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Antec Sonata + MO 4x40 LCD Mod, Comments?

B

Bepunk

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jan 14, 2005
Messages
364
I have a HUGE MO LCD 4 x 40 character LCD. It would require minor modding to the drive bay area and obviously a rectangular hole on the door. Here is a MS Paint mock-up.

How does this look? Constructive crit please. This was two separate pictures chopped together. I moved the Antec label down, and the LCD right there. It's not straight obviously due to my shaky hand. It'd look REALLY nice, I do high quality jobs.

Also, I could paint the bezel black to match.

If anyone else likes these LCDs, I have 4 more of them for $40 shipped each. They come with a power connector that you can mod onto a Molex (+5V, Ground) or a USB connection (Power draw lower than USB max - they even sell USB powered).

I'm sorry that there are wires and cords everywhere. my desk area is messy right now due to the mod and BIOS tweaking (PS2 kb). And, an RMA drive is sticking out, and fingerprints everywhere ... sorry.

Update July 15, 2005 - Mod completed!
IMG_1391.sized.jpg

IMG_1384.sized.jpg

IMG_1386.sized.jpg

IMG_1395.sized.jpg

IMG_1393.sized.jpg

IMG_1394.sized.jpg


This was the original concept photochop:
sonatalcd.jpg
 
Looks nice but isn't the door curved and the LCD straight? How do you plan on addressing the gap? Also black bezel would look nicer or even chrome to match the Sonata's Accent
 
Sonata 1 ...

And, since the bezel is curved, I will be cutting the rectangle as big as the raised LCD portion. That way, there will be no gap. If I cut the hole just big enough for the screen/text portion, it would be a problem. I will just mask the screen and PCB and spraypaint the bezel of the lcd

edit: To be clearer, the curve will be 'contained' by the raised LCD metal housing. So although there will be a curve, the jut-out of the LCD will compensate and will the gap.
 
Well, I am pretty much finished with the mod. I just need to reposition the Antec logo. I'll post pictures. This might turn into a smallish worklog if I do more stuff like add a switch, etc. Just for fun.

Also, I am getting a PC Power & Cooling 510 Deluxe! Nice.
 
does the lcd allow you to open up the door still? lol
and how annoying will it be when the door is open?

but honestly, if that bezel was painted black, that would be amazing. :cool:
 
TVersetti said:
does the lcd allow you to open up the door still? lol
and how annoying will it be when the door is open?

but honestly, if that bezel was painted black, that would be amazing. :cool:
Click to expand...

You won't be able to tell it's there when you open the door. I routed the cables to the hinge side and put in enough slack so the door can open all the way. I then zip-tied the cables there.

I want to get a low profile ribbon cable serial cable though. I had to use my Dremel and a reinforced cut-off wheel to make an amazingly clean cut-off on both sides of the 5.25" drive bay. I used painters tape to mask the front bezel while I cut it with a scrollsaw. I then used a fine grain metal file to get the side smooth and fit. Then 4 screws + nuts to attach it.
 
And just so you guys know, that photo up top was me taking a picture of the LCD and the case separately, then adding them together using MS Paint.

That is to scale though.
 
I'm not getting much reaction here, so I might make a worklog for this and other mods I have planned.
 
Credit for a really clean install :)

But I'm sad to say that the lcd isn't exaclty level...it looks like the left side is slightly lower then the right side.
 
Wild Weasel said:
Credit for a really clean install :)

But I'm sad to say that the lcd isn't exaclty level...it looks like the left side is slightly lower then the right side.
Click to expand...

Well, I'm happy to say that it is, in fact, level. I used a square, etc to layout my cuts, and then used a level to evenly bolt it on. I just measured from the top of the door to the LCD on both sides and it is exact.

The perspective in the pictures must be off or fish eyed. It's even!
 
You can't possibly sound tuff when saying that:

"Here's the effect, but with a cat."

:D
 
Hey, I have a Sonata, and if my Sonata had a scrolling red eye, I think it would be teh win.
 
If anyone else likes these LCDs, I have 4 more of them for $40 shipped each. They come with a power connector that you can mod onto a Molex (+5V, Ground) or a USB connection (Power draw lower than USB max - they even sell USB powered).

As for the data connection, any cheap-o serial cable will work. It needs a male and a female.

PM me if interested.
 
They are over $140* on Matrix Orbital website + shipping + modded power cable (mini-4pin) + serial cable. It's about $160.

I'm selling the 4 pin power cable to mod a molex with and the LCD ;) for $40 shipped. :cool:

I'd really like to sell these. I can get 10 more if there is interest. If I can sell them all, I'd do $35 or even $30 shipped for them (If I get more and sell them)
 
If this LCD is serial (like it looks to be in the pic) I would definitly be interested if I could get one for 30$ ( I would then mod it for a different color and invert it :p)

PM me if they get to this price, Thanks

TED
 
Yea, it's a serial display - works perfectly with LCD Smartie. Huge LCD layout.

How do you change the color and invert it? I am interested in doing that.
 
TED said:
If this LCD is serial (like it looks to be in the pic) I would definitly be interested if I could get one for 30$ ( I would then mod it for a different color and invert it :p)

PM me if they get to this price, Thanks

TED
Click to expand...

HOW.
 
No offense but the last pic of the lcd had an odd look to it? Like photo shop

Maybe cuz its crooked :confused:



Edit: I am a retard and I need help :(
 
JL_Audio_User said:
No offense but the last pic of the lcd had an odd look to it? Like photo shop

Maybe cuz its crooked :confused:

Edit: I am a retard and I need help :(
Click to expand...

Yea ... you obviously didn't read XD. That was my MS Paint mock-up.
 
I added two push button style on/off switches to the front of the case, to either side of the silver USB hub area. Looks wicked.

Pics soon.
 
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