Theme: Futuristic View of the Stacker 830
Cooler Master products:
1. Stacker 830
2. Aquagate
3. Aquatrident
4. NV Aqua
5. Aquaturtle
6. Real Power 550.
LayerEX Project:
When I decided to mod the Stacker I had those topics in my mind:
- It needs to be full reversible (no holes and no cuts on the original chassis and panels).
- This time no functional side panels.
- It needs to be watercooled.
- Functions on the front.
- External panels in plexi.
- The case could be skinnable.
This is the preview of the project that I made in photoshop:
http://www.modtv.com.br/LayerEX/mr_khol ... eview3.jpg
The challenge (and the fun) was create a mod in a way which I could to reverse to the original Stacker any moment.
Worklog Index:
1. Modding the Aquagate
2. Modding the Corsair Memory Display
3. Creating the external panels
4. Custom front bays
5. Displays
1. Modding the Aquagate
I decided to add a second radiator to the aquagate.
So, I used this old cooldrive case (cooldrive 2) for the base:
I replaced the original fan of the aquagate for this quiet one:
The quick connection kit (with o-ring) that I used:
I decided to keep the original quick connect feature of the aquagate.
Creating the the second radiator supports:
The base:
Ok, the second radiator is attached:
I had to decrease the size of the aquagate:
The new module is done:
Time to change the backlight of the LCD:
My god...It's little!!!
Soldering SMD Leds.... it's hard!
Blocking the original blue SMD led of the LCD and the new led (White):
With the red filter, it's done:
2. Modding the Corsair Memory Display
I decided to put the diplay module of the Xpert memory on the front bay, so I had to create a extension cable:
I used: Ribbon cable, sleeving, shring tube, pin bars, latch connectors, and a perfored pcb:
Creating the cable:
No longer flat cable:
Finishing:
The pcb (for the support):
Pins:
It's done...
...And working:
3. Creating the external panels
I used my method to cut the side panel: Die-cut vinyl as template (it's cheap...I can't resist
3 sheets to keep it firm and to get 3 panels at the end of the cutting (3 skins):
Cutting:
Holes:
Continues...
Goodbye spines...I left this idea:
Main cuts are done:
Time to finishing:
Yes! the 3 panels:
Time to do the corrections:
and smooth:
3b. Front Panels:
For the front panels I chose free hand beacause the rounded shape of the stacker front cover.
Transparent film to draw the panels:
Hard draw is done:
Time to transfer it to the plexi sheet:
Then.... the cuts:
Bottom display frame:
Top Display Mask:
Smoothing...
...and molding:
Ok, the panels are done:
Primed and corrected imperfections:
Silver coat:
The side panel almost done (with the meshes, PetG window and decals):
Regarding that I decided to not make holes on the stacker I chose velcro to attach the panels (I used this 10mm foam to avoid dust)
Once the panels are in plexi (and the transparent part in PetG) and the meshes in aluminum, the panels are very light. The result is fine, and I can take off the panel any time.
4. Custom front bays
One question asked by one sponsor of mine (Performance-pcs) changed the whole concept of the front bays that I was projected originaly: "Hey Mr. Kholl, I will send some parts to cut in laser, do you want cut something?".....ohhh!!of course!!! it's very nice!! so I drew the bays:
1. DVD
2. Aquagate cover
3. Memory display cover
4. Card reader
5. Baybus (4x fan controller + aquagate lcd/control module)
6. HDD meter
The result was GREAT!!!
Masking:
Dark silver coat:
I decided to create the bays cases using those old cd-row cases:
- Building the baybus:
Not so beautiful, but, works!
Pots support:
It Works!
I made a simple 4x fan controller with tip 31c:
- Bulding the memory display case:
Primer...and Black coat:
I created those photolit masks for the details of the covers:
And painted one by one with uv paint:
5. Displays
My plan was to use two displays in this project: one 240x128 Electroluminescent Display from Planar (on the bottom panel) and one 4" TFT Color in 16:9 ratio (on the top panel).
Unfortunally, until now, the Color TFT still haven't arrive....so, I will update this pics later.
Thanks for Planar that sent me this beautiful display:
Thanks for Samtec to provide me the cable for this special connector (2mm pin space):
Creating the supports for the displays:
I decided to create 2 bars in plexi for each display and mold it with heat.
Fits perfect!
Again, regarding the fact that I wouldn't make any hole on the stacker covers, I used this simple solution to attach the displays:
Easy, firm and safe:
Wiring:
I decided to create a simple pcb to wire up the display.
The original idea was a custom connector (I had to left it! not so firm):
From flat to round / Sleeving (Techflex sleeve with 3M reflective monofilament):
Final version (direct soldering.....I lost my patience checking the connector...so, this is the safe way):
I used LCDStudio 2.0 to control the display. I made 3 simple designs with real data:
- System (general info about the pc)
- Online (real time infos: POP3 reader - Last e-mails / Weather info / RSS reader - Last news)
- Storage (info about the HDDs)
I'm working on the Winamp design
Some shots:
Final Pics
I would like to thank Coolermaster for this great contest, all the sponsors of the contest, and my sponsors for this project: Performance-pcs, Plextor, Planar and Samtec.
Jose Fernando de Carvalho Junior (aka Mr. Kholl).
