Thanks mate. Yep, black shiny ones come with gpu block - they are SLI extenders.Quote:
Originally Posted by kgtiger
Thanks mate. Yep, black shiny ones come with gpu block - they are SLI extenders.Quote:
Originally Posted by kgtiger
I worked with sketchup a bit to show how basically this rear water-loop combo will work.
So, as I explained before here it is:
This is the top panel of power chamber. It is cut in the middle (actually I will cut a bit less, like a rear left corner so I could pull it out from the case from the back of it)
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...%20section.jpg
This is how it goes in the left panel of power chamber - it slides between top edge of that left panel and L shape aluminium profile corner on top of them.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...20section2.jpg
This sketch shows how it goes in the case. You can see ther two "go-through" adapters that will have two quick-release fittings sets screwed to it. So, when I'm going to install it, I will push the whole combo in and screw in the rear case panel, then simply connect quick-release fittings together with sticking two tubes form the gpu block.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...20section3.jpg
Here you can see how it looks from below - you can see the pump stand with that long alu "arm" that goes up to the top panel - that is how the rear piece of top panel will be mounted to the whole pump stand. I will also cut small piece of yellow acrylic to fill out that gap between two pieces of the top panel and light it up with yellow leds. Acrylic will also go with the whole thing outside to the rear of the case.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...20section4.jpg
...and last image: shows how it goes out the case. Mind there is no rear main case panel there - it will be screwed to that small L shape on the bottom of the pump stand.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...20section5.jpg
...and here in the case...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...20section6.jpg
That's it. Mistery solved:) I hope you like the idea of how I'm going to solve the tight water loop problem:) I think it will work great. Well, in this kind of small case there is no other way to do it actually. There is no space to let me get my hands in and unscrew fittings or any other way to dismantle the whole thing.
Mike, sounds great!
your project is so ambitious that I still can't believe it's possible :p: looking forward to your next update :up:
Thank you my friend! I will show ready pump stand shortly. It is already made, but need to re-attach rear alu strip cause I riveted it on wrong side:eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by aka_GK
Now, I'm not an expert in Google Sketchup tube drawing, but I spent a bit of time on trying to visualise how the tubing will run in the Tower. Just two simple sketches to show how it will work...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...ges/tubing.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...es/tubing2.jpg
Of course there will be two sets of quick-release fittings installed on top of that power chamber panel, but didn't have time to draw them.
i can t wait to see this finished... great job :up:
Cheers mate!:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Amralx1
Yes, finally I took all together to show new update. It was hard, cause I've been working on few elements for a last few weeks and to be honest I didn't know if there is a point of showing it.
You guys know how it is sometimes when there are dozens of small things that need to be done, but they are not quite visual to show them up as update.
I had to "trim" few elements, recreate one or two, measure up few things.. if I count them, maybe I did around 10 different small things, but overall there is like one or two that are worth to show, so here it is:)
SMALL UPDATE
I already showed sketches of pump stand, showed the main part of it done, but haven't showed the whole thing standing. I basically made exactly what I planned on sketches, added bottom plate which contains small piece that bolts the stand to the rear panel right under the radiator, long vertical piece to mount one piece of power chamber top panel to the stand.
Here's how it looks right now:)
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-07.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-08.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-15.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-16.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-17.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-18.jpg
"Head" of this thing goes right up to the surface of power chamber:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-09.jpg
This is how it looks inside of the Tower:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-06.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-05.jpg
To make it all right I had to trim that L shape alu profile on the right from the pump stand. I trimmed it on the whole length cause it didn't look "nice" when I only cut out small piece at the bottom, where the tubing will go from the top to the right radiator inlet.
Well, to make it short - it's like I wanted:)
Now, I decided to go with fluorescent yellow - Helios - color acrylic. It looks like that:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-01.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-02.jpg
This piece goes under that smaller piece of power chamber top panel.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-19.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-20.jpg
It will have that two pieces of aluminium on top, leaving small gap, where yellow acrylic will be light up with leds.
I showed it before on one of the sketches. I added one small detail - one more cut line in it to make it more interesting:)
I put it all together but mind that it is not mounted - no screws and rivets there. I just stack it up to show roughly how it will look like. Of course black powder coat will change the look entirely but still, a hint how it will look:)
This is how I planned it on sketches:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...20section6.jpg
..and this is the execution:)
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-03.jpg
..here added that L shape profile that will cover "contacting edge". Left side cut out - this is where the reservoir will stick out alter on...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-04.jpg
Here how it looks inside the Tower:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-10.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-11.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-12.jpg
Second thing is fan controller - Scythe Kaze Q, which I wanted to use came out as too long, 1cm too long, so had to change it. Revoltec controller, same which I used in Cube was perfect for this job. Now, some of you will spot funny looking fan holes in that panel, don't worry about those 4 holes, I messed it up really nice:duh:Cannot forgive myself, but will have to live with it :wallbash: At the end however they will be covered with gromets so they won't be seen! I promise!:blush: Yes, this is my excuse! :blush: Common!!! Its only 4 holes!!!!:worried:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-13.jpg
Tricky part was to squeeze it between right square rod and radiator fan that will come on left...
I measured it up 3 times.. and drilled the holes.. all came out PERFECT! :D
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-14.jpg
OK.. last thing... Bottom acrylic panel. 10mm thick hard-ass stuff!!! My dremmel sweat like a strongman cutting this thing. After 10 minutes operation PSU hole was finished...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-21.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-22.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../270610-23.jpg
Hmmm... yep.. that's it! I hope you will enjoy new photos. Soon will be new update..
Hahaha...:D I swear! Really soon!! I promise!!!!!:D
Mod on !!!:rock:
:D
yummy yellow! comes out even better than I've expected! :up:
wonder if I am the only one following this log, so much tiny and neat work here and nobody leaves a comment here :shakes:
Now you've made me feel guilty :mad:! But your right, people should start commenting on this log (including myself) because it's incredibly detailed work.Quote:
Originally Posted by aka_GK
The pump/acrylic stand looks brilliant, it's great seeing your renders come to life.
Keep up the great work, man :yepp:.
your definitely not the only one. Great work is being done here and with there being 21000+ views there probably is a large silent following. I just cant see great work being overlooked in this community.Quote:
Originally Posted by aka_GK
I just wanted to cheer up the author :p: :)
HAHA:) Thanks guys:)
aka_GK - I know what mean:) See, I don't know why people don't comment my work, but it is funny here:) I guess its because this is Extreme forum, so most of the comments go to OC and water cooling logs. I don't worry about it, I don't do it for comments if you know what I mean, but certainly they help a lot:) It's always nice to see someone comments on your update saying he likes what you've done.
I check my logs daily after I add an update to see if someone's read it - I always compare my logs on every forum: here, bit-tech, HardForum, ChilledPC and Losias. Of course bit-tech is the biggest modding forum, that is why this project gathered almost 55.000 views in couple of months. Here is almost 22.000, HardForum has 31.000. ChilledPC for example is mostly watercooling forum, that is why project logs don't get a lot of views and comments. Losias in other hand is a new forum created by my modding friend Craigbru - however my log has the biggest number of views there. Comments? It is hard to explain, all members of those forums read all different threads, logs, they sometimes add a comment. For me I'm glad that people watch it, for example yesterday I was happy to see after 20 minutes when I added latest update, that around 400 people watched my input. That means people enjoy watching it. I remember my previous build - Phinix Cube - it gathered above 153.000 views on single forum. That was huge, at the beginning of this year it was still in first 10 top mods on bit-tech forum considering number of views, so that was huge. Right now it is on 8th place of all scratch builds. This build might be even bigger.. we'll see....
Great thing is that on each forum my log has always some loyal viewers who subscribe this thread and read it every time something is posted in it. In this forum aka_GK is the man! :D
So to sum up, I'm happy to see you guys like this mod, I hope you still going to like it when I finish it:)
Thank you all for kind words!
We totally love your builds mike, don't be mad at us for not posting. Nine out of ten times we're just too lazy to post :eek::rofl:.Quote:
Originally Posted by phinix_mike
No no! I'm not mad!:) Like I said, for me it's great that I see that so many people watch my log, that is already a great reward !
:up:
Great project. Been watching from the start and enjoyed every bit of the craftsmanship you have put into it.
Hay Mike just swung by to to see what your up to mate.
I see your ali bracket making skills have had another work out, I like the way you have put it all together, it work well. :up:
I wouldn't worry about the extra fan holes Mike, they add character to her.
Have you ever thought of adding a splash of electric blue perspex to your build somewhere?
I have a thing for bright yellow and electric blue, I feel they look good together. :yepp:
Oh yhea, Proud supporter of this build since post #7. :up:
You like revving people up, hay GK :rolleyes: :D
Keep up the excellent work mate your doing well. :up:
Thank you for kind words mate!Quote:
Originally Posted by gergregg
Hey Tiger! How are you my man?Quote:
Originally Posted by kgtiger
Thanks man! You are my supporter, no doubt! :)
I think you're right, without even a one small mistake it wouldn't be a really cool creation - it always needs something - those holes are exactly what and where they should be:)
See! Now you pushing me to do something I was thinking about for a very long time - blue acrylic...
This yellow acrylic... hmm... is my pain in the b** actually. It looks nice in some light, which is shown on those photos. BUT it doesn't look that nice at most of the time. I need to choose how I'm agoing to light it up.
Ben from Phenoptix was very kind and sent me lots of different leds to play with: yellow 3,5,10mm, same UV, even small SMD leds in strips. Now, I tried few of them and I got funny results.
Cause this is fluorescent acrylic, it supposed to react on UV light and give full color. Things is when I used UV light on it it does light up like crazy showing evry single even mm size scratch and lightup edges like there is no tomorrow. There is only one thing.. color.... it is not yellowish yellow, it is kinda greenish yellow. When I used yellow leds on the other hand, it does light up in deep yellow.. but only opposite edge I used small square sample and when put led to one edge, plastic was a bit brighter but only front edge was lighting yellow.
Then I tried to use two leds: yellow and UV Result was.. well, it wasn't good
So now I don't know what to do. I may go with yellow leds in some places and UV in other.
Or should I just go with blue acrylic?
What do you guys think?
Hello there:)
Quick update, cause I'm running out of time here - still need to reinstall my OS on new SSD.
On Saturday morning small package arrived from ChilledPC - Tom cut lots of small acrylic pieces for me - most of them will go on outside of the case. I laso ordered some Tensol 12 glue for acrylic - but I will tell about it later...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../260710-01.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../260710-02.jpg
I decided to use two switches for internal lights and front panel. I'm using white led switches.
Here's small pic of work done today:) Measuring, sketching, drilling and a looooooot of filing:)
They will be attached on right side of the case, bottom part of the rear panel.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../260710-03.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../260710-04.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../260710-05.jpg
What I also did this weekend (not much I guess, but wanted to show it) is I cut to size round mesh for cover that I'm going to paint and install on rear radiator. Basically I've "stolen" the idea from one fo the fantastic mod cases of Bill from MNPCTECH :D It was easy cause I got this mesh from Bill, so I hope you don't mind taking your idea, Bill! :blush::D
Here's the radiator that I will be using - EK triple XT:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../260710-06.jpg
...and here is the mesh cut to size and on the radiator...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../260710-07.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../260710-08.jpg
I don't have any idea yet how I'm going to paint this mesh, but I think it will be some kind of hex shape pattern.
That is it for now, I will add rest of the photos soon. I've been really busy lately, couldn't find a spare time for my little Tower:( I hope I will get some work on it in next couple fo days.
Plan of finishing this case till end of August is fading away I guess:D
Very cool :D Thanks for the update :up:
Do you have a link to that build?Quote:
Originally Posted by phinix_mike
:up::up::up:
awesome mate!
Very nice work, I'm liking your style.
It's great that there is good itx mobos available now.
Mod on :rocker:
Quote:
Originally Posted by miahallen
Quote:
Originally Posted by OC Maximus
Quote:
Originally Posted by aka_GK
Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny87au
Thank you all for kind words guys!Quote:
Originally Posted by the finisher
That was a small update, but I'm waiting for some things to show up, some plexi, acrylic glue, quick connectors. When i get them I will be able to continue work on it and show more news. I will add sketchups explaining how I'm going to use those acrylic pieces before next update, so please stay tuned! :)
Here it is.
This is the top comb, it will be mounted on long thin piece of acrylic on the rear edge of 10mm top acrylic panel.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...up280710-1.jpg
This is the rear view on all combs..
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...up280710-2.jpg
..and here is side view, two combs on top and bottom, same other side.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...up280710-3.jpg
Thanks for the updates/pics, gotta love sexy m-itx builds :up:
That looks very awesome Mike, can't wait to see actual pictures of it :D.
wow, dat looks sick
Wow that yellow acryllic plate looks awesome. Wish i had skills like this. And was as good a rendering things like you and people like you. :D Keep it up..
Epic epic epic build! I can't wait to see how this ends up. I keep coming back every few days and checking the progress.
Agreed ^ all of the time phinix is investing in this project will have a nice payoff in the end :)
nice work, it's really starting to come together!
Thanks man! I love m-itx and I think I will never go back to full atx mobo:)Quote:
Originally Posted by alpha0ne
Thanks! It will take a bit of time to measure, alignand drill holes for leds and attached all those acrylic pieces but I should have it done soon.. and soon I mean this year:D:eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexandr0s
Thanks man! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by aka_GK
Thank you! You should try it out - google sketchup is very easy to learn, 20 minutes and you can do things like that easily!Quote:
Originally Posted by M40TURBO
Thank you very much!:D I'm glad you like it!Quote:
Originally Posted by Elusid
I hope so!:D Thanks Bill! :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Owen
Thank you !:DQuote:
Originally Posted by Rise
UPDATE TIME! YAY! :D
OK, again, it is pretty small update. Basically what I did was I measured up and drilled holes for rivets in side panels. It was pretty hard, cause the holes had to be in exact same place on top cover nad main panel, so I spent few extra minutes to make sure holes are all align perfectly... To be honest I hate this kind of job cause there is no second chance, if you screw it up, you need to cut new panel...:eeek:
But it all went well, I didn't have to re-drill any of the holes so they are all fine:)
First I marked holes on top cover, then drilled them. After that I aligned covers on side panel and started making marks in the drilled holes...
Here it is, top covers landed on side panel... pen in my hand.. no breathing.. steady... point.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020810-01.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020810-02.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020810-03.jpg
This one here is the side panel screw hole, one hole on each panel ended up half uncovered, so I will have to file a nice hole around it, hex shape hole, to match the theme. Rest of the holes are under covers, so I just drilled them through.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020810-04.jpg
Now, here's the QUESTION!
I need to attach those covers to side panels with something.
Which should I go with - black rivet, cap head screw or button head?
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020810-05.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020810-06.jpg
See, really nice holes drilled through both alu panels:D
I'm really happy that all went well. It was around 200 drills made! Including cleaning with coutersunk drill bit of course:)
I attached covers with small M3 screws for now to keep them together.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020810-07.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../020810-08.jpg
All holes drilled and cleaned, second panel to be showed later!
Now, I should do some more work this week, if not, then weekend, so stay tuned!!!:rock:
super super super :up:
Why didn't you just stick them together and then drill right through both panels at once ?
Looks great, I prefer the rivets personally.
You da man, Mike!
Sweet update Mike :D. I'd go with the rivets. You're unlikely to take those 2 plates of each other anyway.
A small question, how did you get the design onto the plate? A template?
Just read through the whole thread. Amazing work, can't wait to see it finished. :)
Thank you guys!
I decided to go with button head screws. I also have black rivets, but I thought I could always do something else without drilling the rivets, like maybe put some spacers between and add leds between to make nice light effect...
Just for the future:)
I drew it in sketchup and sent it to ChilledPC shop, where Tom cut it out on CNC.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexandr0s
I have been thinking about the color fo the panels: should I powder coat all matte black or maybe frame black, main panels on some brighter color, like gun metal or dark grey then cover panels on black again? Then those gaps between would be more visible...
What do you guys think about colors?
I'd suggest giving the top panels a brighter color than the main panel. That way, they'll stick out more, and it creates more depth.
I was trying that configuration on sketchup and it looked ok too. Only thing is like it a bit darker and brighter cover panels made the whole case too bright, but I will try to make some mockup and dee it in real, thanks for advice.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexandr0s
(I have to ask - what is THAT in your avatar? :) )
OK.. I guess this is time for new update:)
This weekend I was working on top panel. That clear acrylic, god damn 10mm thick piece of plastic:wallbash: If you don't have router or laser cutter and all you have is dremel with small cutting wheels, then your work with 10mm thick acrylic will be full of pain, sweat and tears:waah:
But, after few hours spent on this I finished it and pretty happy with the result.
Basically after painful cutting holes for dvd and H50 fan, I measured and drilled 4 holes for top aluminum cover. Of course I used my famous threaded insert + soldering iron trick for mounts.
After few minutes with hot solder iron tip, I had this:)
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../080810-01.jpg
Threaded inserts in the hole!
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../080810-08.jpg
I know, dvd holes i a bit "funky" in left top corner, but no worries, it will be covered with dvd aluminium cover. Like this:)
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../080810-02.jpg
If you noticed, there are black lines drew on each corner - that is where I need to file this acrylic panel.
Corners of the NanoTower will be cut off and flat, not sharp like regular square.
Now, I had an idea how I'm going to light up the top panel, even for a bit, so here it is: I fabricated small yellow acrylic piece that will go under the top panel. It has longer corners for mounting holes.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../080810-03.jpg
Also cut out small piece of mesh, which will cover the hole in top panel. Its a bit dirty on that photo but its after drilling in acrylic, acrylic powder was everywhere:D
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../080810-04.jpg
This is how they both go under the panel. You can also see I had to cut out more acrylic on both sides for power button and USB socket.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../080810-05.jpg
It looks pretty cool. What I'm going to do later is I'm going to slap some frost film I got from Mark - mrdbristol - on that acrylic, few layers, then add leds behind it to light it up.
Here are few photos with sun light going through it...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../080810-06.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../080810-07.jpg
Then I drilled and using small M3 button head screws I mounted mesh, yellow acrylic piece to the top aluminium cover panel, so it looks like this.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../080810-09.jpg
This acrylic panel will be spray painted matte black when the other bit will be done.
Right now I'm done and going to make some nice dinner after all that hard work ;)
See you soon!:rock:
Really starting to come together nicely phinix. :up:
Wouldn't a jigsaw have worked on the acrylic? ;)
Thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by Waterlogged
Problem with jigsaw is, when cutting 10mm acrylic, plastic melts, even with jigsaw on slow speed and holds the blade. I don't have any cooling liquid for it so decided to cut with dremel.
EPIC build is EPIC!
Mike, you are insane! Oh, so insane! Mike, you are insane!
Try moving the jigsaw through the Acrylic quicker, I'd bet that would melt less or not at all. (Also make sure the blade is sharp.)
A 6 TPI blade with a wide kerf should give a decent cut, at least enough to get you close to size.
jesus alot of work has gone into this, cant wait to see end results!
It's a sobbing walrus :rofl:.Quote:
Originally Posted by phinix_mike
And truly awesome frontplate Mike :D.
Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth
Quote:
Originally Posted by yngndrw
Quote:
Originally Posted by Waterlogged
Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny87au
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexandr0s
Guys, thank you for kind words and all advices!
Yesterday I received pack of nice small M3 full nuts, so that means I will be working on my side panels.
It is a bit tricky cause I need to drill trhough mainpanels and covers exactly in the same place, using drill bit smaller than 3mm, cause the thickness of acrylic "comb teeth" is 3mm. That means hole must be smaller, so each tooth will cover the hole. Then small yellow leds will be attached behind the main panel so the light will go through those holes and light up the acrylic pieces. Each comb has 6 teeth, I will be using 3 leds strips for each, that means I need to drill 18 holes for every comb and that is 72 holes in total!
That will be tricky. They must be aligned perfectly.
I think I will start from glueing those teeth together to rear acrylic plate, then measure and align points for holes. Anyway, I'm really scared to do that, but have to face this now:)
Slow and steady. Easy does it.
I will do! Thanks man:)Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth
Guys, I finished the front panel design. Now, I have two versions, difference is very small - small hex shapes in version 1 are fully covered with balck aluminium, version 2 has a bit smaller aluminium parts where acrylic ones come out on edges a bit.
Imagine that both versions are lighten up from behind with yellow led, every single hex shape.
Version 1 is more stealth, light will glow around hex shapes only if the pc is on. Second version will have small yellow edges, however mind that even if pc is off, they won't be seen so easily cause background will be black and this transparent yellow acrylic doesn't look great on black surface...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/... version 1.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/... version 2.jpg
What do you guys think? Version 1? Or second? Isn't the second one too "honeycomb"?
I think I prefer version 1, more mistique, more stealth, more "nano".
But wanted to hear your thoughts.
The second (bottom one).
The top one seems like it's missing something. The second one completes that which is missing.
V2 hands down.
The top one does it for me .............the one with the honeycomb seems to be 'over done ' IMHO
Overdone, No freaking way! V2 is subtle enough with all the black and enough yellow to highlight whats important. V2 is Nano enough. :)
Just my opinion though. Either one looks great.
if honeycombs still be lightened in option 1 (didn't get your idea tbh), I vote for ONE.
Sorry guys, I know, I should ahve explained more what is going to be there.
See, there are 3 layers there - first one is main full aluminium panel (that grey one), then there is acrylic 3mm yeallos one, which is the same shape as 2mm aluminium third layer. I will moount lots of leds behing that acrylic, so even if the small acrylic hex shapes won't stick out from behind of small aluminum hex shapes, they will still be lighten up with leds.
version 1 basically has fully covered those small 14 hex shapes. But it still will be lighten up with yellow leds, only difference will eb that you won't see lighten up acrylic edge from the front of the case, only looking from angle you will see those small hex shapes lighten up. However, looking from the front you will see "yellow glow" around those shapes. That is why it is different - it makes it more misterious, giving only the glow around, not edges.
From all my logs form 5 different forums, 95% voted for version 2. I am only affraided if that version 2 won't be "too crouded", too much details on the front, too much going on. Version 1 is more subtle I think....
Oh, ok.
Version 2. :)
The one after the first one :)
second
definately second, first is 2 plain!
Number 2 :up:
Jeeez... everyone wants to see second version! :)
Thanks for your opinion guys!
OK ... it's time for small update.
First few days ago small envelope came to me - M3 full nuts for panel covers. We decided we are going to use button head screws, so I needed these...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-01.jpg
Now, here is something that I found out few days ago....
Both, top and bottom acrylic panels supposed to touch top and bottom aluminium panels, but there were M6 screws on its way on each corner. I don't really wanted to cut out holes in acrylic to hide those screw heads. So I ordered some countersink screws...
Problem....
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-08.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-09.jpg
Solution...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-10.jpg
Result...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-11.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-12.jpg
Nice and clean, exactly as I wanted it to be.
Now, I don't remember showing you my new mobo tray...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-13.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-14.jpg
OK. Now another thing.. I tried to make a "mock-up" of that hex shape that will be on the front panel. I used some black cd envelope for it, so please don't laugh:blush:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-02.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-03.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-04.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-05.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-06.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-07.jpg
So.. I don't know.. I'm still liking the first version, cause it's kinda stealth, but still can be seen. It is the shape that needs to be exposed, not a lot of light. That small, gentle glow around hex shape looks nice. You will still beable to see egde from some angle, which will be shiny yellow. Well, I can always file down a bit all edges of those aluminium pieces on top to make that edge anyway. First would be great to see it all on satin black powder coated case:)
So that is it for now...
...and once again at the end of this update.... Isn't that nice?:blush:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../190810-15.jpg
I'd say the second version would be stealthier if you could get a fade effect by using progressively dimmer lighting in a downward-diagonal pattern.
Or make it pulse like the EVGA Classified NB LED's :P
LOL, nice work with the screws!
The lighting on this build is going to be spectacular! Very special effect-like!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wezly
Thanks guys!Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth
OK.. another update! ... What?!.... Yep! Another one! ALREADY! :D
Nothing huge, just a few small things, but wanted to show.
First, small thing I had to do. There are always HUNDREDS of small things that need to be done during project. A lot of small addons, corrections, tweaks, but they must be done.
Few days ago I tried to fit PSU to in the power chamber. I noticed that there was 3mm missing.. I was like.. WHAT?!!:wallbash: Then I noticed that two screws holding side wall of power chamber were too long.. so I implemented my "dremel harassment" and two screws stopped being a problem. PSU fitted nicely and I was happy again:)
Those two screws one the left side, covered with nuts and not even a single mm coming out of them:D
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-01.jpg
Next, I finally finished all mountings for power chamber.
I had this L shape alu profile, so cut out small piece, cut off 1cm along the edge so it would fit in next to the acrylic piece under power chamber top panel and riveted it to the sides.
(...and yes, I will shorten those screws later:) )
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-02.jpg
Now, side of the power chamber looks like this...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-03.jpg
Lovely rivets:)
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-04.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-05.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-06.jpg
Here, those two screws are holding top panel. If I need to take off top panel, I simply unscrew them with hand. Easy peasy...:thumb:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-07.jpg
Now last thing I did lately. I finally mounted top acrylic panel to the Tower.
I changed the idea of using some locker kits and decided to use two screws that I can unscrew by hand. Easiest way possible.
I drilled and threaded holes in top aluminium panel...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-08.jpg
Both sides...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-09.jpg
Then I drilled holes in top acrylic/alu combo panel...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-10.jpg
..and added two screws. Job done:clap:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-11.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-12.jpg
As you can se below, screw goes easily through the acrylic panel to the aluminium frame under it where the hole is tapped. I like this solution. How about you guys?
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-13.jpg
Last photo of this update - NanoTower with finished power chamber and properly mounted acrylic top panel.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../220810-14.jpg
Enjoy and till next time!:dremel:
Well done, sir! :up:
amazing craftsmanship! Keep up the good work :up:
loving the last picture!
Thank you guys!
Just to let you all know, Nano Tower has been nominated to Mod of The Month on bit-tech forum! Fantastic!:D
http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=194319
i like top panel, good project
Maybe not the full blown update, but still.... Here are photos of some new items.
First, fantastic quick connectors I received from Aquatunning. Pascal, thank you again for help!:thumb:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-01.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-02.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-03.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-04.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-05.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-06.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-07.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-08.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-09.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-10.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-11.jpg
Now, these are small 2 pin connector I'm going to use with all led lighting strips. These will make taking case apart much pleasent.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-12.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-13.jpg
And these are the items I received from Phenoptix - thank you Ben !!!:thumb::rock:
SMD yellow led strip - 4 meters!!! Also received some UV leds, cable and huge banch of 3mm yellow leds:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-14.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-15.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-16.jpg
Last two photos shows the tube I bought - yes, this is orange, yes it is not yellow. Let me explain - yellow tube under UV light looks like... acid-green. This orange tube under UV light looks like... sweet deep yellow. That is why I will use orange tube to get nice yellow effect. You will see, it will be fantastic!... Well.. I hope... :eeek::worried:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-17.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../130910-18.jpg
Love your work so far Mike. Looking at the projected goals....20x20x40cm....is that still the plan? Seems a bit big for a "nano tower" :p: Good work mate :)
make sure you double check the QDC to make sure they mate fine,
out of the 4 pairs i have, i have 1 pair that doesn't connect...
and if i try using the pair i have that doesn't connect properly and use them interchangeably with ones that do work fine, it leaks.
MadHacker, have you tried replacing the O-rings? I had a set that went bad and new O-rings got them wotking again :up:
http://www.koolance.com/water-coolin...p?cPath=30_121
don't think that will help...Quote:
Originally Posted by miahallen
mine are brand new...
and it won't event push in all teh way to twist and lock.
metal not cut to spec mabe? duno
Looking forward to more updates on the project.
Awesome build so far! Eagerly awaiting the next update. :D
Thank you guys for your kind words! It's great to see that so many people likes my build:)
miahallen: Yep, 20x20x40 is still the case, that is the main frame and only things that will stick out from this dimension will be panels with acrylic elements and feet:)
About those qucik fittings - I hope there won't be any issues, but I also received some spare o-rings from Aquatunning, so if anything happens I'm just gonna change those.
The QDC's look pretty big. How will you fit them in the tiny case once everything is stuffed in there?
That is the plan - use them because there is no much space in there:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinas
I know it may sound crazy but it will work. You will see, just be patient:)
Been a little while since I've been on here. I think we can all guess what happens next...
Hello! :) I know, it has been a while...
I've been pretty busy in last couple of weeks, that is why I didn't come up with new update.
However, I wanted to show you few bits I worked on lately.
I noticed a small "glitch" with power chamber top panel acrylic piece - I used two small screws to keep it together, but one of the ends was sticking out a bit. This end was to thin to drill a hole in it, so I had to re-do this acrylic bit that goes under top panel of power chamber.
Without any more words, here is a new revision of this piece:)
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../031010-12.jpg
It will come under the panel in this position.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../031010-13.jpg
Also I received some bits from ChilledPC, like these long 5mm strips of black tinted acrylic.
I cut them up to small 10mm pieces and will use them as separators in those side acrylic "combs".
Second photo shows those long strips next to those pieces.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../031010-06.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../031010-07.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../031010-01.jpg
I haven't glue them up yet, but here is one "mockup" comb, I built it to show you how they going to look like. Mind there is still white cover foil on them, which I wanted to keep till I actually glue them all together.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../031010-02.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../031010-03.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../031010-04.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../031010-05.jpg
Second thing I made from black tinted acrylic are 4 corners. Sounds strange, but here's what it is: each corner of rear panel will have black cover which will be screwed to the panel and will also be a base for six L-shape yellow acrylic elements. Those elements will create those corner "combs", as you could see previousy on some of my sketchups. Acrylic corners are screwed with one M4 screw that keeps the rear panel to the frame and two smaller M3 screws that hold those corners mounted to the panel.
Here are few shots showing them, first - whole panel, second and third - bottom and top corner...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../031010-08.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../031010-09.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../031010-10.jpg
...and here is rear panel with that black corner, standing sticked to the "mock-up" comb:)
It looks great in reality, better than on photo, believe me:) I can imagine it will look even better when the panel will be coated and that comb glued ... But to see that I wil have to work a lot more;)
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../031010-11.jpg
So this is it for now, if I find some more time and do some work, I will share it with you guys in no time:thumb:
Till next time - MOD ON!!! :up:
I did not imagine so many subtleties in a so small case. Your work make him big :)
I love the GLOW :eek: looks awesome
looking forward to see next piece
Quote:
Originally Posted by manu_D
Cheers guys!Quote:
Originally Posted by aka_GK
Just to heads up - I've been waiting for last few pieces from ChilledPC and will continue working on it, hopefully this weekend.
I did few small things but I wanted to wiat with all the stuff to come in and then make a huge update. So, its Wednesday, few more days...:up:
Absolutely love what you've been doing here, Mike! Great acrylic work.
The level of detail and creativity make this a joy to follow.
Mod on!
Thank you! Glad you like it!:up:Quote:
Originally Posted by CptDreadFlint
Well, I got two news, bad and good. Let me start from the bad one... :(
Unfortunately, also this weekend I haven't received anything from ChilledPC, Tom was busy as hell, but he promised he will cut those elements for me this weekend. So hopefully I shall get them tuesday and then will show you some really good stuff!
Good news is, I did few things again, so I promised you an update and here it is.. just a bit more modest than I wanted:)
So here it is...
I had to measure and install standoffs for my little mobo, so this weekend I pulled out all psu cables from the mobo at "tried it on" my mobo tray...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-01.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-02.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-03.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-04.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-05.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-06.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-07.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-08.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-09.jpg
You can see it fits nicely, not too tight or anything:)
To make points for standoffs I used a match and hand cream:)
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-10.jpg
Also, here you can see how the pci-e slot goes along the line of power chamber.
Graphics card will be about 2mm from the panel - I'm not sure if I'm gonna need some kind of isulation, what do you guys think? Should I add something just for precaution?
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-11.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-12.jpg
I think it should be ok...
Oh my! But what we have here?! :rolleyes:
Isn't that a latest issue of CustomPC???
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-17.jpg
Well yes it is! And What is on that page there? Hmmm.... YEP! That is Nano Tower! YAY!!!:D
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-18.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-19.jpg
Hehe...:) Sorry, I just bought a copy today and was so happy to see it inside:blush:
Here is a fantastic prize I got! Quality of this stuff is incredible :jawdrop:
Well done Bill!
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-13.jpg
Again, huge thanks goes to Bit-tech/CustomPC guys and all of you who liked my project and voted for me - THANK YOU ALL :clap:
Now, let's get back to update:)
I had to "trim" two of all four columns in main frame. Why? I noticed a bit difference between them and when I installed acrylic 10mm thick bottom panel I noticed this sucker started to shake a bit. I don't know how I haven't noticed that before, but looks like 0,8mm difference between two columns made a huge impact on stability of the whole Tower.
10 minutes with file and sand paper put it all down and Tower become stable as a rock:thumb:
Now even all panels lined up better than before. So it looks really good, almost perfect;)
I love to put on all panels and look on corners, they look so cool:)
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-29.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-14.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-15.jpg
Now, I showed you that before - those black acrylic corner shapes for those yellow "combs" I'm going to glue later.
This one here, rear left has to be modified cause this is the corner where I'm going to cut out long hole for peripherals cables, like graphics card cable, usb, etc.
That is why I had to use one more screw on the top of it, cuase lower one will be cut off...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-16.jpg
You can see there a big M5 countersink screw. Why M5? Well... how to say it...
At the beginning it was small M3 hole..
Then...
You see...
I bought myself a nice kit of cone drill bits...:dremel:
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-20.jpg
I started to play with it...
Well... some holes became bigger...
...and I had to thread this one again for M5 screw:blush:
I will paint it black and will be fine!:eyebrow:
Anyway....
This is the corner where you can see I drew the hole that will be cut out.
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-24.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-26.jpg
I actually cut it out few hours ago, fixed that acrylic corner too, but battery in my camera went to sleep so didn't get last photos of it. Will do it on Tuesday.
At the end.. just a few photos of all 4 panels installed on "naked" frame...
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-22.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-23.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-25.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-27.jpg
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-28.jpg
..last phoot.. I love that "dramatic" filter in my camera... Tower coming out from the darkness....
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/.../241010-21.jpg
Stay tuned!!! I should have all new stuff in the mid of the week! Cheers for watching and MOD ON!!!:thumb:
this is sexy
Amazing work :clap:
I wish I had the patience to do complete scratch case builds
The panels look incredible dude!! Correct me if i'm wrong but it's all done by hand too, right? That's what makes it all that much more impressive!
I can definitely see why this was published in a magazine :yepp:, great work, mate!
oh, can't wait to see it done, so impressive!
honestly I am not sure GPU can really be shortened on the top surface, but I'd put some thin plastic insulation anyway
Quote:
Originally Posted by defect9
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt220
Quote:
Originally Posted by callen_1
Thanks guys!
Thank you my friend! :up:!Quote:
Originally Posted by aka_GK
Yeah, I think I'm gonna put some acrylic cover there... I will use my fantastic etching dremel and get some nice texture...
Guys, teaser time !!! :D
Here's a small teaser I got from Tom - CNC action on front panel!
http://www.phinix-net.com/NanoTower/...nt panel-2.jpg