Project: Dumb Terminal

[TheGreatSatan]

Hello everyone, I have just got my hands on an old Dumb Terminal from 1982! I do plan on putting a current system config inside, but I will not change the outside (much). I want it to appear to be the original dumb terminal it was back in 1982, until you turn it on!

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5498/1stdummy1yr1.jpg

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9676/1stdummy2ca1.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3668/1stdummy3zs9.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/8654/1stdummy4ch7.jpg

[Bucko]

Sweet!
I'll look forward to this one!
I would like a case like that, but the only time I see them is on eBay in the US and postage is too prohibitive...

[agnat]

Don't know what you think, but that would be a great gaming set up for like the old time arcade type games

[slytherock]

Agree that it can turn out very nicely. As for the old time arcade gaming rig, someting like this can be interesting too (http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-BALLY-PAC-MAN-VIDEO-GAME-STAND-UP-PAC-MAN-GAME_W0QQitemZ120087771721QQihZ002QQcategoryZ13716 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting) ;)

[Mitternacht]

Lot of old cases being modded; impressive!

BTW, whats that comp in the back; the green one in plastic?

[TheGreatSatan]

That's the SuperBee PC I built for my in-laws. They're in the middle of a home renovation and don't want it around with all the dust in the air.

[TheGreatSatan]

Here's the specs for the Dumb Terminal:

Motherboard: Micro ATX w/onboard Video (geforce 6100) and Audio (Realtek 7.1)
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ w/factory heatsink
Memory: OCZ Platinum 1GB (2x512) DDR2-800
PSU: 480 Watt ThermalTake
DVD: Plextor Slot Loading DVD-RW
LCD: 12.1 Inch

[TheGreatSatan]

I've decided to get the AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ instead!:banana:

[progbuddy]

With that small of a space to work with, wouldn't you need a 1U PSU? Also, the upgrade seems nice. Just needs that "annoying orange" 80's touch, like in the old PCs running DOS :p.

[TheGreatSatan]

I'm still whacking the PSU around in my head. I don't know what I'm going with just yet, but I am thinking that I will have to construct a bracket inside to hold it above the motherboard

[xmastree]

I'm still whacking the PSU around in my head.External PSU? with a big multi-pin plug on the back?

That will have the added advantage of more room for a big tall heatsink sticking up behind the LCD.

[Bucko]

Mod the PSU into an external one, and disguise it as some other 80's piece of computer equipment like a big modem, or disk drive.

[Mitternacht]

I've decided to get the AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ instead!:banana:

Nice. AM2?

[TheGreatSatan]

While I wait for my Micro ATX to arrive, I thought that I'd get an idea of how it'll fit in the case with an old DEAD Micro ATX.

http://imageigloo.com/images/7883boardtest1.JPG

http://imageigloo.com/images/1292boardtest2.JPG

http://imageigloo.com/images/4282boardtest3.JPG

It looks like there's room for a PSU to the right.

http://imageigloo.com/images/1954boardtest4.JPG

And NOT under.

http://imageigloo.com/images/2537boardtest5.JPG

[xmastree]

Looks good. There may be room for a PSU up behind the screen.

[Intrance]

Just some thoughts that may be of use in the design of this unit:

1. If the keyboard, lcd are housed inside the base then you may consider the orientation of the motherboard to assist in locating the PSU in the base unit? You dont need the back panel of the motherboard visible to the back of the unit, you could remote out the ports on the motherboard that are needed for the mouse etc to the back and turn the motherboard through 90 degrees (if it helps in parts location).

2. Instead of a mouse separately you could mount a track ball mouse in the key pad area that is left empty (as long as the keyboard is not going to take up all that area?

3. And lastly as a thought, what about mounting the speakers inside the unit on the side panels behind the LCD (if there is room).

These suggestions would give you everything within the unit and save having peripherals laying outside? It would also maintain the authenticity of this dumb terminal.

Just some thoughts but this looks like a really cool project, good luck.:up:

[simon275]

You might be able to squeeze a shuttle PSU down one side. They are thin and long rather than being a box. If one isn't enough wattage for you could put in two and daisy chain em.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817157005

Also you could take the thermaltake PSU out of its casing and try and fit it in. You will need fans on it and good case ventilation though

Edit: There is a 300w version of the shuttle PSU avaliable

http://au1.shuttle.com/products_page03.jsp?PLLI=208&PI=429

[.Maleficus.]

If you only need a 20-pin power connector.. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104115)

[Brunhold]

I am curious how you will resolve the problem with the keyboard.
Hang on!

[TheGreatSatan]

I'll figure out the keyboard. It'll be a challenge, but not one worth worrying about. Also, I bought CORSAIR XMS2 1GB (2 x 512MB) DDR2-800

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145566

[TheGreatSatan]

I just bought a 250GB SATA HD for $70!

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5119906

[TheGreatSatan]

and a new Heatsink!

http://www.sharkacomputers.com/evsikncocpuw.html

[TheGreatSatan]

I'm sorry for the delay. I'm anxiously waiting for all the parts to arrive.

[TheGreatSatan]

Fortunately, my new MATX is set up identical to my new MATX so I can cut the mounting holes and do whatever moving around I need to without having to take the new board out of the box. Here's some pics of my new heatsink and OLD mobo inside the case together. Once I have all the parts in I can put the new mobo in too.

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/3305/sink4yn2.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5317/sink5rw2.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4253/sink6tq3.jpg

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/7788/sink1ah2.jpg

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/9187/sink2jb6.jpg

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/4650/sink3zj1.jpg

[DaveW]

That looks great. +Rep for the good worklog man.

-Dave

[LiTHiUM0XiD3]

i love that cooler.... do they ship to canada?

[TheGreatSatan]

Ask...

http://www.sharkacomputers.com/evsikncocpuw.html
__________________________________________________ ____

I put the heatsink and memory on the board

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/9316/equippedvk8.jpg

And added a mobo tray. I'll clean it up...

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/602/mobotrayig5.jpg

I got a cheap optical mouse from Office Depot!

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/4049/moused1nt8.jpg

I'll have to color match it later.

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2646/moused2ab9.jpg

On to the keyboard

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2730/smallkey1rz8.jpg

Here's how it will go.

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/4149/smallkey2gr4.jpg

There will be gaps to fill.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3413/smallkey3uq7.jpg

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/3291/smallkey4ih4.jpg

But it's too thick...

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/4199/smallkey5wo7.jpg

So I removed the bottom... I'll finish that later

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/1415/smallkey6ei9.jpg

Now for the new ports and power button

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1429/panel1lf6.jpg

I made a new backing

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/9031/panel2kt7.jpg

And added the USB/Firewire

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2748/panel3zi6.jpg

Then I wired the power button (From MNPCTech)

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6145/panel4zt0.jpg

And that's done

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/1346/panel5eh8.jpg

Mounting the PSU and keyboard are next :)

[Nick_Black]

NICE! this is sweet!

+REP man :up:

[Tale Gunner]

Nice Job. I would like a case like that to mod. That would be fantastic.:D

[xRyokenx]

Great job! This thing is sweet, heh heh... bust that out at a LAN party and see the expressions on everyone's faces, heh heh... + rep just for that possibility...

[Brunhold]

Nice idea with the USB-ports and power button. I like the mod, hang on!

[simon275]

Those vandal resistant switches from mnpctech are very nice.

Love this mod so far. Its cool how the keyboard fits in rather well.

Are you gonna put any more ventilation in the case? like get a cross flow happening or put an exhaust fan in the top?

[TheGreatSatan]

I got the keyboard at Directron.com

__________________________________________________ ____
Anywho, I added the keyboard.

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/4285/boardin1gs7.jpg

But in the process broke the framing....:hurt: I'm gonna have to glue it or something.

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/4232/boardin2tc2.jpg

Here's the bottom of the keyboard with a protective layer.

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5131/keyholderkj7.jpg

Lastly I added the standoffs and the PSU.

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/3117/standoffsnh4.jpg

Next up is the HD mounting.

[xmastree]

Looking good, but I can't help thinking those USB ports would be better over on the right hand side, away from the keyboard. If there's something plugged in there, it's going to get in the way.

[chaksq]

I was looking at the pictures, the case looks like it is movving along well. I couldn't help but notice that the USB/Firewire cables don't look like they reach the motherboard with the case open. Are you going to extend them or just plug/unplug them in when opening/closing the case?

[TheGreatSatan]

I've already tested it and they do reach.

[TheGreatSatan]

I found an old cage to hold my HD...

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/6280/cage1mw0.jpg

But had to cut it to fit in the case

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/9354/cage2gl8.jpg

Here it is so far. I just bought the monitor and it will be here soon.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/9245/hd1kh9.jpg

I put the HD on this side because the bottom is too narrow and the other side will be eaten up by the heatsink.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4290/hd2zq9.jpg

Here's the PSU. It was really annoying trying mount it on an angle like this.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4815/psu1mo5.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8169/psu2ar7.jpg

[simon275]

Good stuff. What size is the monitor you are going to put in it?

Also is that a normal ATX psu?

-Cheers

[TheGreatSatan]

The screen will be 12 inches @ 800x600. The PSU is Micro ATX

[Gohan]

Nice mod, do you have a monitor for it?

[Tale Gunner]

Can't help but agreeing with Chaksq on the USB location. I have 2 cables coming out the front of my unit and they sure do stick out. It would have been intresting if you could have put a number pad back in there and locate the ports on the side of the case or keyboard. But there may be more to this then we can imagine. Great job so far. :D

[TheGreatSatan]

I got the LCD in the mail recently and have finally gotten the time to add it to the Mod. Here's where I removed the shell.

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/7186/lcd01sc0.jpg

Here's it out.

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/9923/lcd02pt5.jpg
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/5063/lcd03av0.jpg

Then I had to make notches so it could be fitted in the case.

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/951/lcd04tw9.jpg

And it does....

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/4651/lcd05cj7.jpg

Here's the overhead.

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/4682/lcd06xt2.jpg

And fortunately, I won't have to cut the original screen opening

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/1999/lcd07bv1.jpg

[Airbozo]

Sweet work!

[simon275]

Great work it's not such a dumb terminal after all. +rep

[TheGreatSatan]

I added the mobo...

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/8582/mobointi2.jpg

And it closes perfectly!

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/781/closedyp9.jpg

It almost fits too well. Something is bound to go wrong....

[chaksq]

Looks good. That is going to be the most powerfull dumb terminal ever.

[TheGreatSatan]

Sorry for the delay. My in-laws visited with the intention of taking the SuperBee PC home with them, but I couldn't get it to start. I finally discovered that the mobo and Proc were dead. So, the mobo, proc with heatsink, and memory that were once a part of Project Dumb Terminal are now in the Superbee.:(
This was going to be my chance at a Dual core system, but that's been dashed till another day. Maybe I'll wait for Quad core...

Many thanks for tuning in. Project Cancelled.

P.S. For the record, the new heatsink I bought for dumb terminal never rose above 23 degrees Celcius...

[simon275]

*Cries

[xRyokenx]

NOOOOOOOOOO! This was the one big project I was looking forward to... maybe use the case for your next project? We can only hope. :(

[mellojoe]

Oh man. That SUCKS. That's in-laws for you. Huh?

My father-in-law flew into town Wednesday (yesterday). What is it about in-laws that causes things to go hay-wire?

So sorry to see this one come to an end.

[chaksq]

That bites. Hope you keep the case and use it for another project just with a new motherboard and processor.

[Eclecticos]

*Cries

You ain't kidding. Talk about moving backward through time with this mod.

Im gonna buy a quad core and put it in a commadore 64 case. lol :D

Dont get me wrong though. Defiantly a Fresh and clean Mod!

[TheGreatSatan]

Here's the parts in the SuperBee. RUNS GREAT!!

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/6946/moparx21si4.jpg

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/2356/moparx22na0.jpg

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/5216/moparx23mc3.jpg

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/828/moparx24qw8.jpg

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7162/moparx25vv9.jpg

[xRyokenx]

That is a sweet looking mod...

[Fear.Sin]

I am sorry to hear that you had to stop the project. It was really coming along well, and I was looking forward to seeing it post :lick: .

Are you going attempt this project again later on? You do still have a few left over parts for it right?

[Eclecticos]

Got a Hemi in her Huh? :D

Looks Great! I like that glass door on the front there :up: :up:

[LiTHiUM0XiD3]

dude... i was lookin forward to this one... looked pretty interesting.....hope u get the terminal project finished...