ABS/Tagan Black Pearl - evolution of a water-cooled rig

Finally ... a little update - one of those where the photos don't begin to show the time spent figuring things out.

This is a work in progress, but I needed a break from trying to put things together, and it was a nice day for photos.

The "Module" - still several things to do, but you get the idea. It's held together by a piece of Aluminum sitting on top of some corner brackets attached to the fan holes on the inside of the radiator. The Al piece was recycled from the waste from cutting out my window. Still have to drill holes for the pump wires, resleeve them, and finish sanding polishing the delrin on the side of the pump where I cut off the little feets. (The black "sheet" on the bottom is simply a piece of poster board for the photo session):


http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...84_xhzF6-M.jpg




http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...29_yterm-M.jpg




http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...32_KJPfc-M.jpg




http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...85_y2G6D-M.jpg





http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...4_43FBh-XL.jpg

very nice :D

That "Temperature Control Horizontal Modular Unit" came out looking fantastic, Sharon! :clap:

I can just imagine how challenging it would have been for me to put something like that together. Twisting fittings, rotaries, and components round and round to make everything fit just right would probably cause me permanent vertigo.

Looking forward to seeing how she fits in the grand scheme of the Black Pearl :up:

P.S.
I wanna do a cannonball in your pool.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by melle.k

very nice :D

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Thanks for the continued support, melle :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CptDreadFlint

That "Temperature Control Horizontal Modular Unit" came out looking fantastic, Sharon! :clap:

I can just imagine how challenging it would have been for me to put something like that together. Twisting fittings, rotaries, and components round and round to make everything fit just right would probably cause me permanent vertigo.

Looking forward to seeing how she fits in the grand scheme of the Black Pearl :up:

P.S.
I wanna do a cannonball in your pool.

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lol - the "pool" is really just a large spa, so your cannonball might do some major damage. We had a nice soak tonight, in fact.

Thanks - you have no idea how difficult it was for me to put this together. I've already whined about being 3D challenged, but this was like Legos. I should have shown a pic of all the different brackets I tried :p:

I forgot to mention, but obviously, a set of pretty red GTs go on the second rad. Got them all painted up today - tomorrow is sleeving day. Then I'll show where the TMS-200 is going. Another challenge for me.

The rotaries turned out great, shaz! and like rick said, that must have been a challenge and a half - totally worth it though :yepp:. So if tomorrow's sleeving day, does that also mean it's an update day??

Thanks, Callen. I'd prefer to not to use the fancy fittings, but - what can I say? It was the only way I could get it to work.

Got a lot done today, but not much photo worthy. Finished painting 8 more fans - got them put back together. Lost Two (2!) of those dang little snap rings ... arghhh. Figured out my mounting for the TMS-200, but it's still rough, so a pic in the next day or two.

I'll also share my latest brilliant move. CptDF (and aka_GK) have commented on zazzle.com - a company where you can get stickers and other customized stuff. I ordered some new stickers for the back sides of the painted GTs ... some times I just kill myself:


http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...70_BxMkR-M.jpg

OMG ... how silly. I ordered the 3" stickers instead of the 1 1/2" ones (there's a joke in there, but you might have to be a golfer to get it). New ones on the way ...



Fortunately, I ordered a few custom coffee mugs just to see how they looked -


http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...08_4kXiU-M.jpg

They came out really nice - the one on the right is mine ( I might be obsessing just a bit these days), one in the middle is for Lou, and the one on the left is for the dog.

You know your obsessed when you start decorating household things like mugs with computer modding shots. That's too funny.

What did we do before the rise of Bitspower? It's pretty bad that I've been watercooling long enough to remember the days before all of these neat little fittings came to market and you had to solder and bend copper to make pieces to try to do the job.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by voigts

You know your obsessed when you start decorating household things like mugs with computer modding shots. That's too funny.

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+10 :p: I had a goog laugh :D I like the mug with your dog on it, i think it's an awesome shot! Bummer about the stickers too.

lol, nice stickers=P

....the mugs, good lord =P

Better moding parts on coffee mugs then household items painted on case walls i'd say :)

.. as for stickers on fans .. wrong size is one thing .. but i don't like that those stickers have shiny/reflecting surface. Imho removing original stickers or matted painting would look better (IIRC i've seen in few worklogs removed stickers from fans .. looked good. Probably will break RMA-ity of fans though).

ummm ... guess I should really clarify the mugs - before you all think I've truly lost my mind. They are gag gifts - I won't bore you with the details. I will say they are very well done by zazzle - those were just photos downloaded from my smugmug gallery. :) :p: ;)

And voigts - yeah, I feel like I'm cheating with the BP fittings, but on the other hand, things evolve.


@churchy ... oh, the stickers have already been removed ;) - I'm used to voiding warranties. Problem is the GTs have a very ugly backside. I have tried painting stickers before - didn't come out to well. We'll see how the right sized ones do. I agree on not liking them too shiny.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by callen_1

+10 :p: I had a goog laugh :D I like the mug with your dog on it, i think it's an awesome shot! Bummer about the stickers too.

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Bummer for her...hilarious for us (sorry but it is! I loled irl) :D

Loled when I saw the fan sticker. What a beautifully composed photo of this ridiculous looking fan.

Loled harder when I saw the 3rd mug.

Hey seriously though great idea on mounting the pump, I think it looks really nice like that. I assume the foam is temporary and you'll work out something a bit sturdier? Maybe something U-shaped that attaches to the res-top mounting holes proper.

Also, if you don't mind my comment here (personal preference), /cue simon cowell I'm not a *huge* fan of fitting-heavy connections, I find that too many fittings tend to visually "weigh" down a build. Referring specifically to the res to rad connection. Any intention to replace some of those fittings with tubing? May look nicer imho.

That said you know I'm already a fan and loving it. :up:

Glad you got a chuckle, Kibbs - that was the intent of the share.

I'm hearing you on the fittings ( I appreciate the Simon approach ;) ). I may be able to use tubing once everything is firmly in place - right now, the "snake" gives enough rigidity to hold the res at the right height - and in order to screw it in, the whole pump assembly has to be rotated. I'm stuck with the D-plugs on the drain, I think, both because they make it possible to put it together, and because they are the right length - but, this is probably the last time that part will be visible. Also trying to come up with the permanent attachment for the pump, while still having some vibration dampening.

custom coffee mugs ftw! :)

Wow Shazz, I totally missed the rad/res pics, musta gotten pushed back before I saw them, incredible as usual, but wow it looks amazing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

Got a lot done today, but not much photo worthy. Finished painting 8 more fans - got them put back together. Lost Two (2!) of those dang little snap rings ... arghhh.

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The closest ones I can find on Mcmaster are these.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#97633a110/=6ixjo3 (do a search for 97633A110 if the link doesn't work)

There are a couple minor size discrepancy's, but they are only by a couple thousandths, small enough to not make a difference. They could also be specific to the AP-15 I measured and not apply to the rest of the GT fans out there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by illidan

custom coffee mugs ftw! :)

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lol ... Thanks for visiting illidan.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Liderc

Wow Shazz, I totally missed the rad/res pics, musta gotten pushed back before I saw them, incredible as usual, but wow it looks amazing.

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Thanks, Liderc - and I hope you know I always welcome your suggestions for improvements.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Waterlogged

The closest ones I can find on Mcmaster are these.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#97633a110/=6ixjo3 (do a search for 97633A110 if the link doesn't work)

There are a couple minor size discrepancy's, but they are only by a couple thousandths, small enough to not make a difference. They could also be specific to the AP-15 I measured and not apply to the rest of the GT fans out there.

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Ah Ha!!! Thanks much Waterlogged - I was hoping you might see my dilemma, otherwise I was going to bug you with a PM. I'll give those a shot - it's worth trying to save the fans.

Updates 2 days in a row ... just some odds and ends here.

Finally used the dremel to expand the opening for the PSU cable / sleeving (yes, I have been putting off my sleeving) - looks like a bit of cleaning and filing is in order:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...49_YFT2G-M.jpg




What the heck is this?

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...07_E3mJH-M.jpg



It used to be the top part of a large Hammond box:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...11_xUYNB-M.jpg



Both edges looked rough like the cut off part. I used a dremel cutoff wheel to cut off the top portion. Then used the sanding attachment to trim more of it away - actually shows some promise. I'll try again on another one, now that I have an idea of what it takes to get it even. This will be used as a cover for the TMS-200, if I can get it nice and even.

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...42_gxDjF-M.jpg



I don't believe I highlighted the fact that I picked up the Skil X-bench work table, since I didn't have a place to work in the garage here in Florida. While not for the professional, it's been a Godsend for me, especially with the jigsaw. It will fold up nice and compact when it's not in use.

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...56_Kt3kR-M.jpg



With all the prowess with router tables being shown around here, I picked up a book to do some reading. There is an attachment available for the X-bench to use it as a routing table - not sure it's too sturdy, but I'm not planning on doing anything right now. Just, if I do router work in the future, I'd prefer the safety aspects of a table.

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...01_edf2X-M.jpg



Admittedly a weird update here, but at least no new coffee mugs :rolleyes:

You've not been putting the sleeving off, you've just been preparing. The more preparation the better the outcome.

You should stop putting off sleeving and sleeve the handle to the coffee mug! Where there's a will there's a way Shaz! :up:

Are you going to mod the mug into some kind of awesome reservoir?

She can't do anything to it until it's powdercoated.

Althought, she hasn't posted the pics where she drilled and tapped a hole for the fittings, or the internals to make it a functional pump top :p:

<whisper>
psst! hey sharon...
I (almost) did the same thing in ordering 3" round stickers for me fans.
</whisper>

Haven't tried these myself but perhaps a cutterbee circle scissors may be fun to try.

Love the mugs!

wow, you've made a huge hole in the PSU, are you gonna sleeve each wire individually straight from the unit?

Thanks for stopping by, guys - lol, that dang mug has now become the feature :p:

@ Cpt - ;) I'll see how the 1/1/2" stickers look. Still not positive I'll use them. But if a $5 mistake was the only one I've made so far, I'd be happy.

@ aka_GK - I'll sleeve individually to just into the box, then cover with larger shrink. Something like I did here:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...26_XYjDt-S.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...4_43FBh-XL.jpg[/CENTER]

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Shazza i swear, if i didnt know you better, id think you'd hack my computer and somehow accessed its web cam to look at my new mcr320 stack.

Thats close to how i did it except, i have san aces in the middle, and instead of a bitspower T, i have an aquacomputers inline temp probe.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

Ah Ha!!! Thanks much Waterlogged - I was hoping you might see my dilemma, otherwise I was going to bug you with a PM. I'll give those a shot - it's worth trying to save the fans.

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Let us know if they work out shazza. I almost lost the one I measured the second time I took it off the fan, good thing I left 1/4 of the sticker hanging on the fan because it caught the clip when it got away from me. :eek:

Oh i forgot to mention shazza becareful with those bitspower snake things.
I accidentally put torque on one, and ended up snaping it in half.

And no i couldnt get it back in, because of how they are designed. :(

wait wait..what are you doing with the Hammond box?

Hope the best for you and your sleeving! Im eager to see how it comes out! :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NaeKuh

Shazza i swear, if i didnt know you better, id think you'd hack my computer and somehow accessed its web cam to look at my new mcr320 stack.

Thats close to how i did it except, i have san aces in the middle, and instead of a bitspower T, i have an aquacomputers inline temp probe.

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Yeah - didn't you get my message, "CLEAN YOUR ROOM." :ROTF: I don't think I'll need fans on the inside for this setup, but that is an option in the future.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Waterlogged

Let us know if they work out shazza. I almost lost the one I measured the second time I took it off the fan, good thing I left 1/4 of the sticker hanging on the fan because it caught the clip when it got away from me. :eek:

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I will, Wl, and thanks again. I'm going to order them ($4.97 for a pack of 100 - shipping probably $10 ), once I see if there are any other screws / etc. I need from McMaster Carr.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NaeKuh

Oh i forgot to mention shazza becareful with those bitspower snake things.
I accidentally put torque on one, and ended up snaping it in half.

And no i couldnt get it back in, because of how they are designed. :(

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Will do. I'm hoping not to use the snake in the final version - we'll see.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vistageek92

wait wait..what are you doing with the Hammond box?

Hope the best for you and your sleeving! Im eager to see how it comes out! :)

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Thanks, vg - that Hammond Box, well - mostly I'm hacking it up but a new one is on the way. It will cover the TMS-200 fan controller. Sleeving - yeah, I guess I should get that done sometime :p:

Hay Shazza glad your back from seeing Beau, hope he is doing well. :up:

It's excellent to see you have made a bracket for you pump out of the scrap ali, it is just as I had envisioned it to be.

As for mounting the pump I saw theses the other day and bookmarked them for a "Just in case I ever need them" day.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/RUBBER-MOUNTS...item1c1168eb0e
I am not sure if the bolt runs right through the rubber or if the rubber is solid in the middle and there is a bolt on either side, the later would be the better of the two.
As there is no bolt head I am hoping this is the case, you could email them to find out if you can't find some locally.
With two of these you would just need an L bracket to screw to the bottom of the pump, so it goes horizontal between the pump and the bracket you have already made.

As for the "T" fitting in between the rads for the drain, this is close to how I hope to the same thing for drainage, just may not have as much room between the rads as you have?

Keep up the excellent work Shazza. :up:

Thank you, Graeme - I'm still working on my pump mounting.

Been doing lots of things - but here's yesterday's work. Finally got around to drilling out the replacement midplate (this is No. 2, so a bit of deja vu here):


Time to bring out Buck (Chuck's cousin):

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...29_dGZG8-M.jpg

(oops, I believe the shaft is not supposed to be resting that close to the end of the chuck - better fix that)



Happy to say, my drilling skills seem to be improving - and the lube definitely helps as well:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...17_QoyC4-M.jpg




And the pass through fittings worked - I used the 7/8" setting, which is also the wider step on the unibit. Drilling 0.09 inch Aluminum here, with a piece of 2x4 underneath to stop any chatter:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...79_kwMjL-M.jpg




The bulk of my time was spent setting up the template, using posterboard and confirming that the holes where in the right place - took me a couple of tries, but it was worth it. The notch on back of the midplate was done by drilling a couple of holes at the corner, than using the jigsaw - no filing yet.

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...86_Hp3WZ-M.jpg



Sorry these aren't thrilling updates - just showing my turtle-like progress. Betcha can't wait to see some more of my Hammond Box sculpture - coming soon :p:

Yes update time!! :D

Holes (and photography) came out beautiful! Lube does make everything easier doesn't it. :)

uh...wait...ummm...

But yes, deja vu. I must have missed a detail somewhere, why 2 midplates?

About your Hammond box sculpture (situation), I can't help but think the TMS200 is one of the higher-wattage controllers. There's no passive cooling on the card itself so I wonder if heat would be an issue, even more so if you're boxing it up? What are your thoughts on that?

A quick response - 2nd try at the midplate, because I've changed the bottom compartment - and have a much tighter tolerance on where the holes have to go.

Yes ... I'm going to have to watch the heat on the TMS-200. But, it's going in the back of the case - bottom compartment, where the PSU cover is cut out with mesh. Also, the bottom of the box will be cut off. Nice thing is, I can put a temp probe in the box to check the situation (just thought of that - thanks). We'll see.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

Happy to say, my drilling skills seem to be improving - and the lube definitely helps as well:

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Ooooo, so those holes were drill with the bit going in the right direction? :p:;)Sorry shazza, I couldn't resist.

You get my return PM? I probably didn't tell you anything you didn't already know.:shakes:

Yeahhhhhhh ... drilling in the right direction!!!! I think I've graduated from A$$backwards Hacker to Junior Driller ; And yes, thanks much - got your PM and that does help (and thanks for doing the research for me :up: )

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

Yeahhhhhhh ... drilling in the right direction!!!! I think I've graduated from A$$backwards Hacker to Junior Driller ; And yes, thanks much - got your PM and that does help (and thanks for doing the research for me :up: )

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:ROTF: NP:up:

Come on Shazza, any day I get to read an update from you is an excellent day. :up:
No matter what you have got up to. :rolleyes:

If it's a new better fitting mid plate, then that fantastic, well done.

If it's an new designer mug then, well that kind'a, well, we'll just leave it as, All in good fun shall we. :ROTF:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Waterlogged

Ooooo, so those holes were drill with the bit going in the right direction? :p:;)Sorry shazza, I couldn't resist.

You get my return PM? I probably didn't tell you anything you didn't already know.:shakes:

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Damnt waterlogged, ya stole my line, nice job shaz =P

Ha - I am so glad you guys are still enjoying my drilling debacle ( I still laugh at it myself). Thanks, Graeme and Liderc.

While I'm on a roll, I'll sneak my Hammond box cutting escapade in here:


Ahhh, cutting came out quite a bit better this time - still messy, but I used a more appropriate cutting wheel for the plastic - didn't melt it as much (thanks, my friend ;) ) And, I used Tape as my guideline:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...69_zhwGX-M.jpg



http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...82_8nPQe-M.jpg




After sanding - first with 180 grit, then 400 Grit paper. It came out just fine.

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...24_8asw5-M.jpg

(sorry - not the best photo. Battery died. I went to find my spare one - no luck. Lou says "Well - I can tell you one place it won't be ... that's in the cabinet with the camera equipment." :p: ).


My hi-tech sanding board. Now, do ya really need a photo of this? No, but it might be valuable someday ...

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...16_2RdcE-M.jpg

Nice cuts with the unibit shaz, i missed that update. The template you made matches the mid-plate perfectly! I think i'll make up one of those sanding boards too. BTW I forget to remove the stickers on the back of the sand paper too :p:

Thanks, Callen. lol ... the sticker was actually on the board - I doubt it messed up this high precision exercise, but should be removed in the future. I used a quick spray of Krylon adhesive to hold the paper down - worked a charm.

I truly love the fact that, for me - drilling a nice hole is an achievement (you saw my first effort :p: ); and you're so far above that - yet you take the time to support my efforts. That's why I keep asking people to share their work logs - we're all at a different point in developing our skills, but it's fun to see how everybody does it.

you'd be surprised, i really struggled when i first used my unibit. I was expecting it to glide through the aluminum, smooth as silk. I was wrong :p:. it started vibrating like crazy, i nearly threw it out. After Michael suggested using the wood underneath my experience with it has been much better.

+1 for people sharing their logs (work logs that is, geez you've got a dirty mind!). I'd still be modding with a hammer and running tap water in my loops if it wasn't for you guys.

Plastic cut turned out nice, crazy what some time and sandpaper can do, looks perfect.

Reading all of your folks using unibits made me go out and buy a couple. I haven't used them yet though so we'll see how it goes when I get around to doing so. Keep it coming Sharon.

Best Black Pearl project Ever Nice Shazza:up:
Waiting for more:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by voigts

Reading all of your folks using unibits made me go out and buy a couple. I haven't used them yet though so we'll see how it goes when I get around to doing so. Keep it coming Sharon.

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Yeah, I bought a #9 just because I finally found it in the crappy home depot I'm forced to shop at...

Btw, MOAR SHAZZA!

What's "in the works" at this point?

Thanks guys - appreciate the feedback. Funny about the unibits - Lou just said to me yesterday, "Why don't you use a real drill bit?" :p: But, it works for me.


Wezly asks, "what's in the works?" More midplate madness ( was it really worth it to do away with the stock plate ????!!!??&^%). I spent all morning on this part, so obligated to show you another boooorrrrriiiiiinnnnngggg photo:



http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...09_Fzfno-M.jpg



I cut off the ends of the original midplate, so I could use the holes/bends, etc. in order to secure the new midplate in the case. Given my Xtreme Fab skills, I probably could have made the whole thing from scratch ( I jest ). After many many measurements and test fittings, I drilled a couple holes in each end and attached the "end" pieces. I drilled countersink holes on the top of the midplate, then used countersink rivets so they sit flush. This will all be prepped, primed, and painted.


A closer view of the end where the I/O plate slots in ...

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...02_UTRc6-M.jpg


Happy to say it all fits in the case. Thanks for hanging in here with me. I never intended to get this crazy with this stuff ...

A little progress ...


My modding corner - need more space!

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Animals/...62_E3Pap-M.jpg




The TMS-200 in it's new home (showing this now, because you won't see it once everything is in the bottom):

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Animals/...76_MC6Hj-M.jpg





Fans are in test mode - re-wired them, 2 to a set, as these are 1850s. This shows the Hammond Box cover for the TMS-200:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Animals/...78_oiu6Y-M.jpg





And - a shot showing the midplate does fit. Can't paint it til' it stops raining. Also working on PSU cables, as they'll be cut to the right length - it's going to be a tight fit.

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Animals/...81_jHtta-M.jpg



No cats or dogs here, so I had to make do with this guy, who visited this morning:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Animals/...2_oR2JT-Th.jpg http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Animals/...9_28evk-Th.jpg http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Animals/...9_kLjKK-Th.jpg

You should have gone phase change with that case Shazza, who needs watercooling then? :fact: :p:

I don't know why but, I looked at the title of the thread and got a bit of a chuckle when this thought ran through my head.

"ABS/Tagan Black Pearl - evolution of a water-cooled rig. . .Hmm, if it takes any longer to evolve, it's going to be sentient by time she finishes.":ROTF:

I know I shouldn't talk about taking too long to build, I've got one that I've been working on since Dec'04. :shock2::shakes:

Shazza this is getting great, your doing an amazing job..:up:

Looking forward to see more..:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by taters mcgee

You should have gone phase change with that case Shazza, who needs watercooling then? :fact: :p:

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:cool: - I think this is one of the cases people use for Phase Change - but that's beyond me, I think.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Waterlogged

I don't know why but, I looked at the title of the thread and got a bit of a chuckle when this thought ran through my head.

"ABS/Tagan Black Pearl - evolution of a water-cooled rig. . .Hmm, if it takes any longer to evolve, it's going to be sentient by time she finishes.":ROTF:

I know I shouldn't talk about taking too long to build, I've got one that I've been working on since Dec'04. :shock2::shakes:

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Hehe ... glad to see you got the meaning of the name ;) I knew it was going to be a long and winding road when I started this. Let's see - first post 8/21/09 ... so let's say 8 months next week. I lost a month for the Scotland trip, two months due to the move and relatives visiting - so down to 5 months. And, if it isn't done within the next two weeks, it will be extended another 5-6 months. Gotta get back at it right now, I think :p:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Raiden

Shazza this is getting great, your doing an amazing job..:up:

Looking forward to see more..:)

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Thanks, Raiden - let's hope there are a few more updates in the next week or two.

I'm just as bad so I can't say anything really - but I wants moar!

~Bex

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

Hehe ... glad to see you got the meaning of the name ;) I knew it was going to be a long and winding road when I started this. Let's see - first post 8/21/09 ... so let's say 8 months next week. I lost a month for the Scotland trip, two months due to the move and relatives visiting - so down to 5 months. And, if it isn't done within the next two weeks, it will be extended another 5-6 months. Gotta get back at it right now, I think :p:

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I'm pretty sure mine has gone from a single cell to developing a spine, then growing flippers and those have started to shorten and turn into something resembling legs. I fear that if it continues to "evolve", it may walk right out of the shop. :eek::stick::ROTF:

Hello shazza

I finished going through the thread the other day and have been keeping my eye on your build, so far it's looking very nice. Good work, I also have this case and will be starting a new build with it and I was also thinking popping the rivets to take it apart. But I only have regular rivets and that will not work, I was wondering where did you get the ones your using, (Counter Sunk) & flat at that. I only have a Harbor Freight or home Depot & Lowe's in my area & I don't remember seeing those type of rivets at either of these stores. Oh and taking the time to do the build right is better than rushing through it & getting it wrong or even screwing it up, I know someone else that is also still working on their build, so no worries :up:

Sarg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sarg

Hello shazza

I finished going through the thread the other day and have been keeping my eye on your build, so far it's looking very nice. Good work, I also have this case and will be starting a new build with it and I was also thinking popping the rivets to take it apart. But I only have regular rivets and that will not work, I was wondering where did you get the ones your using, (Counter Sunk) & flat at that. I only have a Harbor Freight or home Depot & Lowe's in my area & I don't remember seeing those type of rivets at either of these stores. Oh and taking the time to do the build right is better than rushing through it & getting it wrong or even screwing it up, I know someone else that is also still working on their build, so no worries :up:

Sarg

---

FrozenCPU has the rivets, I got 30 of them myself for a LianLi I'm working on.

Ah okay never thought to look there, and I can use a regular riveter with those rivets, Thank you for the quick reply.

Sarg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Waterlogged

FrozenCPU has the rivets, I got 30 of them myself for a LianLi I'm working on.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sarg

Ah okay never thought to look there, and I can use a regular riveter with those rivets, Thank you for the quick reply.

Sarg

---

Yep, same rivet gun.

Keep up the good work :)

Thanks, YoGi, and thanks also Waterlogged for answering Sarg's guestion. Those rivets should work fine for what you're doing. I got my countersunk (sinked?) rivets from MDPC-X when I ordered my sleeving.

I've spent a lot of time on the build the last few days - not a lot of progress to show yet, but should be some new stuff this weekend. One thing good - I placed the "cooling module" in the lower compartment - and it fit !!! I literally didn't have a millimeter to spare, so was happy both side panels went on okay.

Also did a final test run on my dual DDC 3.2 pumps - good thing, cause one was acting up. So, I changed it out, then sleeved and converted the 4 pin molex to 3 pin (fan-style) connectors to work with the TMS-200. Seems to work just fine, as you can see in my test photo:


http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...82_L5jLB-M.jpg


The pumps do generate a bit of heat - I'm hoping I don't have them located too close to the PSU.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shazza

Thanks, YoGi, and thanks also Waterlogged for answering Sarg's guestion. Those rivets should work fine for what you're doing. I got my countersunk (sinked?) rivets from MDPC-X when I ordered my sleeving.

I've spent a lot of time on the build the last few days - not a lot of progress to show yet, but should be some new stuff this weekend. One thing good - I placed the "cooling module" in the lower compartment - and it fit !!! I literally didn't have a millimeter to spare, so was happy both side panels went on okay.

Also did a final test run on my dual DDC 3.2 pumps - good thing, cause one was acting up. So, I changed it out, then sleeved and converted the 4 pin molex to 3 pin (fan-style) connectors to work with the TMS-200. Seems to work just fine, as you can see in my test photo:


http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...82_L5jLB-M.jpg


The pumps do generate a bit of heat - I'm hoping I don't have them located too close to the PSU.

---

NP shazza. :up:

If your referring to the pumps generating heat in that configuration...yeah, they will. It should go down with a bit more restriction added.

Yes, that's what I'm talking about, WL - I don't think it will be an issue once everything is on the loop, and the radiators are running. It is quite surprising how much heat is generated in a closed loop like this with no cooling - the water and tubing get quite warm as well. Actually pleased at how easy it was to bleed in the horizontal position - and while there is definite water flow, the turbulence is not overwhelming.

Whoa, shazza's a girl?! Jesus, I'm slow.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScottALot

Whoa, shazza's a girl?! Jesus, I'm slow.

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:rofl: I should probably sig that quote...

Thanks again for the info. And Shazza I eagerly await the completestion of your build to see the ffinished product. :D

Sarg.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Waterlogged

Yep, same rivet gun.

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Hows the Power supply and sleeving coming?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

:rofl: I should probably sig that quote...

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I would be honored. But I don't blame myself so much anymore... looking at other posts, I can't find any hints haha.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sarg

Thanks again for the info. And Shazza I eagerly await the completestion of your build to see the ffinished product. :D

Sarg.

---

Thank you, Sarg ... I'm eagerly awaiting completion also!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vistageek92

Hows the Power supply and sleeving coming?

---

Oh yeah - that. I decided to wait until almost everything else was done before sleeving, as I decided to go ahead and cut the cables to length - should start in the next few days.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScottALot

I would be honored. But I don't blame myself so much anymore... looking at other posts, I can't find any hints haha.

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No problem, Scott - not too many grandmas hangin' out here.


OK - so my update for the day deals with my drive bays and cage assembly, or, as I now call it, the "Front Bay Module." A few photos of the beginnings - should have it all together tomorrow:


I have some un-used goods from previous builds that just might work.

I have a couple of these, from a Lian Li 343B build that never happened:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...94_RkQCL-M.jpg



They're awfully complicated for what they are, so I took one apart, painted the Aluminum that was not anodized, ditched the fan filter and grill - still need to cut those cross bars out of the fan holder piece:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...57_E4eK9-M.jpg




Then, I have some of these - from my Mountain Mods build. Nifty hard drive holders that attach to the fan:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...48_zKDF2-M.jpg




Also took the DVD drive apart for painting:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...09_9YBDP-M.jpg





A practice paint job on a spare I/O plate:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...43_xbm9w-M.jpg



Worked on cleaning up those Lian Li 3-day modules, sorting out my hard drive mounting, and put the DVD drive back together. Made sure everything fit in the cage, so I'll get it mounted tomorrow.

Great presentation as always, Sharon! And coolness on findng new life and meaning for the Mountain Mod drive holders :up:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CptDreadFlint

Great presentation as always, Sharon! And coolness on findng new life and meaning for the Mountain Mod drive holders :up:

---

HEY!

Stop posting here!

Go do some work son! :p:

Nice work shazza. Can't wait to see where you go with that mix-and-match of parts. Good luck on painting the I/O shield. :up:

Thanks, Cpt and Wezly ... here ya go. The FBM - front bay module - is almost ready to launch:



http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...49_HiQJV-L.jpg




Currently housing a 1TB HD and a 160GB SSD:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...35_vXx4x-L.jpg

(Looks like some dust at my seam from stealthing the back of the optical drive, not noticeable until it's photographed - easy enough to redo)





Aliens on their new ship, checking for Pirates:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...88_mwcvE-L.jpg

:( I want a 3rd grandma.

HOLY CRAP! Is this build getting closer to being FINISHED?!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScottALot

:( I want a 3rd grandma.

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No problem, Scott. Already working on the adoption papers for a Pirate, so happy to have you in the family.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sniperbob

HOLY CRAP! Is this build getting closer to being FINISHED?!

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:rofl: don't hold your breath, but progress is happening.

A simple and clean front !

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

no problem, scott. Already working on the adoption papers for a pirate, so happy to have you in the family.

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:) :) :) Dreams do come true!

Impressive use of those spare parts Sharon.

I do see where you used those Lian Li parts but what did you/are you going to use the MM hard drive brackets for?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Oli4v

A simple and clean front !

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Thanks, Oli4v - that's what I was aiming for. (It was harder to do simple, than simply cramming a bunch of stuff into the bays)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScottALot

:) :) :) Dreams do come true!

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lol - just so you know, I have the Xbox 360 reserved from 7-10am ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ohms

Impressive use of those spare parts Sharon.

I do see where you used those Lian Li parts but what did you/are you going to use the MM hard drive brackets for?

---

Again, thanks ohms. Oops, my fault, should have taken a photo. The MM plates attach to a fan (in this case, the ones in the LL holders), then you can attach up to 3 HDs - either horizontal or vertical configs.

This keeps looking better and better Sharon. i really like the color scheme on the hard drive bay.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScottALot

:( I want a 3rd grandma.

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She aint THAT old! Are you auntie Shazza? :p:

~Bex

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

lol - just so you know, I have the Xbox 360 reserved from 7-10am ;)

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Do you have Xbox Live? I need to add you!

Good to see that your fans came out well :). Just :banana::banana::banana::banana:ed up my GT's :rofl:. Oh well might sand and try repainting them someday if I feel like.. For now I'll just wait for new ones from chilledpc. All in all actually my whole painting experience inside my tiny apartment ended up being an epic failure :D... Which I'll never repeat again heh.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScottALot

Whoa, shazza's a girl?! Jesus, I'm slow.

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No, shazza is a Classy LADY! :up:

what tubes are you using? feser red UV?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by voigts

This keeps looking better and better Sharon. i really like the color scheme on the hard drive bay.

---

Thank you voigts. Means a lot, coming from you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RCG_Bex

She aint THAT old! Are you auntie Shazza? :p:

~Bex

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Alright! Hmmm, Bex just made the Christmas list ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ScottALot

Do you have Xbox Live? I need to add you!

---

lol - yeah, but I only play golf online, and I'll be gone for a few months.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Elpy

Good to see that your fans came out well :). Just :banana::banana::banana::banana:ed up my GT's :rofl:. Oh well might sand and try repainting them someday if I feel like.. For now I'll just wait for new ones from chilledpc. All in all actually my whole painting experience inside my tiny apartment ended up being an epic failure :D... Which I'll never repeat again heh.

---

Thanks, Elpy. Sorry about your fans. Secret is to do several very light coats - but that's really hard for me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SiGfever

No, shazza is a Classy LADY! :up:

---

Hey! The Doctor is in the house! So nice of you to drop by :) I've told you this before, but your encouragement in my very first build really kept me going.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ogge_swe

what tubes are you using? feser red UV?

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Hi Ogge - that's Primochill Pro LRT UV Red (guess it's UV, I haven't tried UV since Build No. 1)


Thanks guys and gals. You'll be surprised to hear me say this, but the end is actually in sight - no promises, just saying it's better than a longshot.

And, cause we can't have all words - here's a practice shot I took with the new Macro lens today:


http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...93_LHVN6-M.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazza

Hey! The Doctor is in the house! So nice of you to drop by :) I've told you this before, but your encouragement in my very first build really kept me going.

---

shazza your talent could not be held back, it was was just waiting to blossom. And your work IS a constant inspiration to myself and to so many others here. Bravo!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SiGfever

shazza your talent could not be held back, it was was just waiting to blossom. And your work IS a constant inspiration to myself and to so many others here. Bravo!

---

+1

Couldn't have said it any better.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shazza

Alright! Hmmm, Bex just made the Christmas list ;)

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YAY! *sends flowers and choccies*

~Bex

WOW... That’s about all I can say... This is an excellent build. :up:

SiG and Cpt - you are too kind :buddies:

Will do, Bex (although I usually send motherboards and RAM for Christmas, choccies & flowers it is).

Thanks much, malkiewicz - I'm looking forward to seeing that monster you're building!


Latest update - doesn't look like it took hours to do this, does it? :p:


http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...37_mZqZv-M.jpg


The gol-danged modified mid-plate is finally painted. Will wonders never cease. I just might throw up a pic of a sleeved PSU in the next few days.

but it looks like it took hours to do it with love :D ;) Nice work shazza ;) i am a big fan of your project! lovely done ;) looking forward for updates ;)

yes, it does look like it took hours. I've spent hours fiddling with stuff a lot smaller and seemingly insignificant than that piece.

Thx, voigts. It seems to take me a long time to do each of the steps I'm going through. Finally - almost finished with the PSU sleeving. Some shots of work in progress:


My messy work table (took over the dining room again):

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...23_sfbpp-M.jpg



8-pin and PCI-E cables done:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...18_ohzxF-M.jpg



24-pin in progress (now done):

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...77_pzwny-M.jpg



Plugged it in to test ---- nothing but a weak +5v signal. Yikes! Checked all my wire placements (again), opened up the PSU and checked all wires still connected. One of the plugs to something or other had come undone - plugged it back in. Whew, all seems to be working. So, no excuses to quit now - more later.

Beautiful work Sharron! Nice, even heatshrinks.

Whats with the maps of Florida?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vistageek92

Whats with the maps of Florida?

---

Searching for the Legion of Doom... Swamps attract super villains, duh! :D

Ha ... those are scrap charts I'm using for my workspace. I've always had a fondness for Lake Okeechobee. We leave May 1st for Maine by boat.

Another exciting update: Something I've been avoiding, because if it's wrong, I'm in trouble: drilled the hole for the drain on the bottom of the case:


http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...74_oqDZW-M.jpg


Only thing left to do is install everything back in the case, route all the cables and plug 'er in. Oh yeah, I gotta drill the fan holes in the side panels - but can't do that til everything is set in place. I think it might be a good idea to do some more leak testing outside the case as well - cause once it's all in, it's not coming out easily.

Its coming along nicely Shazza ;D

Im ansious to see the final build:d

Thanks Raiden - slowly but surely. Only had a few hours to work on it today, but did start putting stuff back together. It's a pain for the installation - first the midplate, then the cages for the drive bay (leaving the midplate about 1/2-1 inch below where it will finally sit. Then the motherboard - then the res / pump module on the bottom. Oh yeah, I guess the PSU has to go in there at some point ;)


After the first couple steps of installation:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...33_SaHvL-M.jpg




Oops - what are these little things? I painted these so long ago, almost forgot them - they go in the top to help hold the side panel locking mechanisms:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...36_jwAhc-M.jpg



And, here's a shot of the other pieces that go on the side panels. These were originally going to be red, but I changed my mind:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...94_ZQ4jM-M.jpg



Next step is putting the motherboard back together again. The almost naked board:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...41_gQDAT-M.jpg


The motherboard is installed now as well, but it's too dark to take a photo. So, tomorrow is cable management day and sorting out odds and ends. IF all goes well, I may be able to cut the fan holes in the side panel on Tuesday.

Another bits and pieces update:


The motherboard fits (I wasn't sure, given all the abuse the mobo tray has taken):

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...71_sUMCt-M.jpg



Another view of the mobo. Made some minor changes:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...62_rEN6R-M.jpg




Also had the PSU in place - cables all seem to go where I expected them to go. Experimenting with a custom right angle SATA power cable for the optical drive, and also extended and sleeved the Pwr Switch and cousins.

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...06_3x3Ea-M.jpg http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...73_tidFh-M.jpg



Going to use the Bitspower extender in the front of the case ... problem is, it's a tight fit where I want to put it, since the silly molex for power-in is sideways. So, experimented with a "no-connector" molex connection. The female pins were heat shrinked and than connected directly to the connector on the board:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...42_BR6MN-M.jpg

Everything fits nice and snug, so hopefully it will work, and I won't blow anything up. I could have made a right angle molex connector with the push-in connectors, but those haven't worked well for me before.



I had an extra SATA power cable coming out of the PSU that was hardwired in - planned to cut it, but then decided to turn it into another molex cable - my first try at crimping molex pins:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...61_ThaDa-M.jpg


After heatshrinking and sleeving:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...41_HfBiG-M.jpg




It's always nice when the Power Supply still appears to work after all this fiddling:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer..._MBmoQ-M-1.jpg




Power Supply all closed up, and ready to go:

http://shazza53.smugmug.com/Computer...03_Y9fm2-M.jpg