ZapWizard's Media PC -Project on hold

Thanks for all the info guys.
I would also like to try that software is it is freeware.

 

Ok, it's the weekend and I am getting stuff done.
(The first thing is to post the stuff I did last week end)

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http://www.zapwizard.com/MediaPC/HD_Rack

My media PC will contain two harddrives. The first will be a 8 gig 5200RPM drive to run windows, and programs.
The second will be a large drive to store media files. This large drive will be housed in the back of the media PC in order to allow me to remove it and work with the files on another PC.

So a trip to the local computer parts donation shop gets me a $5 removable harddrive tray:



I don't have a key for this drive, but it was unlocked in the first place.
If you get one of these and the lock is engaged, the arm of the lock removes with a simple screwdriver, so don't worry.


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Complete with Fan.

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Now with the rack vinyl dyed black.


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The white paint on the top was sanded off, leaving just the metal behind.
The Lock has also been by-passed to allow the drive to run.
This drive rack will end up a the very back/bottom of my Media PC.

 

Removable HDDs rock!

 

Why won't we get them in the UK They must be a modders paradise!

Nice work dude keep it coming

 

Are you kidding? You find them everywhere. At my mums work they have hundreds. Couldn't do without 'em.

PS I think they're usually called Caddies

 

Try and find a ex-corporate seller, they might have a few.

 

I meant "computer parts donation shop"

 

LMAO DeX

 

ZAP, can your next guide be:

"10 easy steps on how to become a mod god:"

if only i was able to take electronics at school.

if only i had money to spend on gadgets etc

if only i was a god of mod!

 

I think it was called SuperVoice... at least in the UK it was

 

I need to try that vinyl dye.. seems way better than spraypaint

 

Ok time for a small update.

Here is how I internalized the Serial connections for the X10 Active Home interface, and the Servo.

I got a serial port card off of eBay that I will use for the remotes,
it will be wired in a similar fashion.

Only three pins were needed for the Servo (RX,TX,GND)
Four were used for the X10 interface (RX,TX,GND,RI)
Hence the four and three pin headers.
More details later...












And if you are wondering that phone looking plug is what they used on the x10 interface:



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/Edit I just booted up the media PC for another hardware test.
(I am typing this from the PC right now)
The X10 interface works perfectly using the above wiring.
The Video-outputs on the Radeon work wonderful, and have zero signal loss.
The IPAQ works using the four pin header I wired up, but doesn't seem to want to boot up all the way. I think I need to flash the memory.

 

damn, you use those pin connectors everywhere.

nice job.

 

cant wait for the finished product!!! and might i complement you on the regular updates

 

-> wow, another mod showing zaps soldering skills.
-> what do you call those pin connectors?

 

So much detail going into this Mod, this is really turning into something intresting.

 

Yep, it looks like one of those excellent ideas that everyone comes up with but NOONE pulls off. Yet Zap is managing to pull it off

 

Those are just called headers:
http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=192&type=store

I bought a whole ton of snappable type.
(Meaning you can break off just the amount you need)
To get them to raise off the PCB a little, I just remove the extra pins I don't need.

 

Zap, that's a good idea... I never thought of that... come to think of it, I remember seeing your PS/2 ports rerouted via soldered cables. Much better IMO than removing and bending/replacing the port to become internal. Great work

 

That was the video-input jack I wired up this way:



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I worked on the IPAQ, it seems that the Inverter board is having some grounding issues, it screws up the IPAQ when installed.
If I remove it the IPAQ will boot, so it looks like it will need repair.

If I can't repair it, I think I will end up with the only IPAQ with a external Inverter.