HexxWorld Blog

The year 2009 was a fun year for learning and experimenting with various technologies as a hobbyist. I worked on a CarPC project using my EEEPC 2G surf as my CarPC which was fun. Along with that project came development of bluetooth solutions for internet connectivity and integration with my Wii remote. I also starting a new CarPC project which involved building a small footprint, mini pc system from scratch and integrating it in my Car. This project is still on going but I have learned a lot from it. This year I also repurposed an old Pentium II 333 mhz machine from 1998. It has been successfully running Ubuntu Linux 9.04 hosting Apache webserver, Tinyproxy and Dansguardian web content filter. The Pentium II is also hosting my files, pictures and music. I enhanced my home LAN by implementing a network based system backup using Secure SSH. My latest project involved optimizing my websites for the mobile web and smartphone devices. These are all just a few of my ‘Geek’ projects from this year, 2009.

Next year for 2010 I plan on working on the following projects and I’m sure more will be added as the year progresses. (continue reading…)

Today I went on a mini shopping trip and got a few minor supplies for mounting the dvd drive in the front lower storage bin of my console. I picked up the following:

• Silicon Adhesive- for attaching the stryofoam shelving
• Grommets
• Black matte spray paint

I also picked up a few things for the next phase of my project which will involve mainly some clean up of my console. (continue reading…)

I received my slim DVD drive, so here are the pics displaying scale and how I am planning to mount it.

[View with PicLens]

It does not have to be a dramatic experience to mount the drive. The space is already confined, minimizing movement. I also want to eventually add a media card reader in the bin which would probably be mounted above of the drive.

Today I installed my new momentary switch purchased from FrozenCPU.com.? It has an amber LED ring around the button. I am replacing the latching switch I have mounted because it does not work well as a reset switch, at least in my implementation. See the complete worklog at MP3Car.com.

During the process I also had to solder one of the wires because I accidentally broke it while testing, disconnecting and connecting the cable to the switch.

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I performed the final stage of my exhaust fan installation….almost.? See the complete worklog at MP3Car.com

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I started the exhaust fan modification to the rear panel of the console. I will complete this tomorrow. Here are the pics of the progress so far.

[View with PicLens]

Tomorrow I will perform the sanding and clean up of the panel for the exhaust fan. Regarding the outside of the panel, I will be mounting a chrome laser cut grill. The design is in a way appropriately called an “Atomic Laser Cut Grill” (the motherboard is an ‘Intel Atom’) . It will be interesting to see this with the green LED shining through once my installation is complete.

I completed the front intake air grill and filter. I used the 120mm fan filter/grill I had. I cut the gill in half and cut holes in the console so air can flow. I could not simply cut a large rectangle and attach the grill because I need to use the console to support the filter to avoid it from falling inside in the console over time due to the intake air flow.

I decided to ditch the top intake fans and will just install a simple grill with a filter. These are the pics of me preparing this next mod to my console.

I decided to use a 120mm filter/grill I have and cut it in half to fit the top part of the console. This will just help minimize dust from being pulled inside the console by the rear exhaust fan.

Here are a few pics displaying where I may be mounting the Power Supply on the console. I am thinking of mounting across from the PC on the opposite wall of the console. I am thinking about getting the enclosure that is available for the M4-ATX and just use the base much like I’m using the case for the motherboard. The base will be attached to the console and the PSU would be attached to the enclosure base.

[View with PicLens]

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Here are the pics from the latest completed task. I still need to do some minor cleanup (scratches and spacing) but the main work has been completed. These pics are of the USB ports that I mounted on the front lower console. I also mounted the HDD LED above the USB bracket.

I had to use a combination of tools and improvising to modify the panel. Of course I used a drill for the screw holes, but I also used it to partially make a hole for the USB ports. I drilled a total of 3 holes. I then intentially burned some of the plastic with a soldering iron to form a fairly decent rectangle. After that I cleaned it up with a file and the sander from my Dremel.

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