Iron Behemoth renamed Project: Scintillation

[Remy]

Hey everyone. I've been wandering around this site for about the last month now, and I'd like to say, I am extremely impressed with the level of work I have seen on this forum. I especially love the improvization and the utilization of items and tools for uses other than they were intended. Anyhow, this site has been a great inspiration for me and I wanted to thank everyone for that. So, on with the worklog...

I was browseing through newegg.com a few weeks ago, daydreaming about all the hardware that I would love to have, and scheming of ways to get it. For some reason I thought I'd check out the cases, probably from boredom, when I came across this...

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7687/11103011171je9.jpg

Overall, she's lookin pretty good, and I just loved the 2 250mm fans on her side. I took a closer look and said to myself, wouldn't it be cool to setup my radiator in that door? Ohhh, and then install an actuator to have the door open upwards!! Sweet :bunny: So after coersing my wife with jedi mind tricks into letting me spend $130 bucks on something I was going to start cutting up and drilling holes into, I finally got it. :banana: And away we go...

I have made some progress already and have been taking lots of pictures along the way. I will update you all later tonight with the project's pics. I gotta go cook dinner for my wife (her jedi mind tricks) and I'm still paying for that case.... ;).

Till then. Mod on mutha f(#*$^(#ers

[FrooP]

:banana:


thats all what ive got to say :D

[calumc]

:banana:


thats all what ive got to say :D
i second that!

[0m3g4]

Lmao, I agree too. :banana:

Great case man. :D

[Remy]

To start I removed the all the side pieces off the side door of the case, and drew out a bracket design on some plexi glass.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/4733/1000441uq0.jpg

After a couple of attempts, I finally got the f'ing bracket cut out. Jig saws don't work too well on thin plexiglass. I chose to use a thinner plexi to leave the smallest amount of cutting in the case.

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/9739/1000442lp8.jpg

The 1st failure and the second success (kind of)

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/7808/1000447sk2.jpg

Not too thrilled with the inexactness, will probably end up redoing this later.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/6383/1000449oc8.jpg

Here I am modding an old PS I had laying around to be used to power all the CCFLs, fans, LEDs, and actuator. I'm trying to leave as few wires visible as possible.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1797/1000457do9.jpg

So I moved all the wire to the bottom of the board.

Next I would like to keep the PS from shorting on the top of the case, so I created some standoffs

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/3897/1000456bc5.jpg

Created the standoffs from the posts on the power supply's fan

I also started cutting the plexi for the top of my case. Will post those in a bit...

[Eclecticos]

Looks Preddy good so far. .
You should take some more pictures of the case for a before and after.

[Remy]

Ok, here you go...

First the old case. You can see why I needed to change it. I was in a hurry with this case, so it's a bit banged up. That won't be the case with the new one. I will be using all of the hardware from it, cooling system, mobo, cpu, vid cards, etc....

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/6398/1000530cz1.jpg
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/2626/1000549xi5.jpg
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2637/1000534od1.jpg

And the new one... I will paint a coat or 2 of blue UV reactive paint on the inside of the case. Full tower, lots of room.

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3964/1000528hv9.jpg

Thinking about covering the front with a nice piece of shiny, buffed out, mirror finish aluminum. I'm going to leave that shiny black strip though. Would like to incorporate some lights, ooh... or maybe a small tft on the front. I dunno. Your suggestions are more than welcome.

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/8900/1000545hy9.jpg

Here's a quick sketch of what I had in mind...
Sorry guys, I don't have sketchup, nor can I afford to purchase a $500 license.

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/4034/outlineur6.jpg

The swoosh type shape type thingy do at the top of the case was there only for insiration. Personally I think it sucks. But I do want the insides of my case a bit more visible. I'd like to incorporate some nice tubing as cable wraps, and I want it to be seen.

The tribal shapes (dunno what else to call them) on the side of the case where the 250mm used to be is definitely staying and not changing. Problems though... Not sure what to cut the shapes out of. I was thinking styrene, then maybe putting some mesh behind the styrene for looks and support. I don't have alot of tools, so some of yous out there with the water jets; if you are willing to help, I'm willing to pay.:D I really want to keep the sharp miter of the points.

The top addition to the case will be mad of plexi with stryrene for borders. Inside the addition, I will house the 2nd PS, and the wireless pci card, all the buttons & switches I'll use will be placed here as well.

[Remy]

Here are the pictures of the top addition's side. All in all, considering the tools I have to work with, I think they came out great. I'm very pleased with the outcome.

My first attempt...
http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/9092/1000525ku3.jpg

Failed and injured. Nothing too bad though. Had plenty of plexi left to make what I needed and the injury.... I been scratch worse by cats.
http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/3510/picture003mo9.jpg

And the final outcome. I needed to get all the sides smooth and even, and when I got tired of filing by hand, I thought...
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9206/1000527gv7.jpg

the outcome...
http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/1426/1000523jq9.jpg
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1995/1000524oc1.jpg
Worked great. I'll try to have some more for ya'all later

Mod On Mother F@#%$#*&%#*kers!!

[|NQ|Squelsh]

Those black pieces look perfect! I like the tribal design. But you dont need water-cutting to do this. With a jigsaw / fretsaw you can get the sharp corners by handwork. If its styrene and not steel you can cut it like butter. How did you cut the black pieces? And what kind of material is it?

[Remy]

How did you cut the black pieces? And what kind of material is it?


The black pieces are styrene. A simple straight edge and an exacto knife worked like a charm. This is the first time I've worked with the stuff and I truley love it. It's so easy to work with. Plus, when I was making my cuts with the exacto knife, I didn't have to go all the way through the sheet. Wen about half way into the sheet, bent the plastic a little, and perfect breaks were made along my cuts.

I will be using this stuff alot more in this project. :D It's actually not too expensive either.

[The boy 4rm oz]

This looks interesting. The fan placement looks good but I'll tell you what I'd do. I would get another 240mm radiator and mount them both diagonally on the existing side fans. You could rig up a bracket that would allow them to fit diagonally (from right to left and left to right) so the inlets meet together and allow you to link both radiators together for perfect cooling. You could even add two 120mm fans to each radiator for optimum cooling.

Here's a pic I just drew up to explain my idea.
http://img452.imageshack.us/img452/4193/untitledbi0.png

The black is the fan housing, the blue is the huge fans and the yellow is the radiators.

You would have to make a bracket to attach to the fans and then to the radiators, I believe this would be a very efficient cooling solution.

[calumc]

Sorry guys, I don't have sketchup, nor can I afford to purchase a $500 license.


incase you didnt know the basic sketchup is free and if you do want the pro version its easy enough to pay for.
both can be downloaded from here: http://sketchup.google.com/

[Remy]

This looks interesting. The fan placement looks good but I'll tell you what I'd do. I would get another 240mm radiator and mount them both diagonally on the existing side fans. You could rig up a bracket that would allow them to fit diagonally (from right to left and left to right) so the inlets meet together and allow you to link both radiators together for perfect cooling. You could even add two 120mm fans to each radiator for optimum cooling.

Here's a pic I just drew up to explain my idea.

I actually thought about doing someting with 2 rads. At the moment my finances won't allow it, but it is certainly a posibility. Now that you mention the 2 250mm fans, I will go ahead and use them. I'm going to place them on the outside of the case, over the original mounting spot, then fabricate the cover for it. I was trying to figure out how to incorporate them back into the case, and your comment got my mind to moving. Thanks!!


Thought I'd throw a banana in here for the hell of it.:banana:

[Remy]

Okay, here's a sketchup of what I would liker the case to turn out like.

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/3030/untitled2us5.png
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/7492/casedesigncolorpm2.png

Let me know your thoughts and suggestions

[elbarto241]

it might just be me, but i dont see any pics. not even broken links.

i see them now, they werent there last time i looked... hmm maybe im going crazy... naaa

[.Maleficus.]

I'm no mod but come on guys, you know you shouldn't talk about that stuff here. As you can see, free Sketchup works fine.

elbarto: I think it might just be you ;)

As far as the mod goes, I like the plan a lot. The first design idea you had looked really cool and would be awesome if you could do it.

[Bucko]

I have edited your posts. Consider this a warning to you both. Talk of stealing software and cracking is not allowed on these boards.

[The boy 4rm oz]

No problem mate, glad I could help. Just saying that is how I would do it.

[Remy]

Hey Everyone. I know it's been a while since I have posted anything on this thread, but I have been learning how to use SketchUp and have some new renditions to share. Also, I have the side pieces (frame & plexi) cut and etched for the top addition to the case. Finally, I got 1 of the 2 LED strips made that will be housed in the case's top addition.I don't have pictures yet of the etching and LED strip (batteries in cam are :dead: ). I will hopefully have the time to get some tomorrow.

Lastly, I received a bunch of stuff I ordered for this case mod and will post pics when I can. Thanks. Here's my newest renditions for the case...

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9035/casedesignnewem2.jpg
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/6486/casedesignnewagc6.jpg
http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/295/casedesigndooropenfg9.jpg
Haven't quite finished rendering the PC parts yet, but I think you get the idea.
http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/6213/casedesigndooropenamc6.jpg

Can't forget the bananas..

:banana: :banana: :banana:

[The boy 4rm oz]

I LOVE that design. Looks great, glad you chose to use the original fans and use my radiator idea. That reminds me, I gotta order my new radiator soon.

[D1337]

Is that an actuator? Or something that just holds the door up once its been opened?

[Remy]

Is that an actuator? Or something that just holds the door up once its been opened?

It's an actuator

[lukeisthecoolest]

sweeeeet!

the actuator reminds me of a car hood and how they go up :) that is a great idea and def one of the nicest free SketchUp designs i have seen!

[Remy]

Alright...

As promised I have some new pics fer ya'll. First, my stuff I got in ze mail.


From left to right we got a actuator, window kit (haven't exactly figured out where I'm gonna use it.), a couple of SwifTech VGA waterblocks, switches, cathodes, Blue UV paint, and 3 Aerocool turbine fans.
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/1426/1000536jm2.jpg

+ REP to anybody that knows what this is and where it came from...
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/9707/1000541bt9.jpg
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/1856/1000542al3.jpg

As I said yesterday, I finished the 1st of 2 planned LED strips, I also got the etching done on 1 piece of plexi before my neighbor killed my Dremel :mad:
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/1927/1000559xb9.jpg
Some of the soldering I did. Each LED has a resistor soldered on the other side. no pics of that sorry..
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/2847/1000561nj1.jpg

And Now the light show...

This is my first attempt at etching, and I did it by hand. Not too bad for my first time, if I don't say so myself.
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/7104/1000552no6.jpg
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7826/1000553hj6.jpg
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/5972/1000551ij5.jpg
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/8488/1000556xp1.jpg

That's all I got for today, and probably all I'll have until I replace my Dremel...
F-ing neighbor. I'm so pissed.

I could always get the other LED strip made, do some more work in Sketchup

Later Y'all

Bananas...
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[Remy]

def one of the nicest free SketchUp designs i have seen!

Thanks Luke!!

For you I have...

:banana: :banana: :banana:

[D1337]

dammit you took one of my future idea's away =/ stupid actuator
+rep for programming books in the bg

[chaksq]

Looks good man! I like the ideas you have planned. I think you did a great job on that etching!

[NocturnaL]

Wow man this mod is awesome. Your whole side case opening totally reminds me of an old Delorian, which is also awesome. The etching on the plexi looks nice in the blue light. Keep up the good work +rep worthy

[The boy 4rm oz]

Those LED's look great. Good work.

[Elenril]

That looks sick dude, great stuff. +rep

On a side note, my nickname is also Remy. It throws me a bit sometimes when I see your posts =|

[Remy]

Thanks for your comments everyone. They are very much appreciated. I got a bid on ebay for a dremel bundle. If I win and the shipping is decent as far as time is concerned, I should be back to work very soon.

I am going to the Sacramento River tomorrow to do some salmon fishing so I probably won't get much done on the mod this weekend. Check back soon though, I may find some time to get some more pieces fabricated.

Thanks again!!!

[Remy]

Okay. Last update before I leave for salmon fishing....


Santa Clause (wife) came a little early this year and left something for me on my door step. I just love my wife. She's fantastic. To know that I've been wanting to get these and have been pricing them out, but have been too skeptical to trust anyone selling thm used on the internet. My wife is the best. Check these babies out!!!

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Numero Uno...
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/7520/1000563mg2.jpg

And the one with the touch screen...
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/6300/1000568yb1.jpg

What did I ever do to find my wife. She's the best. Later guys!!

[NocturnaL]

Awesome man, I've always wanted to add a touch screen LCD into one of my mods, Just too cheap. The picture looks decent, hope it accents your mod nicely.

P.S. Tell your wife I've been dying for a touch screen LCD too ;)

[Bucko]

I renamed your thread for you Remy. If that isn't how you wanted it, let me know and I'll change it.

[D1337]

does your wife have a very young sister =o?

[Ouch!]

Thats Nice!

I was very impressed with that big wound on the back of your hand.
I always say......It's not a proper mod until you spill some blood on it!

I like the beautiful blue glow on the side windows and the etching.
Keep it up!

Those screens will look excellent. What size are they?

Ouch!

[Remy]

I renamed your thread for you Remy. If that isn't how you wanted it, let me know and I'll change it.

Thanks Bucko!! That'll work.

[Remy]

The picture looks decent, hope it accents your mod nicely

The picture is awesome. Has 1024x768 res @ 60 hertz. The picture actually is very good on it. I was impressed when I plugged them in. I'm sure the addition will be fabulous. I will post some new sketchups here soon, as my dremel is burned out. I should have them up by tonight. Should have the dremel by wednesday.... shipping


Those screens will look excellent. What size are they?

Measured diagonally thay are 6.5". My wife got them on ebay. Some guy (7sec4cyl) is auctioning them off; he's got a crapload of 'em. Here's (http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZ7sec4cyl) his current auctions, he has 4 with touch screens 1 without. The auctions usually end at around $100 after shipping.

Later Guys.

[Remy]

Hey Guys. I got my new dremel in the mail on Monday but I've had to bring some work home. SO, I haven't had alot of time to work on the mod. Yesterday, I got the second window etched, no pics yet. I also got a great assortment of dremel accessories, and have been playing around eith the polishing tools. I've been able to get a mirror shine on everything I've touched (wedding ring, aluminum frame for the top addition to the mod, and my watch). Haven't done much else, but alot of planning. I did promise you some new Sketchup sketches, and I'll get those posted tonight.

Let me know if you guys have any suggestions. I'm always open to new ideas.

[FrooP]

sorry for hijacking



dUuuuuuuUude i got sumthin 4 ya
in case that u own 2 250mm fans but there are no radiators for that size I got this (its mine and im using it)
http://froop.freakzz.de/casemod_block_4/DSC01477.JPG
i have no idea what its called in english but ill try to explain
warm water flow through it and fans blow the warm air inside of your car, its a heat exchanger?! Oo anyways its in every car, mine has dimensions of 19x 20 cm which is almoust perfect, look out for car radiators 2, they do the same but are wayyyyyyyyyyyyy cheaper than WC radiators (only can couse trouble with the connectors, look for one with brazed pipes) :banana:

[Bucko]

Froop, it's called a heater core in English.

Other suggestions can include a motorbike radiator. Look at dirt bikes. Quite often they have tow radiators, one on either side of the frame. One side has a radiator cap, the other side doesn't and is just linked to the first radiator.

[Remy]

That's pretty cool Froop. Glad you found something to use with the 250mm fan size. Good info to know. Let us know some temp stats when you get it all hooked up. This could prove to be a cheaper to those of us without unlimited funding.

I actually plan on using 2 240mm radiators with 120mm fans attached. I plan to place my 250mm fans on the outside of the case underneath the iron cross on the side.

Idea???? :think:

Maybe 2 120mm x 240mm radiators placed side by side. Possible a 250 would fit? I have my second thermaltake rad on the way. I'll just see if it's possible to make a fit. Will let y'all know and give some pics of the test fit. Even if it would be possible to fit with brackets or something, the 250s I have don't push alot of air. I doubt the cooling would be better than using 2 120mm fans per rad.

Until next time,

:banana:

[Remy]

Sorry everyone. I know I promised pics, but it's too late in the evening now, and I don't have time to upload them. I'll try to get them up at work tomorrow. I should have some more pretty good pics for you tomorrow evening too... We're about to start taking shape.


WOOHOO!!!

[FrooP]

maybe something like THIS:
http://froop.freakzz.de/pics%20f%FCre%20andere/kewlish%20ass%20fan.JPG
first though, KICK *SS COOLING 4 240mm radiators w0000t :eek: :eek:
next tought, kinda expensive, yes i think you should really look for a bike radiator, theyll work fine :smoker:

[Remy]

UPDATE!!!!

Sorry it's been a while since I've made any progress, but life gets busy. On to the work.

I started the day off by dismanteling one of the LCD screens I plan to use in this mod. I'm trying to get an idea of how everything connects up. Ended up with this. I'm going to replace the green led with a blue one. The led here has three legs though; not sure how to tackle this and replace with a 2 legged one. If anyone's got any advice how to get around this, LET ME KNOW!!
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5408/1000569sy2.jpg

Another pic of the dismantle...
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3995/1000570uj5.jpg

Some Sketchups of how I planned to incorporate the LCD & other components in the case top...
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3971/casetopscaledtopgh4.jpg

In front of the LCD graphics board, one os the power supplies will sit...
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/662/casetopscaledrn5.jpg

Finished the night off with lots of sanding, drilling and measuring. Then I mocked up the new addition to the case. The blue leds show up great. This pic was taken about 6:30pm. It wasn't even starting to get dark outside yet.
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/892/1000574sa0.jpg

More pics of the mock-up..
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5041/1000572dx3.jpg

I kinda like the way the leds shine through the outside onto my table there. Considering keeping it that way when I mount it to the case. Not really sure yet.
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/800/1000575gk7.jpg

Another.. Notice a logo in the etching??
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3843/1000576ah8.jpg

Some night shots...
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9258/1000577ki1.jpg

Power supply behind the plexi. Not the final position, just mocked...
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/4219/1000578fn8.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4195/1000579nb0.jpg


Well that's all I got for today. Thanks for checkin back.

[Blackout]

looking good man like the project so far.

[Eclecticos]

Three thumbs Up! :up: :up: :up: and a +Rep
Really Looks Great!

[Scotty]

The led here has three legs though; not sure how to tackle this and replace with a 2 legged one. If anyone's got any advice how to get around this, LET ME KNOW!!

I reckon that's a two coloured LED probably Green and either Red or Orange for standby. So when you take it out see which pins light it up green then put the 2 pins into the right ones from there. Or buy another LED with 2 colours which has blue and whatever.

[Helix666]

The three legged LED is the equivalent of two LEDs connected back to back.

Kind of like this, but in one LED. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong.)
(x and y voltages are the same, but seperate circuits. So the LED can show two/three colours depending on which side(s) is/are lit.)



GND -----|<|---+---|>|----- GND
|
|
+VCC

(sorry about the craptacular ASCII art, but that's all I can come up with on short notice.)

So to replace it with one LED, you would have to figure out which side of the LED is powered for 'Power On' and which side is powered while the unit is in standby mode.
Then you would connect the 2 legged LED in the holes where the pins for the 'power on' side of the LED were.

(Sorry if I explained this badly, I'm tired. (Changing phase the hard way.))

EDIT: Took me that long to bang this out that scotty got there first. Ah well.

[Remy]

So I went out today to pick up some bondo too and fill in the gaps of my top skins that will be mounted to the framing. Then I returned and started to do more work on the framing.

I'm an idiot. I went to test fit my creation..
http://img490.imageshack.us/img490/1383/1000581sx1.jpg

See all those boxes in my closet? Computer junk for days...
http://img490.imageshack.us/img490/3294/1000582wg1.jpg

It's too big. When I measured the width of my case I found it was 8 1/8" wide. So I made a piece of frame that was 8 1/8" wide. Doh!!! I forgot to subtract the width of the plexi and styrene. stupid stupid stupid.

It was my last piece of aluminum, so I gots to go buy some more. I plan to get some bondo work done, and the framing completed. Then, we'll get to see the thing fully mocked up. Anyhow, I'll update you all later tonight and post some more pics.

Till then...

:banana: :banana:

[Remy]

Forgot to show the polishing I've become good at. Takes about 15 minutes for the piece in the pictures to be polished as shown.

Before...
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/5933/1000586vc1.jpg

After....
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/359/1000587eh0.jpg

Thanks guys and gals

:banana:'s for you all

[The boy 4rm oz]

Nice polishing.

[Remy]

Nice polishing.

THANKS!!

[Remy]

Made some progress with the bondoing yesterday, but I didn't like the result. So I re-did it today, I am letting the bondo dry completely right now, and will get it sanded smooth tonight.

Before Sanding....
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/2820/1000588ip9.jpg

Thank goodness I have a palm sander.....
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4955/1000589gd4.jpg

I also got the rear bracket properly made yesterday.

Before...
http://img490.imageshack.us/img490/3294/1000582wg1.jpg

After...
http://img489.imageshack.us/img489/2636/1000590vd5.jpg

Test fit of my new addition is almost perfect. About 1/16th of an inch too wide.

And just a bit too short. Nothing a couple pieces of glued together styrene and some bondo can't fix.
http://img489.imageshack.us/img489/6484/1000595ba1.jpg

http://img489.imageshack.us/img489/5943/1000592cg4.jpg

http://img489.imageshack.us/img489/6134/1000591ab0.jpg

http://img489.imageshack.us/img489/4849/1000593yw9.jpg

I've decided to custom build my drive cages of polished aluminum and blue transparent plexi. I am going to completely remove the hdd cage to allow room for the radiator and fans that will be mounted to the side of the case. This will also give me a place to keep the pump. I'll be working on some sketchups to give myself some idea of how to implement this. I'll share them with you all when I have the design finalized.

I will post the sanded version of the new top to the case tonight.

-- Jeremy

[The boy 4rm oz]

I like that top enclosure, should look great when it's all done.

[danthegeek]

It looks good. When I use bondo I dont like to let it completely harden. I wait until it is pretty firm and then hit it with some 100 grit. This cuts through it like a hot knife through butter. You get most of the uneeded stuff of and the let it completely harden and sand it smooth. Just my method. Good job and i look forward to seeing more.

[Remy]

I like that top enclosure, should look great when it's all done.

Thank you sir. I appreciate the feedback. Helps keep me motivated, other than the fact that eat, sleep, and dream (literally) about this mod and just want to see it get completed.


It looks good. When I use bondo I dont like to let it completely harden. I wait until it is pretty firm and then hit it with some 100 grit. This cuts through it like a hot knife through butter. You get most of the uneeded stuff of and the let it completely harden and sand it smooth. Just my method. Good job and i look forward to seeing more.

I will definitely have to try that method out. This is my first experience with bondo, and I was following the directions on the can. Thanks for the tip and the positive feedback.

I got the sanding done. I'm so friggin glad I have a palm sander. I would've never finished so quickly without it. I do need to get some of that spot filler stuf (not sure what it's called) as I do have some pits that will need to be filled.

Here's some more pics...

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6636/1000596iq9.jpg

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/7171/1000597li2.jpg

Gotta go get dinner ready. I'll post some more stuff later tonight or in the next couple of days.

Till then.

:banana:

[Remy]

No more fabrication has been completed. But I re-did my sketchups so they would be to scale. They're not completely done yet. I still need to add the drive cages inside the case and some lcds to the top addition. Anyhow, here are my designs.

Please comment on them, provide any opinions you have or suggestions. I like everybody's input. Gives me ideas and has actually changed my design a bit from my first design.

pics....

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3313/casefullscaledtj1.jpg
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/9497/casefullscaledaef9.jpg
http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/520/casefullscaledbgs5.jpg
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/499/casefullscaledcuo4.jpg
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1962/casefullscaleddhe0.jpg
http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/3232/casefullscaledeiz0.jpg
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/600/casefullscaledfcx0.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looks great, I haven't used bondo before but as far as I can see you have done a great job. The sketchups look great. Good to see your using my radiator idea. Will you still be using those two huge fans?

[p0Pe]

what are you gonna cool down since you need 2 dual rads:p... or is it just eye candy`?

[Remy]

Looks great, I haven't used bondo before but as far as I can see you have done a great job.

Thanks. Wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. I'm just glad I had a palm sander to knock down the high spots. It still needs a little work, but it's definitely getting there.


The sketchups look great.

Thanks again. I have to say, Sketchup is one of the easiest designing softwares I've learned to use. Not saying I can just bang out a design in an hour, but the software is very easy and extremely efficient. Those designs combined, probably took me about 6-8 hours to get to the point I'm at now.

Good to see your using my radiator idea.
That's exactly why I ask for everyone's input. Your idea is what I was refering to when I said...

... Gives me ideas and has actually changed my design a bit from my first design.


Will you still be using those two huge fans?

I'm kinda debating whether or not to use the 250mm fans right now. I have left enough space between the outside of the case (where the radiators will mounted) and the inside of the iron cross to install the 2 250mm fans if I decide to go that way.


what are you gonna cool down since you need 2 dual rads:p... or is it just eye candy`?

Well, everything I do has a reason. And that reason is rarely just for looks. In this case though, it's kinda for both function and eye candy; I'd say 30% eye candy & 70% function. I have 2 BFG 7600GT video cards overclocked, and an AMD64x2 3800, also overclocked. The proc doesn't get very hot right now, just above room temp and is currently watercooled. The video cards are not too powerful compared to what's available now, but they get the job done quite nicely and suits my needs well. Other than not having DirectX 10 support, the only drawback to the cards is their high temp. Those things get insanely hot. We're talking a blistering 55 celcius (131 F), and that's at idle!!! But, they are currently only cooled with the stock fans.

I like the temp that my cpu is at now and I really don't want it to go any higher. I've tweaked the voltages to gain more out of the cpu, and it definitely needs to be kept as cool as possible. I fear by water cooling two video cards that are capable of producing 55c at idle, in the same cooling circuit as the CPU, and with only one radiator, my cpu temps won't be as likeable as they are now.

The video cards are going to be hot, no matter what. I just don't want to raise the temperature of my cpu while trying to cool the video cards.

I have considered, and am still debating, the idea of having two cooling circuits. One circuit for cpu and chipset, and the other for the video cards. What will determine this is the financing of the project. Since I'm not sponsored, all parts are paid for by me. I've already spent over $700 for the case and miscellaneous items I'll include in the build, and there's still parts I need to buy.

Left to get list (Power Tools not included):


Servos
Servo Controller
Chipset Waterblock
Reservoir
Transparent Colored Plexi
Aluminum Sheets
Modders Mesh
Actuator Mounts
and on and on and on....


If you're willing, I do accept donations!!:p

Thanks for the comments. I'll update more tonight. Either working with the case top, if I can find the bondo filler stuff, or finishing the Sketchup designs.

[electro143]

Wow this thing look great!I can't wait to see that project finished,this is sooo nice..

[p0Pe]

The video cards are going to be hot, no matter what. I just don't want to raise the temperature of my cpu while trying to cool the video cards.

I have considered, and am still debating, the idea of having two cooling circuits. One circuit for cpu and chipset, and the other for the video cards. What will determine this is the financing of the project. Since I'm not sponsored, all parts are paid for by me. I've already spent over $700 for the case and miscellaneous items I'll include in the build, and there's still parts I need to buy.



well... i like the idea of 2 seperate water cooling circuits and often wonders how it could be done witout filling the tower with pumps and resevoirs, and ive stumbled over this:
http://www.xspc.biz/baypump.php

it dosnt have a very high flow rate (200 L/hr) but its very compact and does the job.

and dont complain over you GPU temps:P.. my ATI x1950 xt-t runs @ 75 idle, and 80/85 @ load :S... this is why im supporting it with a 140mm fan in my new case xD

[NocturnaL]

Looks great man, I like the designs ur makn. Great work

[The boy 4rm oz]

I think it would still look cool to use those two huge fans but going by your design they may look out of place slightly.

[Eclecticos]

I think you might want to consider making the screen pop up, or adjustable.
Instead of just flat on top. . IMO.

[The boy 4rm oz]

That's a good idea, you could use an old CD-Drive tray servo and a hinge to make the screen pop up, depends how heavy the screen is though. You would have to push the screen back in when your finished.

[Remy]

I think you might want to consider making the screen pop up, or adjustable.
Instead of just flat on top. . IMO.


That's a good idea, you could use an old CD-Drive tray servo and a hinge to make the screen pop up, depends how heavy the screen is though. You would have to push the screen back in when your finished.
Thanks for the input guys!! Already thought of that. I explain my plans below. I was going to wait to surprise everybody, but since the comments been made, I can't hold it in any longer.



http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/3232/casefullscaledeiz0.jpg


In the pic ^^^^, there is a small circuit board labeled servo controller. I will be using that servo controller to contol 2 small servos. Here's the plan...

Using VB6, I'm going to create 2 programs. One program will be executed on startup, and the other on shutdown. The program executed on startup will send the necessary commands to the servo controller that are needed to rotate the servos, and raise the lcd screen. The program executed on shutdown will do the same thing, only lower the lcd. This way, I won't have to push ;) or pull anything manually. When this portion of the project is complete, I'll post a video of the servos & lcd screen in action.


well... i like the idea of 2 seperate water cooling circuits and often wonders how it could be done witout filling the tower with pumps and resevoirs, and ive stumbled over this:
http://www.xspc.biz/baypump.php

it dosnt have a very high flow rate (200 L/hr) but its very compact and does the job.

and dont complain over you GPU temps:P.. my ATI x1950 xt-t runs @ 75 idle, and 80/85 @ load :S... this is why im supporting it with a 140mm fan in my new case xD

Thanks for the link. This may become a possibility in the future. In my earlier designs for the case, I have a res mounted on the back of the PC. I was also thinking thinking of getting to pumps (Ithink they're by Danger Den; can't remember). I have since redone my designs (for scale purposes), and started designing the drive cages and interior plans for the case. But now that I see that res, it has at least inspired me to look at another option. I'll share with you guys when I get a better idea of what I'm thinking about.

I am at work now, but I do have some new designs to show you all. I'll upload them tonight. I like to share my designs with you all to get a sense of whether or not I should use it. Plus I gotta show off my mad Sketchup skillz:D
Later guys.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Can't wait to see how that screen idea turns out, will be great.

[Remy]

Well guys, I have alot of stuff that I can do with the case now. Most of the material I will need, I now have, or has been ordered and I'm awaiting delivery. I got the 2nd radiator I will be installing on the door of the case...
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8606/1000602or6.jpg

The stock fans will be replaced with 2 of these...
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3446/1000604gx9.jpg
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/5637/1000606gj0.jpg

I had my finger over the flash on this pic. Just thought it was kinda cool.
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/9747/1000603tx8.jpg

I'm also awaiting delivery of a usb servo controller, and a pair of servos.

I've been very busy over the weekend reorganizing my garage. I wish I had some before and after pics fer ya. It was a freakin mess. I spent 9.5 hours cleaning it up yesterday. Now I got some room to work on my case mod in the garage, rather than the kitchen table. The best thing about cleaning the garage though is that I found a small mesh waste basket. So what did I do. I got out the dremel, cut the top and bottom off of it, then I made a cut up the side of the ring that was left, and viola... Mesh for my case.
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/9483/1000608jh6.jpg
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/4748/1000609zk7.jpg

Other than that, I decided I should finalize the design for my case. I haven't done anymore fabrication, but I finally got the sketchup modeling completed. Hopefully the end result of the build will be close to or better than the designs. With that said, here's the final designs for the case mod. Take a look and let me know what you think. There is one final idea I had for the case. I am looking into it now. It will be the only thing you will not know about this mod until the very end. When it's completed, I will post a video of my surprise.

Until the next update...
MOD ON MUTHA F*****!!


The blue you see underneath the mesh represents the LEDs I will mount to shine up and down the front of the case door. The lower half of the case will not get any LEDs as the fan already has LEDs integrated.
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/2729/final1afa8.jpg

The window on the side of the case will be made with transparent blue plexi and framed in polished aluminum.
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/913/final2ahr4.jpg

All of the fans that are in the top addition to the case will be 80mm fans.
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/6049/final3arw1.jpg

Through the window on the top of the case, a USB servo controller, the PCB from the 6.5" LCD, and the power supply will be vvisible. The PSU will nekkid. (It has had it's outside case removed)
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/839/final4avk2.jpg

I was also thinking of hinging this side of the case. I would modify a couple servos and use them as winches to lower and raise this side of the case with the mobo attached. Only funding will disallow this idea.
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/6033/final5ask9.jpg

The remaining pics are with everything in the open positions, and some detail pics of the front and side of the case....

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5215/final1gq0.jpg

The inside of the case will be painted with UV reactive clearcoat. I will probably paint the inside black, then cover it with the UV clearcoat. Also, the bracket isn't shown in the Sketchup model, but that is an actuator that will lower and raise the side of the case.
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/2610/final2mq4.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4694/final4ls8.jpg

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/4792/final5hd9.jpg

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/5060/finalfirst1pa8.jpg

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9332/frontfinalhs9.jpg

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/1098/isofinaluf7.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1066/sidefinalxf0.jpg

Please give me some feedback. I want to make sure I'm going to build something that everyone is going to appreciate. All of your feedback is appreciated. If you don't like it, tell me what you'd change. It may just happen.

Thanks again for looking

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[The boy 4rm oz]

Those sketches look great. If you make the door open like that you will need lots of slack in your tubing. The front kinda looks like a Thermaltake Shark.

[Remy]

Those sketches look great. If you make the door open like that you will need lots of slack in your tubing. The front kinda looks like a Thermaltake Shark.

Thanks for the comment on the sketches. I've been re-doing the sketches all week getting them down to scale to help with the planning. As for the tubing, I'm working on an idea that will eliminate a the need for a bunch of slack and the possibility of kinks. When I get the details and the necessary parts worked out, I'll share them with the forum. As for it looking like the Thermaltake shark, yeah I guess you're right. I googled a pic of it; and there are some similarites. I might have to change that. I don't want anybody to look at this case and say, "Oh, That looks like....."

[FrooP]

um... dont you think the radiators WITH WATER are to heavy to lift up, i mean couldnt it happen that the case falls over :eek:

[Remy]

um... dont you think the radiators WITH WATER are to heavy to lift up, i mean couldnt it happen that the case falls over :eek:

Yeah....

Definitely something to think about.

[The boy 4rm oz]

You could just counter balance it with some aluminum behind the motherboard tray close to the bottom of the case.

[electro143]

You could just counter balance it with some aluminum behind the motherboard tray close to the bottom of the case.

Nop,I think aluminium is not a good idea (it is a very light metal).Try something like brass or other heavy metals pieces...

[Remy]

You could just counter balance it with some aluminum behind the motherboard tray close to the bottom of the case.

Nop,I think aluminium is not a good idea (it is a very light metal).Try something like brass or other heavy metals pieces...

At the very least you both have brought to the attention that I may need to rethink how the internals of the case are placed. It looks like I may be shifting everything as far back and as low as possible. You both have good suggestions. However, I'm opposed to putting extra weight on the case. I will research, brainstorm, and do everything else under the sun to avoid having to counter-weight the case. I'd run through streets naked if I thought it would help. I really don't want to add any extra weight to the case. It's going to be heavy enough with the added materials and hardware.

Thanks again for bringing the tipping possibility to my attention. When I feel I have found a solution to this potential problem, I'll let you all know.

As for the fabrication of the case....

I have had some trouble with the bondo on top of the styrene. As it turns out, the styrene is too flexible to help the bondo hold its shape. So I went to the local Ace hardware and picked up some fiber glass materials from the bondo company. I'm going to try to make the top addition out of fiberglass. I will try to get something done on that tonight and post some pics for you guys.

Cross your fingers & toes. I've never played with fiberglass before.

Until next time...

[The boy 4rm oz]

I still think your best bet is to counterbalance it. You could make some fold out legs so when the case side is open the legs fold out from the inside or the case door and support the weight of the door. This should stop it tipping at the very least. A few hinges should do the trick attached to some aluminum or copper/steal tube and some rubber stoppers.

[Remy]

just want to say this all looks great!!

and +rep for an awesome name! ;)

-Jeremy

Thanks Minty!! I just hope the fabrication comes out as nice as the sketchups did.

Jeremy

[Remy]

Alrighty guys. I just got home from work and I'm going to work on the fiberglass tonight. Expect to see some pics later this evening.

Wish me luck

[Remy]

As promised I have some pics of tonight's progress. I applied 2 layers of fiberglass, 2layers of bondo and sanded the s#!t out of it. came out pretty good. Let me know what you think.

First, a public safety anouncement....
Be safe when working with fiberglass . It's some nasty **** and will make you sicker than a dog if you don't use a breathing mask. Make sure it has organic vapor filters on it. I only paid $25 for at Ace hardware. USE IT!!!

Before____________________________________________ __________________________________________________ After
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/1238/1000613dq0.jpghttp://img207.imageshack.us/img207/162/1000626mu7.jpg
Clean____________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Not so clean...
If you may recall, this was the first attempt. It came out nice and smooth, but was no where near strong enough to hold its shape. Look how thin it is.
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6636/1000596iq9.jpg

I put down 1 layer of Bondo-Glass to help the styrene hold its shape. Then another layer and pressed the fiberglass cloth into it and let it cure. Next I put another layer of Bondo-Glass and pressed another layer of fiberglass cloth into it. Then coated with another layer of Bondo-Glass.

Bondo-Glass, Bondo-Glass, Cloth, Bondo-Glass, Cloth, Bondo-Glass....
http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/5930/1000610gv1.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/7824/1000611qn6.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/3829/1000612az8.jpg

Next I sanded the fiberglass to knock down the high spots, and prepped it for bondo body filler.
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/301/1000614ys1.jpg

After 2 coats of Bondo body filler...
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/1793/1000617ph4.jpg
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9594/1000618gi6.jpg
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/2914/1000619qr2.jpg
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/2749/1000620fl9.jpg

Then began sanding the s#!t out of it. I ended up with this.
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/1607/1000623vr5.jpg
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2686/1000624er8.jpg
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/7127/1000625zj3.jpg

Here's a quick mock-up, nothing's been bolted in place.
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2991/1000638bj9.jpg
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/2950/1000639sj3.jpg


All-in-all, it was a very productive evening. This Bondo-Glass fiberglass material is great to work with. Just gotta do it fast. The stuff sets up uber quick. Tomorrow I plan on rebuilding the side frames for the top of the case; again with Bondo-Glass. I broke one of them today while prepping for the fiberglass. Oh well. They obviously weren't strong enough, and I'd much rather find out about it now, instead of later.

Let me know what you guys think. I was a fiberglass virgin until tonight. I think I did a pretty good job on it; so go easy on me.;)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looks easy enough, might try it sometime.

[calumc]

if you use a little less hardener with the fibreglass it wond set as quick

[Remy]

if you use a little less hardener with the fibreglass it wond set as quick

Thanks. I learned that after the first application of Bondo-Glass.

[Remy]

I know I said I was going to begin working on the sides, but life happens. I was able to get the first 3 layers of the rebuilt sides done tonight. I will do a couple of more layers on each to get some more strength and thickness out of it. I will have to do that tomorrow; I ran out of fiberglass cloth tonight. I will post some pics for ya all tomorrow. I hope to have the thicknes I am looking for and the shapes cut out and bondo'd smooth.

Until tomorrow...

[Jim Beam]

Just a thought why not bend that out of some sheet metal, then bondo that for a smoother look. Would be like 2x stronger.

[Remy]

Just a thought why not bend that out of some sheet metal, then bondo that for a smoother look. Would be like 2x stronger.

Never thought about that. I do have the materials to do it, may be a little short on the tools though. If the fiberglass and bondo don't work out, that will definitley be an option.

Thanks for the input.

Jeremy

[Jim Beam]

for tools all you need is a vise and a block of wood. You can also use 2 blocks of wood and a counter as your bend point. 3rd way goto the hobby shop and get some sheet aluminum score with a razor knife 3 or 4 times at your bend point, then bend over the counter by hand.

[Remy]

for tools all you need is a vise and a block of wood. You can also use 2 blocks of wood and a counter as your bend point. 3rd way goto the hobby shop and get some sheet aluminum score with a razor knife 3 or 4 times at your bend point, then bend over the counter by hand.

Excellent options. I think that I may have all those materials on hand. I will definitely use those options on the remainder of the case. I definitely like using the fiberglass, but it is a bit time cosuming. I think I just got another idea actually for a sheet of aluminum I have. I'll play around with the idea and try to get something done with it tomorrow.

Thanks for the hints.

[Remy]

Well, I got a little bit done on the mod over the last couple of days. I made the strips for the sides of the top addition to the case. I just need to get off my butt and go cut out the shape I need. But the nastiest part of it is done.

I got a little bored with the top addition and decided to mod my mouse. Had a little inspiration from .Maleficus. and his shark project.

This is the stock mouse (Logitech Mx518)...
http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/3102/mx5181ns2.jpg

I replaced the red led a Bright Blue one...
http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/6541/1000645yo7.jpg

Next I sanded the spit out of it and bondo'd over the logitech emblem...
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/4696/1000643kt5.jpg
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/1508/1000648nn8.jpg
http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/7144/1000651as2.jpg

Then I primed and wetsanded the pieces twice. Then I reassembled the damn thing, because I have no colored paint for it. Oops
http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/3425/1000656nd3.jpg
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/7042/1000657ym8.jpg
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/2503/1000659yd8.jpg

I plan to paint it black at the back and have it fade to a metallic blue at the front. I will put a couple of coats of the matallic blue first. Then I will mask the TBCS logo in the original location of the Logitech logo, since I didn't sand it down enough. Then I will apply the black, (solid at the back and fading towards the front.

If anyone has any suggestions for masking the TBCS logo smaller than the size of a quarter, I'd appreciate it.

Until next time.

Later

[Imper]

i think it should be awesome to do the tbcs logo in bevel usin something like a little metal pieces or something like that,to do it....well it coul get a little hard
sorry for the bad english is not my home language ;3

[armadilloben]

question remy
how would u open the side panel all the way up with the water cooling system installed wouldnt the hoses snap off and ud be screwed woudlnt that meen ud need long hoses to fix that which would meen more cable clutter inside the system with that extra hose hanging around when the machines not open unless u got that pci bracket thingy with the shutoff valves and just disconnect them when u open the case
i mean i dont quite get how ud do it

[Remy]

question remy
how would u open the side panel all the way up with the water cooling system installed wouldnt the hoses snap off and ud be screwed woudlnt that meen ud need long hoses to fix that which would meen more cable clutter inside the system with that extra hose hanging around when the machines not open unless u got that pci bracket thingy with the shutoff valves and just disconnect them when u open the case
i mean i dont quite get how ud do it

I have some plans in the works. I'll share them with you all when I have a definitive solution. You'll barely even notice the hoses are there.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Mouse looks good, I like it as the sanded down grey, looks cool.

[b4i7]

i have the same mouse...and i painted mine too....just FYI, that logitech symbol in the middle is easily removable

[Remy]

Mouse looks good, I like it as the sanded down grey, looks cool.

Thanks. It has been primed to gray and it does look decent; nice contrast between the black & gray. I will be painting the mouse though. i'm really going to go for a metallic look. And it's gotta be blue. It's my favorite color.


i have the same mouse...and i painted mine too....just FYI, that logitech symbol in the middle is easily removable

Had I know, I may have actually tried to remove it. Might have to do that anyway.

--Jeremy

[Remy]

i think it should be awesome to do the tbcs logo in bevel usin something like a little metal pieces or something like that,to do it....well it coul get a little hard
sorry for the bad english is not my home language ;3

I got to thinking about your comment and I think I may have to do something like that. I will be using alot of aluminum accent on my build; why not have it on the mouse too? Also have a few ideas for the keyboard now too.

And don't mind the english. ;) I get what you're saying.

THANKS!!

[Remy]

Hey everyone, sorry for the lack of updates. I've been working major overtime trying to automate test simlators at work. Fun, but totally exhausting when you're coding at midnight then back in the office at 7am with a hour and a half commute.

I was able to get some work done on the cover piece for the addition to the top of my case. I got it sanded smoother than a baby's behind; at least I thought it was. I primed it and as it turns out, it wasn't so smooth. I need to get some spot putty to get it smoother. I'll get some pics up fer ya'll soon.

Also, my wife and I had a garage sale and I saw her carrying our toaster oven to sell it. Well, we didn't sell it. Instead I swiped it and started dismanteling it.

Here it is before I got a hold of it...
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/8048/1000712uc1.jpg

Slowly taking it apart... (See the heat rods? That's what I'm after)
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/648/1000714ot8.jpg

Labeling everything so I knows where to put everything...
http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/8053/1000715rl2.jpg
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/3504/1000716vi6.jpg

The electronics...
http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/6609/1000721hy0.jpg

Kind of an idea to hold everything (Using only parts of the oven)...
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/8607/1000726pj2.jpg
http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/5909/1000727hu4.jpg

Haven't rewired everything yet. Plus, I need to figure out a way to reconnect the heat rods. I don't have a welder. Does anyone know if JB weld will work?:think: A buddy of mine used it to seal a hole in his oil pan, and it worked there. Any other ideas? I do have a propane torch, but I can't produce enough heat with it to melt the ends of the rods together.

+rep if you can guess what I plan to do with this rewired contraption. Shouldn't be too hard...

Later Ya'll

Have some bananas
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

[armadilloben]

just wanna let u know that this is one of my favorite worklogs remy i mean of all time its relle coming together and im glad that u continue to work i almost thought the worklog was dead for a while relle glad ure starting back up keep up the good work

+rep
ben

[Remy]

just wanna let u know that this is one of my favorite worklogs remy i mean of all time its relle coming together and im glad that u continue to work i almost thought the worklog was dead for a while relle glad ure starting back up keep up the good work

+rep
ben

Thanks Ben. I'm glad you're enjoying the mod. It hasen't really gotten anywhere because I'm busy with work, busy withfamily, and I'm a friggin perfectionist, so I have to do things over to meet my standards. Being a perfectionist is a blessing and a curse at the same time.

Thanks for the support Ben.

[Ouch!]

What on earth are you doing with that toaster?

Please be very careful, electrical safety is nothing to play with.
That thing could burn your house down if you're not careful.

Ouch!

[Remy]

What on earth are you doing with that toaster?

Please be very careful, electrical safety is nothing to play with.
That thing could burn your house down if you're not careful.

Ouch!

Thank you for the warning Ouch!. If there is one thing that I am afraid of, it's electricity. I will be taking all precautions to rewire this properly and be safe not to burn down the house.

Update!! It's a small one, but it's still an update...

I finally got some paint for my mouse; so I did get about half of it painted. I still need to get some black paint for the rest. I put the mouse back together because I can't find my other one.

Anyways, here's some pics fer ya...


Here we have the primed version from before...
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/2503/1000659yd8.jpg

After a couple layers of blue Dupli-Color Metal Specks paint...
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6568/1000761sw1.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/7233/1000760ib8.jpg

And reassembled...
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/5928/1000775bt2.jpg
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3300/1000776if9.jpg
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/5353/1000777zg9.jpg

Tomorrow, I plan to finish my side project with the toaster oven.

Until then. Later

[Remy]

A FLUX CAPACITOR!

+rep for the good guess

[b4i7]

OMG!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/b4i7/hotrod/P0000308.jpg
metal flake 518's FTW :D

[Remy]

:eek:

And here I thought I was being original...

BTW, Nice mouse +rep ;)

[b4i7]

yours has more done! i didnt paint my sides that were black :)

[Remy]

Update!!

I finished the mouse today, and I plan to finish the contraption I am making with the toaster oven. I have some pics of the mouse fer ya below, and I'll post some pics of the 'completed' contraption later tonight. Maybe I'll post a vid if I have time.

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1605/1000791lk0.jpg
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6302/1000792fj4.jpg
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/5497/1000794js1.jpg

The picures really do the mouse no justice. It's uber shiny and very reflective. Even though it's quite shiny, I may take some rubbing compound to it and see if I can get it any shiny-er. Let me know what you think.

Until tonight...

Later

[.Maleficus.]

I believe Dupli-Color is a brand of car paint, and in a rattle can.

Great job on the mouse man, +rep.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I'm pretty sure your right there .Maleficus.

[Remy]

I think that I am jealous of your painting skills... Are you using an airbrush? or spraypaint? I can't find where you said yay or nay

-Jai

This is out of a can. Dupli-color 'Metal Specks'. Found it at the local automotive store. This is the finest result of any paint job I have done previously. This took multiple coats of primer and colors, and wet-sanding between the coats. It took me 2 days to just paint the black on the mouse. This wasn't fixing errors either, just painting and sanding.


I believe Dupli-Color is a brand of car paint, and in a rattle can.

Great job on the mouse man, +rep.

I know I promised to have my toaster contraption completed, but I have been extremely busy with work and home. Please forgive me..

I hope to get some more work done on it tomorrow and hopefully get it finished at the same time.

Thnks for the rep Mal. Glad you like it.

[turis]

Hmmmmm. The small hole in the front looks like a hole for a usb plug? I'd have to say usb powered toaster or maybe something for bending plexi?

[Remy]

Hmmmmm. The small hole in the front looks like a hole for a usb plug? I'd have to say usb powered toaster or maybe something for bending plexi?

Maybe something for bending plexi....

+rep

[Remy]

Yes it's a plastic bender...

Here's my semi completed plastic bender.

Started with this....
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/8048/1000712uc1.jpg

Ended up with this....
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4431/1000799pz6.jpg

Detailed shots....
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/4306/1000805gt7.jpg

http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/9881/1000801zc1.jpg

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/6138/1000800he3.jpg

The result (I'll explain the bubbles)....
http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/8124/1000795vo8.jpg
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/4936/1000796ub0.jpg
http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/1450/1000797oh4.jpg

As it turns out, I have something connected wrong. I created a short between two metal posts with a stick, that allowed me to bend the plastic scrap you saw above, but I had no control over temperature; it maxed out the temp gun at over 700 degrees F. Plus, I had to keep pressure on one of the metal posts to sustain the short and this won't do as I was not able to move freely. I'll look further into it and see if I mounted something in the wrong place during reassembly. Hopefully I can show you all a perfect 90 degree angle with no bubbles.

Secondly, I have to protect the wood with a few layers of foil. In the next pic you can see the scorched wood and another pic of the wood actually smoking.

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/4702/1000809mu8.jpg
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3263/1000810js8.jpg

Thanks for looking. That's all I got for now. If you're wondering how this all relates to my case mod, I'll be using the bender to bend the plexi of the drive cages. Who knows, I may even find another use for it some where else on the mod.

Later

[Remy]

After a year and a half of no updates, I'm sure noone expeted anything to happen with this project. It's been a hell of a time, and not in the good way. Let me explain...

Shortly after the last post before this one, my wife and I found out that her pregnancy was abnormal. Our unborn son had some serious heart problems and we had some decisions to make. Unfortunately/fortunately (depending on how you look at it) we didn't have to make the decision. My wife miscarried at 5 months. After that, it's been all down hill. After the miscarriage, I stayed home with my wife to take care of her. During which, we both were not working and we started falling behind financially. We were never able to recover. We maxed out our credit cards for groceries... Shortly after that, I lost my job. Shortly after that we lost our house (foreclosure). Shortly after foreclosing, we were bankrupt. What a crappy string of events....

Anyhow, things are starting to look up again. I have a new job. Bankruptcy is almost complete. We did lose the house, but we were able to get a great rental home in a nice neighborhood for our daughter. We got a roof over our heads. And my wife and I are considering trying to have another baby, starting near the end of this year.

With all that said, and the previous financial situations of my family, this mod was never completed. In fact, some of the parts were sold to help us get by. Actuator, lcds, etc. I have however, over the last couple of weeks been working on something. I am about 50% done and don't have any pictures up to this point (didn't honestly think I'd be posting anything here). I will take some pictures this afternoon and explain what I've been doing and will update from there. If any moderators are out there, shal I start a new thread or just continue here??

Thanks Everyone,

Remy

[jdbnsn]

OMG dude, I'm so sorry for the very tough times. You've definitely had a hell of a time to say the least, but I'm glad to hear you at least have a roof over your heads and it sounds like the clouds are starting to part. Hang in there man, we're glad to see you back.

[blueonblack]

I second that, Remy, glad to hear things are starting to look up. Welcome back.

[Remy]

Thanks guys, much appreciated...

Here are some sketchups of what I am working on. I got a couple of other ideas for the case itself, still working on the sketchups for those. I have already started building the designs below, and I am about 50% done. This will be mounted to the top of my case when completed.

How I am hoping it looks assembled and closed up...
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/Case_Reservior%20Mod_Scaled-_V2_Assembled.jpg

With the tops opened so you can see the inside... (The radiator and pump will be mounted inside. The compartment at the rear will be the res. Mounted to the front will be my water temp lcd, and 2 vandal resitant switches for power and ???)
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/Case_Reservior%20Mod_Scaled-_V2_Tops_Off.jpg

I'm also working on something and would like whatever advice anyone has to offer. I hope to build the following with an attempt to cool the water in my circuit more than the radiator itself can do.

Peltier Assembly... (Colors only to signify hot/cold. These will be plain ol' aluminum cpu heatsinks)
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/Peltier_Array.jpg

Mounted to Res...
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/Case_Reservior%20Mod_Scaled-_V2_Peltier_a.jpg

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/Case_Reservior%20Mod_Scaled-_V2_Peltier_b.jpg

I'll put some pics up later of my case in its current state, and where I'm at in building so far.

[Remy]

Thanks guys, much appreciated...

Here are some sketchups of what I am working on. I got a couple of other ideas for the case itself, still working on the sketchups for those. I have already started building the designs below, and I am about 50% done. This will be mounted to the top of my case when completed.

How I am hoping it looks assembled and closed up...
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/Case_Reservior%20Mod_Scaled-_V2_Assembled.jpg

With the tops opened so you can see the inside... (The radiator and pump will be mounted inside. The compartment at the rear will be the res. Mounted to the front will be my water temp lcd, and 2 vandal resitant switches for power and ???)
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/Case_Reservior%20Mod_Scaled-_V2_Tops_Off.jpg

I'm also working on something and would like whatever advice anyone has to offer. I hope to build the following with an attempt to cool the water in my circuit more than the radiator itself can do.

Peltier Assembly... (Colors only to signify hot/cold. These will be plain ol' aluminum cpu heatsinks)
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/Peltier_Array.jpg

Mounted to Res...
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/Case_Reservior%20Mod_Scaled-_V2_Peltier_a.jpg

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/Case_Reservior%20Mod_Scaled-_V2_Peltier_b.jpg

I'll put some pics up later of my case in its current state, and where I'm at in building so far.

[msmrx57]

Sorry to hear about your run of bad luck. I most certainly sympathize. Glad to know that things are starting to look up for you. Know that your not the only one whose finances are in the crapper. Was laid off for over 4 months, day after I finally get called back my wife lost her job:eek:. What can ya do but keep trying. Hope to see you be able to finish this mod the way you want it. Keep your head up.:up:

[DonT-FeaR]

nice sketch up models!!!

bad luck mate :(

[Remy]

Here are some pics of what I am working with. First are the pictures of my case in it's current state.

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1088.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1089.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1090.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1091.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1093.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1094.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1100.JPG

This is the top enclosure I am building to house the radiator, res, and pump.

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1095.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1096.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1097.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1098.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1099.JPG

I do plan to change the side of my case. It looks nice as it is, but I want it to be opened up to show the inside a bit more. This is just the starting point for what I have in mind, but it will definitely change...
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/Case_Side.JPG

That's all for now. I plan to get some more work done over the next few days. Until next time...

Remy

[Mark_Hardware]

Forgive me if I'm being dense, but did it change? The last sketchup looks a lot different than the early ones....
BTW I am really curious to know where you got your actuator. I am gonna use two in my rig, and I've been lookin around.
Sorry about your hardships, friend. Glad to see things are looking up for you.

[DonT-FeaR]

looks good man.... base looks sweet

[Remy]

Forgive me if I'm being dense, but did it change? The last sketchup looks a lot different than the early ones....
BTW I am really curious to know where you got your actuator. I am gonna use two in my rig, and I've been lookin around.


Yeah it has changed. Originally I had planned to use acuators, servos, a small lcd and some other stuff. I was also going to incorporate some aluminum trim pieces and rebuild the whole front of the case. Also, the top enclosure has changed quite a bit from the original design I was going for. I no longer own most of that stuff as I needed to sell it. Now I am just trying to clean up the case a bit. It's pitiful in its current state, and it doesn't deserve to be there.

Regarding the actuator, I actually got lucky on eBay and found the actuator for a very decent price.

Thanks Guys!! I'll keep you posted as I make some more progress.

Remy

[SXRguyinMA]

Pics Arent Showing Up :?

[Remy]

Hm... I see them fine. Are they working for you yet?

I've got some time on my hands today so I'll be in the garage working on the mod. Expect some more pics tonight!

Remy

[Remy]

So here's where I'm at... I've decided to change the door of my case, you saw the sketchups... It's still a work in progress, but I'm happy with what I have so far.

I first went to Ace hardware this morning and picked up the greatest Dremel attachment ever, a routing attachment
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1101.JPG

After a bit of practice using the new attachment, and about 1.5 hours later I made this from a 1/8" sheet of plexi.
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1103.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1104.JPG


Then I began some actual work on the side of my case. Started with this...
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1100.JPG


I cut out the fan grills...
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1109.JPG


Mocked up the progress...
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1110.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1111.JPG


Cut out some mesh for the new holes I have. (That mesh used to be a garbage can ;) )...
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1112.JPG
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1113.JPG
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1114.JPG


Then another mock-up of everything combined. I love it! :banana:
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1116.JPG
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1117.JPG
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1115.JPG


The rest of my evening will be spent filing the flame cutout and the fan holes. If it goes quick enough, and god forbid I break the cutout (there are some pretty thin pieces in the flames), I may even get it mounted.

Later Remy

[jdbnsn]

Dude, this is an awesome project. Lovin those flames too! I was wondering if you would decrease the size of your pics though, I'm guessing you are just uploading them straight from the camera? The huge size of the files causes the pages in your worklog to load very slow, and anything wider than 799pixels will be resized automatically anyway.

[Remy]

Dude, this is an awesome project. Lovin those flames too! I was wondering if you would decrease the size of your pics though, I'm guessing you are just uploading them straight from the camera? The huge size of the files causes the pages in your worklog to load very slow, and anything wider than 799pixels will be resized automatically anyway.

Thanks for the comment! Also, picture sizes have been reduced.

Well, I got the filing done on the flames, and actually broke of a little piece from one side; frustrating. I happened to catch the piece on my pant leg and broke it, DOH!! So after looking at it and seeing if it was repairable, I decided to break the same piece off the other side. I think it turned okay. At this point I'd say I'm about 75% done with the side door. I got some other things up my sleeve before it's done. Feel free to comment, I want to know what you think!

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/IMAG0149.jpg

[DonT-FeaR]

very cool from that.. i wanna buy that attachment now

[Remy]

very cool from that.. i wanna buy that attachment now

Got the attachment for $20 at Ace Hardware. By the looks of what this thing will be capable of doing, I think it is going to be one of my better investments.

[TheGreatSatan]

+rep, and another little green box for you!

[OvRiDe]

That plexi came out really nice. This build is really shaping up, and looking fantastic!

Good work!

[Remy]

Thanks for the comments and the rep!! I'll probably not get anything else done tonight. I need to run get some styrene from the hobby store and will be getting the tomorrow. I also need to order some leds. I can't wait for you guys to see what I'm doing with them. The effect, at least as I have it pictured in my head, is going to be SUWEEET!

[DonT-FeaR]

lol hope it works out for ya :)

[Remy]

Alright everyone, life got in the way of my modding yesterday. I'm on my way to the hobby store for some styrene right now. Check back later for updates!

Remy

[Remy]

Well the hobby store doesn't normally keep what I need in stock so they had to order it. By the end of the week it should be here. Until then, I have some other things I can work on. I'll post the progress and sketchups in a bit.

[Remy]

Well not getting to be as productive as I'd hoped to today. Interuptions, (dull drill bits, phone calls, and other things), have plagued my afternoon. However there is good news. I did make some progress on a custom piece I am working on for this project. I'll give you all more details on it as it progresses. Without further adieu...

Earlier I mentioned that the hobby store didn't have the size sheets of styrene I was looking for so they had to order them. No matter look what the mailman delivered!!
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1120.JPG

A beautiful new CPU Block from OCZ
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1121.JPG

A new Water Pump from Thermaltake (I've already cut into it to make it fit in my case's top enclosure...)
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1124.JPG

And a couple of Cable Sleeving Kits
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1122.JPG

I also made a trip to Tap Plastics and picked up a sheet of 1/8" and 1/4" clear plexi and a 1" square rod
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1125.JPG

The 1/4" sheet will be used to rebuild the reservior in my case's top enclosure. I'm just not comfortable with the one I have built now.

After playing with the new stuff I went out to the garage and began playing with my rod...

After a bit of milling and drilling I ended up with the following. Not too bad considering it was done by hand with my Dremel.
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1136.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1137.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1138.JPG


This ended as a prototype piece, because I realized after getting this far that one of my channels is incorrect. So since it's a prototype now, I played around with it for a bit.

First I hooked it up to an LED to see what kind of effect it would give...
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1129.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1132.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1133.JPG

Then I "frosted" the rod.
http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1139.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1140.JPG


Which do you like better? Frosted or Clear?

I know it's not much to look at now, but I gaurantee it will be sweet when done. I think it's quite innovative actually as I have not seen it done before. And once I have shown its purpose and functionality, I'm quite sure others will be doing it as well. Although not as productive as I'd hoped, I did have a fun day playing with my rod.

Until next time my fellow modders!!

[OvRiDe]

Well you definitely have my curiosity piqued!

[DonT-FeaR]

/\ yeah same,,, lol...

[KiLLERMAN21]

Nice work, the flames look really good. I'd say frosted with the rod, looks alot bette IMO.

[Remy]

Hey everyone. I know it's been a bit since my last post, for that I apologize. I've been doing alot of tinkering to complete a design for a custom PCB to control the LED lighting I plan to install. After many countless hours of research, designing, prototyping, and testing, I have had a gigantic brain fart. I mistakenly combined components from seperate schematics into one and just noticed that this morning. All along I've been beating my head agaist the walls trying to figure out why my LEDs aren't lighting properly... DOH!!! :banghead:

With the said, I've placed an order for the correct parts (60 individual components, LEDs not included) from a shop out of Canada. Hopefully the shipping doesn't take too long.

I've also made some progress onthe flame cutout for the side door of this mod. I haven't taken any pics yet, but I hope to have some up by tomorrow evening.

Remy

[Langer]

Build looks good, just thought you may want to know this about your waterblock though:

http://www.abload.de/img/graphblocks3suxl.jpg
Waterblock testing part 1 (http://www.realredraider.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=5160)
Waterblock testing part 2 (http://www.realredraider.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=5690)
Waterblock testing part 3 (http://www.realredraider.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=6053)
Waterblock testing part 4 (http://www.realredraider.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=6406) (hydroflow is reviewed here)

[Remy]

Thanks for the info Langer. I primarily got the waterblock to replace my currently rigged one. If I'm going to make everything look nice on the machine, the waterblock shouldn't be an exception. The primary factor in my decision to purchase this block was its cost. It was pretty cheap and it's what I could afford.

So, in my previous post I stated that I had messed up with the electronics I was working on. I've been spending many hours redesigning that. As well, I have done some work with the flames for the side of my case. The white pieces in the pic below are supposed to be black. I accidentally primered the wrong side. Also, the plexi will get frosted before completion. This is just a mock-up, so don't mind the crudeness...

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1159.JPG

Until Next Time...

Remy

[SXRguyinMA]

looks nice :up:

[Remy]

Ahhhhh... Finally on a vacation. Time to kick back, relax and do some serious modding. Expect lots of updates in the upcoming week. :banana:

For those of you following...

I had mentioned before that I screwed up my electronics work using the wrong parts with the wrong schematics. I have received my new shipment of parts, tested the circuits on the breadboard, and it works. Sweet!! I have a little bit of design work to finalize the circuitry and I'll get started on etching the PCB. Also, I've taken the first couple of hours of my vacation to clean up the edges of the flame work for the side of the case. I'll get some pics posted in a while.

I'm also thinking of taking the mesh out from the side of the case and painting the fans black. Your thoughts?

Remy

[Frenkie]

That looks so incredible cool, very very good job man ! +! rep

[XcOM]

holy bejjebuz dude that side panel looks freeking sweet.

here, have some rep

[Remy]

I promised everyone some updates this week. Here's the first.

I have spent a rediculous amount of time working on the circuitry for some LEDs over the last couple of weeks. I can't believe I'm finally to this point. I am making an attempt to etch my own PCB for the circuitry I am using.

To start, I created my circuits using the free software 'ExpressPCB (http://www.expresspcb.com/)'. Next I printed my circuits on regular paper and scanned them back into my computer. I then took Adobe Illustrator (AI)and traced my circuits. After some time spent aligning everything in AI so my circuits would print in the correct place on the paper, I took my files to Kinko's and had the circuits printed to their version of magazine paper using a laser printer. Here's the result:

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1199.JPG

Everything is printed backwards so it would transfer correctly to the PCB. Each module printed to the paper will work independently. The large square outlining all of the modules is the size of the PCB I purchased.

Next I cut out my circuits.

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1201.JPG

After using painter's tape to tape the paper to each side of the 6" copper clad board, I began the heat transfer process using a clothes iron. This process took about 3 minutes for each side. I forgot to take a picture of the actual heat transfer in progress, but you get the idea, right?

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1206.JPG

After the heat transfer process was completed, I allowed the board to cool down a bit as it does get quite hot. After cooling, I placed the copper clad board into a dish of water to allow the paper to soak. The picture was taken a bit after I began trying to remove the paper.

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1202.JPG

A good 10-15 minutes should be allowed for soaking. I didn't have the patience as I am eager to see how the transfer turned out. Due to my impatience, I have only one usable module from the whole board.

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1203.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1204.JPG

http://my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1205.JPG

I haven't begun the etching process yet. i intend to get to it tonight, but I may not make it down to the electronics store tonight. We'll see. I will definitely attempt to do the etching tomorrow if I cannot get to it tonight.

Until next time,

Remy

[SXRguyinMA]

why are the others ruined? cant you just soak it more? :think:

[Remy]

why are the others ruined? cant you just soak it more? :think:


They were ruined because I don't think I let them soak enough before I tried removing the paper. The toner traces came off with the paper. So I either didn't let the paper soak enough, or they weren't adheared well enough to begin with.


So I was able to make it to the electronics store after all. I first cut the PCB module off the main board. I then placed the cut module into a tub of ferric chloride. After about 10 minutes or so, here's the result.

Top of PCB
http://www.my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1210.JPG

Bottom of PCB
http://www.my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1209.JPG

I need to get some laquer thinner to remove the toner and reveal the traces. That I will definitely be doing tomorrow.

Since this is a double sided board, many of the traces on each side of the PCB need to match up. Looks like they did.

Top of PCB...
http://www.my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1211.JPG

Bottom of PCB...
http://www.my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1212.JPG

Overall I'm happy with the outcome. I have some clean-up to perform between some of the traces, but overall I am VERY happy with the outcome. This is the first PCB I've done.

Until tomorrow

Remy

[The boy 4rm oz]

Really nice work so far, I just read through the whole log and love what you have done, it has been a long time since I last checked up on this.

[DonT-FeaR]

wow nice pcbs

[Remy]

Thanks for the comments everyone. Even though the PCBs turned out nice, the contact points were too small, and many of them too close together. I haven't had a chance to get new print outs to transfer for a new PCB, but I am working on a another solution. I will update you all on the progress later today. Thanks again for the comments!

Remy

[Remy]

FINALLY!!!!

I transferred my latest circuit to PCB and got it working. That only took all week. It is a semi-permanant solution, but I got the LEDs working exactly the way I wanted. Here's some pics followed by a video of the LEDs in action.

The top of the circuit board, with all the parts soldered in place...
http://www.my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1213.JPG

The bottom of the circuit board showing the traces drawn with a CircuitWriter pen...
http://www.my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1214.JPG

A picture of the CircuitWriter pen and the small board to the left is the final size of the LED controller. I will have 2 of these mounted inside the case to provide some cool (hopefully) lighting effects.
http://www.my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1216.JPG

Lastly, here's a link to the video of the LEDs in action. It's not that great, shot with my cell phone, but I think it gets the idea across.
http://www.my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/LEDs.avi

Until Next Time!!!

Remy

[Remy]

I should add that each of the LED controllers will be controlling 10 LEDs each.

Remy

[The boy 4rm oz]

That pen is really cool, would make it a ton easier than getting your own circuits made up.

[DonT-FeaR]

/\ yeah i agree a neat tool to have... leds should look sweet

[Remy]

Yeah the pen is awesome. I just don't know how long the traces will be good for, and the circuits start failing.

Not much of an update, but I did get the 2nd of 3 LED controllers built yesterday. I'll get the last built today, then I'll be getting on to cutting some more plexi for the new reseviour. I need a table saw....

Remy

[DonT-FeaR]

looking forward to the next update

[Remy]

A small update for everyone.

I have added some connector headers to my PCBs in order to make the installation of LEDs to the PCB easier.

The PCB with the connector headers
http://www.my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/100_1219.jpg

And the connectors I intend to use. The problem is though, I cannot find a place to buy them...
http://www.my-pc-nerd.com/mod/My_mod/1_pin_connector.jpg

If anyone knows, please share. I would be most appreciative. I promise very soon I will have a bigger update for everyone. And it won't have to do with these damned PCBs...

Until Next Time,

Remy

[The boy 4rm oz]

If you are referring to the plastic cable headers as the things you can't find then I can't help you. I know you can get the cable from any good electronics store though.

How many of the headers are you looking for? I know you can get replacement cables for front panel reset switches and LEDs etc real cheap, you may need to get the replacement connectors and just cut the headers off.

[DonT-FeaR]

yeah
or go to your local computer recyclers and take the thingos..

[Remy]

Just found what I needed here (http://www.frontx.com/order_c.html). Just had to use the correct search term. They are called 1x1 header connectors.

Thanks guys.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Thanks for the link, I will save that for later. Make sure the connectors come with the internal pins, you wouldn't want to buy the connector without the pins lol.

[DonT-FeaR]

/\
funny but could happen

[Remy]

Yeah, I had to order the terminals seperate as they were'nt included. Overall, I spent $30 for 130 of each piece (+10 each for correcting errors I will definitely make). I have a lot of soldering and crimping coming up in my future...

[DonT-FeaR]

cool cant wait ... good luck mate

[Remy]

http://staffwriter.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/canceled.jpghttp://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xpVroXTjZwA/SVE1btNM1jI/AAAAAAAAAAU/Twh-tYv6UKE/S1600-R/phail.jpg

I got a new case and project I'm working on. No difficult fabrication so it will be finished...

[Mark_Hardware]

ewwww