PC; and a 300-word description of what your PC represents and how it was modified. Emailed submissions should be sent to rig@maximumpc.com. Snail mail submissions should be sent to Rig of the Month, c/o Maximum PC, 4000 Shoreline Court, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080.
The judges will be Maximum PC editors, and they will base their decision on the following criteria: creativity and craftsmanship.

[LiTHiUM0XiD3]

filtration is as simple as a womans under garments.......... pantyhose.....
use the white variation and it wont rly kill the light effects......and it also will filter out the crap very nicely
mounting methods r up to u heh
alota ppl who have used it tho use some sort of wire... to make a frame for it

[|wm|]

filtration is as simple as a womans under garments.......... pantyhose.....
use the white variation and it wont rly kill the light effects......and it also will filter out the crap very nicely
mounting methods r up to u heh
alota ppl who have used it tho use some sort of wire... to make a frame for it

yups, that's what I'm thinking. I'll just make up some sort of retainer to slip between the fan and the mount panel. Now how to sneak into the wif's skimpy drawer with out her noticing....

[Drac998]

filtration is as simple as a womans under garments.......... pantyhose.....
use the white variation and it wont rly kill the light effects......and it also will filter out the crap very nicely
mounting methods r up to u heh
alota ppl who have used it tho use some sort of wire... to make a frame for it


yups, that's what I'm thinking. I'll just make up some sort of retainer to slip between the fan and the mount panel. Now how to sneak into the wif's skimpy drawer with out her noticing....

Actually it work that well with your setup.
http://www.doglatin.org/modlatin/origami/exploded.jpg

Pantyhose tends to be a very shear material that allows alot of things pass through easily while keeping things like debris out, whether your using it to filter air, paints or oils. However when you take that same pantyhose and have those same materials approach it at an angle; the pantyhose will actually deflect a high percentage of it.

So with your setup the pantyhose will act more as a barrier then a filter only because of the angle your vents/grills are set and the positioning of your fans. What I would suggest is that you either angle your fans so they push/pull more air or angle the pantyfilters(copyrighted by me! :P) so they enclose the fans from the rear. So the fans can pull the air through your grill/vents and the debris being caught as the air enters the case.

The frame chimera refers to is simply wire clothes hangers. Easily shaped and allows you to slip the pantyhose on over without messing them up with glues or burning them with hot glues.

Thats my 2 cents about it. Hope it helps you.