Side window in case

[madmikejt12]

hi, i am new to modding (i have added a HD, replaced CPU and added RAM but nothing else) and i would like to add a side window to my pc, the side is alluminium (i think.... its a DELL DIM 2400) and i was wondering if this tool would be suitable: http://www.mutr.co.uk/prodDetail.aspx?prodID=1123
or this one: http://www.rapidelectronics.co.uk/rkmain.asp?PAGEID=80010&CTL_CAT_CODE=&STK_PROD_CODE=M71739&XPAGENO=1

Thanks,
Mike :)

Edit: sorry if this is in the wrong section, i did not know where to put it

[DaveW]

I see you're in the UK, so i'd reccommend not skimping on the dremel.

Here's a very basic dremel (http://www.tooled-up.com/ManProduct.asp?PID=110490&MAN=Dremel-Fix-It-Kit); but i'd seriously recommend it over the other tools. I bought a cheap knock off and ended up buying a real dremel a week later. The cutting disc actually laster longer than the drill (which is possibly the only time that's ever happened.)

Welcome to the forums! Get yourself tooled up, and hack away!

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

thanks dave :)

Thats not a bad price :), does it come with the piece i need?

what do i need by the way? there are so many things.......
i presumed it was a cutting disk?
they come in 'smooth' or in 'sections' (if you get me) does it matter what one i get?

Thanks,
Mike :)

[madmikejt12]

http://i10.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/0d/71/c6_2.JPG
the 'sectiond' one i was on about^^^

http://i23.ebayimg.com/01/i/05/09/cb/3f_2.JPG
'smooth' one i was on about^^

[DaveW]

Those won't fit on your dremel...to be honest, in my opinion, if you're only planning to cut a side window, just use a jigsaw-if you have one to hand. If you don't you can probably borrow one.

If you get the dremel, you'll be able to do etchings, engravings, etc. as well so it's worth it. Being honest though i find dremel cuts a pain in the ass and i tend to avoid it where possible.

That dremel comes with a cutting disc, but you'll need to buy more; it's about a fiver for a pack of 20. Each disc will cut maybe 5-12cm in steel depending on how good you are: i'm in the 5cm catagory ;)

There's also diamond edged blades, but they blunt fast in anything stronger than aluminium and take ages to cut. They don't throw up tons of dust though, and i found that blunt diamond blades are a great way to cut through Plexi without warping/cracking it.

Hope that helps?

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

yes, i can get hold of a jigsaw easily (my grandad has one in the loft at his, where i will be working) jigsaw, i was worried about snapping the blade though, how likely is it to snap the blade? (its fairy new as i tripped over it the other week and it fell off the workbench and snapped the blade, how likely would this be?

thanks,
Mike

[Cevinzol]

Expect the blades to break, eventually. have extras on hand. Make sure they have many teeth per inch. use some masking tape to protect your finish and go slow.

Good luck, have fun and post some pictures.

[The Modfather]

If you want to have your cut look clean, the jigsaw isn't the way to go. That's only good if you plan to use some kind of moulding or trim around the window and even still you'll need to grind and get rid of a lot of jagged edges. The Dremel will do a better job of making a clean cut plus you can just switch out to the grinding bit to clean the edges when you finish the cut. It takes a steady hand and patiences to do it right. You will go through cutting disks though, but nobody mentioned this, you need to buy the Reinforced cutting disks, the regular ones will snap very frequently whereas the reinforced ones will break only about 1/3rd as much. You'll need a small eyeglass type flat head screwdriver to swap those disks on the bit too and that can be a real pain.

Remember, eye protection, resperator, gloves!

[DaveW]

Actually, i use a jigsaw and my cuts are clean-sounds like someone's using the wrong blades and method.... ;)

You need metal blades, they have tiny teeth and look like hacksaw blades. Then, you lubricate the blade, and jigsaw away. Keep lubing the blade, or you'll end up superheating the whole thing.

Metal Jigsaw blades cost about £1.50 for 3 blades. There's 2 types, ones for metal, and ones for aluminum. If you're not careful, the blade might catch and dent your metal, but the edges need a lot less cleaning up than the dremel did for me. Then again, i openly admit i don't have the 'dremel cutting technique'.

At the end of the day, everyone has a prefered tool-for cutting, i like the jigsaw. Click the Stage 1 part of my sig, and you can see for yourself what i do; i used the jigsaw for all the cuts appart from the ones in the PSU and the first part of the soft side panel. Had to beat them back into shape a little for the soft metal side, but it looks good now i've done that.

EDIT: Though i used a dremel's grinding bit to finish off some of the edges.

-Dave

[The Modfather]

Dude, look at the workbench you've got there though. Most of us aren't so lucky, we've got to work on things like regular table tops and stuff. I will admit that when I tried using the jigsaw (yeah, with metal cutting blades) I didn't know about the lubricating part of it.

[madmikejt12]

thanks for all your replies, i think i will use a jigsaw for the simple reason: i already have one

i will buy a set of blades so im not too bothered about snapping them (my grandad doesnt have a lot in because he hardly uses it)

will 'general purpose greese' do to lube the blade?

Thanks
Mike

[Cevinzol]

Use oil, grease is too thick. just pick up a little can at a hardware store.

[tybrenis]

Also, you will want special metal blades. They aren't too pricey, but I suggest getting some good ones, you will thank yourself for it. Practice on some scrap first too, and NEVER forget to WEAR PROTECTION! Dust protection, eye protection, long sleeves perhaps for flying bits...

[DaveW]

Another great thing about the jigsaw is that it isn't dusty like the dremel :)

Though you will probably want to buy a dremel at some point.

Make sure that when you get an oil it's not one that's going to catch fire when it gets hot. Some oils are designed for things that won't get hot, some are. I actually use 'flammable' oil though, and the worst it does is get smokey. It certainly makes a BIG difference though.

(I'm not sure about that oil...it says flammable on the back of the tin, but it has a picture of a jigsaw on the front?)

I have two jigsaws, i might never have to use a dremel cutting disc again...although it's really the only way to get detail in unless you're prepared to file like a bitch for hours.

-Dave

[The Modfather]

The Jigsaw isn't dusty? You must have a special jigsaw with a built in vacuume or something. :) I've been working with both wood and metal a lot the past few weeks with both the dremel and a jigsaw and I think I've got enough sawdust and metal shavings embedded into me to set of metal detectors a block away. :)

[DaveW]

Yeah, i forgot it does have a built in dust extractor, but even then it doesn't seem to be throwing out a lot of dust...

-Dave

[The Modfather]

Ahhh, I was kinda joking about that but... That's cool.

My podiatrist gave me two portible vacuume thingies that they use in his trade a few months back, the tool he uses looks so much like a dremel I asked about the vacuume system he used. He said that he'd had the whole building rigged up with a big vacuume in the basement but that he had these smaller ones he used to use. Next visit, he gave 'em to me. Hopefully they've been sanitized. :)

[xmastree]

Practice on some scrap first tooThats' easy to say, if you have scrap lying around. But if now, you can practice on the case itself but well inside the edge which will eventually become the window.

The bit you remove will be scrap eventually, so use it. 8)

[madmikejt12]

thanks for all the info :)

i will be able to find some oil in the house, i have seen some somewhere



I have two jigsaws, i might never have to use a dremel cutting disc again...although it's really the only way to get detail in unless you're prepared to file like a bitch for hours.
i think i will file like a bitch for hours :) or use my cordless drill with one of those sanding things in it (my grandad does it)

Thats' easy to say, if you have scrap lying around. But if now, you can practice on the case itself but well inside the edge which will eventually become the window.

The bit you remove will be scrap eventually, so use it.
Thanks, will do that :)


Also, you will want special metal blades. They aren't too pricey, but I suggest getting some good ones
could you reccomend some please?
preferably from this site: http://www.tooled-up.com
actualy, i lied.... it doesnt really matter.

Thanks,
Mike :)

[DaveW]

Look in local shops for Metal Blades, Bill's Tool Store in Glasgow sells 3 blades for £1.50.

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

ok, will do. Thanks :)
ill walk up on monday probably.

another thing, if i mounted 2 speakers (2W) near 2 corners of the side panel, would it mess up components and data on my HD/CD drives or is that only stronger magnetic fields that do that?

Thanks,
Mike :)

[XcOM]

sll depends on how powerful the speakers are, i got a friend whos speakers are so powerful they HAVE to be 2ft away from all computer or equepment that are affected by magnetic fields.

[DaveW]

speakers are so powerful they HAVE to be 2ft away from all computer or equepment that are affected by magnetic fields.

Drool... :P

-Dave

[DaveW]

2Watt speakers shouldn't cause any damage.

That's the same as what i have built into my flat panel monitor.

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

ok, thanks :)

i will probably start in a week or two..... already have the circle shape (dell logo is inside a fairly large circle)

i was thinking about giving the bottom half a 'frosted' effect and having blue LED's shining up, What do you think?

[nil8]

If you want to be 100% sure of your first jigsaw use without messing your cut up too bad, cut a cm in from the edge of your window, and use a nibbler and a file to take the rest off. Much easier way to get a clean edge and less chance of jarring your panel.

My first window I did with a hacksaw blade, nibbler and bastard file. That took work.

[madmikejt12]

thanks for the tips :)
I have used a jigsaw before (but that was on wood... lol)
is it much different for metal?

Thanks, Mike :)

[XcOM]

thanks for the tips :)
I have used a jigsaw before (but that was on wood... lol)
is it much different for metal?

Thanks, Mike :)


Very different, you MUST lub, and go slow or you will warp or even break the blade, and make sure you use the correct blade or you can end up bending/denting the metal.

[madmikejt12]

did you mean the speed of the blade or the speed of me moving the jigsaw around?
the jigsaw is only single speed and is quite fast
i will ask in focus what blade they reccomend :)

Thanks
Mike :)

[DaveW]

What sort of Jigsaw is it? As long as it's fast and has a good torque you should be fine. Move slowly when you're cutting your metal, to ensure you get a good cut. That's my advice: also be careful on corners, cut wide, and file them down. If you're doing a square this won't be an issue, if it's a circle, make it a sort of outwards spiral, and if it's a shape...use your imagination ;)

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

was doing a circle but might do a random shape so any mistakes wont matter too much :) lol

[madmikejt12]

dont know what type, its a 400W i think

[DaveW]

Random shapes are always a good idea, you can cover up any mistakes with ease... ;)

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

i was only doing a circle because its already there (the circle in the middle sort of goes in)
like this one:
http://kokky.way-nifty.com/4646/images/050501_dell8300_IMG_0966_2.jpg

that is not my exact case, mine is the DELL DIMENSION 2400
i actualy think the circle will be easier now, because there is not much space to work around it. ill do the circli and if i f*** up, ill do a random shape around it

[Cevinzol]

check in your area for a construction company, heating/cooling installer, anyone who works with duct work or sheet metal. Ask them for scraps (sometimes called "drops") get some to practice on.
Also try to rig up a bench that will support your metal on both sides of the blade (not just hanging over the side of a table).

go slow don't force the blade to cut fast and you'll do fine.

[DaveW]

Also try to rig up a bench that will support your metal on both sides of the blade (not just hanging over the side of a table).

I can't express how much of a difference this makes. You'll also want to clamp it at both sides, to stop it from moving-all it takes is a little move to one side to make the blade stick and dent your metal. This will rarely happen, don't let me put you off-but a well clamped peice will almost never warp or dent.

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

black+decker workmate and G-clamps will do :)

[madmikejt12]

okkk, so i went up to focus and they didnt have the blades for cutting metal!! (well they did but they were £7 for 2 and i dont want to spend that much as i will only be using them once).

ill hopefully try taskers tomorrow and then can only start next friday at the earliest....
i dont know how im going to get the side panel out of the house without my mum noticing!!!!
lol

Mike

[DaveW]

Eh? Dude, you will have to tell your mum. She'll kill you if she looks out the window and sees you using powertools on the computer. The expensive computer.

Sit her down with a tea/coffee and explain, slowly, that you don't expect her to understand your artistic visions but she needs to trust in you. If she freaks out too much tell her you know some of the best Modders in the world. Also, you'll want to assure her of the following:
1) You have planned
2) You have safety gear
3) You can use the jigsaw safetly
4) No damage will come to the computer.

Good luck! Try a small, local store. But not the pound shop.

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

lol, thanks for the tips... but the thing is she wont look out the window and see me cutting my case..... im doing it in the loft at my nans :)

planned where im cutting
got the safety gear
can use jigsaw safely (and mum trusts me with power tools)
no damage will be done to the computer, as it is at home :)
(mum wont notice the side window missing because there are a set of blue draws hiding the computer which have been there for about 6 months (they are getting moved when case is complete)


anyway...... work has begun..... WITH A COPING SAW!!!!!!! (using a blade for thick metal/wood)

probably going to end up 'filing like a bitch' at the end aswell!! lol

[madmikejt12]

ok, the hole is cut and i am just filing now, its taking a fair bit of time but not as bad as i thaught, done just over 1/3 in about 20-25 mins, when the hole is filed, work will continue next friday when i have the plastic and i am here again.

will post pics when i can.

[DaveW]

Can't wait to see it :)

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

side window is done... i used 3 things:
- A drill (with normal drill bit.... 10mm)
- A file
- Sandpaper

i started using the coping saw, did about 2mm and just gave up!!!
ill post a pic after the final Liverpool Vs West Ham

[madmikejt12]

here is the panel with the hole cut out:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMG_0475.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMG_0476.jpg


As you can see from these shots, there are a few scratches so its going to need a re-spray...
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMG_0477.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMG_0478.jpg

I tried to get the spray paint before and they asked for id because you need 2 be over 18, as i am only 15, i do not have id!!!! lol
the car parts shop down the road from where i live have it in smaller cans for cheaper and they will sell it to me (baught it before from there)

EDIT: sorry about the size of the close-ups, cant re-size them

[DaveW]

Looks pretty nice. You planning on putting clear perspex in there, or a nice colour? What about lighting and what-not?

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

well..... i have ordered the plastic.... cant remember if i ordered clear or tinted blue

for lighting, i will be ordering:
2x blue cold cathodes
2x UV cold cathodes
1x UV reactive ide cable kit (2x IDE and 1 floppy connector)
1x set of 10 UV reactive molex connectors
1x UV reactive floppy power connector
1x LED case fan (already on order with the plastic and other bits and pieces)
1x 1/4" blue split wire loom (for tyding cables)

i will also be making a lighting mod of my own

that is of course if the window goes well
the site that i ordered my plastic from is down at the moment: www.mutr.co.uk
i use it quite frequently

[onelegout]

If you're planning to use both the blue CCFLs and the uv ccfls, you might not get such an impressive effect from the uv. The blue ccfls tend to completely overpower the UV ones, in my experience anyway:P Maybe have switches for them?
H

[madmikejt12]

ahh.... yes, i will have switches on the back on a spare pci plate

do you mean that the uv light wont be as effective with the blue one on, so therefore the uv reactive things wont glow as brightly?

would orrange work better?

thanks,
Mike

[DaveW]

Nah, it's just a bit...overkill. Your eyes won't see UV unless you really force them into it. That means removing other light sources, so i'd remove the blue cathodes and order UV fans instead of LED ones.

Don't take this the wrong way, but that's a lot of interior lighting, and a teeny tiny hole to see it all through. If you made the side panel a bit more interesting, you might find it works better; is the panel flat, or does it 'bubble' outwards? Cos if it's not flat you can do some pretty intersting stuff with a heatgun, which you can probably borrow from someone...just my input.

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

Don't take this the wrong way, but that's a lot of interior lighting, and a teeny tiny hole to see it all through. If you made the side panel a bit more interesting, you might find it works better; is the panel flat, or does it 'bubble' outwards? Cos if it's not flat you can do some pretty intersting stuff with a heatgun, which you can probably borrow from someone...just my input.

yeh, i realise its a lot of lighting... im having switches on the back so i can change between blue, UV or both.. might add an orrange along side the blue at a later time and either have orrange, blue, orrange + blue, orrange + blue + UV, orrange + UV, Blue + UV or just UV
it sort of 'bubbles' inwards.... its flat, then it goes in a bit, then there is the hole (see 1st and 3rd pic)..... i was going to do another smaller circle joined on to the bottom right of the hole.... could still do it, do you think this would be better? it would be a shame to spoil it now....

got the black paint to spray it on friday after i drilled the holes to bolt the plastic.
will i need to sand it down or can i just give it 2 coats on top of the existing paint?

Thanks, mike

[DaveW]

I know you're going to hate me for saying this, but if you look at that hole, not only is it small, but it's over the most boring part of your computer. You'll probably see the other side of the case, the side of your mobo, your IDE cables, and the backs of your drives. But don't worry, all is not lost! The curves of the case can make for an interesting feature; work with them, not against them.

Here's something i came up with, which would really open the case up. At least, in my honest opinion.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/davew/idea.jpg

Let me know what you think.

-Dave

[tybrenis]

yeh, i realise its a lot of lighting... im having switches on the back so i can change between blue, UV or both.. might add an orrange along side the blue at a later time and either have orrange, blue, orrange + blue, orrange + blue + UV, orrange + UV, Blue + UV or just UV
it sort of 'bubbles' inwards.... its flat, then it goes in a bit, then there is the hole (see 1st and 3rd pic)..... i was going to do another smaller circle joined on to the bottom right of the hole.... could still do it, do you think this would be better? it would be a shame to spoil it now....

got the black paint to spray it on friday after i drilled the holes to bolt the plastic.
will i need to sand it down or can i just give it 2 coats on top of the existing paint?

Thanks, mike


I agree that that is truely a total overkill. I recomend going with one or the other. And is it a standard Dell computer inside? I doubt a crappy Dell PSU can handle ALL of those lights and fixtures.

[DaveW]

If it's a Dell, they'll be using the same PSU over a wide range of computers. So unless it's a top of the line model, you should be able to add extra stuff. Your average Dell tech dude wouldn't know when to change the PSU for a more powerfull one, so i'm guessing they just go by a one-PSU-per-model type of system, where they have a box labelled 'cheap wirey box thingies' and 'costly wirey box thingies'. Basically, Dell makes the case, shoves the PSU in there, without a damn clue what's going to end up in that box, so the PSU is ready for whatever they stick in there, (assuming they work out the complicated screw-turney-tool ;) ) unless you bought the best in the class. Know what i mean? The PSU can probably handle it ok...

...but it's still overkill.

-Dave

[tybrenis]

Yeah.

[madmikejt12]

yeh i was looking yesturday where the hole would be and thinking..... hmm... what am i going to see?..... a load of wires!!!!!!!!!

its a 200w psu, 40gb HD, 768mb RAM cr rom and DVD+/-RW

ill think about the extra holes. Thanks :)

[madmikejt12]

If it's a Dell, they'll be using the same PSU over a wide range of computers. So unless it's a top of the line model, you should be able to add extra stuff. Your average Dell tech dude wouldn't know when to change the PSU for a more powerfull one, so i'm guessing they just go by a one-PSU-per-model type of system, where they have a box labelled 'cheap wirey box thingies' and 'costly wirey box thingies'. Basically, Dell makes the case, shoves the PSU in there, without a damn clue what's going to end up in that box, so the PSU is ready for whatever they stick in there, (assuming they work out the complicated screw-turney-tool ) unless you bought the best in the class. Know what i mean? The PSU can probably handle it ok...

...but it's still overkill.

That made me laugh :) lol

i do like your idea for the window :).... it would be harder to do with the drill lol, might be better getting some jigsaw blades ;) lol

[madmikejt12]

i would do the window but it would be a shame to spoil it now....

here is a pic of: Spray paint (for spraying the side and possibly the front), 4x nuts + bolts (for bolting side window), PCI backplate (for switches/pots), 2x 100k pots for (adjusting blue light and UV light intensity):
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMAG0249.jpg

[DaveW]

Hmm, on second thoughts? A 200W PSU might be worth upgrading anyway. I'm guessing this is a pretty old PC, and that the DVD writer isn't a standard part...i'm going to guess you've got a Pentium 3 with that setup? And it's probably built in graphics or a basic card. So i typed your system into this calculator, (http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/) and it said you can run your system off a 193 Watts. That's including 2 coloured system fans, and your cathode rays, but not your CPU fan, which puts it up to 195 Watts. Basically? It might be time to get a new PSU. You might be able to manage this, but I warn you, it's risky-get a cheap PSU from your local comp shop to be on the safe side.

It's up to you what you want to do with the window, but i'd open it up a bit more; see my sketch at the top for a good way of showing off that sweet, sweet, technology. You also might want to see about getting some clearcoat for after you paint the side panel, which provides a protective barrier for the paint and a nice finish.

Good luck buddy!

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

Hmm, on second thoughts? A 200W PSU might be worth upgrading anyway. I'm guessing this is a pretty old PC, and that the DVD writer isn't a standard part...i'm going to guess you've got a Pentium 3 with that setup? And it's probably built in graphics or a basic card. So i typed your system into this calculator, and it said you can run your system off a 193 Watts. That's including 2 coloured system fans, and your cathode rays, but not your CPU fan, which puts it up to 195 Watts. Basically? It might be time to get a new PSU. You might be able to manage this, but I warn you, it's risky-get a cheap PSU from your local comp shop to be on the safe side.
i do not have a psu fan, just a cooler
yes, i have a built in graphics+sound
no PCI modem
DVD drive didnt come with the pc
got a 180w (i think) psu from an old win 98 pc
my pc is about 1 1/2-2 years old

your window idea seems like a good idea :)

[tybrenis]

i do not have a psu fan, just a cooler
yes, i have a built in graphics+sound
no PCI modem
DVD drive didnt come with the pc
got a 180w (i think) psu from an old win 98 pc
my pc is about 1 1/2-2 years old

your window idea seems like a good idea :)

Your heatsink doesn't have a fan on it?

I think that is what he was referring to. Unless it is watercooled, it almost definately has a fan on it.

[madmikejt12]

nope..... dont think so, im positive it only had the big metal block on it... hang on ill have a look

[madmikejt12]

i got 149W

Intel celeron skt 476
2x PC133 SD RAM
1x HD
DVD RW drive
(will disconnect cd rom as it is not that good)
1x USB device (digital cam.... printer has own powar supply and i hardly ever have mp3+camera on at the same time)
3x fans (even though i have 2 max)
2x Cold Cathodes
----------------------------------
TOTAL= 149W

[madmikejt12]

150W with 2 normal fans+1 LED fan

[madmikejt12]

what do you think about this?
it wouldnt open it up as much as DaveW's idea but its a start and i have already had practace at a circle..... also i could add another one at the top..
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/Publication1.jpg

[DaveW]

It depends on the tools you have and the tools you're going to use. Looking at your list for your power supply, you havn't got a graphics card included. If it's built in graphics, it still uses power, so it needs to be included (there's nothing for built in graphics, just add it in as a basic graphics card).

To be honest, i don't think the 2 circles look too nice, so my question is; did you get jigsaw blades? If not, but you can get them - then you won't need to fear any shape. Circles are the hardest to get right, but a jigsaw makes it all a lot easier.

Before cutting, i'd recommend flipping the panel over, then using a pencil to freehand what you want to cut. Then, go over it with a permanent marker, like a CD Pen, to get your outline. Then the tool comes into play.

Obviously, you're not just modding you're customising, so make sure you use a design you're happy with. Another circle seems a bit basic in my opinion. You could do a nice pattern, but remember you had a guideline the first time in the dell logo, this time you won't have that.

My advice is; make it more interesting with a nice design, get a jigsaw and some blades. When you're ready, and happy with the design, drill holes for your jigsaw blades and get cutting.

Oh, and although i said freehand the pencil, that's just to decide where you want things: i'd recommend using a compas, rulers, and set squares on the actuall cut lines. And don't forget to leave enough space for the screws for your window.

Good luck!

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

thankyou for your advice :)
it is much appreciated
i will get the blades ASAP

Youre actualy right about the circle.... it is verry baisic, your design looks better :) i think i would get bored of the circle design after about a week lol

[madmikejt12]

nope, there was no fan on the cpu cooler, there was one next to it though.... so my led fan went on the cpu cooler:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/IMAG0250.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/IMAG0251.jpg

i am dissapointed with the plastic, it is flexable (came rolled up) not clear (quite a 'solid' blue, cant see the led fan through it from 15cm, just a dimly lit blur

i either ordered the wrong thing, misread the description and pics or they sent me the wrong stuff

[DaveW]

If you ordered it online, then the law requires a 10-day cooling off period, at which point you're entitled to a full refund without explaination. This is minus the costs of postage and packaging, and some companies are allowed to charge a "repackaging fee".

You should be able to change it, give them a call.

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

thanks for that :)

does this include sending it back and getting a refund?

Mike

[DaveW]

You normally have to pay for sending it back. If you phone them, they might do an exchange on delivery of the right peice. Good Luck!

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

thanks for the info :)

the lights and uv stuff came today... here is the video of it flashing to the beat of music:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/th_IMAG0253.jpg (http://s14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/?action=view&current=IMAG0253.flv)

The video does not realy do it justice, it looks better in real life, its just the camera has a really dark display. i'll try and get a better one

also, would acrylic be ok for the window? or perspex?
do you know the pros and cons of using these materials as windows in a case?

Thanks,
Mike

[DaveW]

here is the video of it flashing to the beat of music

Dude, that's not music! :P

Just kiddin. Acrylic and Perspex haven't got many differences as far as case windows are concerned. You can use either, but most people prefer Perspex, because it's more rigid.

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

thanks for the reply, i can get 400mm x 300mm x 4mm Clear CAST Perspex @ £3.41 per sheet.

the problem is £25 min order.... they said sometimes they bend the rules a bit
so im trying to get £10-£15 worth

Mike

[DaveW]

40*30*4 is a funny size. Are you sure that's big enough, including extra for possible mistakes?

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

30-30-0.4 is actually what i need, i dont know wht i asked for 30-40-0.4 (they cut it to size for you)..... ill order 30-30-0.4 that way, i dont need to cut it :)

[madmikejt12]

i have ordered (well requested) the perspex

5 sheets of 30cm x 30cm x 0.4 or 0.5cm (i said it didnt matter what they sent me)

this is the exact size i need, although i might need to take a bit off the bottom corner.

Mike

[madmikejt12]

This is a pic after the 1st hole was complete:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMG_0475.jpg

i decided to change the design of the cut-outs slightly.... here is what i have done: http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMG_0479.jpg

and here is what im doing on the other side: http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMG_0481.jpg

and here is what it looks like after i cut that section out and re-sprayed it:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMG_0485.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMG_0484.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMG_0482.jpg

[madmikejt12]

I am also thinking about one of these: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx...rce=14&doy=19m5
for the power switch

i'll need to measure the switch when i get home to see how easy it will be.

I am also thinking about making a circuit that will light one LED after another leaving the last one on (so it builds up and when it gets to the top, it starts again) i have done one of these on the breadboard but didnt bother soldering it because i wasnt going to use it for anything.

please give your comments about both the pics and these ideas.

Thanks,
Mike :)

[xmastree]

Is that it finished? It looks like it could benefit from some cleaning up...

http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/4581case.jpg

Edit: Forgot to say, apart from the rough edges, it looks good. Much better than a simple circle, and it won't show the ugly drive cages either.

[madmikejt12]

Yeh, i was looking at that just then, when the paint is dry, i will probably tidy that up a bit, i need to drill the holes for the bolts anyway.
I will probably need to respray it again, ohwell lol

going to see how its doing now.

[xmastree]

Heh, I'm dreading cutting my window... I can assemble stuff, and I've converted a rear panel to suit a different board, but the window has to look perfect...

[madmikejt12]

lol, mine isnt perfect :redface: i had to knock a few dints out with a hammer, i didnt know what was causing it up until when i had nearly finished when i realised it was the G-clamp it has a little bump in the middle that was pushing the metal through.

i messed a section of the paint up so i had to strip, sand and re-spray that part
(havnt re-sprayed yet as i ran out of paint, i will buy more tomorrow)

[DaveW]

Looks good. Looking forward to the finished product!

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

thanks :)

i think i will be using the key switch: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=2445&criteria=key%20switch&doy=21m5

it fits, but i might need to do a bit of arkward cutting.... i might get the switch next week

Mike

[The Modfather]

Forget fear, just get in there and cut! If you mess it up, frame it with something to cover the rough edges.

[madmikejt12]

Forget fear, just get in there and cut! If you mess it up, frame it with something to cover the rough edges.

thats what i did :) luckily i didnt mess up too much ;)
i was just thinking, 'if i mess up, i can get a new dell case for £15.... not too bad' lol

has anyone ever used a key switch to turn on their pc before?

i dont think ive seen anyone do it.

Mike

[tybrenis]

Yes, I have used keyswitches many times in my mods. I am using one right now.

[madmikejt12]

cool, any good?
also, do you leave it on (i.e- in, turn right, leave it) or it it a momentary one? (i.e- in, turn right, turn left, out)

[The Modfather]

It'd have to be a momentary switch, so it'd probably work like a car ignition switch, turn it right, release and it returns to the first position or you could put in a first stage like a car and have that turn on just some case lights by wiring that position to a seperate power source.

[madmikejt12]

ok, thanks alot :)

Mike

[madmikejt12]

I had a problem, the side panel would not go on!! its been dodgey for a while
I found the solution: remove the clips at the back :) so its secured at the front, top and bottom (some/all of those pics i took before i sorted that problem so it may appear to be hanging off)

some pics:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMAG0255.jpg

You can see the change in colour here:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMAG0257.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMAG0258.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMAG0256.jpg

Just ordered the plastic.... will be here Thursday (i think she ment this thursday, because its getting dispatched wednsday)

Will finish either thursday (after my paper round if i feel like doing it) or friday.

[madmikejt12]

Sorry i havnt posted for a while..... here are some pics of the case finished:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMAG0259.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMAG0260.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMAG0261.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMAG0262.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMAG0263.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a316/madmikejt12/dal/IMAG0264.jpg

[DaveW]

Looks pretty good! Well done! Not sure about the cathode on the outside, but each to our own. Pat on the back. :)

-Dave

[madmikejt12]

its not a cathode...... its just a blue light, it gives like a plasma effect but in a tube rather than a ball..... bit like a osciliscope wave patern....... it just finishes it off i think :)

Mike

[Omega]

haha modded dell case much respect man, anybody who is willing to put their PC in a dell case and mod it is a winner in my book.

[madmikejt12]

haha, it was only because it came in a dell case :rolleyes: lol