1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Case Mod - In Progress Project Retro - A collaboration between old style and new tech

Discussion in 'Project Logs' started by Steve_of_Death, 7 Aug 2012.

  1. Steve_of_Death

    Steve_of_Death What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    3 Jun 2012
    Posts:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    OK guys and Gals, I have been working on this project for about a month and a half now and have decided to start a project log on here after many requests from people to start one. This could be considered to be a combination of a case mod and a scratch build.

    The Story

    I was browsing some of the local second hand shops with my lovely girlfriend and spotted an old Philips tube radio from the 40's. I immediately saw the potential it had for a classy mini-ITX case. it was rather damaged so I managed to get it for the price of NZD$15.00. A rather impressive score if you ask me.

    I am a full time IT student so I may not be able to reply quickly and as I have no working camera at the present moment you will have to put up with phone pics for now, should have batteries for the camera by the end of the week so I will take some decent pics by the end of the week.

    Feel free to post any questions or feedback.


    What I started with

    This is the front of the radio in all its glory
    [​IMG]

    This is the back/inside of the radio just as i bought it (bird's nest and all)
    [​IMG]


    Many more pics to come
     
    Last edited: 7 Aug 2012
  2. AlderonnX

    AlderonnX Minimodder

    Joined:
    10 May 2012
    Posts:
    114
    Likes Received:
    1
    Oh, a fellow Radio modder. I'll keep a eye on this one.
     
  3. Steve_of_Death

    Steve_of_Death What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    3 Jun 2012
    Posts:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    The repairs underway

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  4. Steve_of_Death

    Steve_of_Death What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    3 Jun 2012
    Posts:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    it's great to know I'm not the only one doing something like this, I still have a fair few more pics to put up too
     
  5. Steve_of_Death

    Steve_of_Death What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    3 Jun 2012
    Posts:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    Sanding and testing other ideas

    all plastered up and drying
    [​IMG]
    front power and reset illuminated buttons as well as the HDD and PWR LEDs
    [​IMG]
    test fitting the fabric for a fan grill
    [​IMG]
    all sanded down with the test fitted fabric fan grill
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: 7 Aug 2012
  6. Steve_of_Death

    Steve_of_Death What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    3 Jun 2012
    Posts:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    And now on to the internals while I struggle to save for paint and other items

    mobo tray
    [​IMG]
    mobo tray installed (open)
    [​IMG]
    mobo tray installed (closed)
    [​IMG]
    HDD cage I ripped out of an old case and modded slighlty
    [​IMG]
    HDD cage installed and cardboard mock up of PSU for testing placements
    [​IMG]
    HDD cage installed and cardboard mock up of PSU for testing placements (better angle)
    [​IMG]



    And now to wait until I have enough money to buy the paint and other needed items...
     
  7. Vetalar

    Vetalar *learning english*

    Joined:
    21 Jun 2011
    Posts:
    577
    Likes Received:
    9
    man!!! those buttons and leds absolutely out of place here on front panel IMHO!!! You an move buttons to the back or somewhere invisible. and back-lit front mesh with leds...
     
  8. Nutman

    Nutman Never stuck with stock

    Joined:
    21 Oct 2008
    Posts:
    2,291
    Likes Received:
    59
    Potential! Will be following this one closely.
     
  9. Steve_of_Death

    Steve_of_Death What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    3 Jun 2012
    Posts:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    I am pleased to anounce my first sponsor/friend who wants to help... Infinity Customs. My dear friend Alex has offered to do the sleeving on the PSU for me.

    Thanks for the feed back guys, gonna be buying some more items needed for it tonight on my way home from uni.

    Please share this log with anyone who may be interested
     
  10. Steve_of_Death

    Steve_of_Death What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    3 Jun 2012
    Posts:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    Small Update

    Ok guys, so just a small update this time

    I have ordered the front IO for this project and now we wait for it to arrive.
    I will be taking some better pics of my current progress tomorrow.

    Until then... Spread the news, tell everyone you know and say "Hi" to your Mom for me
     
  11. Steve_of_Death

    Steve_of_Death What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    3 Jun 2012
    Posts:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    New better pics as promised

    So I had some good weather today, so I took the opportunity to take a few decent shots of my current progress.

    The Front, yes the fabric fan grill is held in by drawing pins
    [​IMG]

    The open back (you can see the previously mentioned drawing pins)
    [​IMG]

    Still trying to save for the next parts on the list... slim slot load DVD drive and fans. I still need to get me some paint and other items too.

    Please leave any comments, questions or positive criticisms you have and until next time...
     
  12. Steve_of_Death

    Steve_of_Death What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    3 Jun 2012
    Posts:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    Front IO arrived today

    Ok guys, so the front IO arrived today. the first thing I did was desolder the 1394 Firewire connection as the mobo of choice doesn't support it. Next up is deciding where to put it, left or right? Please comment with your preference below.

    As it was when it arrived.
    [​IMG]


    After removing the 1394 Firewire
    [​IMG]
     
  13. NeedsMoreSteam

    NeedsMoreSteam What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    3 Jan 2012
    Posts:
    41
    Likes Received:
    4
    no preference for which side though couldn't you have left the USB3 ports on there? They are backwards compatable and if in future you replace the motherboard with one that supports USB3 (if this one doesn't) they could have been taken advantage of.

    Watching with interest :)
     
  14. Steve_of_Death

    Steve_of_Death What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    3 Jun 2012
    Posts:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    I have left the USB 3.0 on there, the ports just slide out of the PCB. Will have more pics up within the next half an hour.
     
  15. Steve_of_Death

    Steve_of_Death What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    3 Jun 2012
    Posts:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    IO installed

    Drilling and filing template
    [​IMG]

    Holes drilled and hand filed
    [​IMG]

    After all that work
    [​IMG]
     

Share This Page