Mk.6 EMP -Experimental Modular Project-

Demonstration of the PCB placement


I also found the solenoid I'll be using to lock the motherboard tray in place when the machine is turned on.
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/st...&catalogId=10001&productId=149753&pa=149753PS

And the final conceptual image of the case.

 

Ok, I think I get the whole plug bus thing now. The entire reason is to be able to work on the motherboard without having to remove every single plug? Not necessarily to work on the drives, etc.?

Looks great though, can't wait to see the build!

 

Correct. The drives will interface with the motherboard using a SATA extension dock on the tray as well.
The end goal is the ability to remove the motherboard tray (while the machine is turned off) without having to unplug any cables. A simple solenoid will prevent the tray from being removed when the machine is turned on.

 

Ok, my problem before is that I was seeing the plugbus as a solid piece that plugged into the motherboard itself. It makes much more sense knowing that it's two pieces. Ingenious idea with the solenoid, by the way.

 

I just finished making the absurdly long cutting and shopping lists

• PCB list
• Case Materials List

making such detailed lists allows me to double-check the end-cost of the raw materials required to make the case and to make sure my design is economically feasible.
In the process of doing so I found some parts of the case design that could be redesigned to provide a better mix of materials. The silver parts shown will be aluminum, the black outer panels will be 1/8th-inch acrylic or polyethylene, and most of the internal parts will be 3/16th-inch polycarbonate. The polycarbonate I have access to only comes in clear though so I may need to experiment with tinting processes if I want them to match color-wise.

The handles in particular were changed. I wanted to avoid having to waste blocks of billet aluminum so instead I'm going to make a sandwhich of 1/8th-inch aluminum sheets and 1/8th-inch black acrylic.

 

This is one of the most innovative projects in terms of modding that I've seen in a while. I love watching the progress and look forward to seeing this project grow.

 

I finished my grand dye experiment and here's the result.

Before


After


No, you're not seeing things. The dye process was a complete failure! I tried two different type of dyes and nothing will work with ABS. SO I've reverted to my backup plan and have begun applying blackboard paint. More pics to come as I apply more coats and reassemble the keyboard.

 

Gwah! Finally.

It took a really long time to get this thing back together.

 

I've quit my job and lightened my class load this semester so I can complete projects. I have a 4-month over-due project for a client to finish, some smaller projects to do, some PCBs to etch and test, and then the case construction to begin.

If only I had some elves I could outsource to...

 

!?!?!?

 

I was working part-time in the fall to build up my savings. I'm currently a student and I'm working on the last semester of my Bachelor's degree. Haven't decided whether or not I want a Master's yet, but I wasn't doing well handling the stress of working and going to school at the same time.

 

Well lets see some results then . I'm keeping an eye on this project and can't wait for some updates.

 

#1 all those keyboard pics looked the same, what was different?
#2 when do you project this will start?

 

#1 The first attempt at changing the shell color failed because appearantly I got the wrong dye. I got fed up with the dye and painted the stock grey shell with blackboard paint. It now has a very durable flat black finish.
#2 Atleast 2 weeks since I have a few things I need to take care of first.

 

Looking like an awesome project. Really interested to see how the PCB Bus will work out.

I could see the difference with the keyboard, the last shot with the blackboard paint looked alot better. Black over grey anyday.

 

Just the flash makes in look weird in #68
Ought to be interesting, im subscribed and looking forward to the email in 2 weeks

 

Here's a work-up of the Full Tower version as well as an explaination of where the PCI Pump Relay will be.

Bigger
Soooo many setup options. And the ability to use two BIX3s blows my mind since that would make for a really effective passive setup. This design is so large that even phase change could potentially fit inside.

And I CAN'T believe I forgot to take a picture of these when they arrived on the weekend but...
ZOMG 18 pounds worth of copper and fiberglass!

That's 18 12"x6" singled-sided 3oz boards weighing 1lb each. That leaves me quite a few if I make mistakes, or want to make other PCBs for some unforseen reason. They were dirt cheap yet again thanks to more fun on ebay.

 

Looking verrry profesional and promissing. Keep working!

 

Stop it with all the milkshape teasers and build the dang thing!!! But i must agree that planning gets you what you want in the long run.....

 

Yeah, sorry. I have things to finish before I can tackle this but I am working on the Plug-Bus at the moment.