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My new PC build
- Thread starter Falcon_CMH
- Start date
The aquarium is coming together. It isn't a simple box because I needed it to fit around the PSU's in the back. The first picture is of it held up in its proposed place and the second picture is it held up against the outside panel that it will be attached to next.
Tomorrow, I should have pictures of the waterfall side for you!
Tomorrow, I should have pictures of the waterfall side for you!
how are you fusing the acrylic together? I worked in a molding injection plant when i was 20 and we had to sonic weld plastic parts together, but i imagine that sonic welding such a large surface area would be nearly impossible unless you had a horizontal bar like a press break to sonic weld it, and even then i don't know.
I'm using a solvent called Weld-on 4 and a syringe. It fuses the acrylic together rather nicely. A great website covering the technique can be found here. It takes less than a minute to fuse and 24 hours to cure.
Sonic welding sounds interesting though. I imagine that it is rather suited to an industrial setting.
essentially we used what looked like a soldering iron to do the sonic welding, however it didn't use heat to fuse the plastics it used ultrasonic sound waves (or so they said). I had good enough hearing at the time that I could hear when it was being used (even from half way across the production floor). In fact, I wore earplugs when I had to use it because I felt like the sound gave me headaches, quick wiki on it. Thanks for the heads up on the solvent
These pictures are of me routering the contoured sides of the waterfall. I made the shape out of wood first and then used it as a guide.
Here is the finished waterfall before attaching it to the outside panel. Since it is clear, it is hard to see. Once we add lights, it (and especially the peregrine) will show up better.
Here are two pictures of the aquarium after being attached its outside panel. The second picture is a close up of the sand box under the aquarium. I'm going to be filling it with craft sand in a (hopefully) nice design.
Here is the finished waterfall before attaching it to the outside panel. Since it is clear, it is hard to see. Once we add lights, it (and especially the peregrine) will show up better.
Here are two pictures of the aquarium after being attached its outside panel. The second picture is a close up of the sand box under the aquarium. I'm going to be filling it with craft sand in a (hopefully) nice design.
The holes for the water lines have been drilled and tapped in the waterfall.
Inlet at the top:
Outlet at the bottom:
The waterfall is now complete except for adding the hinges. A leak test showed no leaks!
The mechanics of the control center for opening and closing the keyboard tray and the control panel and display are in place. I just need to add the servos, sand it and add the trim (to take care of gaps, etc.).
Closed:
Contol panel and display partly open:
Control panel and display all the way open:
Keyboard slightly open:
Keyboard partly open:
Keyboard all the way open:
Once I get the servos installed, I plan on uploading a video of it in action.
Inlet at the top:
Outlet at the bottom:
The waterfall is now complete except for adding the hinges. A leak test showed no leaks!
The mechanics of the control center for opening and closing the keyboard tray and the control panel and display are in place. I just need to add the servos, sand it and add the trim (to take care of gaps, etc.).
Closed:
Contol panel and display partly open:
Control panel and display all the way open:
Keyboard slightly open:
Keyboard partly open:
Keyboard all the way open:
Once I get the servos installed, I plan on uploading a video of it in action.
Falcon_CMH
Gawd
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2009
- Messages
- 524
Sweet
SixFootDuo
Supreme [H]ardness
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2004
- Messages
- 5,839
WOW .............. what the heck!
I am convinced had you had this built and completed earlier, Nasa wouldn't have grounded the Shuttle program.
I am convinced had you had this built and completed earlier, Nasa wouldn't have grounded the Shuttle program.
Dark Prodigy
Jawbreaker
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2006
- Messages
- 2,803
Glad to see people still do real mods. Nice stuff.
Spare-Flair
Supreme [H]ardness
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2003
- Messages
- 7,471
This is a great system. Why such a small display though?
That 8" touchscreen monitor will be just for the case--for monitoring temperatures, overclocking, controlling servos, etc. He could use it for running other programs too, but he will be hooking the case up to a three monitor setup.
desert rat
n00b
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2011
- Messages
- 7
where is the evga logo?
i noticed you omitted there name from your parts list, surly you aint sulking about it cos they aint worth it
i noticed you omitted there name from your parts list, surly you aint sulking about it cos they aint worth it
I've been working on the back panel of the display. It needed to be removeable so that Falcon could change out/access the internal components. At the same time I couldn't have any screws on the outside so as to keep the sleek appearance. (When the display is closed the back of it is then part of the outside of the case.) So I made all these little tabs so that I could slide the panel on and off and still be kept on tight.
Tabs on the inside of the display case:
Tabs on the inside of the panel:
When put together--outside and then inside (still needs sanding):
This is of the air intake holes cut into the floor of the case. These will directly feed the front fans:
The electrical connections for the Baffle Box have been lined up and secured:
Tabs on the inside of the display case:
Tabs on the inside of the panel:
When put together--outside and then inside (still needs sanding):
This is of the air intake holes cut into the floor of the case. These will directly feed the front fans:
The electrical connections for the Baffle Box have been lined up and secured:
The big thing I'm working on now is wire management. We didn't want the mess of wires inside the case detracting from the components. At the same time, I wanted something that would look nice. At first it might be hard to see how this part will come together, but the pictures will probably make more sense as this part of the build progresses.
There are three main parts to the wire management system: Right side of the Baffle Box, Left side of the Baffle Box, and Front of the Baffle Box. The Right and Left sides of the Baffle Box will cover the wires coming from the PSU's along with the wires from the rear fans. The front of the Right and Left sides could also be used to channel some of the water cooling lines if Falcon so desired. The Front section is to cover the wires coming out of the Baffle Box. It will also be a "bridge" between the Baffle Box and the front of the case. Thus the wires going from the control panel will also go through this area and as well as the wires going up to the fan controllers.
Front section "bridge":
Sides of "bridge":
Sides mounted on "bridge":
bases for Right and Left sides:
You can also see some of the little tabs I've been making so that all of this should be easy to get on and off to service.
Front "bridge" in place and Right side base:
Right side panel mounted via tabs to base:
Some wires routed behind Right side panel to test use:
The top of the panel has a PVC pipe cut in half to cover the top and give it a nice look (it will be painted!).
Here is the top where the motherboard will be showing how the wires will come out of the Right side panel.
I'll upload some more pictures later.
There are three main parts to the wire management system: Right side of the Baffle Box, Left side of the Baffle Box, and Front of the Baffle Box. The Right and Left sides of the Baffle Box will cover the wires coming from the PSU's along with the wires from the rear fans. The front of the Right and Left sides could also be used to channel some of the water cooling lines if Falcon so desired. The Front section is to cover the wires coming out of the Baffle Box. It will also be a "bridge" between the Baffle Box and the front of the case. Thus the wires going from the control panel will also go through this area and as well as the wires going up to the fan controllers.
Front section "bridge":
Sides of "bridge":
Sides mounted on "bridge":
bases for Right and Left sides:
You can also see some of the little tabs I've been making so that all of this should be easy to get on and off to service.
Front "bridge" in place and Right side base:
Right side panel mounted via tabs to base:
Some wires routed behind Right side panel to test use:
The top of the panel has a PVC pipe cut in half to cover the top and give it a nice look (it will be painted!).
Here is the top where the motherboard will be showing how the wires will come out of the Right side panel.
I'll upload some more pictures later.
Here is the extended top to the Baffle Box which will allow more air in to the radiators:
Some more pictures of the wire management:
Couple notes about the wire management:
The Front section is so complex in part to the fact that I have to work around the air intake for the Baffle Box.
The "bridge" was also necessary to provide rigidity to the front of the case.
There is a space (not pictured) just below the panel on which the motherboard tray rests, but above the Baffle Box, where wires can be passed directly from one side of the Baffle Box to the other without being seen.
Some more pictures of the wire management:
Couple notes about the wire management:
The Front section is so complex in part to the fact that I have to work around the air intake for the Baffle Box.
The "bridge" was also necessary to provide rigidity to the front of the case.
There is a space (not pictured) just below the panel on which the motherboard tray rests, but above the Baffle Box, where wires can be passed directly from one side of the Baffle Box to the other without being seen.
ragingazn628
Limp Gawd
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2011
- Messages
- 207
That's pretty crazy stuff! Good luck with this build.
Sorry I've not gotten much progress done of late. Water leak test on the aquarium was a negative this time, so that is good. First time, there was one small leak.
Here are pictures of the hinges in place for the aquarium and similar ones are on the other side for the waterfall:
The bottom one just inserts into a hole in the floor of the case. The top one though inserts into that top "tab" held down by three screws. Once the aquarium is in place you will see that this will allow the aquarium to hinge outward. The aquarium will be removable by removing those three screws on top. Then the "tab" will come off and the aquarium can be lifted off the bottom hinge.
Here is a picture of more pieces being sanded and primed:
This one is for fun from awhile back! This is of me inside the area of the case where the Baffle Box slides into. I had to screw some screws in from the inside, so I just crawled right in!
Here are pictures of the hinges in place for the aquarium and similar ones are on the other side for the waterfall:
The bottom one just inserts into a hole in the floor of the case. The top one though inserts into that top "tab" held down by three screws. Once the aquarium is in place you will see that this will allow the aquarium to hinge outward. The aquarium will be removable by removing those three screws on top. Then the "tab" will come off and the aquarium can be lifted off the bottom hinge.
Here is a picture of more pieces being sanded and primed:
This one is for fun from awhile back! This is of me inside the area of the case where the Baffle Box slides into. I had to screw some screws in from the inside, so I just crawled right in!
QuiteSufficient
Sufficiently [H]ard
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2001
- Messages
- 5,152
Awesome work keep it up
Loafdogg420
Limp Gawd
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2010
- Messages
- 445
Very excited to see the end result! keep up the good work!
Update with pictures coming tomorrow (Friday)! Sorry it has taken so long guys. There has been a lot going on in my life of late that has taken priority.
I have to say publicly, that even though I have let Falcon down by taking so long on this case, that he has been outstanding throughout the entire time. His words of encouragement concerning my wife's health issues and allowing me to make my family a priority have been greatly appreciated. I couldn't have asked for a better customer!
The case is not done yet, but it is very very close! Tomorrow I'm hoping to post some pictures of some of the changes, the glossy black paint job, and maybe even a video of the servos in action!
I have to say publicly, that even though I have let Falcon down by taking so long on this case, that he has been outstanding throughout the entire time. His words of encouragement concerning my wife's health issues and allowing me to make my family a priority have been greatly appreciated. I couldn't have asked for a better customer!
The case is not done yet, but it is very very close! Tomorrow I'm hoping to post some pictures of some of the changes, the glossy black paint job, and maybe even a video of the servos in action!
Here are some pictures of the front air intakes and their filters. I designed them so that Falcon can turn the tabs and clean/replace the air filters when needed.
This is a close up of one of the rear vents. No need for filters here since these are all exhaust ports.
Here are some pictures of various parts drying after having been painted black and then lacquered.
More to come!
This is a close up of one of the rear vents. No need for filters here since these are all exhaust ports.
Here are some pictures of various parts drying after having been painted black and then lacquered.
More to come!
Falcon had asked for sound dampening on the rear exhaust fans and the PSU's. Here you can see the sound dampening mats installed in the rear ductwork. The second picture is with the cover on with the mounting points for the fans and 1 PSU. The other side is similar but has places for two PSU's.
timtheenchantor
Gawd
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2005
- Messages
- 962
Amazing, subbed 
Outamyhead
Supreme [H]ardness
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2008
- Messages
- 4,263
Shhhh, you can't sell Piranha's (in California anyway), you can sell Pacu's though...which is the same thing with another name, like the Red Belly Pacu (Piranha).
Some laws are so damn stupid.
Here is Friday's update. There are some more pictures of various parts as they were drying and the right side's rear ductwork. The final pictures are of the case mostly put back together! The pieces are rather dusty (due to the work environment) but wipe off rather nicely. The acrylic sides need to be trimmed to fit right and the internal wiring needs to be done next. We're getting close!
There are some other parts that need to be trimmed so that things move smoothly, but overall, I hope to be done next week! You might notice some slight gaps in the seams up front (between the side panels and the front panels). That is because the inner tabs that pull those panels shut were drying from being painted and weren't in use when I took these pictures. They will go back on tonight.
There are some other parts that need to be trimmed so that things move smoothly, but overall, I hope to be done next week! You might notice some slight gaps in the seams up front (between the side panels and the front panels). That is because the inner tabs that pull those panels shut were drying from being painted and weren't in use when I took these pictures. They will go back on tonight.
Quick update with videos!
Here is a close up of the top hinge for the waterfall wall. The bottom hinge and the aquarium side are all hinged in the same way.
Here is the video of the waterfall side opening and closing on that hinge:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT_HKdBMCPo
Here is a close up of the servo and inner workings of the control center.
I'm still tweaking it, but it is very very close!
Here is the video of one of my test sessions with it running.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnH6quhQUt0
The assembly for supporting the motor for moving the keyboard in and out is drying and I should be able to post pictures and video of it in action tomorrow!
Here is a close up of the top hinge for the waterfall wall. The bottom hinge and the aquarium side are all hinged in the same way.
Here is the video of the waterfall side opening and closing on that hinge:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT_HKdBMCPo
Here is a close up of the servo and inner workings of the control center.
I'm still tweaking it, but it is very very close!
Here is the video of one of my test sessions with it running.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnH6quhQUt0
The assembly for supporting the motor for moving the keyboard in and out is drying and I should be able to post pictures and video of it in action tomorrow!
I've been working on the wiring of late.
Here is the wiring for the inside of the Baffle Box. 36 sleeved fan wires hooked up to the two 25pin D-sub's along with the wiring for the two LED light bars!
Switches in the control console (can you guess which part still needs to be painted?!).
Backside of control console as switches are starting to be wired to the microcontroller.
I'm making custom length (36" apiece!) individually sleeved wiring for the fans between the Baffle Box and the fan controllers at the front of the case. Oh, and I have to make more for the case fans to connect to the controllers (four controllers in all!).
Here is the wiring for the inside of the Baffle Box. 36 sleeved fan wires hooked up to the two 25pin D-sub's along with the wiring for the two LED light bars!
Switches in the control console (can you guess which part still needs to be painted?!).
Backside of control console as switches are starting to be wired to the microcontroller.
I'm making custom length (36" apiece!) individually sleeved wiring for the fans between the Baffle Box and the fan controllers at the front of the case. Oh, and I have to make more for the case fans to connect to the controllers (four controllers in all!).