Imon VFD - modding to work externally??

[colincliff]

I have a small htpc case with only has 1 slimline note book optical bay.

I am looking to add vfd + remote control for the system.

I am interested in the imon vfd available here http://www.soundgraph.com/pr/e_pr_11.asp?m1d=1&m2d=11

Does anyone think that it would be possible to mod this unit so it can be used outside the case i.e. building a small box for it and running it from longer cables. I am hoping to get about 3-4 meters away from the case

The unit is connected by a usb cable and a m/board power cable. I think that the usb connection would be fine running on a usb extension cables from a powered hub, but i am not so sure about the m/board power cable.

Does anyone know what the maximum length a m/board power cable can be.

Bascially do you think this project will be possible!! Any help/ideas would be usefull!!

thanks

[dave87]

Should be, do you know what voltages it uses?

Oh, and get an external 5.25" holder, whack it in that, it should have the molexes, and you can stick the usb cable out the back?

Dave

[colincliff]

Not sure about the volage. The only technical information i can find about it is this diagram taken from here http://www.eyo.com.au/files/iMONhelp_eng.pdf



5.25" holder seems a good idea. Was hoping to not have it as deep as a cd drive tho - might look into moddifying one. Although by the looks of the diagram about it doesn't use a normal molex connector but has an adaptor which comes off the motherboard power cable.

[shaithis]

I have the iMon VFD in my HTPC. Nice peice of kit, although I do have a laugh when it tells me what the weather is like in Timbuktu =p

Do you want it to turn your pc on via the remote? If so you will need to wire is as per that diagram. I am pretty sure you could wire it up with just power from the external drive bay and a usb cable to the back of the PC if you aren't fussed with using the power functions on the remote.

[madmaca]

Are these just for HTPCs? I like the look of that VFD - would it work in a normal rig to display standard PC info/music tracks etc?

Where can I get one?

[shaithis]

Yes, they will work in a standard PC.

I got mine from QuietPC.com