WorkLog - Operation Mithril P4

[bsodmike]

Click Here For The Main Project Log

Important Note: The 'Mithril' in this project has been taken from the name of the Sub in the Anime series 'Full Metal Panic' and appended 'P4' for obvious reasons.

System Specs

• Intel 2.6C Pentium 4 Processor
• 2x Corsair 256MB XMS3500 Cas2 Ram
• Abit IC7 875P Mainboard
• Western Digital 120gig 1200JD SATA Hdd (x2)
• Sony 16x/40x DVD-ROM Drive
• ATi Original 9700Pro 128MB DDR Gfx Card
• Linksys Etherfast 10/100 Network Card
• M-Audio Revolution 7.1 Sound Card
• Antec 550W PSU
• Lian-Li PC71 + Transparent Window

-[Click here to see images of all the components used in this project]-

Mod List And Detailed Images Of Each

• Lighting Control Panel
• VFD and Panel with Key Switch
• Modding the Linksys NIC

Part One

The case finally arrived today. After paying GBP320 for the case I had to spend another 70 quid on customs duty...



I started off by removing the default lian-li power switch and used my step-drill bit to make a hole 20mm in diameter...



Connected the illuminated Bulgin switch to the panel...





Here I test fitted the switch and it clears the case pretty nicely!



I would like to thank Zap for sending me this awesome plastic-mesh type stuff, it is simply the best..



I connected my VFD and custom panel with a keyswitch that disconnects the Buglin if the key is turned 90 degrees to the left. The two bottom leds on that panel show keyswitch status, the left being blue and the right being red...



This is where the keyswitch splices into the Bulgin line...

[bsodmike]

Some pictures to show the wiring:





Here I have fitted the DVDROM drive that I also modded a little:



Some shots of hidden wiring. I used scotch tape as it comes off easy and leaves less of a mess than electrical tape...







This is the box that controls my lighting. That mark on the base will be hidden later on...by alot of wires!



For more info on how I made this box click here

Took my soldering iron to the default blue led on the lian-li that is meant for power, but as the Bulgin shows this I decided to connect my NIC Act led to it. Here you can see me replacing the led and connecting a 75ohm resistor in-line. To see how I connect this to my NIC click here

[bsodmike]

Finishing up the soldering of the network card...

Here you can see the network card has been connected to the jumper and 5v from a molex...



The header from the activity led has been snaked around the back through a gap in the mainboard mounting plate...



Some more tedious wiring!

Spent the morning today soldering and .....soldering Realized that I needed to increase the number of molexes and needed to grab this to the top section of the case as stealthily as possible. I cut off a floppy connector and soldered some wires directly to the PSU and sent it up the side of the case!



This is the cluster of wires for the power switch, bulgin led power, reset, nic act led, and hdd act led...



You can see the connections inside the bays more clearly...

[bsodmike]

Mini-Update - System Test 1

Pic in the dark!



Click Here for Video of System Test 1 (525K)
You will need the DivX Codec to view the video!

I have my second glow pad for the monitor connected and the light panel has 2 leds showing green. When I switch of the glowbase the respective led goes off as well.

I then turn the keyswitch 90 degrees to the left causing the bulgin to be de-activated and a red led appear indicating this!

The top 3 red leds are connected to the VFD and can only be tested once everything is complete.

[bsodmike]

Part Two

[bsodmike]

CCFL installed, to give a UFO effect under the case as well.







Plans for a VU Meter









Quite a bit has been lossed due to the massive server fart :waah:

More updates to be expected!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Random pic of the day, my mobile :



Here is a teaser of whats to come!

[bsodmike]

I spent most of the evening today redoing the VU Meter panel with my *last* bay cover. I had to get it right or bye-bye a nice plan. This time I didn't use a paper template and drew via a 2B mechanical pencil the spots on the face plate directly. It turned out much better and I have gotten the first 8 leds at the top lined up dead perfect





Update!

A cool little idea hit me:



This way less leds at the front and I feel a dual chan meter would be overdoing it a little. I have applied a strip of Scotch Tape upside down...the cool thing about this tape is that it diffuses light and if the source is dark, you do not see it!

[bsodmike]

Off topic....





:clap: Christmas has come early for me

Got the power sorted today and split the load on my two 600VA UPS across the machines. On one I have my Spawnbox2, TFT, Sound System, Linksys Switch, Apple Airport Extreme Base Station and the DSL Modem. The other one is connected to Mithril P4, the TFT for this machine and my server box.



Note: This was used by my mom for some time, hence the "Switch ---->"

Some posters arrived today from Art.com and I'll have these framed and put up sometime this month!

[headbrace]

Looking excellent there. Did ya get your probs with the airpor bast station sorted?
Also, I suppose that postage to Sri Lanka must be a killer! Anyhoo, i looking forward to the rest, has inspired me to do some reall modding!

[bsodmike]

Yup Thanks dude

[bsodmike]

The VUMeter PCB arrived three days earlier than quoted by FedEx. It has been soldered and I am waiting for a 10uF Cap and the LM3915 IC which will get to me sometime next week.

I am selling the extra boards at £15 inc p&p

[bsodmike]

M-Audio Revolution 7.1



Arrived today via FedEx. This only left England on the 10th so I'm quite amazed at the speed of courier services today....I guess that is what £55 shipping gets you

[Gordy]

Looking good mate , I've been following it on bit

[bsodmike]

Was able to give it a grainy effect, didn't want a perfect look...came out pretty nicely!

I'm thinking of adding a tiny circuit to throb the Bulgin led but that will probably end up as icing on the cake

Thanks Gordy

[benje]

looking great mate, I especially like the NIC activity led and keyswitch. Rock on, good job.

What are the posters btw ?

[kingabs]

sweet did a good job there!