Sparhawk

Completed Sept 10th, 2008



I was asked by my older brother to build a HTPC for him.

The planning took place over a few months since I didn't have much time to actually work on it.
Since it is summertime, I now have time to work on it(weekends).

The original [Plan] thread can be found here

I'm using 3/4" oak plywood and I plan to stain it with a dark red stain and then use a diamond clear-coat on it to give it a hard glossy finish.

-I've cut the main pieces of wood already.
plywood ready to be cut:

Pieces:

-Assembled the guts and set up a test bed.
I've installed XP got the system into a workable state and created a backup image of the drive using Norton Ghost.
Right now I'm stress testing... I don't think folding counts as stressing.
Current temps max out around 50-52C when under load. I think that if I keep good airflow in the case I should be able to keep close to that. Not sure if overclocking is going to be necessary here but this is overclock.net...so I might.
Packages:

Up and running:

eerie green:

This is my first log so if you want more information just ask, and be nice!

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Sparhawk

Links to updates:

Update 1 - 3ds-max renderings

Update 2 - Wireless PC Starter Mod

Update 3 - Motherboard tray Modification

Update 4 - Putting (some of) the pieces together

---- Update 4.5 - Mock-up with parts

Update 5 - CD Drive Mod

Update 6 - Legs, Lid, HD Rack Mod and re-drilling

Update 7 - FINAL PICS!!!!


Update 8 - FINAL PICS!!!! (continued... lol)
---- Update 8.1 - More finished pics

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Sparhawk

reserved for final pics

Wireless PC Starter Final Shot

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epidemic

Looking good so far! Consider me subbed.

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The Black Mesa Survivors Club

Sparhawk

hmm, I've hit a bit of a hitch. I am in need of a motherboard tray. If anyone could direct me in the direction of a cheap OEM tray or something similar it would be awesome.

I'm thinking I might just have to steal an old computer from the recycling centers around here... lol

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Sparhawk

Here are some 3ds max renderings of what it will look like when finished. Obviously the textures aren't quite accurate... lol

Front View


Top View


Perspective 1


Perspective 2

and yes there is a lot of space inside... Room for future upgrades and airflow.

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Sparhawk

ordered a motherboard tray.

Hopefully I'll be able to work on it more this weekend (long weekend!).

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Sparhawk

I'll be getting me soldering equipment out tonight. I will be fashioning a marvelous device for turning on and off the PC.

... and no it is not just a power button... it is oh, so much more than that.

If all goes well tonight there will be an update with pics of my creation. Wish me luck

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Sparhawk

Doctor the operation was a success!!

My wireless PC starter is fully functional






This is a mini walk-through I can go in depth if necessary

I basically turned a wireless doorbell into a wireless PC power switch. Adding nothing more than a resistor and a relay circuit.

Before beginning, testing voltages and resistance with multimeter throughout the circuit.



I needed some pins and an old(DEAD) motherboard seemed to fit the bill.



After attempting to solder out the pins I gave up and went for more extreme measures.



I managed to take out the piece that I needed.



Done pins! I think they look sexy



Other side



After the pins I soldered a capacitor into the circuit to smooth out the signal coming from the receiver. I am using the signal that would normally power the speaker to power a relay circuit.



And added a relay to act as the PC power button.


Final wiring shot



With this setup I'll be able to turn on the any PC I hook it up to.

It has been tested and has successfully managed to turn on the HTPC test bed as well as allow the standard power switch to function at the same time hence the pins I soldered on earlier.
As a bonus it has a range of approximately 100feet so unless you have a huge house you could turn on the PC from anywhere.

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ice_owl

Nice work!

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Frayed ends of sanity