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! 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. So, I used this old cooldrive case (cooldrive 2) for the base: I replaced the original fan of the aquagate for this quiet one: The quick connection kit (with o-ring) that I used: I decided to keep the original quick connect feature of the aquagate. Creating the the second radiator supports: The base: Ok, the second radiator is attached: I had to decrease the size of the aquagate:
1. Modding the Aguagate - Continues... The new module is done: Time to change the backlight of the LCD: My god...It's little!!! Soldering SMD Leds.... it's hard! Blocking the original blue SMD led of the LCD and the new led (White): With the red filter, it's done:
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: Creating the cable: No longer flat cable: Finishing: The pcb (for the support): Pins: It's done... ...And working:
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 3 sheets to keep it firm and to get 3 panels at the end of the cutting (3 skins): Cutting: Holes:
3. Creating the external panels. Continues.... Goodbye spines...I left this idea: Main cuts are done: Time to finishing: Yes! the 3 panels: Time to do the corrections: and smooth:
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: Hard draw is done: Time to transfer it to the plexi sheet: Then.... the cuts: Bottom display frame: Top Display Mask:
3b. Front Panels - Continues... Smoothing... ...and molding (with heat): Ok, the panels are done: Primed and corrected imperfections: Silver coat: The side panel almost done (with the meshes, PetG window and decals): 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) 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.
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 The result was GREAT!!! Masking: Dark silver coat: I decided to create the bays cases using those old cd-row cases: - Building the baybus: Not so beautiful, but, works! Pots support: It Works!
4. Custom front bays - Continues... I made a simple 4x fan controller with tip 31c: - Building the memory display case: Primer...and Black coat: I created those photolit masks for the details of the covers: And painted one by one with uv paint:
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: Thanks for Samtec to provide me the cable for this special connector (2mm pin space): Creating the supports for the displays: I decided to create 2 bars in plexi for each display and mold it with heat. Fits perfect! Again, regarding the fact that I wouldn't make any hole on the stacker covers, I used this simple solution to attach the displays: Easy, firm and safe: 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): From flat to round / Sleeving (Techflex sleeve with 3M reflective monofilament): Final version (direct soldering.....I lost my patience checking the connector...so, this is the safe way):
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:
6. Release 1 Result 6. Release 1 Result Note that is just a test, many things will be fixed in the next release.
7. Release 2 - What's next? 7. Release 2 - What's next? - Attach the front panels (with the 2 displays): - 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...
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....
I'm not 100% sure about the Plextor cover, the edges don't look smooth. May just need a smidgeon of tidying up,
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