Finished: Custom Tech Stations: Prototype Log - Overclock.net

Rick Arter · 07-06-09

***********************Custom Tech Stations Project************************

-Building the prototype-

Introduction
My long time love of tech stations has driven me to start this project. This project will not only take all my skills but all my free times as well. While still in the prototype phase I have so many cool ideas. The basis of the project is to make low cost custom tech stations. Lots of planning has gone into this project already, but its still a ways from going into the building stage.

The Plan
Basic plan is pretty much stated in the introduction build affordable tech stations. Not sure if I will build a bunch to sell or just for personal use depends on the outcome. After gathering all the materials needed I will take measurements and start cutting. I will be sure to post all details and have lots of pics. The unit itself will house all components on lower level and on top it will have the motherboard and fans. I want to make things simple to disassemble and practice for the user.

Basic Component List

Frame/Lower Level Floor
Motherboard Tray/Upper Level
HDD Cage(s)
HDD Cage(s) Mounts Brackets
Optical Drive Mounts/Brackets
Cooling Fan Mounts/Brackets
ON/OFF Switches/LED Indicator Light
Bolts/Nuts/Washers

Raw Materials List

Bare Frame- 1/16" x 1" Aluminum 90 degree corner pieces, 3/4" wood floor/top, and 3/4" and 1" aluminum frame
Motherboard Tray- Generic ATX tray
HDD Cage(s)- Rocketfish 3 drive units
HDD/Optical Drive Brackets- Mock up done
Cooling Fan Bracket- In the works
ON/OFF Switch- Undecided
LED Indicator Light- 3/5mm LEDs(unknown colors)
ON/OFF Switches/LED Indicator Light Bracket- Undecided
Screws- metal self-tapping
Anti-Vibration material- Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner

Rick Arter · 07-06-09

Final Pics

Only problem is this the standoffs arent right so the cards do not line up.

Will upload a few more when its daytime

CattleRustler · 07-06-09

cool, good luck with this. I had a similar idea at one point

and is this

from mcmaster? I know those images anywhere

Rick Arter · 07-08-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by CattleRustler

cool, good luck with this. I had a similar idea at one point

and is this

from mcmaster? I know those images anywhere

Yes that's where its from lots of cool modders stuff there. Hopefully will purchases few items from there in near future checking local deals now.

Got some updates with lots of pics once I get back tonight will post them.

Rick Arter · 07-10-09

Well I finally have time to update this thread and show you guys some of the materials I have obtained. While its not much and not the highest quality it should work at least for my prototype. Some may wonder why make a prototype well the prototype will be tested by me using my rig. By doing this I can test and see what works and what doesn't. Plus I want a tech station as well

.

Every day that goes by brings me more ideas and different ways I can improve the original design. I plan to cut out mock up parts for the prototype outta sheet metal for final measurement purposes. That way if I dislike the position of something I can remake it cheaper, not a piece of expensive aluminum I spent 5-10 bucks on and have a

that wont fit with the other stuff and have to remake it situation. I am putting all other stuff on hold since I am waiting on some RMAs now and I cant overclock. Might as well start the project I have been dreaming of for years. I have spent hours checking out other tech stations and think my design is original. I don't wont to copy others but it hard to steer away from tried and true stuff.

I am going to run up to Lowes or Home Depot and check out a few things. When I return I will post photos and more info about materials and ideas.

Rick Arter · 07-10-09

Just got back from Lowes and wow they had a better selection then Home Depot. Here are the materials I picked up:

8x 2 1/2" x 1/2" L-Bracket Corner Brace
1x 3 feet of 1/16" x 1" Aluminum-Flat
2x 3 feet of 1/16" x 1" Aluminum-90 degree Corner
1x 12" x 7 feet roll of non-adhesive shelf liner
1x 8 pack of 220 grit sand paper

Close up of the L-brackets:

Here is what I might use for under PSU, Optical Drives, etc:

I found what I needed and more also I spoke to my uncle and he wants to help me out. Which is cool because he has tools and is good with this type of work. He should have the wood I need for the lower level. If not he works at hardware store so he can help me out with getting some. This is the basic stuff I need for this I looked at all different types of material for the uprights and this seemed the best. It is pretty sturdy but didn't cost all that much and the 2 3 foot sections should be plenty for height.

mcnaryxc · 07-11-09

Yay! Awaiting updates!

Rick Arter · 07-11-09

Well got some work done today things changed a bit which is what I figured would happen. Glad I didn't try making final pieces since they would have to change now. I changed the position of the PSU and the way it sits. Now it rests on the side instead of flat like in normal cases. The overall size is 12" x 15" to give room for tray on top and fan mounting. My uncle gave me great ideas and was happy to help with the project. The next set of pics is from when I was over at his house in the workshop. Everything so far has worked out flawlessly. Only thing is I need more aluminum to finish the sides check the pics you will see what I mean.

Original Rough Drawing:

I decided to clean up the aluminum so I used 320 grit and steel wool

Came out pretty good

Rick Arter · 07-12-09

Got a good start on the station yesterday got to go to Lowes again and pick up more flat aluminum for the sides. Will update when I get back later tonight. Need to cut a few more things out and it will be done. I am also waiting for a tray and 2 rocketfish HDD cages. Once those are in its a matter of measuring and drill holes for mounting brackets. My uncle is great he turned a few days of work into a few hours. That included stopping a few times to smoke a cig or rethink ideas. Really cant wait to get this done as I am using a cardboard station for my rig now. LOL its a 1337 though will post pics of it. It kinda what drove me to really start this project.

Pics and vids coming waiting for vids to upload now.

YouTube - Custom Tech Station Project Part 1 Introduction

tormentedtechnology · 07-13-09

Hey Rick,

Can't wait too see how this comes out. Keep the videos coming, I always like checking them out.

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Finished: Custom Tech Stations: Prototype Log

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