<Project> Black Freighter </Project>

[H2O]

Wow, how did I miss this whole forum? This is some of the best work that I have seen! It may be a little premature, but I sent your project to MDPC. Keep up the good work.

[dingdong555]

I'm so eager to see the final thing, it's killin' me!

[Xion X2]

Looking great, Cap'n.

For me, the porthole windows are my favorite thing that I've seen yet. Know why? Because you're putting a face on the build and giving it an identity. You're taking a theme, and you're running with it. And that's what will make the lasting impression.

Keep up the great work.

[Antioch]

I've been wondering if you use photoshop or anything to alter your pictures before you post them -- because the blue of those primoflex tubes pops so much more than the ones I've seen at the store. I want what you've got - what is it??

[sprayingmango]

Please post specs of your Camera gear!!!!

Amazing build btw. I'm starting my Obsidian 800D dual loop build tomorrow.

[CptDreadFlint]

Not bad there.

It was 40 degrees and rainy on X-mas here. We been seeing flurries over the past few days, but nothing has really been sticking. I'm not

complaining as people here can't drive at all when it snows.

Sadly, MT, I cant drive in the snow much none either

EXCELENT
That was the first word that came to my mind.
It is a gorgeous building. You are pretty far from being a clumsy man , by time It will be more a pice of art than a computer.
Also is great to find a beautiful build all made over powerfull hardware.

I need to lear how to take that kind of photos you have for my 1st build.

Good luck with all this!

Thanks so much for the kind words, Osterman. Much success to you and your build!

Love your work and beautiful pumps.

Thanks, Liderc. Truly appreciate your feedback throughout this craziness!

Portholes are looking interesting.



This work log is filled with great work, and the Captain's much-appreciated humor and wit - but the above response to Bex made me do the

proverbial "spit my coffee on the keyboard" trick. (You are both a riot!)

Hehe Thanks Shaz!

(I still have no idea where I'll mount the port windows, though. None.)

nope, 90% of snow melted to awfull mud sincerely hope new year eve will bring some snow to Moscow and here will a bit

better

Here's to snow in Moscow, GK!

awesome pics Cpt. I really like what you are doing with the window there.


No I havent tried Sailor Jerry rum yet. I've been bouncing between Blue Moon beer, Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack or JD Green Label, or Captain

Morgan Private stock.

who did Forrest lose to? I know he lost to Silva a while ago but he beat Tito in the decision at UFC 106 which I was happy to see.

Ah...Yes was referring to the Silva fight...Memory. *sigh* I miss it...

The 2nd Ortiz fight mustve happened while I was away.

I remember you posting asking whether I had cable out at sea.
I don't. Just rabbit ears (ghetto ship thing) - hence the confusion.

A win each and both off split decisions...would be interesting should these two meet again.
I predict a third meeting between the two.

Gentleman Jack is actually my favorite drink next to Maker's Mark.

I like the port holes on the inside... and probably the outside too. So far the port holes are my favorite addition to this

build! They really tie in the character with the theme!!!

For the port hole near the res, can you see the res from the other side? If so that will look amazing, even moreso with some lighting on the res

at night.

Thanks, Vinas! Yes. If the window were to be mounted on the inside near the CPU res, you will be able to see the port window from the outside though a regular acrylic window installed on the opposite side.
Piccys soon.

Wow, how did I miss this whole forum? This is some of the best work that I have seen! It may be a little premature, but I sent

your project to MDPC. Keep up the good work.

Appreciate the shout-out, H20! Still a WIP with much more to do!

I'm so eager to see the final thing, it's killin' me!

It'll be a bit later for final pics, Ding. But I shall post pics along the way in hopes of making the anticipation a little less...um...anticipatory?
PM incoming.

Looking great, Cap'n.

For me, the porthole windows are my favorite thing that I've seen yet. Know why? Because you're putting a face on the build and giving it an

identity. You're taking a theme, and you're running with it. And that's what will make the lasting impression.

Keep up the great work.

Really appreciate your input Xion!

When I first started this build, I was frightened that the only thing that would make a lasting impression was me falling flat on my face and having it broadcasted all over the world wide web.

I'm not counting that out yet, but if nothing else, I have already fulfilled what I initially intended all along - to have fun.

I'm in complete agreement that incorporating a theme into a rig to make a lasting impression.
I have ideas that run from ridonkulously over the top (large resevoir built into the side with Pirate related etching) to one subtle port window.

My dilemma at this point is how much of said theme shall I incorporate inside the balance of being thematically clean.

I'm currently sitting on the idea of staying in the middle of the two extremes.

But anything else positive from this point is the cherry on me sundae.

I've been wondering if you use photoshop or anything to alter your pictures before you post them -- because the blue of

those primoflex tubes pops so much more than the ones I've seen at the store. I want what you've got - what is it??

Thanks Antioch

Yes! I do use P-chop on most of the pics you see in me worklog. I crop, resize and tweak levels, mostly.
For the tubing pics, the color channel or hue/saturation wasn't altered.

However, there is a photo I posted where I completely murdered it with Photoshop. The doubloons pic on page 4, was almost nothing like the original. Memory fails me as to what I did to it...but there was a major pixel massacre situation.

I noticed that the Primochill 1/2"ID 3/4"OD has a different colored blue to its 3/8ID" - 5/8"OD counterpart. The latter being more "purplish" under the same light.
Under two 70W softboxes, light diffuses the light evenly and makes colors look punchy than under normal artificial lights.

In PS, I tweaked the levels to give it a darker contrast. I also calibrated the camera's color and white balance using an 18% gray card and using that setting from a previous session.

Repost of one pic:



Same pic unaltered except to resize:




I think it's really cool that you get to frequent shops with Primochill tubing. Do you know a shop in L.A. that carries them?
And thanks for the blast from the past in your worklogs! I still have the 3DFX Voodoo drivers from back in the day. That box is classic! (Did I just date myself?)

Please post specs of your Camera gear!!!!

Amazing build btw. I'm starting my Obsidian 800D dual loop build tomorrow.

There really is nothing special going on here, sprayingmango (love your screen name). I'm using the Canon 50D and 2 Softboxes. Nothing reallly fancy.
I'm still in the middle of unpacking stuff, but if I find my point and shoot, I'll take a photo and post.

Much success to your Obsedian build, I'll be looking out for it!

[Antioch]

Ah, that's a shame about the purple hued tubing. I was about to pick some of the 3/8" ID stuff up. My first ever build was 1/2" ID, and if I recall, it was quite unwieldy.

The shop I saw it in wasn't in LA - and I certainly don't frequent it. It was at Micro Center in Orange County. They had a bag of the pre-cut stuff, but it was dusty so I attributed it's lackluster color to it's age. However, at the Micro Center in Maryland they have uncut rolls of the stuff which also didn't quite pop the way your pictures do. Too bad we don't have calibratable eye lenses like cameras do

[Scaniris]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is absolutely fabulous. I've never seen before a PC Jeweler like you. You have hands made of gold and diamond. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

[aka_GK]

Here's to snow in Moscow, GK!

weather is getting better and snowier, took a couple of pics just for you today


Happy new year!

[alphadog009]

5 reasons why I'm excited about 2010:
1) it's a new decade
2) 2 more years till college
3) new products from evga
4) new iPhone?
And last but not least...
5) black freighter gets finished

I can't wait! Happy new year to all

[metachronos]

This is totally OT but I just finished my undergrad education and I'm a little jealous of people who've yet to start college. So much fun, so much learned. So many interesting, intelligent, nice people met. You'll love it.

[alphadog009]

I can't wait for college not cuz I'm leaving home but cuz I will have so much fun

I also can't wait for the next update so please.... Don't keep us waiting!!!

[CptDreadFlint]

@ Antioch - I miss places like Egghead, Software Etc., Electronics Boutique, and even CompUSA.
The local PC Club where I used to frequent is now an empty storefront. I've never been to a Micro Center, think I'll pay the OC a visit one day when I'm not feeling Fry's.
Just for the sake of nostalgia.

@ Scaniris Thank you very much for the nice compliment, Scaniris. Appreciate it very much!

@ GK Thanks so much for the pics, GK. The second pic is now my wallpaper!
Good to hear snow has returned in Moscow

@ alphadog Heyas A-Dawg - dig your list May I suggest two great books for you?

1.) Life's Little Instruction Book by H Jackson Brown, Jr.
The back story being the author's father gave him a collection of reminders, suggestions and other one liners before he went to college. It was then turned into a book.

Some of my favs:

- If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
- Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
- Never cut what can be untied
- Marry a woman you love to talk to. As you get older, her conversational skills will be as important as any other.
-Use the good silver.
-Call your mother.

And other poignant, humorous, and clever anecdotes.

2.) Chicken Soup for the College Soul. A collection of enjoyable short stories relating to college life.

@ metachronos +1. College dorm life ruled so hardcore! Glad to hear your experience was similar to mine!

[Antioch]

@ Antioch - I miss places like Egghead, Software Etc., Electronics Boutique, and even CompUSA.
The local PC Club where I used to frequent is now an empty storefront. I've never been to a Micro Center, think I'll pay the OC a visit one day when I'm not feeling Fry's.
Just for the sake of nostalgia.

Yes, I miss them too. The Micro Center in OC is pretttty old and has many many old computer company logos tacked onto the wall so you're certain to feel some nostalgia when you go in there. The one I went to in Maryland was a newer branch and was much nicer - had a larger stock of items (many more).

As soon as I stepped foot in the door I was really excited. I haven't been to a brick-n-mortar store in ages and to actually see and feel the products you're going to buy is quite fun. Needless to say I was a bit giggly like a schoolgirl

[CptDreadFlint]

Snow has always been something that eludes us SoCal folks. I really love snow especially around the holiday season so I decided to bust out the jig and make me own.


Getting jiggy with snow:




Laser light guide:




Using the Ryobi Jig for the acrylic bisecting situation (more on what I'm doing later):






Purchased polish from ModdersMart:









The circular part where the pass through sits on the underside was routed down from 3.0mm to approximately 1.5mm so the threads of the compression fittings and the pass through fitting would have ample room to make a solid connection.
I'm leak testing the acrylic. 1/2"compression fitting > White transluscent 3.0mm acrylic > Pass through fitting.

Hopefully the following pics will provide a better understanding of what my blabbering is unable to accurately explain:












Messing around with an idea:





I call this piece, "What the Hell Are You Doing on Acrylic" because I couldn't think of a better name.

That and I'm still nursing a hangover from last night's festivities:





The Freighter had four leaks!
No gushers, though. Just slow comfortable leaks.


Leak number one: The o-ring on the 360's bleed screw was mutilated. It has been replaced and the leak has been fixed:




Leak number two and three: The 9/16th holes where the 45 BitPee rotaries lead into the pedestal weren't big enough.
Chuck the Unibit was deployed to drill one step higher to 5/8ths.
That did the trick.
The holes for the rotaries are now big enough to clear the o-ring yet still small enough for the rotary to sit snugly:





The fiitting pictured above ^ is connected to the fitting below v.

T'was leaking between the panel and the pass-throughs:




Leak number 4: Had to replace a 90 dual rotary. Leak was coming from the rotatable (that's actually a word! Google = friend) joint.
Vincent sent me replacement fittings and the leak has been eliminated like last year's American Idol contestant:








The 1/2" Compression fittings sit on a slightly larger (9/16") hole to connect to the pass throughs. This size compression on that size hole did not produce leaks.




I sent the logo I was working on to a company that creates stickers and other neat things. It didn't quite turn out the way I had envisioned.
The printing came out in low-res but that was totally my fault.
I sent over the wrong file.
I have resent a 300 dpi CMYK version. The order has been processed and should arrive sometime next week.


In the meantime here is the low-res version (yes, that's still an "F", damnit ):








Happy New Year, Everybody! May you all continue to rock hardcore in happiness, health and overall awesomeness!

I think I'll end this post with a pic of a silly, conehead hat, I don't remember receiving. Must mean I had fun last night:

[bentleya]

Happy New Year , Sorry to hear about you leak troubles, Tbh bleed screws on Rads are just asking for trouble. I've totally removed mine on MY TFC 240mm

[Kibbler]

Capt, i'm a bit puzzled by how you're using those pass-thru fittings. Was it an aesthetic decision or...

Bentleya, great photos, it would be real helpul if you can explain how you removed the bleed screw. Is it soldered shut and sanded? J B weld?

[aka_GK]

Captain, how much did you payed for that stickers?
I had the same idea, because I've melted Yate Loon stickers a bit while sleeving, but every company I called said that they can produce not less that 500 pcs. for the min price about $70

[dingdong555]

Absolutely stunning. Hope you had a good NY Rick

[woffen]

Very nice pictures! Sry to hear about your leaks.

I guess it depends on who you are when contacting Bitspower when their fittings are leaking as I didn't even get a reply

Looking forward to more beautiful pictures and innovative ideas

[Raiden]

Nice photos .. what camera you use?
Good photo quality .. and awesome job your doing ..

Can you show the state of the case now ?

[Xion X2]

Really appreciate your input Xion!

When I first started this build, I was frightened that the only thing that would make a lasting impression was me falling flat on my face and having it broadcasted all over the world wide web.

I'm not counting that out yet, but if nothing else, I have already fulfilled what I initially intended all along - to have fun.

I'm in complete agreement that incorporating a theme into a rig to make a lasting impression.
I have ideas that run from ridonkulously over the top (large resevoir built into the side with Pirate related etching) to one subtle port window.

My dilemma at this point is how much of said theme shall I incorporate inside the balance of being thematically clean.

I'm currently sitting on the idea of staying in the middle of the two extremes.

But anything else positive from this point is the cherry on me sundae.

Yeah, I know what you mean. Seeing as r e f l e X i o n was my first major project, I was also hesitant about posting it online when I was still in the midst of it instead of after completing it because lots can happen to cause you to stumble. I think that you and I have both seen, though, that persistence and dedication, at the least, is appreciated by the modding community. And if you have talent, like you obviously do, then good things are going to happen for you.

Keep doing what you're doing, and this is going to turn out to be a fantastic build. Just my opinion, but instead of relying so much on etchings to communicate themes, I would let the build itself do the talking, because so far, you have a very nice and clean representation of your theme. The porthole windows are a clean, innovative idea to fit to your ship theme. Stick with more things like that which do the talking themselves instead of describing it through etchings which have been done a zillion times over.

Again, just my opinion. In the end, your box should be exactly as you desire it to be.

[Spazloy]

Captain i must say this is one of the best inspirational builds i have ever read, infact you have cost me lots of money. i already had parts for my build (upcoming, im still planning and gathering) and now ive bought most of the parts that you have used because they look awesome!

im just wandering though, where did you get your case? and where is everyone getting these square cases i really want one... or just a cheap case tbh. anything better than my small midi tower.

[alphadog009]

mountainmods.com for the cube cases.... not cheap but the best you will ever find

[Spazloy]

cheers, just had a gander, i find that the prices are hooge, simply because il have to import it. However i have sent them a sponsorship invite, lets see what happens... ill probably get a drive bay cover or something