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Mr. Kholl's LayerEX - RAM Mod Videoclip...

Discussion in 'Project Logs' started by misterkholl, 12 Feb 2007.

  1. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    Hello Bit-tech friends!

    I'm glad to post my last project here. I started this one last year, and now I'm working on the release 2. I will show some logs and results of the release 1. I hope you like it.

    PS: Yes, It's another project based on the Stacker 830! :D

    When I decided to mod the Stacker I had those topics in my mind:

    - It needs to be full reversible (no holes and no cuts on the original chassis and panels).
    - This time, no functional side panels.
    - It needs to be watercooled.
    - Functions on the front.
    - The case could be skinnable.

    The challenge (and the fun) was: How to create reversible and skinnable mod?

    The answer is: External panels in plexi.

    This is the the preview of the classic skin (silver) that I made in photoshop:

    http://www.modtv.com.br/LayerEX/mr_kholl_layer_ex_silver_preview3.jpg

    Worklog Index:

    1. Modding the Aquagate
    2. Modding the Corsair Memory Display
    3. Creating the external panels
    4. Custom front bays
    5. Displays
    6. Release 2 what's next....


    1. Modding the Aquagate

    I decided to add a second radiator to the aquagate.

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    So, I used this old cooldrive case (cooldrive 2) for the base:

    [​IMG]

    I replaced the original fan of the aquagate for this quiet one:

    [​IMG]

    The quick connection kit (with o-ring) that I used:

    [​IMG]

    I decided to keep the original quick connect feature of the aquagate.

    [​IMG]

    Creating the the second radiator supports:

    [​IMG]

    The base:

    [​IMG]

    Ok, the second radiator is attached:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    I had to decrease the size of the aquagate:

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: 5 Apr 2007
  2. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    1. Modding the Aguagate - Continues...

    The new module is done:

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Time to change the backlight of the LCD:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    My god...It's little!!!

    [​IMG]

    Soldering SMD Leds.... it's hard!

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Blocking the original blue SMD led of the LCD and the new led (White):

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    With the red filter, it's done:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
  3. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    2. Modding the Corsair Memory Display

    2. Modding the Corsair Memory Display

    I decided to put the diplay module of the Xpert memory on the front bay, so I had to create a extension cable:

    I used: Ribbon cable, sleeving, shring tube, pin bars, latch connectors, and a universal PCB:

    [​IMG]

    Creating the cable:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    No longer flat cable:

    [​IMG]

    Finishing:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    The pcb (for the support):

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Pins:

    [​IMG]

    It's done...

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    ...And working:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: 12 Feb 2007
  4. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    3. Creating the external panels

    3. Creating the external panels

    I used my method to cut the side panel: Die-cut vinyl as template (it's cheap...I can't resist :)

    [​IMG]

    3 sheets to keep it firm and to get 3 panels at the end of the cutting (3 skins):

    [​IMG]

    Cutting:

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Holes:

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
  5. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    3. Creating the external panels. Continues....

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Goodbye spines...I left this idea:

    [​IMG]

    Main cuts are done:

    [​IMG]

    Time to finishing:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Yes! the 3 panels:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Time to do the corrections:

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    and smooth:

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
  6. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    3b. Front Panels

    For the front panels I chose free hand because the rounded shape of the stacker front bezel.

    Transparent film to draw the panels:

    [​IMG]

    Hard draw is done:

    [​IMG]

    Time to transfer it to the plexi sheet:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Then.... the cuts:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Bottom display frame:

    [​IMG]

    Top Display Mask:

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
  7. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    3b. Front Panels - Continues...

    Smoothing...

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    ...and molding (with heat):

    [​IMG]

    Ok, the panels are done:

    [​IMG]

    Primed and corrected imperfections:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]


    Silver coat:

    [​IMG]

    The side panel almost done (with the meshes, PetG window and decals):

    [​IMG]


    Regarding that I decided to not make holes on the stacker I chose velcro to attach the panels (I used this 10mm foam to avoid dust)

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Once the panels are in plexi (and the transparent part in PetG) and the meshes in aluminum, the panels are very light. The result is fine, and I can take off the panel any time.

    [​IMG]
     
  8. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    4. Custom front bays

    4. Custom front bays

    One question asked by one sponsor of mine (Performance-pcs) changed the whole concept of the front bays that I was projected originaly: "Hey Mr. Kholl, I will send some parts to cut in laser, do you want cut something?".....ohhh!!of course!!! it's a dream!! hehehe so I drew the bays:

    1. DVD
    2. Aquagate cover
    3. Memory display cover
    4. Card reader
    5. Baybus (4x fan controller + aquagate lcd/control module)
    6. HDD meter


    [​IMG]

    The result was GREAT!!!


    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Masking:

    [​IMG]

    Dark silver coat:

    [​IMG]

    I decided to create the bays cases using those old cd-row cases:

    [​IMG]


    - Building the baybus:

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Not so beautiful, but, works!

    [​IMG]

    Pots support:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    It Works!

    [​IMG]
     
  9. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    4. Custom front bays - Continues...

    I made a simple 4x fan controller with tip 31c:

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    - Building the memory display case:

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]


    Primer...and Black coat:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    I created those photolit masks for the details of the covers:

    [​IMG]

    And painted one by one with uv paint:

    [​IMG]
     
  10. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    5. Displays

    5. Displays

    My plan was to use two displays in this project: one 240x128 Electroluminescent Display from Planar (on the bottom panel) and one 4" TFT Color in 16:9 ratio (on the top panel).

    Unfortunately, until now, the Color TFT still haven't arrive....so, I will update this pics later.

    Thanks for Planar that sent me this beautiful display:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Thanks for Samtec to provide me the cable for this special connector (2mm pin space):

    [​IMG]


    Creating the supports for the displays:

    I decided to create 2 bars in plexi for each display and mold it with heat.

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Fits perfect!

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Again, regarding the fact that I wouldn't make any hole on the stacker covers, I used this simple solution to attach the displays:

    [​IMG]

    Easy, firm and safe:

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Wiring:

    I decided to create a simple pcb to wire up the display.

    The original idea was a custom connector (I had to left it! not so firm):

    [​IMG]

    From flat to round / Sleeving (Techflex sleeve with 3M reflective monofilament):

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Final version (direct soldering.....I lost my patience checking the connector...so, this is the safe way):

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: 13 Feb 2007
  11. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    5. Displays - Continues...

    I used LCDStudio 2.0 to control the display. I made 3 simple designs with real data:

    - System (general info about the pc)
    - Online (real time infos: POP3 reader - Last e-mails / Weather info / RSS reader - Last news)
    - Storage (info about the HDDs)

    I'm working on the Winamp design

    Some shots:

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
  12. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    6. Release 1 Result

    6. Release 1 Result

    Note that is just a test, many things will be fixed in the next release.

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  13. DougEdey

    DougEdey I pwn all your storage

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    That looks pretty nice. How do the reversible side panels work then?
     
  14. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    7. Release 2 - What's next?

    7. Release 2 - What's next?

    - Attach the front panels (with the 2 displays):

    [​IMG]

    - Fix the tubing (both aesthetic and functional factors);

    - Wiring and cable organization;

    - Darken the original panels (anodizing);

    - Darken the interior;

    - Light controls on the baybus;

    - Fix the DVD mask (it's damaged);

    - Clear coat and polishing on the external panels (plexi);

    - More 2 skins (red and yellow);

    - Black mask for the card reader;

    ...

    That's it, I hope you like! see you soon my friends... :thumb:
     
  15. misterkholl

    misterkholl modMode:on

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    Hi Doug!! thanks bro.

    I made a simple struct with velcro to attach and detach the panels wherever I need. If someday, the mod becomes boring to me, I just put the original black mesh again....and of course, remove the anodizing with Easy-off Oven Clean....
     
  16. DougEdey

    DougEdey I pwn all your storage

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    I'm not 100% sure about the Plextor cover, the edges don't look smooth. May just need a smidgeon of tidying up,
     
  17. Bbq.of.DooM

    Bbq.of.DooM Custom User Title

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    Awesome work. I wish my mods were that nice :(
     
  18. GuardianStorm

    GuardianStorm Minimodder

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    looks very good, clean and professional :)
     
  19. rowin4kicks

    rowin4kicks a man walked into a bar ...

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    hey nnice to see you back with another mod, very precisly done and well thought out as always, i really like watching your mods coming together!
    good luck
     
  20. Darkraven

    Darkraven What's a Dremel?

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    Quality work and a very neatly organized thread to boot, hats off, keep up
    the good work.
     

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