Battlestar Galactica Mod

[Boddaker]

LCD Screens

As I mentioned before, and a few of you picked up on it, I will be mounting multiple LCD screens
in the front of the case. Now it's not what you may think, as these screens are only 2.5" and will be mounted
in a cluster-like fashion, similar to the data readout display seen on Galactica's bridge. I will try to
find a screenshot of it so you get a better idea of where I'm coming from.
After measuring the width of the front opening, I came up with this design for the screen mounting assembly.
This is one of the rare times I actually drew it out on paper, due to its complexity! lol

Again, I neglected to take pics of the actual bending and pop riveting, but here's the end result.

The triangular ends are 1/8" styrene.

Since the screens are just the LCD modules and didn't come with any sort of enclosure, I made some pockets
for them. Here are the pieces...

...And here they are glued together.

Here's a shot of the screens by Accele-vision. I got them through Millertech. Thanks Patrick!

A close up shot of one of the screens. It's got composite in (RCA), and its 12v. Has an on/off switch, as well
as horizontal and vertical flip modes.

The screen slides right into the pocket.

I made a slot in the bottom for the ribbon cable.

Here are the pockets mocked up on the mounting assembly.

And here it is temporarily taped in place on the case.

I will be adding smaller dummy screens underneath these to round out the cluster. They will just be stills printed
out on transparency and lit from behind.
The LCDs will run off an auxilliary PCI video card's S-video output. I have an S-video --> Composite adapter,
then a composite cable that splits to feed all three screens. Should turn out pretty slick!

[chaksq]

Sweet this will be interesting. Glad to see more details being worked on. I think this should end up in the featured logs section.

[jdbnsn]

DUDE! That is such a kick-assed idea! That is going to look awesome man.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I agree with jbdnsn, it is gonna look sweet when you get it all together.

[Boddaker]

Thanks guys. I am getting excited myself, as I can't wait to see how the whole front will look when it's done. Sadly, I won't be able to do anything more on it for a couple days, as I am swamped until Thursday.

[rendermandan]

Excellent idea with the screens +rep

[xRyokenx]

Sweet screen idea dude. This mod is pretty cool, I like it. +rep

[Boddaker]

I actually got some work done on the case last night. After a stressful couple of days, modding can be quite theraputic!

I started on the framework for yet another LCD screen. This one is a 17" Samsung, and will be mounted opposite
the motherboard tray. The main purpose of this screen will be to play Galactica episodes. I plan to have them
all archived on the hard drives once season 4 is done and released on DVD.

First I had to remove part of the hard drive rack.

Then I made a bottom support piece out of angle aluminum.

I made a wooden template the exact size of the LCD screen to aid in the placement.

Here's a shot of the side panel in place over the wooden screen.

Next I need to make the vertical supports that will connect the top and bottom. These are the pieces the
screen will be secured to. After all is said and done, I should have about a 1/4" clearance between the screen
and mobo tray. I plan on relocating the LCD's circuit boards, which would normally reside behind the screen.

[Fallen]

hm that would be nice. how are you going to run the lcd display cords?

[Boddaker]

hm that would be nice. how are you going to run the lcd display cords?

As in the DVI and power cable? They will be hidden internally, probably under the floor of the case. I have a DVI cable with a 90° end that will be perfect for routing from the back of the vid card into the case.

As far as the wiring in between the screen and circuit boards, I will have to extend some to make the relocation work.