CarPC Project: Mounting SlimDVD Drive-Part 2
On my last post I documented that I began the next phase of my CarPC project with the Slim DVD Drive mount. For the most part things were moving along well until I came across two minor issues.
The first problem was that the hole I drilled in the back of the storage bin for the cabling was centered. This prevented the DVD drive from sitting all the way back because the USB connections are actually situated on the rear left side of the dvd drive not the center. I drilled a second hole in the back of the bin more towards the side so that it was inline with the connections on the back of the DVD drive.
The second problem was that while the second hole was inline with the connections on the back of the DVD drive, the hole was only large enough for the cables to pull through. There was not enough play for the cabling to slide back out of the bin to allow for the DVD drive to sit all the way to the back. Once again I was not able to slide the DVD drive all the way back, which prevented the door to the storage bin from closing. I resolved this problem today by making the hole larger in diameter. The drive now sits all the way back providing enough room for the storage bin door to close.
CarPC Project: Mounting the SlimDVD Drive
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. Learn more »
CarPC Project: SlimDVD Drive
I received my slim DVD drive, so here are the pics displaying scale and how I am planning to mount it.
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.
CarPC Project: Momentary Switch Installation
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.
CarPC Project: More Work on Exhaust Fan
I performed the final stage of my exhaust fan installation….almost.? See the complete worklog at MP3Car.com
CarPC Project:Rear Exhaust Fan- Part 1
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.
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.
CarPC Project: Intake Air Filter and Grill- Part 2
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.
CarPC Project: Intake Grill and Filter
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.
CarPC Project: Possible Mount Location for M4-ATX PSU
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.
CarPC Project: Front USB Ports and HDD LED
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.
