CS:S - CounterStrike:Server

[.Maleficus.]

Hello my friends! I'm here to start up a new project. As the name suggests, this will be a CounterStrike server. If anyone saw my thread for a Dual P3 server, that was what this was going to be. Unfortunately, I didn't win the auction for the server mobo/CPU/RAM so I'm back to square one. I've got a few parts already that will be going into this (512MB RAM, 9Gb HDD, PSU if it is powerful enough among other things) but I also need to buy some more stuff. If you're curious, here is a list of what I'm hoping for. It is a lot of small things (in size, not importance) because I want this to be as discrete and out-of-the-way as possible. Anyways...

Mini Itx Mobo + 1GHz CPU
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813181016

PSU (if I can't use the one I have laying around)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817103428

Wireless Mouse
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16826105042

Slim Keyboard
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16823201016

Now, you're probably looking at this saying, "Wow, that's going to be underpowered for a server.." but no worries, this will be a server for CS 1.6 with ~4-10 people in it tops. It will also be running Xubuntu (http://www.xubuntu.org/) because it is a lighter weight OS.

So, on to the case. For this, I will be using 2 or 3 (depending on size needs) replica ammo cases I found at a local liquidator store. Pretty good size cases for $5 each. Nice :up: . I will also be using tinted plexi if I can find it, and if not just sprayed black plexi. The plexi will be mostly for covering gaps were the cases don't meet and for fabbing mounting stuff (HDD cage, etc.). Anyways, here are some concept pictures I quickly drew.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/CSSFront.jpg

Image explanation. Front and Back of case. This is pretty much what the cases look like, though I did draw them from memory. I'm not sure what the thing on the end is (left side of picture), but I like it. It is a perfect place to stick a fan (X-ray view on right side) because they hide it well and are lifted off the case a little. The fans will have dust filters too :up: . The cases are also more Olive-green, I just didn't have an olive colored pencil :rolleyes: . You can see where the plexi will be used (right down the center).

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/CSSSide.jpg

Image explanation. One side of case. Pretty much the case side. I will be spraying on the CounterStrike logo on one side and the words "CounterStrike" on the other.

Black and Olive-green are the main colors of this case. The mouse and keyboard will be painted accordingly. And, if I can find one, I will be putting a screen on the top inside of the case (it will open like a chest, and the screen will be mounted there) because I want this to be an all-in-one sort of box. And in case you were wondering, I will be putting some plexi over the open area of the chest (giving it a covering of sorts) where the keyboard and mouse will be able to be used. I wish I had the cases and parts so I could explain some of this better, but I'm at a lack of funds ATM (though a paycheck and video card sale will be in the very near future).

Feedback is always welcome!

Maleficus.

[SgtM]

Those plans sound good. Can't wait to see you kick this off.

[armadilloben]

"PSU (if I can't use the one I have laying around)
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817103428"

dude forget that thing use one of those pico psu thingys! http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813995001

i like the idea though even though im sure cs has been done before

[.Maleficus.]

Those plans sound good. Can't wait to see you kick this off.
Thanks man! I'm going to draw out a few more plans today, one for the monitor and one for the keyboard and mouse rest.

"PSU (if I can't use the one I have laying around)
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817103428"

dude forget that thing use one of those pico psu thingys! http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813995001

i like the idea though even though im sure cs has been done before
I would use a PSU like that, but I'm trying to keep this under $220, so I don't have the money to spend on that.

[.Maleficus.]

Like I said I would, here is another picture. Hopefully you'll be able to see how the screen and keyboard/mouse will be set up.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/CSSFull.jpg

The black around the screen is plexi. That is also what the mouse and keyboard will be sitting on.

Sorry about the image quality... Shaky picture-taking hands + image resizing = poor quality...

Also, my dad told me there was a military surplus store right near our house! I'm going to go check and see what they have there before I buy the cases I found at the other store. Who knows, maybe I'll find more stuff for this mod!

Maleficus.

[SgtM]

What kind of ammo cases are you using for this? .50 cal, 5.56mm 7.62mm?

[.Maleficus.]

What kind of ammo cases are you using for this? .50 cal, 5.56mm 7.62mm?
Honestly, I don't have any idea lol. If I use the ones I found before, they are just replica generic ammo looking cases. Probably 6"x12" if that helps.

I'm going to see if I can persuade my mom to take me to this military store. (I know I said it was close by, but it's -20º here!) If I find something that interests me more, I'll probably get those, but if not, I'll get the other ones, maybe even as soon as tomorrow.

[jdbnsn]

I like the idea, and your sketches. Have you considered building model of a military foot locker to use as your case? The handles would make for a nice lan-party convenience...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f395/jdbnsn/misc/footlocker1.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f395/jdbnsn/misc/imagesCA8Z82PG.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f395/jdbnsn/misc/rotomouldcp3.jpg

[.Maleficus.]

That's kinda the idea, I'm just using ammo boxes because that's what I saw first and what inspired this mod lol. I was planning on using the handles on top of the boxes as carrying handles too.

And the last picture you posted is what is should sorta be like. It will open like that, then on that top part will be the monitor, and above the opening will be a rest for the keyboard and mouse.

I should be able to get to that military store tomorrow (couldn't today, I'm pretty sick) and I'll post back with my findings (if any).

Also, watch for a special surprise in the future! All I will say now is that it will involve one of those remote control type mice ;).

[simon275]

Holy crap jdbnsn that is my current project. I am currently shopping for a footlocker or a large ammo case. I already have the computer parts to go in it.

[SgtM]

Mal, check your PM's.

[.Maleficus.]

Update.

Well, this isn't much of an update, but it's sorta a funny one.

I was sitting on my computer and my mom comes running in and tells me to not use the water, we might have a burst pipe. I went to the basement to look, and there was water everywhere. Or, at least, everywhere where my old computer stuff is. Great. All over the PSU I was going to use. All over an old CPU and heatsink. All over some cases. Thankfully it missed the parts, but now I will be buying a new PSU to go with the build.

And I also decided I'm going to put Gentoo on this. Since I can install only what I want on it, I won't have things like GIMP and OpenOffice.org taking up space and not being used.

On a happier note, school was canceled for us today, so I can get more done on this, and hopefully hit up some of the stores I was taking about. More later.

[LiTHiUM0XiD3]

why do that??? just let it dry out..... give it like a week and it should be worthy of use again...
lolz my bud sent a few motherboards thro the dishwasher to clean em..... as have i..... st00pid dust..... and we let em dry..... worked fine....

[.Maleficus.]

Update.

I just got home with 2 50 cal. ammo cases, and some paint. I'm going to do some measuring, look at the plexi I have, and start some plans for mobo tray, HDD cage, etc. I have the PSU in how I would like it, and I have to say, the hardware should fit pretty nicely inside these.

I have some pictures taken, but Photobucket is being really slow right now and I can't upload pics. I'll try again later or after work, so check back soon.

[simon275]

Tell me how it goes all the 50cal ammo containers I good get my hands on where to small.

[.Maleficus.]

Tell me how it goes all the 50cal ammo containers I good get my hands on where to small.
It shouldn't be much of a problem for me. Like I said, I'm using a Mini-Itx board, no CD drive (except for Gentoo install), and everything else I need is pretty much on the board. Video, ethernet, sound, all that I have covered. I just need a PSU and hard drive in there, and I have both sitting in one of them right now. The mobo is about 6.5" I think, and I've got a good 7.5-8", so it'll be tight, but doable. Photobucket is still being a d-bag, so I guess I'll just try tomorrow.

[.Maleficus.]

Alright, Photobucket is letting me upload, so here are those pics. of the cases I bought.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0030.jpg

This is just one of the cases sitting by itself (doh!).

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0031.jpg

This is both cases sitting together showing how the computer will look when it is closed.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0032.jpg

This is both cases opened. This is how it will look opened, and how the PSU will be mounted. The inside walls of both cases will be cut out, plexi will be used to cover the gaps in the cases, and the hard drive cage will be mounted next to the PSU. I found a 14" screen on TigerDirect that I think will just fit on the inside-top of the cases.

Now, all I need to do is get the rest of the money I need and order the parts. More later.

[.Maleficus.]

Update.

So, I did some more work today. Here are some pics.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0033.jpg

I took the tops off of the cases.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0034.jpg

Masked off areas to be cut.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0038.jpg

Second cut down the side (it actually isn't as bad as it looks, I'm just a bad picture taker :p). I cut the bottom edge first to get the hang of the cutting, and then I cut the front edge. The backside still needs to be cut, but I lost interest shortly after starting because it's too cold outside to cut accurately for very long.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0036.jpg

And, I bought a heat gun.

Well, I'll update more tomorrow. As for now, good bye.

[Foxtrot9000]

your idea is awesome. sounds like this thing will be a big hit at the lan parties

[.Maleficus.]

your idea is awesome. sounds like this thing will be a big hit at the lan parties
Thanks man, and welcome to the forums! This is the best modding community you will find, and I hope you have a good stay here.

Well, I said that I would update tomorrow, but it turns out I that I wanted to finish the first box, so here is another update.

Update.

I finished the last side to cut, and have some pictures of one of the stencils I made for the side. On to the pics.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0039.jpg

Here is the first box completely cut :banana:.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0043.jpg

Here it is with the top back in place.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0045.jpg

Stencil + placement on box.

Well, that's all for now. Peace.

[DuroMentis]

Looking good,keep it up :D

[.Maleficus.]

Thanks man!

Update.

I finished the second box. Here are some pics.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0046.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0047.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0049.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0051.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0052.jpg

Here is a pic of both cases next to each other.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0053.jpg

Uh oh! The lips on the lids of the cases hang over and cause a gap!
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0054.jpg

Oh well, nothing a little pink plexi and bondo can't fix. More on this later.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0055.jpg

[Foxtrot9000]

i consider myself skilled in many areas, but bondo freaks me out. don't know what it is about it but i just cant do it. i hope to see a lot of pics of the process you use, it should help me with my own endeavours =)

o yeah, still looking good.

[Drum Thumper]

Pink plexi? Ok, now I'm intrigued...

/subscribe.

+rep as well!

[simon275]

I have an 80mm CS laser cut fan grill if you want it. I can send it to you in a letter envelope if you want. You could you use it on your PSU and replace the fan grill on the back of it.

Anyway very nice work so far man.

[.Maleficus.]

i consider myself skilled in many areas, but bondo freaks me out. don't know what it is about it but i just cant do it. i hope to see a lot of pics of the process you use, it should help me with my own endeavours =)

o yeah, still looking good.
Yeah, I was scared about using bondo too, but I guess you have to learn some time... (this is my time).

Pink plexi? Ok, now I'm intrigued...

/subscribe.

+rep as well!
Haha, yeah, pink plexi. I got it from a shop/business class last year. My friend and I were working on his case in that class (due to our jobs in the class, we had a lot of free time) and we asked him where to get cheap plexi. He used it for making stationary sanding, um, stations I guess, and had some scraps left over that he gave to use. I decided I couldn't let the pink stay there and I really haven't had a use for it until now.

The plexi is going to be used to fill in the majority of the gap, while the bondo is going to do the fixing of little things and keeping the plexi on the boxes. Defyant has a great tutorial on it, something I've been going over a lot lately. Oh yeah, I guess I'm only using the pink stuff because it's the thickest stuff I have (1/8"). I want this to be sturdy, and the less bondo I have to use to reinforce it, the less chance there is of it cracking and breaking (I hear it doesn't give much when bending?).

Thanks for the +rep and subscribe too!

I have an 80mm CS laser cut fan grill if you want it. I can send it to you in a letter envelope if you want. You could you use it on your PSU and replace the fan grill on the back of it.

Anyway very nice work so far man.
Yeah dude, I'd love the fan grill. Thanks a lot :up:.

Well, until I get my hands on the bondo I need, there really isn't much I can do, unless I decide on the paint color of the internal mounting stuff. I don't know if I want to do flat black some olive accents here and there, or the other way around. What do you guys think?

Anyways, expect the next substantial update to be sometime over the weekend. There may be a few smaller ones in there (I still have a few little things to cut) but over the weekend is probably when I'll get the bondo and start with that. Thanks for all the comments guys!

[simon275]

PM me your address and I will mail it out to you.

[Foxtrot9000]

damn, no update tonight =(

[h3moglobe0]

Nice work. Nice.
I also look for ammo cases form demobil. But it's hard to find one here.

Bout Gentoo.
U can also use another tiny linux. Even smaller. There are some. i.e. Slax, or damn small linux.
Or just instal mandriva 2k6. U can choose want u want, and replace kde or gnome with fluxbox, or blux/black -box.


ps. But i dont quite see how u gonna run cs on linux or use it like a serv.

[.Maleficus.]

Well, Slax and DSL are Debian based, right? I want to try something different, because I already have Ubuntu on this computer. And my CD burner died.
I already have Mandriva 2k7, but that will run slow on the hardware I'm getting.

Also, most game servers you use are Linux based. I can put Steam on Linux if I really want to. I've done it before with Wine. It's very easy. And as for using it as a server, I download the required software, install, and then tell the program what map I want, if I want a password, number of bots, etc. Then, on a different computer, I go to the internet games, and my server will be on there. I join my server, and there you go.

There also might be a small update tonight.

[simon275]

After a confusing trip to the post office the fan grill is whisking its way across the world to your door.

[.Maleficus.]

Awesome, thanks man.

[onelegout]

This mod is going to be awesome!
keep up the good work,
H (in Paris)

[h3moglobe0]

Well Mal
AFAIK Slax is based on Slakcware. This one is based on Debian. And Debian is based on Linux.:D

Yeah I know that Mandriva is slow. Even on better hardware but box ( blue flux or black is faster than kde or gnome). Even tho wine sucks then.

If u were watching on install screens i might see one bout cedega. This is nice. But truly i don't know how it works.

[.Maleficus.]

Well Mal
AFAIK Slax is based on Slakcware. This one is based on Debian. And Debian is based on Linux.:D

Yeah I know that Mandriva is slow. Even on better hardware but box ( blue flux or black is faster than kde or gnome). Even tho wine sucks then.

If u were watching on install screens i might see one bout cedega. This is nice. But truly i don't know how it works.
Yep, I know Debian is Linux, but this doesn't change the fact that most game servers you use are Linux based. If you are still curious on this, here (http://wolphination.com/linux/2006/03/29/how-to-setup-a-cssource-dedicated-server/) is a guide to setting up a CS:S server on Linux, without Steam, Wine, or Cedega.

I plan on using Gentoo with Xfce, and I might try out Enlightenment. Besides being a server for CS, this is also going to be a software testing box of sorts. Instead of trying out stuff on my most used box, and messing with my config, I'm going to use this to try stuff out.

[.Maleficus.]

Well, I just thought I would thank everybody watching this for the 1,000 views.

Tomorrow our school has Monday off (for the 4th week in a row..) and I'll hopefully be getting my bondo and I'll get some of that started.

[h3moglobe0]

.mal - I've just want to say that thre no such a big difs in all *nix systems.
All in the family -KoRn :D

But I've wondering about wight of this to ammo case.
Are they heavy? About what wight in kg?
As I can see on pics they are made of pretty thin material.

[.Maleficus.]

.mal - I've just want to say that thre no such a big difs in all *nix systems.
All in the family -KoRn :D

But I've wondering about wight of this to ammo case.
Are they heavy? About what wight in kg?
As I can see on pics they are made of pretty thin material.
I don't know the weight in Kg, but I'd say each are around 1-2 lbs. Not too heavy. The heaviest part is probably the top, because it has the latch on it which is pretty heavy.

The material is thin, but it's very sturdy (steel). I suppose is has to be though, they are made for military use 8).

[.Maleficus.]

Update.

I know I said I would update last weekend, but I had a lot going on. I do have some updates for today though. I just got done ordering a few parts. I ordered the keyboard, mouse, and PSU for this (and a DVD burner to replace my old one, but that's not for this). I went with a different mouse and PSU than the ones I linked to on the first page of this. For the moust I went with a Rosewill, because it was only $10, wireless, and had a $10 MIR (heh heh). It is a little bigger than the old M$ one I was planning on getting, but I'll survive. I also replaced the PSU with a 580W Sunbeam. Same price, better reviews, more wattage, more fans, better.

I also bought the Bondo, hardener and plastic spatulas.

But anyways, I bought the mouse, keyboard, and PSU now and not with the Mobo so I would have something to keep you entertained with while I saved money for the mobo. I should have enough within the next month, and I'll be doing the mouse/keyboard/PSU and bondo-ing during that. But for now, I'm out.

[h3moglobe0]

Its to laet i see. But. Did u think bout having a treckball in this - not mouse? It sits in one position so all performace could be put in one box/case.

[NocturnaL]

This looks pretty sweet so far man. Boy do i love mods that involve bullet boxes, and Counter strike also! (even though its CS:S, +rep) ;)

[.Maleficus.]

Thanks NocturnaL, and don't worry, it's not CS:S, it's 1.6. The title says CS:S because I was trying to be tricky with Counter Strike and the fact it was a server, thus I came up with CS:S - CounterStrike:Server 8).

Update.

Out of some awesome stroke of luck, my parents have let me order my last parts: Mobo and CPU. I went to eBay for this one, and bought a Via Epia MII 10000 Mini-Itx with a 1Ghz CPU, brand new from one of those store-type sellers. I was looking for the same thing on Newegg (well, lower-end actually) and saved myself $20 by buying from eBay :up:. I've still got a long way to go on this project, so stay tuned.

I sincerely doubt there will be an update tomorrow (work 12-7) but who knows, maybe I'll wake up early or still have enough energy to do a little after work. But for now, I'm out.

[simon275]

Have you got the fan grill yet?

[NocturnaL]

Ahhh very nice, 1.6 Ftw! Cant wait to see more

[.Maleficus.]

simon: Nope, haven't gotten it yet, but when I asked my parents they said something from OZ could take a few weeks to get here.

NocturnaL: Yeah, 1.6 is a great game. Great for LANs :up:

Well, my first order should be coming tomorrow (keyboard) and my second will be coming on Tuesday (PSU, mouse, DVD Burner) if all goes well with UPS. I don't have any shipping info. for the mobo other than it's shipping via USPS Priority Shipping. Don't know what that means in terms of shipping time, but I'm guessing no sooner than Wednesday or Thursday.

We've been having a pretty wicked snow storm here, so with all luck school will be canceled and I'll get some quality time to work on this. My mom seems to think we'll have school, but what does she know, she's a teacher :p. Also, out of one of those spur-of-the-moment things, I requested Solaris 10 DVD from Sun today for x86. Why? I'm not quite sure yet. Maybe I'll find a use for it.

[simon275]

simon: Nope, haven't gotten it yet, but when I asked my parents they said something from OZ could take a few weeks to get here.



Maybe if I sent it by carrier pigeon should be at your door any day now.

[.Maleficus.]

Lol yeah, pidgeons ftw!

Anyways...

Update.

This is an exciting one (for me at least). The first shipment of part(s) arrived. I received my Rosewill keyboard. It is a "slim" style keyboard (meaning it has laptop type keys) and is black and sliver (which will be changed to black and green to match the case). This means I can start painting again! I had one problem though. I don't know whose fault it is, but a corner on the keyboard, they plastic cracked. It's no big deal, and actually barely noticable, but the top cover lifts up about a 1/8 inch, and I can definitely feel it's there. Like I said though, it's really no big deal, I can easily fix it was some plastic bonding super-glue after I paint, but it's just a shame that Newegg would ship a broken item/UPS sucks balls at delivery. I have a feeling that it was UPS's fault, as I found it jammed between my storm door and front door, but that's just speculation. I'll post pics. a little bit later once I work on a history project and find my camera.


Edit: Also, simon, I just received the fan grill. NICE. Again, thanks a ton man. Pictures will be up in an hour or 2.

[.Maleficus.]

Update... again.

Here are the pictures I said I'd post. I'm using the keyboard right now on my current system (my current one really blows) so I also have some likes and gripes about the keyboard. Consider this an unformal review.

When I first opened the UPS box and took out the actual Rosewill box, I was a little concerned. The box was very light weight cardboard, and didn't have any insulation inside it at all. Inside the box was the keyboard (duh) and a little slip of paper telling what the top keys did (like I'll ever use any of them besides the volume - and volume +). The keyboard was inside a plastic bag thing (almost like a bag made from plastic wrap) and the cord was inside one similar. I took the keyboard out and looked it over. I flipped it over to see how easy it would be to take apart when I noticed the cracked plastic. In the below pictures you can sort of see it, but it's actually worse than the pictures show. The bottom black plastic is cracked from the screw hole to the edge, and the screw thing (IDK what it's called, the thing the screw goes inside) was broken and the screw was coming out of the seam between the silver and black plastic. I had a temporary fix, of just pushing the screw back where it needs to be, but come on, this shouldn't have happened. Like I posted above, the silver is lifting away from the black in this one corner, but I'll handle this later. So far my feelings are mixed. I decided to test the thing out, so I unplugged my old keyboard and plugged this in. I like it. It feels like a laptop. I've never got much use with laptops, but have always like the keyboards, so this is a plus. Oh, and did I mention this thing is thin? Like really thin, less than an inch in the widest part (probably less than 3/4 inch acutally). Anyways, I plugged it in and started typing my history report. It was a great time to test this thing out. I started typing, and noticed that I type faster, and that it's quiter too. A little way into my paragraph, I noticed that some of the keys aren't very responsive (space bar, numbers, etc.). Not good. I'm going to be doing a lot of precison heavy things with this (typing commands in Gentoo, file management, etc.) and I can't type a whole huge file directory into the command line only to find out after I hit enter that it missed a space or didn't register my / in front of a name. Overall though, I'm satisfied with my $7 keyboard. Too bad that it came broken and could be a little more responsive.

(30 minutes into the post)

So, I've been sitting here for 30 minutes, waiting for Photo-f*ck it to respond, so I've just decided, F this, I need to work, so I'll try again later :(.

[Bucko]

www.imageshack.us FTW! I hate photo bucket.

[Bucko]

BTW, that sucks that the keyboard is busted.
At least you may not feel to bad about modding it.

PS: Simon, you have a PM.

[.Maleficus.]

BTW, that sucks that the keyboard is busted.
At least you may not feel to bad about modding it.

PS: Simon, you have a PM.
Yeah, it does suck, but I'll get over it. It least it was only $7 and I'm taking it apart anyways.

[.Maleficus.]

Update.

Finally, one with some pictures! I'm thinking of getting an Imageshack account.

Anyways...

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0069-1.jpg
The hard drive cage I'll be using.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0070.jpg
Keyboard box. Notice the bottom left corner... (the one sticking right at you).

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0071.jpg
A picture of the entire keyboard.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0072.jpg
Close up. You can kinda see the laptop style keys.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0073.jpg
That crap's gotta go. Rosewill logo=bye bye. CS logo=Happy new home. Blue LEDs=bye bye. Can't have blue messin' up my black and green can I? I'll be exchanging these with an old keyboard I have laying around.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0074.jpg
:0! Oh well, I'll get over it.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0077.jpg
:up: Thank you simon!

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0078.jpg
Yay! I don't suck at making stencils! I think...!

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0079.jpg
Mouse.

[.Maleficus.]

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0080.jpg
PSU box.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0081.jpg
PSU.


I don't have any more time now, but I'll post the last pictures later.

[Bucko]

The post office said my package should take 4-5 working days to get to you, so with the weekend in the mix, hopefully you should see the surprise about Thursday next week.
It took a bloody lot of stamps too!

[Ichbin]

aww, good ol bucko lending out a hand. lol

Your stencil work is actually pretty good. What would;ve been a lot more..."Crisper" though is to tape that grill, scan it..vector it. Enlarge it, then cut it. But yous gots a steady hand anyways. Good job.

[simon275]

Yah! Happy days it came through. Good to see you finally go it I was starting to get worried that the postal system might have eaten it.

BTW Nice stencil.

[Slatter]

anxiously waiting.....

[Bucko]

So we have a fan guard and another *something* from Australia on this project. Aren't us Aussies nice..

[h3moglobe0]

Finally, one with some pictures! I'm thinking of getting an Imageshack account


G00d to hear that.

Raly Kick ass keayboard.
Need to find that one in my town.
Good 5hi+ to mod as i can se from pics.

That stencil is realy good. But it had to be hard work to cut this out.

[.Maleficus.]

Thanks for the comments!

Here's the next round of pics.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0082.jpg
Bought some paint. **In later pictures you'll see I used the paint for plastic on my mouse. Turns out it's a little lighter than the cases, and the camo color is an exact match, so I need to repaint.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0083.jpg
10 minutes after I had my mouse, I found where the 2 remaining screws were hidden (under the feet). Cover is off.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0084.jpg
2 minutes and 2 screws later.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0085.jpg
Another 2 minutes and 3 screws later.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0086.jpg
Roughed it up a bit with some sand paper and taped off the inside because it has some clear plexi I didn't want painted.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0087.jpg
Couple shots of some paint.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSCF0088.jpg
Letting dry by an old space heater (it's about 30 degrees here).

The paint is all dry now, so I'm going to sand it off and use the plastic primer I bought and paint it with the camo. I have school off today (snow) so hopefully I can get something done in my garage.


Edit: Also, I got my mom's Mavica working (circa 2000) and it's a lot easier to hold in my shakey hands, so say goodbye to blurry pics!

[Luke122]

How are you plannnig to get rid of the Rosewill logo on the keyboard? Paint over it?

One thing you can try (and I've had decent success with lately) is using a sugar cube slighty dampened with a couple drops of water, and just rub the logo off. The sugar is harder than the paint, but softer than the plastic, and can ususally take those screened logos right off of pretty much anything.

Try it on something junk first of course, but you might find that it works pretty well.

[.Maleficus.]

I'm just painting over the logo. I already got most of it off with some fine sand paper, and the rest will just get some primer. I just found an e-mail my mom got from FedEx, and my mobo+CPU should be here tomorrow :up:.

[Drum Thumper]

Nice work on the mouse! And if I could, I'd give you double rep for inspiring me to use a cardboard box for painting!

It's supposed to be in the 40's this weekend, so I'm gonna try to get my mod's skeleton painted at least!

+Rep for sure!

:banana:

[Bucko]

Any sign of the mail from me yet?

[.Maleficus.]

Any sign of the mail from me yet?
I don't think so, but I didn't go through today's mail.

I do have something though, something not seen for a while now.

Update.

I went to my front door today, to find my last remaining pieces to my computer! Yay! I now have everything I need: Mobo, CPU, HDD, PSU, RAM, Mouse, Keyboard, and parts for case. Hooray! I took out the mobo and CPU, and set it up on my desk, to make sure it worked, and I only got one beep. Yes! I work tonight, and then I'm going to a school dance, so I won't be back home tonight until about 11:45 - 12. If I'm still awake, I may hook up my HDD, a CD drive, and a monitor, and start the Gentoo install (to keep me occupied while I work more on the case (and I hope it won't be like my last one..)). I'll have pics. of the mobo up tomorrow, and more work will be done. Right now, it's starting to warm up here, so my garage isn't a terrible place anymore.

[.Maleficus.]

Bucko, you've done too much. When I got home from school today, I opened up the package and almost screamed like a little girl. Thank you soo much mate, is there any way I can thank you? Anything you need for Ratputer? Simon, you too, anything you need for a project? The stuff you guys sent is so amazing and will be great for this mod, there has to be something I can do.

If you guys are wondering what I'm raving about, you'll see soon enough. I've been busy lately, and I've only had chunks of about 20 minutes at a time to work, so soon one big update will come. I'm stopping work on one thing to start on a new one (thanks Bucko) and I've done a few more little things. Updates before the weekend (spring break for us).


PS. If you guys can't think of anything right now, don't worry about it, I'll watch some worklogs and such and see what you need and if I have it. I can't let your generosity go unnoticed :).

[Bucko]

Glad it finally arrived! Took it's time considering it was supposed to be air mail.

Like how many stamps it took?

[simon275]

Thanks .Maleficus. I am sure in the future I will think of something. But it will probably end up me asking you for modding advice rather than something material. As good advice is the most valuable thing of all.

[Bucko]

As that is the most valuable thing of all.

That and gold, lots of gold.

[.Maleficus.]

Update. (And it's about time, eh?)

Well, you can expect a lot more updates, a lot sooner now. I just got something that will allow me to get some work done, instead of, well, not getting any done.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00004a.jpg

I just got a jigsaw! Yay! This thing cuts through plexi like a hot knife and butter. And the cuts are muy bien, if I do say so myself. Dremel - 1 inch = 5 minutes + disk change. Jigsaw - 1 inch = 3 seconds + no blade change. If my algebra is correct, then the jigsaw pwns. I've got to work tonite 4-7, but if I'm not completely exhausted and get some food, I'm definitely going to work on this when I get home.

[Eclecticos]

I want that trunk... nice. .can't wait to see that worklog. .

[.Maleficus.]

I want that trunk... nice. .can't wait to see that worklog. .
They are actually 50 cal. ammo cases I bought from a military surplus store. They are some heavy duty stuff.

Update.

Well, I got some work done on the motherboard/hard drive stuff. Here's the pics.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00004-4.jpg
20 min. with the jigsaw.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00005a.jpg
... 20 min. with the jigsaw.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00006a.jpg
If you can see it, the jigsaw made very nice cuts.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00008a.jpg
If you can see it, the Dremel, well, didn't fair so well.

Here is what it will look like(ish). What I have just cut is the mounting stuff for the mobo and the hard drives. It will have the mobo on the top, and the 2 sides that hang over will be bent down and the hard drives will be under the mobo. I guess you'll see in the pics. (hopefully).

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00009a.jpg
Approximate mobo placement. Notice how the sides are way longer than needed; they will be bent down.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00010a.jpg
Mobo and 2 hard drives. As you can see, there is more than enough room, and, if I measured/cut accurately, there should be room for 4 drives under there. If not, well, I'll probably only use 1 or 2 anyways :rolleyes:.

[simon275]

Good cuts there mal. I am pleased to see this project on the road again.

+rep +warm fuzzy feeling

[.Maleficus.]

Update.

Got some work done. Just little stuff, but it's getting me ahead.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00018.jpg
See that raised part on the bottome?

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00019a.jpg
Mobo tray doesn't like it. Sticking up about 1/8 inch.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00020.jpg
Marked where I need to cut (if you can see it).

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00021.jpg
Just thought I'd post my workspace lol. Ain't it pretty?

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00022.jpg
Trusty Dremel.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00023.jpg
Aye, as you can tell, I haven't been using my Dremel much recently. No matter, I'm going to use Bondo to fill it in.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00024.jpg
But wait! It hangs over the middle line! You'll see why this matters soon.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00025.jpg
The piece I made to cover the gap. It happens to be 1/8 inch thick. Meaning I have to cut the mobo tray again.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00026.jpg
See the red line? That's how much too long the piece is. Pretty good for not meausuring very accurately (time constraints).

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00028.jpg
45 secs. with the Dremel and it fits like a glove.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00029.jpg
This is pretty much how it's going to fit in. Now I just need to make the vertical pieces, and I can secure them into place, whip out the Bondo and make it look nice, and put in the mobo tray (when it's finished).


Well, that's all for now, I have to go to work in less than an hour. I'll try to get more done after work.

Peace.

[LiQuid-V2]

Man this mod is looking good, I just read through the last few pages getting caught up and I'm impressed. I can't wait to see how this turns out in the end, looking great man.

[.Maleficus.]

Thanks man, and welcome to TBCS! You'll find many more great mods here, and I hope to see some from you!

Well, I managed to get off work early today, so I'm going to go do some work work. I'll update again later.

[.Maleficus.]

Update.

Here are some pics. from last night and today. Only a few, but there will be more in a few days.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00033.jpg
Primed the pieces. I need to paint one side on each of them, because one side will be visible from the outside. I'm not going to paint the entire outside agian, so I'm painting the visible sides, and then securing them, and then painting the inside (which I'll have to do anyways because of the bondo-ing..)

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00036.jpg
All painted. I'll need to clear coat them to make sure they stay nice, so I'll do that in the next few days.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00037.jpg
Here you can see it in place. Blends perfectly doesn't it?

Edit: I guess you can't really see very well how it looks, but if you look really closely you can see it. Sorry for the bad pic.


Also, I did some experimenting with securing the pieces to the boxes. I got some of my dad's JB Weld and tried it out. It takes 15 hours to be fully hardened, so I won't know what's going on until tomorrow, but here are some pics. of it.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00034.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/DSC00035.jpg

More coming soon, so stay tuned!

[chaksq]

This looks great. Should be really cool at the LAN parties.

I was thinking that it would be cool if you modded a router to go with the mod. Like install it in another ammunition box.

[.Maleficus.]

This looks great. Should be really cool at the LAN parties.

I was thinking that it would be cool if you modded a router to go with the mod. Like install it in another ammunition box.
That's not a bad idea... Since this is going to be a mobile server... Hmm...

You got me thinking man, +rep.

[Bucko]

Done any keyboard mods yet?

[.Maleficus.]

Done any keyboard mods yet?
Actually I have. I had a bunch of pictures too, but my mom formatted our memory stick before I had a chance to save the pictures, so I'll only have a picture of the finished painting. I do have pics. of the other keyboard that I bought, but they aren't very good. I'll take a pic. of the painting I've done to the one you sent me and post it later today. All I really have left to do is either find someone who makes vinyl stickers and get one saying "CounterStrike:Server" on it, or make a stencil and try my airbrush once it arrives. Then I can clearcoat and put it back together.

[.Maleficus.]

What a little time and Gimp can do.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/csserverlogo.jpg

Stay tuned for more in the coming days.

[simon275]

What a little time and Gimp can do.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l257/andypwnsall/csserverlogo.jpg

Stay tuned for more in the coming days.

Nice logo mate!

[chaksq]

That logo will make the whole setup look real official.

[.Maleficus.]

That logo will be going in the upper left corner of the keyboard Bucko sent me. I have it printed on sticker paper, and I'm just waiting for my airbrush to arrive so I can cut it out and paint it. It's going to be white, and since there's no such thing as white printer ink, I need to paint it white myself. Airbrush should be here tomorrow, and if it isn't, well, I hate USPS.

[DaveW]

What a little time and Gimp can do.

You have a little gimp? Dude. Didn't need/want to know that.

:p

-Dave

[Drum Thumper]

You have a little gimp? Dude. Didn't need/want to know that.

:p

-Dave

C'mon Dave, give him a break!

Thanks for the laugh!

[b4i7]

i wish my little gimp had them skillz :(

looks good man

[LiQuid-V2]

Oooh, logo will look sexy on this case. Hurry hurry! haha I wan't to see how it turns out.

[.Maleficus.]

Update.

Sorry guys, but no pics. with this update. I just wanted to say that the lids of the cases are JB Weld-ed together and are currently drying. I'll post pics. of the dried pieces tomorrow and then some with them sanded, primed, and painted if I have the time.

[B1Gtime]

Looking Good

+rep

[.Maleficus.]

Looking Good

+rep
Thanks man. Also guys, sorry for no updates in a while. The case lids are dry, and I'm going to start painting the JB Welded part later. I've been really busy since I just started Drivers Ed taking up all my time after school, and I work every day I'm not at Drivers Ed. Except today :thumb: I'll see what all I can get done today, so expect an update late tonight.

[Greco101]

You might wanna put a rubber lip about 1.5" around the cans so the lid doesn't eat away the paint.

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Cascade-VB-2MAX-V-MAX-Dampening-Sheet/dp/B00067IV0I/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4/103-7308478-9926243?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1178740805&sr=8-4)

[.Maleficus.]

You might wanna put a rubber lip about 1.5" around the cans so the lid doesn't eat away the paint.

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Cascade-VB-2MAX-V-MAX-Dampening-Sheet/dp/B00067IV0I/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4/103-7308478-9926243?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1178740805&sr=8-4)
I'm not real worried about that. The lids themselves already have a rubber gasket in them, and the paint is only going on the Weld-ed part so it isn't grey. Just needs to look like it's 2 boxes together (and it's on the underside of the lids).

[.Maleficus.]

Oh sh*t. It's been over a month since I updated this. :(.

I just wanted to say that since summer started a week or so ago, I'm having a lot more time to work on this, and I'll hopefully have an update tonight, or in the next few days. I work until 7 today, and I don't work again until Wednesday, so I'm going to take advantage of that free time.

[alphastryk]

good hear from you again...

i love those little ammo boxes, even if they are a pain in the a$$ to work with. I've got a fileserver running in one under my desk right now.... hmm... that reminds me - I need to post some pictures of that thing on here... especially considering its been done for months now.... anyways, great work, can't wait to see it completed.

[SgtM]

Oh sh*t. It's been over a month since I updated this. :(.

I just wanted to say that since summer started a week or so ago, I'm having a lot more time to work on this, and I'll hopefully have an update tonight, or in the next few days. I work until 7 today, and I don't work again until Wednesday, so I'm going to take advantage of that free time.

Dude.. are you on the same schedule as me? I get off at 7, and don't go back to work until 7 wed night. Anyway, I'm glad to see this going again.

[.Maleficus.]

good hear from you again...

i love those little ammo boxes, even if they are a pain in the a$$ to work with. I've got a fileserver running in one under my desk right now.... hmm... that reminds me - I need to post some pictures of that thing on here... especially considering its been done for months now.... anyways, great work, can't wait to see it completed.
Sweet! Definitely post some pics of it.

Dude.. are you on the same schedule as me? I get off at 7, and don't go back to work until 7 wed night. Anyway, I'm glad to see this going again.
Heh, maybe I am. Anyways, I really wanted to get some work done on this, but the day I was going to work on it, work asked me to work an 8 hour shift. And, I need the money for a new amp, so I said yes...

BUT, I'm off tomorrow and probably won't be going anywhere so I will work on it. If I'm not working on my Xbox (which will have new pics in my thread sometime soon... and some questions for experienced Xbox modders).