Worklog Time!
This is just a ‘started worklog’ to let everyone know where this project is going. As you probably know by now, the plan is to integrate the computers and electronics into my room; so that pretty much whatever I decide I want to do, I can do, whether it be listen to my music in both rooms at once, display my download stats on my TV in my bedroom, listen to my music in the shower-whatever. So this isn’t as much about the modding of the PC’s but the modding of the surroundings for the PC’s. This project will probably eventually be a ludicrous amount of hardware hacks; I’m planning to a fair deal of USB interfacing to help manage all the connections.
I’ll have one desk, and I want to be able to control most of the action from there. I’ll have 2 computers as a part of this mod, one for playing games on (Integration Project Stage 1) and one that runs Red Hat Linux, modded with a fallout theme and running as a mini-server. That’s Stage 2, and won’t get underway for a short while.
Down to business! The first stage of the integration is the desk. I need to have somewhere to put my PC’s. As the fallout case is a flat desktop thing, I decided to make a pull out drawer for it. As the worktop is pretty high, I also decided that there should be a lower part for the keyboard and mouse, with it’s own lighting that won’t disrupt the image on the monitor. I’ve already put up shelves and wired in a 5.1 surround sound system. The Modem and Wireless Router are already integrated, as is a small fridge which, for some reason, seems like a good idea. It makes a fair bit of noise so it’s not turned on at the moment. But when I’m having friends over to gaze at my workmanship, I’m sure we can crack open a couple of chilled cokes. These following pics are pretty self explanatory; but they show I went about putting the whole desk together. They also might give you a little clue as to just how crazy I really am…
My Desk before.
The runner attached to the wall.
The middle support.
And the tray goes in...
Attach one keyboard desk and some lighting...
And viola!
To answer any questions in advance; yes, I will tidy those cables up, and yes, I know I’m a crap carpenter. Feel free to post questions and suggestions, I’ll try and answer every post.
Anyway folks, that's all for now; let me know what you think of the idea. I know I haven't really explained it fully here, but I think my plans will become apparent in due time.
-Dave