Project: PrometheusCU

[Langer]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Plaque.png

Sponsored by:
AquaComputer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/AquaComputerLogo.png (http://www.aqua-computer.de/)

Watercool:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercoollogo.jpg (http://www.watercool.de/aktuell/)

MIPS Computer GMBH
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-mipslogo.jpg (http://www.mips-computer.de/)

Corsair
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/CorsairLogo-Horizontal-RGB.jpg (http://corsair.com/default.aspx)

This is my first real desktop mod, and it's been long in planning. Now that most of my components have arrived and some progress has been made I've decided to share what I've created so far.

The concept behind this case is to design a simple elegant case jam packed with technology, toys, and a powerful watercooling setup.

The idea for the design was directly inspired by the case I started with, a 10th Anniversary Lian-Li PC-a60c: *click for big*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_prometheus-stockcase1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-stockcase1.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_prometheus-stockcase2.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-stockcase2.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_prometheus-stockcase3.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-stockcase3.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_prometheus-10thanniversaryplaque.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-10thanniversaryplaque.jpg)


First I'll outline the system components I'll be using:

Main System
Lian-Li PC-A60C 10th Anniversary #294 of 300 (http://www.xoxide.com/lian-li-pc-a60c.html)
Silverstone Strider 1200W Modular ATX (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=28822&vpn=SST-ST1200%20&manufacture=Silverstone%20Technology)
AMD Phenom X4 9850 BE Quad Core AM2 2.5GHZ (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29153&vpn=HD985ZXAGHBOX&manufacture=AMD)
Corsair Dominator PC2-8500 5-5-5-15 8GB (4x2GB) (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=31395&vpn=TWIN2X4096-8500C5D&manufacture=CORSAIR)
ASUS AM2+ M3N-HT Deluxe Mempipe 3-way SLI (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29806&vpn=M3N-HT%20DELUXE%2FMEMPIPE&manufacture=ASUS)
2x EVGA E-geForce GTX 280 SSC 648MHZ 1024MB 2.322GHZ (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=30562&vpn=01G-P3-1284-AR&manufacture=eVGA)

Secondary System
VIA ARTiGO Kit A1000 C7 1GHZ 1GB DDR2 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29070&vpn=A1000&manufacture=VIA%20TECHNOLOGIES%20INC.)
OCZ 1GB DDR2 SODIMM PC2 PC-5400 667Mhz (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19340&vpn=OCZ26671024VSO&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology)
Fujitsu 2.5" IDE 5400RPM 120GB (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=21828&vpn=MHV2120AH&manufacture=Fujitsu)
XDX 7" VGA Touch Screen TFT LCD 1024x768 (http://cgi.ebay.ca/Headrest-7-VGA-AV-PC-Touch-Screen-XGA-TFT-LCD-Monitor_W0QQitemZ130233993143QQihZ003QQcategoryZ29 501QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZ p1638Q2em118Q2el1247)

Router/Firewall
PCEngines ALIX.2C1 Kit 3x10/100LAN (http://www.xagyl.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=10&products_id=184&osCsid=4772a31932817ac93717a26a98285f5b)
SparkLAN WMIA-207GN WLAN 802.11n Mini PCI (http://www.oxfordtec.com/us/p138/SparkLAN-WMIA-207GN-WLAN-802.11n-draft-wifi-Mini-PCI-Module%28Atheros-AR5008-3NX-AR5416-XSPAN-chipset%29-Wireless-miniPCI-card/product_info.html)
1GB Type 6 Compact Flash (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13641&vpn=CF%2F1GB&manufacture=Kingston)

Storage/Media
Pioneer Slim 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=666610200&vpn=DVR-K06&manufacture=Pioneer)
Slim CD/DVD-ROM to SATA Adapter (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=170232180299&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=007)
4x Hitachi 3.5" SATA 7200RPM 750GB (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=333315479&vpn=0A35771&manufacture=HITACHI%20GLOBAL)
3x LaCie Neil Poulton eSATA 7200RPM 750GB External (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=30869&vpn=301314U&manufacture=Lacie)
Lian-Li Aluminum 50-in-1 Card Reader (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1728/dri-41/Lian-Li_Brushed_Aluminum_50-in-1_Card_Reader_CR-33B_-_BLACK.html)

Additions
Mini Nova USB Bluetooth Adapter (http://usb.brando.com.hk/prod_detail.php?prod_id=00417&dept_id=015&cat_id=036)
Zalman Plus Multi Fan Controller (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/6136/bus-109/Zalman_ZM-MFC1_Plus_Multi_Fan_Controller_-_Black.html)
Matrix Orbital GX Typhoon USB TRI-LED LCD 240x64 (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7114/lcd-58/Matrix_Orbital_GX_Typhoon_MCE_USB_LCD_Black_Bay_De vice_w_Remote_-_Tri_Color_Display_GX_Typhoon_MCE-TC-BBI.html)
2xNexxtech mini 4 Port USB Hub (http://www.thesource.ca/estore/Product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=USB_Hubs&product=2616552&MSCSProfile=287001FD2674671CC1C6E1B8FD422E08189A68 40DC7FAC3D810D12A5BEC4F9DDC8C84165DB83580FB0710380 D2F35F2A088F9E66027B4806D1D787B75DDD851EBB17F05B70 004001B4E35E0225A581A195C32406B4FE42354279683236B0 D3AE7AECC79B3C9758310089B6C1ACA55948B9993612990453 3026E9BC9F11850F9E7079F799D595AE5F)
AquaComputer multiswitch USB 1.41 (http://www.aqua-computer-systeme.de/shop-index.htm?http://www.aqua-computer-systeme.de/shopsystem/product_info.php?products_id=1866&osCsid=ec5f5f74f307bd4941a8d39ec20ab1bf)
AquaComputer aquaero 4.00 USB (http://www.aqua-computer-systeme.de/shop-index.htm?http://www.aqua-computer-systeme.de/shopsystem/product_info.php?products_id=1866&osCsid=ec5f5f74f307bd4941a8d39ec20ab1bf)

Air Cooling
6xScythe Ultra Kaze 120mm x 25mm 133.60CFM (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/6441/fan-378/Scythe_Ultra_Kaze_120_x_38mm_Fan_-_3000_RPM_DFS123812H-3000.html)
1xScythe Kama-Flex 80mm x 25mm 34.0CFM (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7083/fan-421/Scythe_KAMA-FLEX_80mm_x_25mm_Fan_-_2500_RPM_w_S-FDB_Bearing_SA0825FDB12SM.html)
9xScythe Mini Kaze Ultra 40mm x 20mm 4.86CFM (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/6438/fan-375/Scythe_Mini_Kaze_Ultra_40mm_x_20mm_Silent_Mini_Fan _SY124020L.html)

Watercooling
Aqua Computer Aquastream XT Ultra USB Eheim 12 V (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/6582/ex-pmp-58/Aqua_Computer_Aquastream_XT_Ultra_USB_Eheim_12_Vol t_Liquid_Cooling_Pump_w_Aquasuite_Software.html)
Feser XChanger Triple 120mm Xtreme (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7224/ex-rad-131/Feser_X-Changer_Triple_120mm_Xtreme_Performance_Radiator_-_Thermochill_Killers.html)
D-TEK FuZion V2 Socket AM2 Waterblock (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7600/ex-blc-491/D-TEK_FuZion_v2_Universal_CPU_Water_Block_-_AMD_and_Intel.html)
D-TEK FuZion v2 Quad Core Mid Chamber Insert (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7602/ex-blc-493/D-TEK_FuZion_v2_Quad_Core_Mid_Chamber_Insert_-_FuZion_v2_.html)
Mips Ram Freezer 4 Ram Waterblock Nickel Edition (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25341&vpn=MCH1245&manufacture=MIPS)
2xAquaComputer G200 waterblock for GX280 (http://www.aqua-computer-systeme.de/shop-index.htm?http://www.aqua-computer-systeme.de/shopsystem/product_info.php?products_id=1866&osCsid=ec5f5f74f307bd4941a8d39ec20ab1bf)
AquaComputer Durchflusssensor (Flow Sensor) (http://www.aqua-computer-systeme.de/shop-index.htm?http://www.aqua-computer-systeme.de/shopsystem/product_info.php?products_id=1866&osCsid=ec5f5f74f307bd4941a8d39ec20ab1bf)
6xAquaComputer Rotary elbow adapter G1/4]AquaComputer aquaero/aquastream XT temperature sensor 70 cm (http://www.aqua-computer-systeme.de/shop-index.htm?http://www.aqua-computer-systeme.de/shopsystem/product_info.php?products_id=1866&osCsid=ec5f5f74f307bd4941a8d39ec20ab1bf)
Danger Den Cooling System Fillport Black (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19714)
Primochill Primoflex Pro LRT Black 1/2IN ID 3/4IN OD Tubing (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7687/ex-tub-320/PrimoChill_PrimoFlex_PRO_LRT_Tubing_12ID_34OD_with _18_Wall_-_Black.html)
20x Bitspower G1/4 High Flow 1/2IN Dark Nickel Plated Barb Fittings (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7612/ex-tub-315/Bitspower_Black_Sparkle_G14_Barb_Fitting_-_12_ID.html)


Here is a rough concept of the design plans: *click for big*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_prometheus-concept.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-concept.jpg)


I'm sorry I diddn't take any progess pics so-far but I'll be doing so from here on out.

[Langer]

After a few hours with the dremel and jigsaw... then many more with a set of hand files I turned my lian-li case into the below:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lili5.jpg

The details:
First I cut out some material from the drive bay area
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lili1.jpg

I then mounted the Alix 2c1 embedded linux firewall after installing the mini-PCI wifi-n card and the 1GB compact flash
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-alix-2c11.jpg
A cutout was made to allow space for the lan ports on the motherboard tray. Also a box was cut from the drive bay to allow for the pump to be mounted.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lili2.jpg
I haven't yet built the pieces that will guide the airflow; but i have installed the fans that will cool the Alix board.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-alix-2c12.jpg
1/4inch slots will be milled on the panel and dividers will be constructed to guide the air out the slots. Until then, this is how it stands.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-alix-2c13.jpg
Here is the Pump
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pump1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pump2.jpg
And the mounting bracket put into place
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pumpmount.jpg

Two 120mm fan holes were cut from the top of the case
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lili3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fans3.jpg

A large rectangle was removed from the front panel to make space for the 7" touch panel LCD
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lili4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-touchpanel1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-touchpanel2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-touchpanel3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-touchpanel4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-touchpanel5.jpg

[Langer]

I then built another temporary bracket to hold the PSU in place. This too will be replaced with a CNC machined bracket.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-psu2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-psu4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-psu5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Promethe usCu/prometheus-backpanel1.jpg

After cutting a piece of copper plate that will 'compression' fit into place. I used double sided foam tape to afix the slot load dvd-rw.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-dvdrw1.jpg
I then installed the slim-DVD to SATA adapter.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-dvdrw2.jpg

The drive is then squished into place, and holds suprisingly well
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bay1.jpg

Then the pump is mounted to the bracket, this foam is also temporary and will be replaced with black neoprene
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bay2.jpg

We then come to the Pico-ITX unit that will live in the drive bay
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico2.jpg

Here is is installed
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bay4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bay5.jpg

I then cut apart the Corsair Dominator fan assembly and made some temporary mounting brackets, the final brackets will be CNCd as well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bayfans1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bayfans2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bay6.jpg

The zalman fan controller that I'll be using
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fancontrol.jpg

Here is the fan contoller installed
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bay7.jpg

The final fan assembly and some glamour shots
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bay8.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bay9.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bay10.jpg

I also got a Lian-Li card reader, it will be stripped of its case by the end of this mod
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cardreader1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cardreader2.jpg

[Langer]

Here is the radiator I'll be using:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-rad1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-rad2.jpg
The cutout I made, where it will live. I still have to make mounting brackets for it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radmod1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radmod2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radmod3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radmod4.jpg

This is where the hard drive bay will mount
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-touchpanel6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fans2.jpg

But first these need to be installed. Again these are only temporary, for fitting purposes, the final peices will be made from copper plate and will be CNC machined.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-enclosureprototype1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-enclosureprototype2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-enclosureprototype3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-enclosureprototype4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-enclosureprototype5.jpg

Now we can suspend the drive cage
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-drivetray1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-drivetray2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-drivetray3.jpg


And finally we come to the below images. This is how Project PrometheusCU sits right now, waiting on delivery of some of my watercooling components.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-part1-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-part1-2.jpg

As it stands I'm at about 30% complete.

Hope you all enjoy the work... I've poured pretty much everything I have into this case - in terms of both skillsets and money.

Please feel free to leave comments, crits, suggestions.

Tune in soon for more!

[Langer]

Let us begin.

I've finished the rad mount prototype.

I started with a 40"x40"x1/8" sheet of used aluminum.
This panel was once used in the fabrication of Carbon Fiber sheets - the aluminum panel are used to help form the carbon panel. The carbon is cooked in a heated press at ~40,000tonnes. After a short while, about 100 carbon panels, the aluminum develops imperfections and heat stains - It's then thrown away. My Dad runs the Carbon Fiber plant so over the years I have developed a rather large collection of these aluminum sheets.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radmount1.jpg

After a bit of rough cutting with the trusty jigsaw I did some light filing to clean the cuts.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radmount2.jpg

Then onto bending
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radmount3.jpg

The final product, minus the holes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radmount4.jpg

Once that was complete I checked the fit - luckily the "measure 5-times cut once" methodology continues to work for me.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radmount5.jpg

A side view, note also that the final bends will be much more precise. I plan on having 'V' shaped groves milled into the copper plate where bends are needed to ensure accuracy.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radmount6.jpg

Then I had to drill precise holes in the the chassis.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radmount7.jpg

From there I did a test fit. (Note that the final design will include slots for airflow, I'll post an illustration later today.)
Almost perfect, I eyeballed the holes in the rad mount prototype and a couple were off slightly. No big loss though because the final product will be machined precisely.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radmount8.jpg

Thanks for reading! More to come.

[Langer]

Another update for you guys, but there will be more to come this weekend.

I've finished the tray prototype that will both house the radiator, and lift Prometheus 3.5" off the ground.

We again start with some aluminum plate. As you can see I've marked out the areas to be cut.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tray1.jpg

Like the above post, I've put the jigsaw to work.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tray2.jpg

After using the dremel to crudely score the bending lines I put the piece in my bending brake.
This is what I came up with
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tray3.jpg

A close-up of the joints.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tray4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tray5.jpg

Then a test. Perfect Fit!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tray6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tray7.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tray8.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tray9.jpg

And here is how it sits right now.
In fabricating these parts I've realized that the final design will need to seat the radiator about 1/4" lower. As you can see from the pics, I haven't left enough room for the front rad fan to breathe.
But that's why I made these prototypes... to narrow in on design flaws such as that.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tray10.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tray11.jpg

That's all the fabricating I'll be doing today, tune in later I'll have some illustrations posted.

Thanks for reading!

[Langer]

A small update for the masses.
Here is an idea of what a couple of the copper components will look like.
From left to right - Front Facade Panel, Top Exhaust Fan Grill, Radiator Grill/Mount. I'll post the designs for the rest of the pieced some time tomorrow; along with some of the illustrations that I'm going to have engraved throughout the case.

black = cut
grey = engrave
dashed = bend
*click for supersize*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-schematicr3-low.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-schematicr3.png)
Added a a 'jagged edge' to the front facade. Since the touch panel LCD covers the traditional front air intake I will need to mill slots in the side of the front panel to act as air intake. The jagged edge will make space for these intake slots. The slots can be seen in the initial design concept illustration (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-concept.jpg)

Thanks for reading! Tune in soon for more.

As always, crits are welcome and appreciated.

[Langer]

Small update

Black lines = cut
Grey lines = engraved
Dashed lines = bend

Here is my concept for the plaque replacement on the back of the chassis
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-plaqueconcept.png

I've also completed the concept for the drive bay enclosure (the piece seen taped into place in this (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-part1-2.jpg) image).

I modified the original design (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cncpaneldesign.jpg) to encase the lower 3.5" drive bays, and allow for a fill point (nearly forgot about that).
*click for supersize*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bayenclosureconcept-low.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bayenclosureconcept.png)

[Langer]

Here is the accumulation of all the final part concepts that I'm going to be milling from Copper plate.
(as always, click for supersize)

1: Drive Bay Enclosure - Left Side
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bayenclosurelconcept-low.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bayenclosurelconcept.png)

2: Drive Bay Enclosure - Right Side
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bayenclosurerconcept-low.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-bayenclosurerconcept.png)

3: Authenticity Plaque
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-authenticityconcept.png

4: Front Facade
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-frontfacadeconcept-low.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-frontfacadeconcept.png)

5: Bottom Tray/Radiator Housing
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lowertrayconcept-low.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lowertrayconcept.png)

6: Parts List Plaque
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-plaqueconcept-1.png

7: Radiator Fan Grill/Mount
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radgrillconcept-low.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-radgrillconcept.png)

8: Top Fan Grill
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-topgrillconcept-low.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-topgrillconcept.png)

9: Front Lower Tray/LCD housing
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-frontlowertrayconcept-lo.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-frontlowertrayconcept.png)

Enjoy!

[Langer]

Parts update for the masses:
I recieved a package of watercooling supplies today.
First up - a D-Tek Fuzion rev 2 with quad core nozel insert (insert not installed in below images).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cpuwaterblock1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cpuwaterblock2.jpg

FeserOne Orange non-conductive coolant, I'd have preferred black but since I'll be using black tubing and no reservoir I don't see the difference... and neither will anyone else, hehehe.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-coolant1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-coolant2.jpg

20x Bitspower Hig Flow 1/2 barbs - dark nickel plated edition.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fittings1.jpg
Here you can see the difference between the Bitspower fittings and the stock DangerDen and D-Tek ones.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fittings2.jpg

A Black DangerDen Fillport
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fillpoort.jpg

Last but most certainly not least... 15' of Opaque Black Primochill Primoflex 1/2ID tubing.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing1.jpg
I was quite surprised by the width of the wall, I guess I don't have to worry about puncture leaks... too much.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing2.jpg

That's all for now folks, tune in soon!

[Langer]

Yet another update for you all, I got a package in the mail form eVGA today. My -free- upgrade from the 9800GTXssc cards.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-gfx1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-gfx2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-gfx3.jpg

To go with this will be two of these:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/23458_3.jpg

[Langer]

Clearly nothing is sacred:

Naked GTX280's, and I must say that I have a new appreciation for nVidia engineering... the heatsink on these babies was nothing short of a work of art - engineering at it's best.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-gfx6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-gfx7.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-gfx8.jpg

They are considerably lighter now only about 245grams
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-gfx9.jpg

[Langer]

A small, bummer, update:
UPS just delivered my Acrylic Copper Colour 2-way Mirror... but I'm totally pissed! The colour is all wrong. It's more of a 'burnt copper' instead of the 'red copper' colour I'm using. I may still find a use for it, but it's 'mystery purpose' will likely be replaced with carbon fiber pieces. (You can't see though the acrylic here because I've not yet removed it's protective backing).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-acrylicmirror1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-acrylicmirror2.jpg



Some great news.

A User by the name of xtreme0915 over at the nVidia SLi-Zone forums has volunteered to donate his old Aquagate Viva Duo (http://www.coolermaster.com/products/product.php?act=detail&id=141) Watercooling kit for the benefit or Prometheus. With this comes a cemented decision to watercool the Pico-ITX unit as well as the main system. I'll be purchasing a 40.2 radiator (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=336&products_id=22275), and using the Aquagate's waterblock/pump to cool the Pico board.

Another big thanks shout-out goes out to xtreme0915!

[Langer]

In anticipation of this new generous, unprovoked, donation. I've started making the necessary modifications to the Pico-ITX heatsink.
Modifications that will allow me to mount the waterblock/pump from the Aquagave Viva unit to the Pico-ITX board.

This is Part-1 and it is still unacceptably rough. when its finished the edges will be square and it'll sport a mirror shine.

Here is what I started with:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/stockvia.jpg

Then after a couple hours of Dremel grinding followed by hand filing I came up with this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-picowc1.jpg
Bottom:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-picowc3.jpg

Here you can see the amount of material that needed to be removed, because Via had a recessed spot in the middle of the three screw holes where the fan sat. So I had to bring down the whole surface to be flush.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-picowc2.jpg



Some more great news!

I've been honored with a nomination for the "Mod Of The Month (http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/2008/07/30/motm-july-08/1)" competition over at the Bit-tech.net forums! So if it's your prerogative and you have the means - throw me a vote.

Exciting news from AquaComputer... in the form of some one-of-a-kind PrometheusCU special edition parts.

I just want to take a moment to thank everyone again, it's amazing to see how well the community has accepted this project. It started as a passion and has BOOMED into something so much more - sponsors, MOTM nomination, ~430,000 image views. All I can say is WOW.

The excitement has just begun, I still have many plans for this project so stay tuned for more.

[Langer]

Another small update for you all.

I just picked up a dozen BlinkM I2C contolled RGB LEDs (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8579) - "BlinkM uses a high quality, high power RGB LED and a small AVR microcontroller to allow a user to digitally control an RGB LED over a simple I2C interface"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/tm_blinkm_closeup_obliq_sma.jpg

100 white 3mm LEDs, 100 resistors and 100 Chrome Holders to be copper plated.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/LED_5mm_Mount_Holder_001.jpg

and with these comes a USB Arduino Control Board (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=666) that will allow me to write a control program for the lighting inside the case. I'll have the RGB LEDs change from blue to red depending on the water temperature. The other 100 white LEDs will slowly/randomly fade in and out (Mac style) when they are on.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/ArduinoUSBBoard-01-L.jpg

Also a dozen fiendishly overpriced Countersink Allen Screws made of copper:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/A612PC0_49638.gif


More coming soon - Thanks for reading.

[Langer]

A small overdue update for you all.

Unfortunately my hands are still very much tied, due to many delays (mostly shipping), so progress has been minimal.

I have complete a number of little things this week however:
1- I have completed the lighting design.
2- I've modified and uploaded my verison of pfSense to my Alix board, so it's working nicely now.
3- I think I've completed my arduino lighting software, but I haven't yet got my arduino controller delivered so I don't know if it works as planned just yet.
4- I began designing my front end software that will control my watercooling and run on the from 7" touch screen.
5- I've also ordered a new keyboard (http://www.apple.com/keyboard/), I love my apple slim keyboard but I was unable to find black key replacements for it so I've ordered the bluetooth version.
It looks to me that the new macbooks and the slim bluetooth keyboard use the same keys at least I hope so because new replacement keys were about $2.50 a piece, so I ordered a complete set of black keys for the keyboard. I'll then make new copper housing for it to replace the stock apple aluminum. In theory this should make for a very sexy black/copper keyboard.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keylayout01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keylayout02.jpg

Some of the items that have arrived in the mail since my last posting:
Some of my lighting accessories:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lighting01.jpg

The 3mm LED housings that I will paint to look Copper Plated:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lighting02.jpg

White 3mm LEDs:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lighting03.jpg

Resistors that will let me run the LEDs from a 12volt source:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lighting04.jpg

And an assembly overview of what the LED holders look like:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lighting05.jpg

I also got my Laptop WIFI antennas, I will be using 2x antennas for each of the antenna outputs on the WiFi card.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-antenna.jpg

Lastly, my 40.2mm radiator has arrived, so once the aquagate gets here I'll be able to assemble my Pico-ITX watercooling system.
This thing is so bloody tiny, sorry for the bad picture, but keep in mind it's only 40mm wide... too cool.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-40mmradiator.jpg
I used the mill and a frighteningly precarious clamping technique to mill down the Pico's heat sink further
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-picowc3-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-picowc2-1.jpg

I decided to take some pics of my workshop, it's very dirty and the equipment is tired, but it all does the job well enough:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lathe01.jpg
dropsaw
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-dropsaw.jpg
lathe
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-lathe02.jpg
mill... strongarm style
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-mill01.jpg
enerpac press, and sandblaster
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sandblaster.jpg
surface grinder
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-surfacegrinder.jpg

I forgot to take pics of the drillpress, but I assume you all know what those look like.

Here's the golden tool - 2.5axis router table
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-router02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-router01.jpg

I decided to make an homage to Canadian modding out of some spare carbon panel I had laying around.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-leaf.jpg

If the stars are aligned and my supplies arrive this week, expect HUGE progress over the next little while.

Thanks for reading, and tune in soon.

[Langer]

Another parts update:

My parcel from SparkFun (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/categories.php) arrived this morning. As did my box from AquaComputer, only I won't be able to pick it up from the post office until later this evening.

So-far we have:
The BlinkM RGB LEDs
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-blinkM01.jpg

The Arduino control board
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-arduino01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-arduino02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-arduino03.jpg

The Female serial plug that will allow me to convert the USB>Serial adapter (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-serial.jpg) from Male to Female.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-serial01.jpg

I'll have my AquaComputer stuff tonight, so tune in then.

Thanks for reading.

[Langer]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/AquaComputerLogo.png (http://www.aqua-computer.de/)
Again many many thanks to my sponsor AquaComputer (http://www.aqua-computer.de/) for generously providing the following:

For those of you who aren't aware of the power of the AquaComputer components. here (http://www.aqua-computer-systeme.de/download/aquaero_multiswitch_tubemeter.wmv) is a small demonstration video showing the power of the AquaComputer system (aquaero display, aquastream pump, multiswitch, tubemeter water level sensor, aquasuite software).

Here (http://www.aqua-computer.de/e_content/e_aquaero.htm) you will find AquaCopmuter's explanation of the AquaComputer automated "monitoring" hardware.

Aquaero 4.00:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-aquaero01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-aquaero02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-aquaero03.jpg

AquaComputer 90degree swivel elbows:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-aquaswivel01.jpg

AquaComputer Flow Sensor:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-flowsensor01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-flowsensor02.jpg

Multiswitch 1.41:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-multiswitch01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-multiswitch02.jpg

And the center pieces of the system... PrometheusCU Edition G200 waterblocks. Aquacomputer was generous enough to build two of these fore this project. (Note that the Prometheus text appears 'burnt' in the images but this doesn't show up to the naked eye)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-aquagrafx01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-aquagrafx02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-aquagrafx03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-aquagrafx04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-aquagrafx05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-aquagrafx06.jpg

More assembly to come soon.

Thanks for reading!

[Langer]

The CoolerMaster Aquagate Duo generously donated by xtreme0915 of the SliZone forums has arrived today!

I will be using the Aquagate's clever little waterblock/pump assembly to cool the pico board.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-picowc4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-picowc5.jpg

Here is how the waterblock will be mounted to the Pico-ITX board. Note that I've yet to construct a proper bracket for mounting.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-picowc6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-picowc7.jpg

Here is a pic of the board next to the rad that will be cooling it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-picowc8.jpg

Here's a quick glimpse of my desk right now, it's been sitting like this for about a month... I really need to pick up the pace.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-mydesk01.jpg

[Langer]

My machinist (who is doing all my work for free BTW) called me today declaring that he will work though the night if necessary, I'll have the prototype parts cut tomorrow. It's been a crazy time for him and I can't really hold anything against him considering the predicament, also he just moved his shop to a new building at the beginning of Sept.

I have a new dilemma however.

Corsair has been kind enough to provide 8GB(4x2gb) of Dominator 1066mhz RAM with no heat spreaders attached, only they've expressed a little caveat which has me thinking.

With these MIPS Computer GmbH has been very kind and has sponsored me with a RAM Freezer 4 memory waterblock:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/mips_nickel.jpg

However since Dominator ram has additional PCB height to aid in heat dissipation:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/misc/dominator_measurements.jpg
I'm concerned that the Dominator RAM may not work with the RAM Freezer 4.

Of course I could ask Corsair to provide a RAM from the XPS series that does not have the extra height, but I'm waiting for MIPS Computer to get back to me with measurement specifications.

I've also taken delivery of a couple other aesthetic items this week, I'll have pics up tomorrow or early weekend.

Thanks for reading... and waiting... see you all soon.

[Langer]

I decided to try my hand at fabricating panels from my fabric. These were soaked in resin and pressed at an obesene pressure of several thousand tonnes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbontest01.jpg
You don't get this look from carbon decal!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbontest02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbontest03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbontest04.jpg

The next one is the closest thing to a definition of "indestructible" as you'll ever find. I don't know how many layers there are in this - but it's about a 1/2" thick. It will be used for a few structural components.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbontest201.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbontest202.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbontest203.jpg

I've also got a few yards of copper mesh, I have a few plans for this stuff it looks really cool when wrapped tightly around wires and cables.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-coppermesh01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-coppermesh02.jpg

Another generous donated product courtesy of Mach over at TheBestCaseScanario's forums. Some braided copper sleeve.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-coppersleeve01.jpg

Lastly we've got 100' of 18gage copper flat wire to be wrapped around the black tubing for aesthetic reasons.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-copperwire01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-copperwire02.jpg

Also the metallic copper paint I ordered on July 27th is still not even shipped yet which is holding up some of my smaller mods.

I'm just playing the waiting game from now until when my metal is cut. I've done a few little things like lapping my GPU's and CPU, other than that noting big.

[Langer]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercoollogo.jpg
I've got Watercool Germany on-board now. They've generously offered to provide some waterblocks from their new 'Heatkiller' V3.0 lineup coming at the end of October. With this addition I'll be removing the D-Tek Fuzion and perhaps cooling the motherboard as well.... which calls for another Aquastream XT pump IMO.

I'm very very excited about this - I have to give some credit to ModSquad as I've never heard of the Watercool Heatkiller before he posted the image of one of their blocks in his CopperHead mod. Suffice to say I fell in love and had to have them.

For those of you not familiar with the HeatKiller blocks, here's a tase:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercool01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercool02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercool03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercool04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercool05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercool06.jpg

More to come, thanks for reading.

[Langer]

I spent two days learning Rhino/Visual Mill/ToolPath then I spent the last day cutting (actually I'd call it 'watching the machine cut').

I admittedly went though a couple of 1/8 bits but I expected to break a few. The machine took just over 10hrs to cut the parts out (damn grills!). I've not yet started cleaning the edges of these prototypes but I'm doing that soon.

I'll let these teaser pics speak for themselves.

HERE are the aluminum prototypes that once filed/bent/installed will be replaced with finely machined copper.

I started with some 1/2ply wood and a scrap 40"x40"x1/8" hunk of aluminum.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-cuts-01.jpg

I then booted up rhino and prepared the parts for cutting.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-cuts-02.jpg

Holes were drilled for screws to hold the aluminum down.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-cuts-03.jpg

10 long boring hours later:
rad grill:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-cuts-04.jpg

MatrixOrbital Typhoon enclosure/PSU mount/and Right side drive bay enclosure.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-cuts-05.jpg

Left side drive bay enclosure:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-cuts-06.jpg

Bottom rad housing - lower tray.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-cuts-08.jpg

Top fan grill:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-cuts-09.jpg

Front face plate:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-cuts-10.jpg


Some of the cuts look a little wonky in the pics but all the cuts are straight and clean - they just have quite a bit of burrs that need filing down - which I should be done by this weekend.

Here is the keyboard - pre-modding:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keyboard-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keyboard-02.jpg

Thanks for reading - tune in soon.

[Langer]

Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate the support.

The CASE
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-cuts-13.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-cuts-14.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-cuts-16.jpg

The MESS! (parts everywhere - on an under the desk)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-cuts-15.jpg

[Langer]

Update time.

Today I decided to finally fabricate the mount for the Pico-ITX waterblock/pump.

First I made a prototype from cardstock at 1:1 scale.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount01.jpg

The I busted out the dremel and attacked a scrap piece of aluminum - left over from an old Lian-Li mod.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount02.jpg

After an hour or so of hand filing, a couple quick bends, and a few holes drilled we get this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount04.jpg

It's then mounted to the pump/waterblock:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount06.jpg

If you'll recall I did some modification to the stock Pico heatsink (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/stockvia.jpg). I've now finished off these mods with a few counterbored holes:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount07.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount08.jpg

The waterblock is installed onto the stock heatsink
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount09.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount10.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount11.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount12.jpg

Finally this entire assembly is mounted to the Pico-ITX board - which is already mounted onto a bracket holding its PSU/IO/HDD. The entire thing can now be mounted into a standard 5 1/4" drive bay.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount13.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount14.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-pico-wc-mount15.jpg

The whole thing still needs some final edge cleaning and most likely a coat of black paint - other than that she's all done.

Thanks for reading - more to come soon.

[Langer]

A simple question to Corsair has led to a some new developments which I will elaborate upon once the parcel arrives. This mystery parcel will be shipped tomorrow (hopefully).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/CorsairLogo-Horizontal-RGB.jpg
I have to give a HUGE shout out to Robert from Corsair... who has been a massive help - even after that time I accidentally called his cell and woke him up (time zones are a pain). THANKS ROB!

Also some news from Mips
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-mipslogo.jpg
That RAM Freezer 4 has been reengineered and now supports Dominator class RAM. This new trinket was shipped out yesterday and is on it's way here from Germany as we speak. As an added bonus this item will soon be available from Mips if anyone else is interested.

[Langer]

Updates...many updates.

I have more to share but I'll save it for this evening.

My NAKED RAM courtesy of Corsair - 8GB of 1066mhz Dominator.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-03.jpg

My Dominator compatible Mips RAM Freezer 4 has arrived as well. This this is BEAUTIFUL, a fantastic peice of engineering. The build quality is top notch.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-06.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-07.jpg

Here they are installed:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-08.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-09.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-10.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-11.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-12.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-13.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAM-14.jpg


I have several more updates to share, but I've been really busy the past week and I've not had a chance to take pictures. I'll post more stuff this evening - with that will be pics of some more Corsair goodies.

Thanks for reading.



I had asked Corsair if they could at all provide me with the wires that go with their HX series PSUs.


They responded over and above to my request:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-PSU-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-PSU-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-PSU-03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-PSU-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-PSU-05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-PSU-06.jpg

More to come tonight still, solong for now.

[Langer]

Small update. I wanted to upload these pics last night but Photobucket had other ideas.

I've started ordering my hardware for this project. In the form of Brighton Socket Cap Allen Bolts, and Coutersunk Allen Bolts.
I still havent got my hands on the smaller bolts as they were special order, but here's the big stuff.
The below sizing ranges from 4-40, to 1/4-20 - I've ordered a couple hundred in each size.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-hardware-08.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-hardware-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-hardware-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-hardware-03.jpg

I got 100 carbide rods, the purpose of these will be revealed much later.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-hardware-04.jpg

With those come six 36"x1/2"x1/16" copper flat bars. I will be bending these to fabricate cable ties and wire harness brackets.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-hardware-05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-hardware-06.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-hardware-07.jpg

Also, 15' of 3/8" split loom tubing - this will be used on the Pico watercooling tubes, and on a couple wires that wont be seen.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-hardware-09.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-hardware-10.jpg



I also started bending my prototypes, and as expected I don't have the tools to do this to the level that I desire.

In light of this I've taken the liberty of sending the whole fabrication of these parts to China.
I will have a Chinese company fabricate these things to perfection from copper plate in the near future.
The parts that I have will work perfectly for what I intended them to do - these aluminum bits will be installed to allow me to continue fabrication of other parts. Also I've already made a couple of design changes that will be applied to the final copper bits.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-bends-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-prototype-bends-02.jpg

Thanks for reading, more to come very soon.

[Langer]

Since I want to minimize the airflow resistance on the main radiator mounted on the bottom of the unit I'll need to construct some feet that are 2.5-3" tall.

Aesthetically this is no easy task, and not something that I've addressed to date.

I've spent the past few hours in Illustrator trying to solve this large dilemma.

I've come up with the image below.
The intent here is to use a bunch of carbon fiber panels spaced ~0.5" apart to make a sort of skeletal base structure.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-01-low.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-01.png)
*click for big*
I've come up with a few extra surprises to go with this base design.
However...I'd like to ask what you all think of the concept first.

Note:
I've already devised a way of incorporating the PROMETHEUSCU logo into the mix - it was simply too complicated for me to be bothered drawing in perspective (at this time).
My intent is to put and LED in between every layer to allow crazy lighting effects
The flat part seen at the very bottom of the illustration acting as a flat base will be the uber carbon panel (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbontest202.jpg), shown earlier.

I'd love to hear your opinions and suggestions on how to add feet to this rig.

Thanks for helping and reading!

Here's my revision 2, but I've been given ideas for a couple other directions to take it which I'm going to sketch out.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-02-LOW.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-02.png)
*click for big*

More designs to come later tonight.

Here is another idea for feet, inspired by the Omen.

All the concepts have a cable management back like the one featured in the picture below - the chunk removed from one corner is for the rear mounted AquaComputer Multiswitch.

In this design we extend the height of the back tray and the front Matrix Orbital Housing.
This also helps by offering a location for the Aquaero to be installed, below the Matrix Orbial Typhoon.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-03-low.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-03.png)


A hybrid of rev2 and rev3:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-04-LOW.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-04.png)


I think I'm going to go ahead with rev4, only some very minor revisions to add to it... and I'll let those be a surprise.


Rev 4 - assembled.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-05-LOW.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-05.png)
*click for big*


I added a splash of colour to the illustration, just to give a better idea of which parts will be made of which material:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-05B-LOW.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-05B.png)
*click for big*

[Langer]

Rest assured that I still have a few tricks up my sleeve with the case feet design, and a few ideas to better integrate the fins along with the rest of the case... but I'm going to leave you all guessing what they are.

I've gotten quite a few questions asking me what software and technique I used to produce my concept Illustrations.

So...

As with my earlier "prototype part illustrations" the case feet concepts were drawn Adobe Illustrator. The images above are not 3D models - like you'd get with Sketchup - they are only 2D perspective illustrations. In fact it would have been easier and faster for me to do these perspective drawings by hand... but everything is just so much cleaner on screen.

I'll post a couple of images tonight showing how the drawings are done. Essentially they are just drawn using the line tool - one line at a time, doing my best to eyeball the proportions while staying true to the perspective.

I do it this way because of two major reasons:
1: I like to do perspective drawings, and I like to leave a certain degree of the design to my own internal vision. When I use 3D apps I find myself letting the program dictate my design, often this happens when trying to conform to the limitations of the tools available in the software.
2:Illustrations like the above depend less on exact dimensions and allow more flexibility (at the cost of time).

The only major disadvantages to 2D illustrations is that when you want another view, or even a subtle camera shift you need to do the drawing over again. Also... drawing curves - like the ones in my first foot revision - is a real pain in the ass, and takes a fair bit of understanding perspective principles.


One minor change... I don't like to add things that don't serve purpose, so in adding fins to the top I had to create purpose.

This is what I came up with - there's a bit more to the whole process, but this should give you the idea:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-05C-LOW.png
*click for big*

I haven't shown this feature yetm because it would be a **** to draw the inlays in perspective, but I'll do my best to explain.
My plan is to cut the PR[/b]OMETHEUSCU logo lettering out - leaving me 3-4" tall solid 1/8" thick copper letters.
Then I want to cut an 1/8" slots into the cross section of the fins. Letting me inlay the lettering perpendicular to the fins.

Ok I got half way though that last bit and figured I could just make a pic in less time:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheusfeetconcept-05C-INLAY.png

Opinions?

forgot to add:

here is how the drawings are made... more or less:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_prometheus-PERSPECTIVE.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-PERSPECTIVE.png)
*click for big*


I got an email a few moments ago from Watercool... and it was very good news.

Production of revision 3.0 of the Watercool Heatkiller CPU block is complete - and it's a thing of beauty.

A huge thanks goes out to Rico, from Watercool, who says they'll be able to ship it out next week.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercoollogo.jpg (http://server3.gs-shop.de/200/cgi-bin/shop.dll?&AnbieterID=3395&rndid=88942651&Seite=frameset.htm&bnr=10164&PKEY=F3A7)

BEHOLD:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-heatkiller-r3-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-heatkiller-r3-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-heatkiller-r3-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-heatkiller-r3-03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-heatkiller-r3-05.jpg

I cannot wait to add this baby to Prometheus... the stainless accents will match perfectly with the existing blocks too.

[Langer]

The black keyboard keys FINALLY arrived, and I'm quite pissed.

The keys fit, they fit really well... small caveat:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keyboard-01-1.jpg

As you can see, some of the black keys are designed with a twist:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keyboard-03.jpg


Normally I'd just scrap the plan, but this was a very expensive plan - that I was uncertain of from the beginning.

I've been running though a bunch of ideas and I've come up with this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keyboard-04.jpg

using an x-acto knife cut away the clips on he bottoms of the black keys, then cut the walls and corners off the existing white keys...ONE BY ONE!


The end result will work well with a few drops of super glue:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keyboard-05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keyboard-06.jpg

If you'll excuse me I have some grumbling and cutting to do.


After 7hrs of straight carving and cutting, and a couple nicks on my fingers I have this:
The 'hollow' black keys:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keyboard-07.jpg

The 'streamlined' white keys:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keyboard-08.jpg

A pile of leftovers:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keyboard-09.jpg

And the tools of the trade:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keyboard-10.jpg
I still have to go get some super glue to hold them all together. The keys actually happen to 'snap' together quite nicely, the 'snap' even holds firmly... but I want glue.

Pics of the case and such will be posted tonight after clean my desk - perhaps tomorrow, if I can't get the light right I'll need the sunshine tomorrow.

[Langer]

One of my parcels arrived today:
First up the super skinny Black Ice Stealth GT 120mm rad that will cool the mosfets/nb/sb.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-rad3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-rad4.jpg

I also got a whole bunch of copper ram sinks that I'll be scattering about the motherboard - for pimp value.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-chip-heatsinks-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-chip-heatsinks-02.jpg

With the unnecessary cooling comes a laptop ram cooler for the Pico-ITX ram.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-Pico-Ram-Cooler-01.jpg

The second loop needed tubing, and I figured 3/8" will more than cover that - my only issue with this tube is that it's a slightly lighter shade of black (also called GREY?!?!? way to drop the ball PPCs!) than my 1/2 tubing... so it will go right into the bin and I'll be ordering more from NCIX (the place where I got my other tubing).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing3.jpg
The flash shows well just how GREY this 'black' tubing is.... useless.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing4.jpg

In an attempt to minimize my tubing lengths i got a few anti kink coils:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-antikink-01.jpg

I also needed some dark nickel plated 3/8" bitspower fittings:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fittings3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fittings4.jpg

I also got some bitspower T fitting for my fill points:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fittings5.jpg

Some G1/4" bitspower male-male adapters:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fittings7.jpg

Two bitspower fillports... that don't have caps... i didn't realize that and I expected some sealed caps and not just though holes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fittings6.jpg

Space constraints need to me replace one of my 133cfm Scythe fans with a slim Yate Loon (super lame company name IMO) fan.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-slim-fan-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-slim-fan-02.jpg

Some thermal grease... anyone have any experience with this stuff in comparison to AS5?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-thermal-grease-01.jpg

And lastly some adhesive thermal pads.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-thermal-pads-01.jpg

Sorry for the crappy pics, lighting is poor in my basement.
Hopefully more updates tomorrow if my next Aquacomputer package arrives.

Thanks for tuning in... tune in tomorrow. Same Bat time, Same Bat channel.



A quick update for you all:

I ordered the cable sleeving today - I couldn't find copper braid to the spec that I wanted and too many people are using plain old PET sleeve, so I went for Nylon.

The nylon sleeve that I will be using (http://cableorganizer.com/nylon-multifilament/#prices) is made to military spec and looks damn sexy IMO.

* UV resistant
* Operating Temp. -49°F to 248°F
* Melt Temp. 250°C / 482°F
* Excellent for sound and rattle control
* Compliant with European Union's Restrictions on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive

NM's fabric-like softness and flexibility hide surprisingly tough specifications. The high coverage sleeving meets or exceeds military specifications MIL-I-47203(MI) and MIL-S-47053(MI). Nylon Multifilament is highly resistant to abrasion, cuts, common automotive and marine chemicals, UV damage and vibration. It will not rot or retain moisture.

The only downside is that I had to order 100-225' of each size as a minimum... so I guess all my future projects will sport this sleeve... and the Buick will get some too.

HERE IS A VIDEO (http://cableorganizer.com/nylon-multifilament/#video)

[Langer]

Another small update.

First up another Scythe Fan:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fans5.jpg

Why 1x fan you ask?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fans4.jpg

Because I only ordered two extra the first time around, and I've allotted room in the final base design for the added height of 6x scythe fans. Delivering ~800CFM - realistically lower of course.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fans6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fans7.jpg

Also I'll be cooling the Alix integrated Linux firewall...because...er...um...those 433MHz Geode's are so... hot?. And it looks cool.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-Alix-Heatsink-01.jpg
Enzotech did a fine shine job on this as well:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-Alix-Heatsink-02.jpg

Lastly my first attempt at purchasing G1/4 plugs was a fail [see left], so I got "plug plugs" [see right]:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fillstop-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fillstop-02.jpg

My fillport#1 - more on how these will be used later:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-fillstop-03.jpg

I've also repainted the keyboard, still needs sanding and more coats but it wont stop raining. Many more keyboard updates to come.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-keyboard-11.jpg

more later.

Thanks for reading.

[Langer]

Update time!

I took delivery of my chipset waterblocks today.

These are courtesy of Mips Computer Germany, these blocks are absolutely beautiful. Mips makes a damn fine product - with service to back it up too.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-mipslogo.jpg (http://www.mips-computer.de/)

I'll let the pics to the talking today:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-chipset-waterblocks-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-chipset-waterblocks-03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-chipset-waterblocks-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-chipset-waterblocks-05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-chipset-waterblocks-06.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-chipset-waterblocks-07.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-chipset-waterblocks-08.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-chipset-waterblocks-09.jpg


Only 1-more waterblock outstanding - and that's the R3.0 CPU block from Watercool. I hope it arrives soon.

More to come. Thanks for reading.

Thanks guys, small update.

I still have to sleeve the tubes with the nylon multifilament sleeving - much of the layout finalization will be done with the copper shrouds that are still not finished. The shrouds will also act as guides that will keep the hoses neat.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-03.jpg

Slight revision, and a tubing diagram.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-04.jpg

[Langer]

The sun is out so I got some better pictures.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-06.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-10.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-12.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-11.jpg


Here is the 'fillport' for the first loop - this will be a bit more complex later on.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-07.jpg

Here is the 'fillport' for the second loop, This T will be swapped for a Q and too will have a bit more added to it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-08.jpg

Here's where the Pico Rad will be mounted:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-09.jpg

Here is a super simplified version of what will -sort of- be happening later.
*click for big*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-13-LOW.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-13.jpg)

I must stress that this is just the beginning, I have quite a few surprises left for this loop.
Also I will note that because of the second loop I'll no-longer be running the blocks in parallel - like my first diagram showed. The added tubes of the second loop kind of ruined that plan.

SO much more coming.
Tune in soon.

[Langer]

I just made another YET ANOTHER order from Performance-PCs today. Now I'm onto the wiring stage, so I finally know what I'll need.

Power Connectors:
4 x Connectx™ SATA 90deg Connector Female - End Cap
4 x Connectx™ SATA 90deg Connector Female - Pass-through Cap
5 x Connectx™ 4-Pin Floppy Connector Female
8 x Connectx™ 6-Pin PCI Express Connector Female
8 x Connectx™ 8-pin PCI Express Connector Female
10 x Connectx™ 3-Pin Fan Connector Female
5 x Connectx™ 3-Pin Fan Connector Male
2 x Connectx™ 24-pin ATX Connector Female
7 x USB 2 X 5 Header Connector Female
Power Pins:
80 x USB Header Female Pins
200 x Connectx™ ATX Female Pins
100 x Connectx™ Molex 4pin Female Pins
100 x Connectx™ Molex 4pin Male Pins
60 x Connectx™ Floppy 4pin Female Pins
Data Cables:
4 x E-SATA II Cable w/ Metal Latch - 6'
4 x SATA II Cable w/ Metal Latch - Straight to 90deg - 18"
2 x A.C. Ryan Dual Internal SATA to eSATA PCI Bracket
Cooling:
36" x PrimoFlex Pro LRT Clear Tubing - 1/2"ID X 3/4"OD
36" x PrimoFlex Pro LRT Clear Tubing - 3/8"ID X 1/2"OD
16 x Clamps for 1/2" Tubing
10 x Clamps for 3/8" Tubing
2 x Bitspower G1/4" Stop Fitting
6 x Bitspower Premium G1/4" Fitting Spacer
1 x Bitspower Rotary "Q" - Dark Nickel Plated
Misc:
10 x Cord Clips 3/8" x 3/8"
24" x Heatshrink 3:1 - 1"ID
50 x Black Aluminum Pop Rivets 1/8" X 1/4"


Suffice to say, there's more coming. Tune in soon.


PS:
In this picture:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_prometheus-tubing-test-12.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-tubing-test-12.jpg)
You can see the difference in colour between the two tubing sizes - the colour difference is much more apparent to the human eye... luckily I'll be sleeving the tubes.

Here in the early hours of the morning I came up with a method of running the ATX and 12V lines between the motherboard and the mobo-tray - only to emerge right next to the PSU. (I even have custom made 1-off wire to do it with)

What I have come up with will involve soldering the power lines right to the mobo.

Also I'll be making a cut though the mobo tray beneath the ethernet port - I intend to solder a second port onto the bottom of the mobo, making it easier to wire the mobo to the Alix router.

Here's a very quick and dirty diagram to roughly show my intent with soldering the ATX and 12V lines to the bottom of the mobo.

I had a short run of 24conductor 18agage 'PrometheusCU edition' ribbon cable manufactured by ITW Pancon especially for this purpose.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-ATX-wire-diagram.jpg


Quickie update:
After a lot of measuring, scoring, snaping, drilling, and filing I have this:


1 down, 1 to go.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-GPU-stealthing-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-GPU-stealthing-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-GPU-stealthing-03.jpg

2of2.
Note that this one was made with a tilt to it to reflect the graphics on the GPU block better.

I've not yet installed it, it's just a friction fit with the ramsinks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-GPU-stealthing-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-GPU-stealthing-05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-GPU-stealthing-06.jpg

[Langer]

First up: I decided on my RAID card.
I'm going with the super capable HighPoint RocketRAID 3510 4channel card.
This is no toy, this is a real enterprise level card with it's own processor and memory - I'll be adding a battery backup unit to this card as well as an added security.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAID-controller-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAID-controller-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-RAID-controller-03.jpg



My cable/tube sleeving has arrived - finally!
I will be using Nylon Multifilament sleeving - built to military grade specifications.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-06.jpg
The 'wire harness' coming out the back of this machine will be manages with DuraWrap sleeving - made from ballistic nylon.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-05.jpg

Here's my order, 2.5"ID durawrap, nylon multifilament sleeving (75' - 225' spools), and 4:1 heatshrink (25' - 50' spools).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-04.jpg

Some crappy pics showing off the goods:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-03.jpg

The quality of this stuff is incredible... and it's very hard to cut (w/o a hot knife). I'm positive that it will definitely suit the build.

I forgot to order 1" heatshrink (but compensated by adding it to my PerformancePCs order which should be here any day) so I can't jump right in and start sleeving my tubes just yet. But I am going to start sleeving the items that I can.

Thanks for reading, more coming soon.

[Langer]

I did a couple of short sleevings tests:
I sleeved the tubing and the anti-kink coils... the sleeving WORTH EVERY PENNY in my mind. The look turned out fantastic.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-07.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-08.jpg


-
-

I'd like to hear your opinions on the look.

Thanks


I decided to do some test sleeving (after all I have a couple extra feet of sleeving).


Still missing the heatshrink, 'tidyness', clamps, and copper antikink rings.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-09.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-10.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-11.jpg

The ripples are anti-kink coils beneath the sleeving. This material doesn't ripple like that. As I stated before once the copper shrouds arrive the case will have a very different look - I'm just testing the materials, learning the best way to use them.

I did a quick sleeve job on a test cable. This 4conductor ribbon is a very tight fit inside the 1/4" sleeve.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-12.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-13.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-sleeving-14.jpg

[Langer]

I get the feeling across my worklogs that some people don't understand that the majority of this case will be shrouded in laser etched, waterjet cut, copper plate.

I've taken the liberty of colouring my part diagrams, and illustrating what they will look like after bending, and assembly.

I hope this helps some of you visualize the final product.

Orange = Copper
Grey = Carbon Fiber

*click for big*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-assembly-LOW.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-assembly.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-bay-shroud-LOW.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-bay-shroud.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-fan-grills-LOW.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-fan-grills.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-feet-fins-LOW.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-feet-fins.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-front-shroud-LOW.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-front-shroud.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-rear-shroud-LOW.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-rear-shroud.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-gfx-shroud-LOW.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-gfx-shroud.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-psu-mount-LOW.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-psu-mount.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-rad-grill-LOW.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-rad-grill.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-rad-shroud-LOW.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-rad-shroud.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-rear-bay-shroud-.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-rear-bay-shroud.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-wall-shroud-LOW.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-cutouts-wall-shroud.jpg)

I hope that helps. =)


Thanks for reading.

[Langer]

Cheers mate.

Quick update:

I WANT THESE!

evil-98 from XtremeSystems is making them... I'm not sure about availability just yet. I can't wait to hear back from him.

here is his thread at XS (http://www.xtremesystems.org/Forums/showthread.php?t=197396&highlight=evil+custom+clamps)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/misc/evil_tubeclamp14.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/misc/evil_tubeclamp15.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/misc/evil_tubeclamp16.jpg

[Langer]

My name is Jesse Lang, and I'm a 21year old graduate of Vancouver Film School - and I'll be returning to VFS this April for another degree.

I'm a big geek and I have been modding just about everything I could get my hands on since I was a little boy.

By trade I am a Motionographer, but I spread out into the world of interface design and experimental user experience stuff as well.

My first project log was my 16 mod eeePC which I completed before the eeePC craze - thats when I got the modding bug really bad. I'n my mind I had been dreaming of another project that would reflect my work on the eeePC, but in a desktop.

After months of designing - fueled by years of backlogged ideas - I started ordering parts with a budget of $4500. I was in school at the time so I had to put off meals to pay for parts.

After just over $3000 I had Prometheus R1.0
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Desktop/th_prometheus-01.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Desktop/prometheus-01.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Desktop/th_prometheus-03.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Desktop/prometheus-03.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Desktop/th_prometheus-10.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Desktop/prometheus-10.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Desktop/th_prometheus-11.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Desktop/prometheus-11.jpg)
After a few months I got some big contract offers so I asked school if I could take a year off. I started making some cash and had the freedom to complete the mod of my dream.

I started with a plan:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Desktop/th_modlabels.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Desktop/modlabels.jpg)

Now, 6months later I've been just about broke consistently but happy as hell.

For now I'd like to invite you all to tune into my thread and enjoy.
I've tied to push the envelope in every possible way with this project - and I'm sure that those of you who take the time to read the thread will like what you see.



One of my goals with PrometheusCU is to incorporate "industry". By this I am referring to the little things about the products we use every day, and the elements of those products that make them feel "factory made".

One of my favorite elements of this project is something that I'm working very hard on to get the right feel. This element is the laser raster engravings of little things like instructions, QC stamps, part numbering, and labels like "cool air intake do not block".

Some people have whipped at my "lack of originality" - I'd just like to agree with them and elaborate. For some years I've been watching many 'mod forums' and all these years I've been watching some of the finest artistry and marvels of engineering I've ever seen unfold. The best part was that many of them were humble folk in basement closets - some were German machinists with Grayskull in their corner. What I'm trying to do with PrometheusCU is incorporate many of my favorite ideas and expand on them - all in one mod. An easy enough task in itself, but making it a seamless 'whole' has made this endeavor mentally taxing in just about every way - for me.

Thanks again.
Fun stuff on the horizon and surprises for all. Stay tuned.

[Langer]

Guess what's coming next?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-atx-power-01.jpg

[Sniper]

I dunno what did you cook up? lol

[RedRaider]

Whatever it is, I'd like it here first.:up: maybe a two-week exclusivity log...

Thanks, for posting your build log here, I freakin love this build.

Rating is pending...:hmm:

[Sniper]

He's soldering the power wires to the back side so they are invisible! Nice idea to!

[Langer]

I'm out of desoldering braid, so I'll have to run out and get some more in a bit here.


I've made the necessary cuts to the motherboard tray.

Perhaps some of you will remember this illustration:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-ATX-wire-diagram.jpg


The cuts correspond with this plan.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-atx-power-02.jpg

[Langer]

I wanted to be done by now... but...

I love my Weller WES51 iron, It's a great unit but it's not getting hot enough. In fact none of my irons are working for me... even the massively overpowered 260WATT Weller D550, and the 40WATT Weller SP40LK.

Do motherboards use some kind of super high temp solder or something?

None of my irons get hot enough to make it properly workable, it just refuses to melt like one would expect it to. Pumps, and braid have very little effect. I've removed about %90 of the solder material from each joint but that last %10 wont budge, it wont even melt and I'm not buying a $600 hot air desoldering station - yet.

I've even tried using my solder to heat the factory solder... no dice.

This is the first time I've ever had this much trouble desoldering - figures this happens to me on the first thing that I'd genuinely prefer not to destroy. haha



Methinks I'll have to use a torch, but first I'm going to see if any of my contacts have any heat flow gear I could borrow.
I seem to recall a buddy of mine having a full blown turbine desoldering station.

I assumed it was wave soldered but I didn't think that they used kryptonite to do it.

I just plugged in my clothes iron and my IR thermometer says it's considerably colder than any of my soldering irons... so there goes that idea.

I think the only way I'm going to get this thing off is to use a soldering torch or a concentrated flow from my heatgun. I'm pretty sure both of these methods are quite likely to destroy the board though. If that's the case then when I get a replacement mobo I'll leave the connectors in place and just solder the wires to the bottom of the pins.



I'm going to wait and see if anyone has any suggestions for me, I've posted this dilemma on about a 12 forums... I guess this will have to wait until tomorrow to see what my fellow geeks have to say.

Pain in the ass.

[Kayin]

Never seen it. I've ripped ports off about six boards, never had that problem.

Yes, all six lived.

That's some toughass shit.

Ever get your raid card?

[Langer]

Not yet. After xmas.

[Sniper]

Man that sux though Langer. Wonder why it's doin that though? hmm Can't be normal solder obviously eh?

[Langer]

I tried..

2 kinds of flux:
-acid flux
-acid free flux

6 different kinds of solder:
-lead
-silver
-tin
-rosnin core
-flux core
-chip quick.

5 soldering irons:
40Watt Weller pencil iron (SP40LK)
50Watt Weller temp controlled station (WES51)
260Watt Weller gun (D550)
40Watt Weller SMT station (WD2000M)
20Watt radioshack cheapo

1 clothes iron

My next step is a butane soldering torch.

Then I try the dremel... seriously

Then if all else fails - new mobo, leave the plugs in place, just solder the wires to the bottom of the board.

[Sniper]

That would work to. If your careful enough you could dremel those out.

[Langer]

My 260Watt soldering gun got up to ~910deg F and that didn't cut it.
Solder normally melts between 400deg F and 800deg F.
The butane torch gets red hot... 2200deg F

Failing all else the Dremel spins diamonds at 30,000RPM...haha

[bigslappy]

Rest assured that I still have a few tricks up my sleeve with the case feet design, and a few ideas to better integrate the fins along with the rest of the case... but I'm going to leave you all guessing what they are.

I've gotten quite a few questions asking me what software and technique I used to produce my concept Illustrations.

So...

As with my earlier "prototype part illustrations" the case feet concepts were drawn Adobe Illustrator. The images above are not 3D models - like you'd get with Sketchup - they are only 2D perspective illustrations. In fact it would have been easier and faster for me to do these perspective drawings by hand... but everything is just so much cleaner on screen.

I'll post a couple of images tonight showing how the drawings are done. Essentially they are just drawn using the line tool - one line at a time, doing my best to eyeball the proportions while staying true to the perspective.

I do it this way because of two major reasons:
1: I like to do perspective drawings, and I like to leave a certain degree of the design to my own internal vision. When I use 3D apps I find myself letting the program dictate my design, often this happens when trying to conform to the limitations of the tools available in the software.
2:Illustrations like the above depend less on exact dimensions and allow more flexibility (at the cost of time).

The only major disadvantages to 2D illustrations is that when you want another view, or even a subtle camera shift you need to do the drawing over again. Also... drawing curves - like the ones in my first foot revision - is a real pain in the ass, and takes a fair bit of understanding perspective principles.


One minor change... I don't like to add things that don't serve purpose, so in adding fins to the top I had to create purpose.

This is what I came up with - there's a bit more to the whole process, but this should give you the idea:
*click for big*

I haven't shown this feature yetm because it would be a **** to draw the inlays in perspective, but I'll do my best to explain.
My plan is to cut the PR[/b]OMETHEUSCU logo lettering out - leaving me 3-4" tall solid 1/8" thick copper letters.
Then I want to cut an 1/8" slots into the cross section of the fins. Letting me inlay the lettering perpendicular to the fins.

Ok I got half way though that last bit and figured I could just make a pic in less time:

Opinions?

forgot to add:

here is how the drawings are made... more or less:
*click for big*


I got an email a few moments ago from Watercool... and it was very good news.

Production of revision 3.0 of the Watercool Heatkiller CPU block is complete - and it's a thing of beauty.

A huge thanks goes out to Rico, from Watercool, who says they'll be able to ship it out next week.

BEHOLD:
I cannot wait to add this baby to Prometheus... the stainless accents will match perfectly with the existing blocks too.

those are SICK blocks

PM me when u get them I want to be the 1st to see them

BTW invite @ your inbox ....

[Langer]

Certainly... but please dont quote so many images.

[Big_Daddy]

Get some solder flux at your local electronics store. Also some good PCB cleaner. It's likely to have a protective film on it, You'll have to clean that, add the solder flux, and your hotest soldering iron.

And they don't have to be $400 Try this (http://webtronics.stores.yahoo.net/esdsacodestc.html) one $120 or this (http://webtronics.stores.yahoo.net/blsodestfort.html) for $150

The last one is 70 watt. if that don't melt it, nothing will.

[bigslappy]

Certainly... but please dont quote so many images.
My bad ! to quick on the trigger ! "Slap" there i just doled out the error of my ways with what i do

[Langer]

LOL... you couldn't be more wrong about the 70watt iron. Thanks anyway though - any other day I would have agreed with you had I not been there myself.

I've learned a few things:

The problem is 3 fold.

1. The board has 7+ layers, the solder has stuck to each of them - and it's very hard to reheat all the layers evenly to get the pins out

2. Because of the size of the board and ASUS's "Stack Cool" technology (an extra layer in the board made from a sheet of copper to help dissipate heat) the board just dissipates the heat across it's surface.

3. Due to new RoHS compliance the board is made from Lead-Free solder which melts at ~1000deg F when applied with the wave soldering method (normal solder melts between 400deg F and 800deg F)


I tried..

2 kinds of flux:
-acid flux
-acid free flux

6 different kinds of solder:
-lead
-silver
-tin
-rosnin core
-flux core
-chip quick.

8 soldering irons:
40Watt Weller pencil iron (SP40LK)
50Watt Weller temp controlled station (WES51)
260Watt Weller gun (D550)
40Watt Weller SMT station (WD2000M)
20Watt radioshack cheapo
Bernzomatic Butane Soldering Iron
Both butane irons in my new kit

1 clothes iron

3 torches:
Bernzomatic Butane torch
Both butane torches in my new kit

----

My 260Watt soldering gun got up to ~910deg F and that didn't cut it.
Solder normally melts between 400deg F and 800deg F.
The butane torch iron got red hot... 2200deg F. (the new one is 2500def F)





My solution:
I'm just going to get a new board and leave the plugs in place. If I had of left the plugs in place from the get-to I wouldn't have had any problems at all. Serves me right... but to be honest I never would have foreseen such problems.


I went to Lee Valley Tools today.
Among other things I got this.

A 10LB BOX OF SAND PAPER FOR $15.00CAD!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/100_1070.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/100_1068.jpg

Everything from 20gritt to 2000gritt.
Quite the amazing deal.

The soldering torch set I got today is much like this one (http://cgi.ebay.ca/STEINEL-77000-Ultimate-Butane-Kit-Torch-Soldering_W0QQitemZ350139375782QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ BI_Soldering?hash=item350139375782&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A16|39%3A1|240%3A1318).

[bigslappy]

that's a nice torch Hmmm me thinks i need that for xmas

[Kayin]

I hate you and your sandpaper box soo much right now.

soo. much.

[Langer]

Lol Kayin. I only got the box because it was cheaper than a pack of 2000grit and it had more sheets of 2000grit than the pack of 2000grit came with.

Lookey what came in the mail today:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-64gb-ssd-07.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-64gb-ssd-08.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-64gb-ssd-09.jpg

The rest of my 64GB G.Skill SSDs

[Langer]

Another delivery.


Switches:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-switches-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-switches-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-switches-03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-switches-04.jpg

[The[R]eaper]

hi i seen your worklog at the other place and am glad you posted it here.

This build is just so.... Epic!

good work man cant wait to see what your gonna do next.

[Spotswood]

Another delivery.
Switches: ...

What are the manufacturer and model #'s of those beauties?

[razorblade]

I hate to bring the drama here, but why are you off of XS? I am beginning to believe that they hate innovation and talent over there...

[Sniper]

I hate to bring the drama here, but why are you off of XS? I am beginning to believe that they hate innovation and talent over there...

Precisely Razor you hit it right on the head! They don't like you having an opinion or sharing it. They want to be able to censor everything you say & control what you do on there. It isn't right at all! they are backing themselves into a corner in the worst of ways & more of there skeletons are coming out of the closet everyday with every move they make.

[Snyxxx]

I hate to bring the drama here, but why are you off of XS? I am beginning to believe that they hate innovation and talent over there...

It also depended on WHOs innovation and WHOs talent deemed worthy.

There is a new found freedom over here at RRR.

[Kayin]

Glad to see that choice.

Feels a lot like Bit with more swearing, no?

[Langer]

@The[R]eaper - Thanks a lot man, as for plans... more of them than I can remember, lol.

@Spotswood - I got them performance PC's. No visible markings.

@razorblade - For reasons already stated. I like it here better *pulls up a chair*.

@Sniper & Snyxxx - Precisely! And to be honest most of it wasn't target towards myself - but I've been watching for a very long time... and it's childish. All the good minds of this little hobby (lol.. little hobby and I'm still broke... I should have taking up matcbook collecting) have moved over here anyway.

@Kayin - hahahaha, perfect analogy.

[smee]

.....I should have taking up matcbook collecting) have moved over here anyway.

And you'd still be broke!!!
xD mac's are so frikkin expensive. :haha:

Lol anyways, VERY NICE build man, this is truly amazing. :up:

Keep it up!!

[Cutless009]

What are the manufacturer and model #'s of those beauties?

If ur looking for quality switches, check out Schurter, they carry the nicest switches Ive ever seen, and they have latching action switches as well (for using push-button momentary switches as on-off instead of momentary)

[Kayin]

Those look to be Bulgin delrin switches. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Cutless009]

Your wrong, you didnt look far enough, check these out no delrin in sight, very high quality tactile momentary switches with optional latching action relays built in:

http://www.schurterinc.com/estore/merchant.ihtml?cid=352&step=2

[Langer]

Quick drop in:

I'm headed north for x-mas some what unexpectedly.

My grandfather is due to pass-on any day now and I'd like to see him one last time, so I'll be gone until the 30th.

Solong folks. Have a very merry christmas.

[Xilikon]

Take care of yourself and happy christmas ;)

[smee]

Yes, take care man. Hope your father has a peaceful fall. :)
Merry Christmas.

[Henrik Pejer]

This is one crazy build... Good crazy, of course. I'll be looking for the next update. Amazing!

[Langer]

Thanks a lot folks! I appreciate all the very kind words of support.

My Grandpa is still kicking, even the doctors say he should be in the Guinness book.

About 15yrs ago he was diagnosed with a severe form of Alzheimer's called Picks(sp?). At this point in time he is all but completely brain dead.

He's been in intensive care at a psychiatric hospital for the past few years.
Last year before Christmas we decided not to replace his pace-maker battery - and we were told that once the battery dies so would he... that battery died a year ago now and he's still fighting.

Seeing him now was heartbreaking to say the least. He is on a morphine drip to stay off the pain, he's on oxygen because his lungs are dieing, and he's bed ridden with a 24hr nurse.

He has an average heartbeat of about ~20BPM!!! and is still kicking.

He's always been one of the toughest SOB's I've ever met, and even in the final moments of his life that stands true.

I'm very happy to have seen him one last time - as it's only a matter of time now.
By all medical definitions he should have passed over a year ago, recently he took a turn for the worse and was given only a few days... and now it's nothing short of miraculous that he's still with us.

[coolmiester]

WOW, kinnda puts things into perspective doesn't it.

All the best to you and yours Langer in these obviously difficult times and cheers for sharing.

[Eternalightwith]

What is Bit?

Glad to see that choice.

Feels a lot like Bit with more swearing, no?

[Kayin]

Bit-tech.net, where we're both members.

[Eternalightwith]

Hey Lange,

Is that motherboard tray able to be had as a replacement part? I want to buy just that piece.

as far as desoldering, the atx pins. or whatever you're trying to pull out.
Why not make a jig for holding your Motherboard and then drilling out the spots on a drill press.

Just gotta be carefull the bit doesn't slip. Hence the jig and taking your time.

Edit: Opps, One little word is all it takes to mist-communicate. :rolleyes:
I meant the copper MB tray.

Edit2: You can have it Cutless

[Langer]

Thanks fellas!
and to eternallight - I've ordered a new board, and mastered the pin removal technique - I see no issues in my future. =) I made sure to kill this board properly with the use of a cutting torch on the atx pins (just for fun), but if you want it its yours - PM me.

I came back from by brief 'holiday' to have this baby waiting for me:

A custom PrometheusCU edition Watercool Heatkiller rev3.0... and DAMN!!! this block is a work of art - the internals alone are dead nuts perfect.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercool-heatkiller-10.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercool-heatkiller-11.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercool-heatkiller-12.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercool-heatkiller-13.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercool-heatkiller-14.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercool-heatkiller-15.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-watercool-heatkiller-16.jpg

More soon, I'm just getting back into the groove of things on my end.

[Cutless009]

Lookin GOOD man, I love this project.

Ill take that mobo if you wouldnt mind, I need something to practice on myself. Let me know man.

[Chicken Patty]

^^^ those blocks look insane, great work. Subscribed.

[breezyjr]

Langer.... Dude, this is one of the best builds I've ever seen.... :up:

Not only do you have some mad mod skillz... but I couldn't have even "planned" something like this. Amazing simply doesn't do this build justice.

I can't wait to see it finished.

On a separate note, as I paramedic, I too can't believe your grandfather is still going.... I can only imagine the stories he's told, and the things he's seen and done to be such a tough SOB.... :up: This may sound strange, but if you see him again before he passes, I would suggest you whisper in his ear and tell him, it's ok to go. I can only guess the family has prepared for this, and are ready for him to be in a better place.... It may sound weird, but after 13 years in EMS, and nearly a lifetime in medicine (literally, been helping my mom, a nurse, since I was 10 or 11 years old), you'd be surprised at what the human spirit can endure..... he may want to hear it from someone that it's ok to go....

Hope all goes well for you, in this project, and in life....!!!

Joe_Breezy

[Cutless009]

Woah I just read back over this, Im so sorry I missed about your grandfather, Im so sorry to hear about him man, that sucks, Id say I hope he gets better but, it doesnt seem very likely :(

[Chicken Patty]

Woah I just read back over this, Im so sorry I missed about your grandfather, Im so sorry to hear about him man, that sucks, Id say I hope he gets better but, it doesnt seem very likely :(

I 2nd that, i missed it as well, best wishes to him dude!!!

[just a noob]

old people are probably the toughest bastards you will ever know, i had a great great aunt that got ran over a car that lived happily for a while

[Langer]

I hear that.

Joe... the story of Grandpas life is the most incredible tale I've ever heard - i cannot begin to explain. I hope to have a friend of mine write a film script one day.

Here's the coles notes version of the life of Helmut Alexus Lang.
German raised child - born in austria.
Father was SS, and killed in front on grandpa by Russian soldiers.
Was raised in SS youth program against his will.
Ran away and work his ass off at 16 to come to Canada working on a boat - where he changed his name to Alex Ferdinand Lang to avoid being tracked down (Ferdinand was his father's name).
He lived in Montreal, and built planes for the war effort there and eventually in Toronto.
During the depression he worked on the rail road to make it to Vancouver where he became a farmer.
Tough times lead him back to Ontario where he worked in Toronto building planes years.
Eventually he earned enough money and tracked down and brought his 3 younger brothers over to Canada to start a new life.
Unfortunately the rest of his family was trapped behind the iron curtain and he didn't hear from them for over 25years.
He met my grandma - Rose- in Toronto - she was a hairdresser and tats how they met.
They moved north and struggled for many years where he worked at a Urnaium mine (where we all assume the Alzhiemer's roots started).
They made some cash and got a motel in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario (7hrs north of Toronto by car).
From there my old man came along, and my uncle. The motels did very well and he was successful.
In 1997 we tracked down the rest of the family and brought them here from Germany where he was reunited with his sisters and my great grandma - Kunigunda Lange who lived over a century and worked on a farm for the socialists for most of her life.
The rest of the story writes itself - he started to become a bit forgetful and it all went down hill - a tragic end to a magnificent life.

And to think how much I fucking bitched about walking to school in the show as a child. Haha - my generation has no fucking clue what 'hard work' is.

[just a noob]

yeah really, my great uncle whom is still kicking said that he and my grandfather used to blow up tree stumps, and make craters in the ground with home made gunpowder as kids, my grandpa farmed almost all his life, he would never take anything into a shop to have it fixed, my great uncle fought in the korean war when he was 17 or 18, never did graduate from highschool, one of my great aunts just recently passed away, but she had cancer 4 times before, and this time she ended up being terminal, so we all knew it was a matter of time

[Sniper]

Langer I Pray for you & your Grandfather. May his suffering & yours soon be at an end. I know from experience there's nothing more heart wrenching than to see your loved ones in this way. I think I see now your determination with this build to be the best that you can make it. May his legacy live on through you. Peace be with you & your family.

[bianco]

admirable work on your system Langer...
and much respect on your grandfather's achievements.

damn diseases... the cancer that took my father made me fold.

[Septim]

Langer sorry to hear about your grampa's condition. At least he lived his life to the fullest, made beautiful memories that you and every member of your family could share.

its real life stories like this that made me do WCG and F@H, because i believe that every computational powers our rigs contribute would make a difference someday if not now...

Langer nice build btw. looking forward to it coming alive...

[bentleya]

Langer you also need an award, cos this is 100% Custom

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/skiaaron/bentleya%20awards/bentleya_Award_100CUSTOM.png

[Langer]

aaah geez :blush:

Thanks fellas I really appreciate the very kind words of support.

Here's where I've been:
I'm talking with a contact of mine about laser raster etching the Mips blocks with the PrometheusCU logo to match the rest - I'll have to buy some nickel plate first to run some tests as buddy has no experience rastering nickel.

Nothing to over-the-top, but just enough engraving to give it that manufactured feel.

I've also ordered a new M3N-HT motherboard for take 2 of the soldering process.

I've figured out how to go though the entire soldering process now -with the guidance of mod god Markkleb- so I should have no issues. In my defense I didn't end up killing first board with soldering - it wasn't until I took a cutting torch to it that the layers stated to separate and even then the damage was mild.

The payment cleared yesterday, so NCIX should be posting that soon, along with the HighPoint 3510 RAID card and RAID battery backup unit.

I've also FINALLY found a free source for my watercutting needs. My fathers company has a branch in California and they have an array of waterjet machines.
I'll be shipping my copper plate down there in the coming weeks.


On a completely off-topic note, some of you may have heard about my endeavors to produce my own line of modular cases for the 21st century.
I've finally come to a braking point and I now have a Chinese manufacturer that is willing to produce my parts to MY SPECS. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find a cost effective manufacturing source in China that can actually build to a high quality standard... because I demand perfection.

What this means is that my initial plans of having my 'revolutionary cases' ready in the next 18months could likely be pushed forward to <12months. I've poured 2 years of research and design into this commercially available line of cases, and countless thousands of hours (picking the minds of engineers from all over the world including HP, ASUS, Boeing, Channel Well, and several chemical and mechanical engineers at my fathers Carbon Fiber company). I think I've finally come up with something truly unique made from Aluminum, carbon fiber**, and radiant acrylic - the best part is the price will compete with the existing high end cases from lili, coolermaster, and mm.
**The carbon used in my cases will use a %100 unique polymer resin, and a custom blend of military grade carbon fibers. Yielding an IMMENSELY strong material.

What you'll be able to do is choose which "modules" -from a collection of about 28 with more coming- you will require. You'll then be able to assemble your own case in your own layout - there are well over 10,000 possible combinations by my count. Built to suit everything from low-cost simple systems to SERIOUS overkill watercooled and phasechange rigs.


I'm sorry about my lack of actuall updates but as you can see I've been pulled in several directions this past month - but I do have some new updates coming soon.

[bentleya]

Right i am defo getting one of them cases :) i would kindly take a pre production version and mod it for when your real ones are realsed :)

[grumpy]

Awesome Langer, nice to see a Canadian custom case builder. Cant wait to see them for sale.:slobber:

[Langer]

I'm not sure if I was clear:
I'm not mass producing project Prometheus...that's my baby... hands off! lol

My case design for production is VERY VERY VERY different than any other case out there.
It's like the lego of case designs.

[andersson.j]

I've been looking for an excuse to build a new rig and your case might finally push me over the edge. I know from Prometheus that you have excellent taste and your choice of materials and the modularity sounds perfect. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you manage to release it sooner rather than later.

You mention that we could have heard about it before, where might one read more about it? Although I completely understand if you don't want to release any more details, not when you've invested so much time.

[Langer]

I haven't released any additional details at this time. The above is more or less all I have to share at this time. Even though the design is together the project is still in it's infancy - only in the past month has it progressed to me searching for manufacturing.

When the time comes I'll guarantee that you'll know it's here. =) Thanks for the interest.

[bentleya]

good :) and i will bombard you with pm's to let me mod one :) before they hit shelfs

[Metal]

Lets see the cases now dude I need to see them now!

[zlojack]

Hey Langer...a question for you.

Is the Heatkiller base flat, or bowed?

[Langer]

The base of the Heatkiller appears to be finished with a fly-cutter. This would be a very difficult tool to get an accurate bow with. Which leads me to believe it is flat, because Watercool would know this is the wrong method.

However, as I told RedRaider yesterday, bowed heat spreaders are usually made from cast metal, where the Heatkiller is made of billet copper. Billet copper has better thermal properties than cast copper because it's molecular structure is more uniform.

IMO you should give your CPU and waterblock a good lapping before use anyway.

[Cutless009]

The base of the Heatkiller appears to be finished with a fly-cutter. This would be a very difficult tool to get an accurate bow with. Which leads me to believe it is flat, because Watercool would know this is the wrong method.

However, as I told RedRaider yesterday, bowed heat spreaders are usually made from cast metal, where the Heatkiller is made of billet copper. Billet copper has better thermal properties than cast copper because it's molecular structure is more uniform.

IMO you should give your CPU and waterblock a good lapping before use anyway.


I thought you couldn't lap an EK Supreme flat without going through the base?

[Xilikon]

Thanks Langer, I think this is what make the Heatkiller a better performer than the EK Supreme if you lap the cpu ihs, which most enthusiasts will do for sure.

[Baleful]

I thought you couldn't lap an EK Supreme flat without going through the base?

I don't believe you can on the Supreme. By the time you get the supreme lapped, you would have eaten through the bottom of the base pretty much.

[Langer]

I'd rather lap both surfaces myself than trust the waterblock will match my IHS perfectly.

At least with lapping you can be sure that you've eliminated the faults, and are maximizing the advantages of your block.

[just a noob]

hey langer, any idea how those gskill ssd's will perform in raid zero? compared to something like four velociraptors in raid zero?

[Langer]

No idea yet, I haven't assembled the beast yet.

[Septim]

i'd like to see this build all assembled and running soon... this should be an awesome site to behold...

[Langer]

You and me both Septim. lol

Unfortunately I'm waiting on my metal (copper) and carbon fiber pieces to be cut/engraved/bent.
Fortunately I found a -free- source for this work just last week while I was in California and it'll be getting done over the next few weeks.

The system is actually pretty close to completed assembly. I just need the structural elements before I can continue any further.

[Septim]

hehe, no ghetto box for prometheus... more parts arriving is always good...

[Langer]

I snapped some quick pics of the new hardware and replacement motherboard (I've actually had this stuff for about a week now). I'll be flying north this afternoon.

Here's the Highpoint RocketRAID 3510 with a Highpoint BBU-03 battery backup unit installed:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-highpoint-rocketraid--1.jpg

Here's a closeup of the BBU-03:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-highpoint-bbu-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-highpoint-bbu-02.jpg

The SSD's that it will drive:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-highpoint-rocketraid-351.jpg

The new motherboard:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-asus-m3n-ht-deluxe-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-asus-m3n-ht-deluxe-05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-asus-m3n-ht-deluxe-06.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-asus-m3n-ht-deluxe-07.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-asus-m3n-ht-deluxe-08.jpg

NB:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-asus-m3n-ht-deluxe-03.jpg

SB:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-asus-m3n-ht-deluxe-02.jpg

My favorite feature, ExpressGate:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-asus-m3n-ht-deluxe-04.jpg
Cheesy ExpressGate video from ASUS:
w41vS3UcZdk

[Odin Eidolon]

cant wait to see that raid array running!

how well does that block perform against the good ol' supreme/fuzion/GTZ? i am thinking of getting one, it isnt too expensive too.

[Langer]

The Watercool Heatkiller 3.0 is ~89.90euro and it's the best block out there.

It's a similar design to the Supreme, but superior across the board.

They are very tough to find here in NorthAmerica, but more than worth their costs.

[Odin Eidolon]

The Watercool Heatkiller 3.0 is ~89.90euro and it's the best block out there.

It's a similar design to the Supreme, but superior across the board.

They are very tough to find here in NorthAmerica, but more than worth their costs.

oh, nice. but whats the performance and structure difference between those 3?

http://www.caseking.de/shop/catalog/Watercooling/CPU-Watercoolers/CPU-Coolers-Watercool/Watercool-HEATKILLER-CPU-Rev30-775-%A0::11662.html

http://www.caseking.de/shop/catalog/Watercooling/CPU-Watercoolers/CPU-Coolers-Watercool/Watercool-HEATKILLER-CPU-Rev30-775-LT::11660.html

http://www.caseking.de/shop/catalog/Watercooling/CPU-Watercoolers/CPU-Coolers-Watercool/Watercool-HEATKILLER-CPU-Rev30-775-LC::11721.html

thanks!

[Langer]

CU has more channels in it's base plate, it's solid copper, and it has a plastic flow insert.
LT is mostly plastic, lowering it thermal capacity.
LC (assumed to mean 'low cost') has about 1/2 as many channels and again is mostly plastic.

There are several threads dedicated to the discussion of the heatkiller block over in the Watercool section of the Vendor Forums here on RRR. Search!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/heatkiller-performance.png

[zlojack]

Langer, I thought the LT had the same base and structure with the only change being the material? That's what I got from the translations I read on their website. :D

[Langer]

I think you may be right actually Jack. Let me check.

Yup same base.

[Xilikon]

I never saw anything telling the LT is cut off from the CU. The difference is the top material. The LC is indeed a neutered version.

The reason CU performed slighty better than the LT in a review I saw is because the whole block is copper so the top help increase surface area for indirect heat from the base then cooled by the contact of the top with water. There is no difference in the guts in terms of design and flow path.

[Odin Eidolon]

thanks for the info langer. i tried google but had no luck. if even the LC outperforms the supreme it will be for sure my next block. i love the black colour scheme too!

[rubidium]

What mode of RAID are you planning on running with those SSD's? I'll be interested in seeing your performance benchmarks for that array. I have an 8-port Areca card sitting idle on the shelf, and the thought about experimenting with SSD's in an array keeps passing through my head.

Also, do you happen to know the MTTF of those drives?

rubidium

[Septim]

i would Raid 0+1 if only running SSDs for OS purposes...

[Kayin]

Where's my update?

[Xilikon]

/update hound on

WHERE'S THE UPDATE, GIMME ME MY DAILY DOSE!!

/update hound off

[Langer]

Hahaha, lol I guess I could have seen this coming.

@Rubidium - I'll be running the drives in RAID 10 - they'll be the only drives in the system and they will hold the OS and the small handful of apps that I'll be installing. If MTTF means MTBF then its +1500000.

As for the rest of you lot... I'm working on many arms of this project in my down time right now. I just have no physical design breakthroughs to share with you - yet.
Several updates coming soon, within the coming weeks.

[Xilikon]

Hahaha, lol I guess I could have seen this coming.

@Rubidium - I'll be running the drives in RAID 10 - they'll be the only drives in the system and they will hold the OS and the small handful of apps that I'll be installing. If by MTTF you meant MTBF then its +1500000.

As for the rest of you lot... I'm working on many arms of this project in my down time right now. I just have no physical design breakthroughs to share with you - yet.
Several updates coming soon, within the coming weeks.

If you don't want us hounding you for update, you should have kept your mouth shut :p

No worries, a project of this scale take lots of planning and time to get it to where you want it to be :crack:

[zlojack]

Envergure? Ha ha ha...nice one Xil.

[Langer]

Envergure?

[zlojack]

Envergure?
It's a French word. In this case I'd take it for "scope"

It sort of describes a big deal, I suppose.

[Xilikon]

It's a French word. In this case I'd take it for "scope"

It sort of describes a big deal, I suppose.

Scale actually as the proper translation :crack: :crazy::fight13::ohnoes::imstupid::slapass:

[Langer]

This project now encompasses many scales.

[zlojack]

Scale actually as the proper translation :crack: :crazy::fight13::ohnoes::imstupid::slapass:

Well...scale and scope are synonyms...so we're both right :bird::moon::crack::p

[Langer]

Fucking francophones... lol


Are you both from Quebec?

[Xilikon]

Fucking francophones... lol


Are you both from Quebec?

I am. Zlojack is just a english bloke :D

[elite.ire]

any updates langer ? :(

[Langer]

I'm afraid not, none that I can share yet anyway.

I'm working, but facing production delays.

[elite.ire]

ahh :(, thats unfortunate,
any ideas on a timescale for the pieces ?

[smee]

*taps foot* ;)

[Langer]

In the spirit of progress, I decided to change my fittings and tubing style and configuration to accommodate the new reservoirs.

I made a "small" AquaTuning.de (http://aquatuning.de/) order just now:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/AquaTuningOrder.png



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/AquaComputerLogo.png (http://shop.aquacomputer.de/product_info.php?products_id=2285)
and as I mentioned I also have 2 of these puppies en-route as well...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/AquaComputer-CopperTube-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/AquaComputer-CopperTube-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/AquaComputer-CopperTube-03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/AquaComputer-CopperTube-04.jpg
With special thanks to Shoggy from Aquacomputer for giving me the heads up on their re-release (I pleaded with him several months back for a pair of these reservoirs... so I'm elated to see them available again).



More stuff to fit into this already jam packed case. I may only be able to fit one of these reservoirs into Prometheus... but not a big deal I'll be happy to have a spare "copperTube" in my collection of parts.

---

Some of you may be wondering why I don't just use my router for all the cutting?
Answer - the router is old and out of alignment and one of the motors is burned out... that is until last week. An engineer friend of mine had experience with such things so I put him to work.
I'll be cutting my own parts again - but this time with a capable machine.
Before it was unlevel - didn't travel smoothly - a motor was burned out - and it was a decade out of service... this time it's all calibrated and ready to go and I actually have time allocated to finishing.
I have everything for this project complete and waiting... once I get the actual structural elements done it wont be more than a week to + build + plug in + test + tweak + cry.

Today I spent the afternoon in the shop preparing my drawings and the machine for cutting. I'll be going back to the shop Monday/Tuesday to complete cutting of the FINAL carbon parts.

TUESDAY there will be much progress. Stay tuned until then. ;)

[Odin Eidolon]

you call that small order. with a mall order you spend what i spend on a huge order LOL. cant wait to see tha case with the reservoirs installed. great work!

[Septim]

gorgeous...

[Langer]

In the spirit of the 'RealRedRaider forums' overkill style that I've come to love and appreciate I've decided to step up my fans, and with them my fan controller...

I emailed Sidewinders for a quote on the below just a few moments ago:
: I revised my order - swapped the AFB1212SHE fans for AFB1212GHE models instead (the difference between the two is 151.85 vs 240.96cfm)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/SidewinderOrder-rev2.png

The thermal material and cleaner is for another unrelated project.

[Septim]

hmm i assume you already have ear protectors...

[Odin Eidolon]

240 cfm. lol

[BDW88]

I have that Fan controller Langer it makes my San's squeal and my Delta's tick like crazy!

[Langer]

I've read that and it's a concern - what Deltas are you running?
One thing that appeals to me about the AFB's that I ordered is that they apparently handle being 'undervolted' better than some of the other Delta offerings. I hope that will help things work in my favor. Gary from Sidewinders told me that he's successfully tested these fans on this controller with positive results.

Worst case scenario I start hounding Rubidium to work out the specifics of a high current fan controller for me. ;) lol

[ballz0r]

i like where this is heading :)

[BDW88]

I was using the AFB1212SHE it ticks like crazy, I tried it with 2 fans per channel then 1 fan per it starts ticking at anything below full blast on that controller.

For some reason when I hooked up some Yates med speed, 3 fans per channel or Sycthe F's they worked fine go figure..

[mcoffey]

I have that Fan controller Langer it makes my San's squeal and my Delta's tick like crazy!

Makes every fan I've tried squeel like a pig. Yate, SAN's, Zalamans, Flex's. It
s a horrible controller. Thru mine is the drawer.

If it's not to late, I'd cancel the order for that FC-2, and get another one. Hell, if you want one bad enough, I'll seel you mine.

andyc

[zlojack]

I just grabbed two Rheobus Extremes for my new build. I'm going to have to figure out what to do about the obnoxious LEDs, but my current Rheobus has done quite well with my fans.

[Langer]

I wont care too much if the rheostat fails me TBH, worst case I can add it to my ever growing parts collection.

Gary said he tried it on these fans with positive results. However I'm not against making my own controller if it comes to it.

[mcoffey]

I just grabbed two Rheobus Extremes for my new build. I'm going to have to figure out what to do about the obnoxious LEDs, but my current Rheobus has done quite well with my fans.


Yep, that's what I'm using on my main build, and it runs the 12 rad box fans perfectly.

andyc

[Langer]

They only go 30w, what about the 48w spike?

[Luddha]

This build is kickass, I can't wait for next update.

[Langer]

@Luddha - Thanks man, pics come Weds.

@Kayin - I haven't been to the shop much since the machine was installed. but I'm going there tomorrow morning first thing to CNC Router all my carbon parts.

I made a 'few' revisions to the part designs over the past week.
I've settled on the -absolute- FINAL design for this project.

I'll give you a taste below in the form of my Concept drawings, but you'll have to visualize the bends yourself... As for where these parts are going to be installed - you'll just have to wait and see if you can't already.

Black Lines = Cuts.
Dotted Lines = Bends.
Grey Lines = Rastering.

48" x 48" = 2mm copper plate
*click for big ~3000px*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_COPPER-FINAL.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/COPPER-FINAL.jpg)

36"x 36" = 1mm 'Rigid' Aerospace Milspec Carbon
*click for big ~3000px*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_CARBON-1-FINAL.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/CARBON-1-FINAL.jpg)

36"x 48" = 1.58mm 'Ultra Rigid' Aerospace Milspec Carbon
*click for big ~3000px*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_CARBON-2-FINAL.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/CARBON-2-FINAL.jpg)

Illustration showing how Carbon and Copper come together - minus the raster etchings.
*click for big ~3000px*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_COPPER-COLOR-FINAL.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/COPPER-COLOR-FINAL.jpg)

Comments are welcome as always. Pictures follow Wednesday.

[HESmelaugh]

Love those illustrations. Can't wait to see the actual parts. :)

[BDW88]

Damn Langer you are the man!

When can we see you punch out some custom rad grills :D

[TedShred]

wow, those plans look great. I think the copper/black combo will look just superb.

[Langer]

Update... the cutting is going extremely well.

The freshly tuned CNC router is running like new and the cuts are perfect.
I should have most if not all of the carbon fiber parts ready tomorrow evening.

The only drawback is that CF eats through carbide like butter - hence the reason why I was hoping for water or later cutting. I'm using 1/16" high grade 2 flute cutters - every 100inches or so I have to adjust the height to use a fresh sharp spot on the cutter.

I'll go though a few cutters before the day is done methinks. =)

Stay tuned! Exciting sexy CF bling, and perhaps some "quality" blackberry videos of the router in action coming soon =).

I know I'm excited... it's been too long in the making.

[Langer]

Here you go... the least exciting thing you'll see all year!

Lol, I took this last night late when the machine was just drilling holes.

The quality of the video is below sub-par but I'll take some better shots today when it's light out (I had a spot light balanced on my shoulder for the video below, lol) and when the machine is doing more than drilling holes.

VIDEO (http://vimeo.com/3745536)

Its not much, but enjoy.

[Kayin]

PM me when you get a chance, I got a question for ya about you and that mill...

[BDW88]

Awesome stuff Langer!!!

Wished I had that machine I would make all kinds of custom billet stuff!

Imagine a Candy red Ascension with polished billet aluminum rad grills, the

possibility's are endless.

[Langer]

@Kayin - Do you want to know about my new Mill with digital read and autofeed? my router shown above? or my 5-axis CNC mill? PM yourself you lazy sob! haha, jks. Throw me a PM with your queries, I'll respond promptly.

@BDW88 - Thanks a lot mate. Unfortunately the router was down for the count for quite some time... I used it to cut the aluminum parts but they were all out of wack. One of the motor control boards was fried... among other things. I'll outline it below.

The router is no small potatoes, the machine has a 12'x6' footprint, and it's mostly made of billet aluminum. It's 9yrs old, but a few weeks ago it got a serious overhaul ($$$$$), it got new motors, bearings, bushings, a couple new gears, and a whole new control system - it's been upgraded from a 2.5axis router (left/right and up/down but not both together) to a full 3axis (up/down/left/right no problem, so now I can make complex curves).


I'm sorry for the crappy quality but I left my camera at home when I left to play in the shop for 3days.

I've completed cutting all of these parts:
36"x 36" = 1mm 'Rigid' Aerospace Milspec Carbon
*click for big ~3000px*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_CARBON-1-FINAL.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/CARBON-1-FINAL.jpg)

I've already programmed and downloaded these to the machine, they will be cut next mon/tues:
36"x 48" = 1.58mm 'Ultra Rigid' Aerospace Milspec Carbon
*click for big ~3000px*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_CARBON-2-FINAL.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/CARBON-2-FINAL.jpg)


And these will be cut shortly thereafter:
48" x 48" = 2mm copper plate
*click for big ~3000px*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_COPPER-FINAL.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/COPPER-FINAL.jpg)

I'll upload the part pics tomorrow when the sun's out and I can get decent pics - CF doesn't photograph easily... sunshine helps a lot.

For now, I give you crappy cell phone pics and videos of the cutting in action. Believe it or not all these years and this is the first time I've actually taken advantage of a cell camera - you'll notice this inexperience in my sideways videos... lol.

First, here are some pics I took of the router a while back:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-router01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-router02.jpg

Photos:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-RouterInAction-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-RouterInAction-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-RouterInAction-03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-RouterInAction-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-RouterInAction-05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-RouterInAction-06.jpg

Videos:
VIDEO 2 (http://vimeo.com/3756495)
VIDEO 3 (http://vimeo.com/3756504)
VIDEO 4 (http://vimeo.com/3756513)
VIDEO 5 (http://vimeo.com/3756517)


-


More updates and MUCH BETTER PHOTOS coming soon.

[ballz0r]

woah nice gear!!!

[Langer]

Here are some preliminary shots of the CF cutouts. I need to recut one of the panels below due to flaws but that's no big deal.
There are still a few pcs left waiting on the router - I forgot them at the shop.

I'll debur the edges over the next couple evenings to ensure a smooth finish.



Without further ado - some teaser shots to whet your pallets:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-1-01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-1-02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-1-03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-1-04.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-1-05.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-1-06.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-1-07.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-1-08.jpg

More pics later.

[sidewinder]

This thread delivers wholesome DIY goodness with sloppy seconds. I am not worthy! <bows down>

[Septim]

nice equipment... more pictures is a must...

[Langer]

Here's some more pics:


Test fit w/ fans and LEDs:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-1-09.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-1-10.jpg

This will be the Aquatube mount... I love my router - these babies fit so snugly together its unreal:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-1-11.jpg

Example of the SSD mount - they're being held with some double sided tape for the time being:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-1-13.jpg
Keep in mind the drive bay will be encased with copper - here's a rough preview of the final result:
*click for big*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_drives.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/drives.jpg)

Heres the new pump mount... this is just an alignment test, there will be spacers and foam later:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-1-12.jpg

[BDW88]

All I can say is WOW!!! :omg:

[Langer]

Thanks a lot mate. ;)

as for the rest of you slugs... almost a 100 views yesterday and only 1 comment.

What gives? :(:confused:

[Kayin]

You didn't read MY update, did you.

I'm busy with rewiring the house for one, and for two getting everything ready for my new shipment of toys...

Besides, I had a 24" monitor I just had to stare at. Seeing as it finally came home with me...

[bianco]

finally got over my envy and can comment now...
:p j/k

really awesome Langer!

[Baleful]

Looking good man, can't wait to see the final product.

[rubidium]

Thanks a lot mate. ;)

as for the rest of you slugs... almost a 100 views yesterday and only 1 comment.

What gives? :(:confused:

Hard to type in a comment when the drool is drenching your keyboard. This is simply superb work ...
rubidium

[Chicken Patty]

Hard to type in a comment when the drool is drenching your keyboard. This is simply superb work ...
rubidium

double that.

Love the mobo tray, and the small fans with the LED is just :eek:

[elite.ire]

wow man, thats awesome work :o, i wish i had access to those machines, and your skill to work with them :D:D

[Langer]

Lol, I see the bitching made you all crawl out form the darkness eh? Hahaha.

@Kayin - Just read it earlier mate. I look forward to the arrival of your new kit - are you trying for a quad core unlock?

@binaco - Thanks man.

@Baleful - You have no idea how much i too await that day. Thanks.

@rubidium - Haha. Thanks man, you've inspired my next project to focus around 4x8core optys when they appear.

@Chicken Patty - There will be over 100 white LEDs and 12BlinkM RGB leds controlled by arduino when alls said and done.

@elite.ire - I'm still a big noob on the router - it recently got a big upgrade so it's like starting from square 1 and learning all over.

[Chicken Patty]

100 white LED's??? Oh lord this is going to be awesome.

[Kayin]

Yeah, I'm working with MSI and a few BIOS modders on an unlock.

[Langer]

Very cool. Looking forward to it. Keep me apprised ;)

[Langer]

Which of you sob's dropped the 1 star rating on me? Haha.

Below is a little taste of things to come this evening...
I spent all day yesterday and most of today cutting these babies - at the sacrifice of many a 1/8" end mills.

This is just a teaser - I'll post some more later.

Here are the three different kinds of fins that will line the side of the case, from left to right: end fins x4, middle finsx40, support finsx8
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-2-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-2-02.jpg

Here is all 58 fins (a few extra just in case).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-2-03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-2-04.jpg

Remember that keyboard I was modding a while back... I finally got its finishing piece. This is the bottom of the keyboard.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-2-05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-2-06.jpg

[Cutless009]

scrumptious.

[Kayin]

Box of toys should be here today...

[Langer]

Goodie!

You know you're getting too complicated with your design when your 'test fit' takes you an hour to setup...

More teasing below:

This was just a 'quick' mock-up using coat hangers to hold the pins in alignment. The final setup will have additional support below the 'pretty bottom plate' that the fins are slotted into. There will be a piece cut from 8.5mm thick carbon plate in the exact same cutout pattern as the 'pretty bottom plate' that will offer more support for the fins and also more bottom stability.

Enough chit chat... here are the pics:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-2-07.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-2-08.jpg
There are 3 different types of fins that will be positioned in specific places in final construction.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-2-09.jpg
You can see the random order - this was done just to make sure all the fins fir properly... oddly enough a few needed some filing.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-2-10.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-2-11.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Prometheus-Carbon-Cutouts-2-12.jpg

Normally I wouldn't share this stage but I've been hounded for more pictures on most of my worklogs for this project. Of course the fins will all be cleaned, filed, polished, and spaced parallel (and illuminated!) when all's said and done... but that comes later.

Tune in soon for more. ;)

[Langer]

I thought that I should post some updated sketches showing the final outcome - more or less:
Exploded:
*click for big - 2000x1600*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_prometheus-concepts-R7A.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-concepts-R7A.jpg)

Assembled:
*click for big - 2000x1600*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_prometheus-concepts-R7B.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-concepts-R7B.jpg)

[Chicken Patty]

I thought that I should post some updated sketches showing the final outcome - more or less:
Exploded:
*click for big - 2000x1600*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_prometheus-concepts-R7A.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-concepts-R7A.jpg)

Assembled:
*click for big - 2000x1600*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/th_prometheus-concepts-R7B.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-concepts-R7B.jpg)


I have a feeling that is going to look :eek:

[Langer]

Is that a good thing?

I know exactly what it'll look like, and it'll be perdy. There's a lot of detail that I've left out of my posts... The fun stuff is still waiting to be revealed.

[mcoffey]

So much trick custom work. Love watching this build come together,

andyc

[Langer]

All done batch 1:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Grado/diy-interconnects-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Grado/diy-interconnects-09.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Grado/diy-interconnects-05.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Grado/diy-interconnects-06.jpg
The chubby parts are ferrite cores - 1 for each wire. With the help of some blasphemy and a burn on my wrist, I was able to get some of the ferrite hidden inside the connectors.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Grado/diy-interconnects-07.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Grado/diy-interconnects-08.jpg

Yet to be done... hopefully complete in the short future:
18x RCA -> RCA
1x USB -> miniUSB
2x more mini -> RCA
1x 1/4 -> XLR
6x XLR -> XLR
Balanced XLR mod for the rs-1's
5x power supplies w/ cables from outlet and to their respective devices
ZenHead portable amp
Corda Cross Crossfeed filter
other crossfeed filter (linkwitz? maybe)
Alien DAC
other DAC don't know which yet
Wheatfield HA-1
Custom billet aluminum enclosures for all (staring with the zen head).

A couple days ago I was given a sweet retro device by my AV store owner friend. A really sweet Sennheiser distribution bar used for retail can displays back in the 80's. It's an extruded aluminum bar about 5' long - wall mounted - holds 8 headphones - all the cans hanging on it can also be plugged into it - so you can compare the phones against one another instantly, it's also emblazed with massive bold SENNHEISER lettering. Really cool! I plan on beefing it up with better wire plugs and caps. It runs on 4s 9V batteries so no power squealing either. I hope to one day have 8 sexy headphones to hang on them.



I've been looking at the ASUS headphone amp sound card as a possibility for Prometheus - looks to be quite the contender. Even the opamps are modular.
http://www.futurelooks.com/asus-xonar-essence-stx-headphone-amp-sound-card-reviewed/

[Baleful]

That is absolutely sick man. I am just stunned at your level of craftsmanship.

[ZeniTH]

Me want carbon fiber !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Langer]

uhh... oracular hiatus? lol

Back to the shop monday Zenith. typo

Thanks a lot baleful ;)

[ZeniTH]

uhh... oracular hiatus? lol

Back to the shop monday Kenith.

Thanks a lot baleful ;)

NOOOOOO I dont want that !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Langer]

Let me clarify:
I'm going back to the workshop to cut more stuff monday. =)

If Fit's is reading this - I'll have your measurement too. I left the damn block at the shop

[BDW88]

Awesome stuff Langer, that mil-spec sleeving looks soooo sexy!

[Odin Eidolon]

Langer have you been kidnapped by aliens? :abducted:

your always a step ahead! :master::youtheman::htk:

[Snyxxx]

Excellent work there Langer!

[Langer]

Many thanks guys, here's a little teaser for you.

A little taste of the EMI shielding, I'll be using.

These are the left-over bits from the radio/instrumental shielding on the US presidential helicopter. They will be used to shield my portable amp, and my sound-card.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/nickel-carbon-01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/nickel-carbon-02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/nickel-carbon-03.jpg

The pics don't show the iridescent quality off this stuff. It almost glows when you put a light on it. I'm no photographer - so excuse the poor lighting and pic quality. One's using overcast light, ones using halogen, and the last is tungsten.

I tried to take pics from different angles showing how it changes but I wasn't overly successful.

[em1r]

Seems interesting, waiting for the update.
And good job :)

[Baleful]

:slobber::slobber::slobber:

[coolmiester]

Aye, thats one hell of a build Langer :cool:

What sort of time scale are you looking at and what will happen to it once its complete??

[Odin Eidolon]

<snip>
These are the left-over bits from the radio/instrumental shielding on the US presidential helicopter.
<snip>

:eek: top level stuff here :crack:

[breezyjr]

How exactly does one get, "the leftover bits" from the presidential helo?????

Any other presidential "bits"????

Joe_Breezy

[Langer]

@em1r - Thanks man, and welcome to RRR.

@Baleful - lol, thanks,

@coolmiester - I'm hoping to have it running within the month here CM, and have it tuned within twice that time.

@Odin Eidolon - ;)

@breezyjr - First get yourself a good pair of these (http://www.mcmaster.com/#knee-pads/=19pmdi); then you start sucking haha. Seriously though, my old man runs a large carbon fiber manufacturing company.

[breezyjr]

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rubidium]

...
@breezyjr - First get yourself a good pair of these (http://www.mcmaster.com/#knee-pads/=19pmdi); then you start sucking haha. Seriously though, my old man runs a large carbon fiber manufacturing company.

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[MomijiTMO]

LMAO.

[LowBrowser]

Seriously, parts from the Presidential Helicopter. You're not thinking about the future, cause how can you ever possibly top this :D
(except maybe with four sockets and ten pumps)

[smee]

LOL..... xD

Wow man, thats some pretty crazy stuff your puttin in and on this system. :eek:

BTW, does EMI stand for 'Electro-Magnetic Interference' Shielding?

[Langer]

:coke:

Coming soon to a theater near you:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/Concept/ConceptPartsList.png

[MomijiTMO]

Yeah um. .. .

[Chilly]

Quad-Quad Core AMD system? Why not a Quad-Hexa-Core Intel system?

http://ark.intel.com/cpu.aspx?groupId=36947
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117181

[Langer]

<3 AMD.

Better for what I do, I know AMD better - been using it since day-1 of my computing life, much cheaper ddr2, and rubidium to share overclocking results with. =)

[SugarJ]

Quad-Quad Core AMD system? Why not a Quad-Sixa-Core Intel system?

That would be Quad-Hexa-Core, would it not?:rolleyes:

[Chilly]

That would be Quad-Hexa-Core, would it not?:rolleyes:

Quiet you! :p

[Kayin]

AMD FTMFW.

[Langer]

There will be octa-core optys coming soon enough.
Also the new Xeon platform doesnt offer any quad cpu options - only 2 5500 series Xeons can be used on any of the boards currently available.

[Chilly]

There will be octa-core optys coming soon enough.
Also the new Xeon platform doesnt offer any quad cpu options - only 2 5500 series Xeons can be used on any of the boards currently available.

Holy, I just looked at the Cost vs YOUR cost, how the hell did you manage that?!

You must be well liked :D

So that going to be a new system/work log entirely or shoved into the PrometheusCU?

[MomijiTMO]

Maybe the same method as how he got the carbon fibre???

[=

[THP Dan]

looking good LANGER,
you have gotta light that EMI shielding up from the back! it will look amazing.
oh and thanks for refering me to these forums LANGER!

[Floyd]

Hey Langer I made it over here!

[Langer]

Thanks for joining up guys!
As for the deals... my sources are my own I'm afraid (until the build log comes).


I got my package from Sidewindercomputers.com. I HIGHLY recommend this eTailer - I made this order at about 10pm on a Sunday evening. Gary, the owner, personally responded via email and thanked me. I then amended the order at about 1am, and again Gary immediately responded with the revised quote. Thanks Gary!

I got my Uber Fans!

Four new Revision C models from Delta's AFB line have arrived!

The AFB1212GHE Revision C Grand High Speed is our newest king of 120mm fans. This dc fan motor provides over 240 cubic feet of air out of a traditional design that has been highly refined and tuned by Delta's fan motor team. Comparisons with our other high end Delta parts show it has modest power requirements for its ability to move so much air out of the standard 120x38 millimeter form factor. It does lack the directional blades which we've all come to know as Delta's patented design, which helps airflow move more consistently straight out of the fan housing. However, as noted in its lower decibel rating, it will also lack the high pitched whine that accompanies directional fin fans. The AFB parts can be undervolted slightly more, but apparently cannot be overvolted as much. For power users adjusting the voltages on these parts, it will be a welcome change.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Delta-Fans-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Delta-Fans-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Delta-Fans-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Delta-Fans-03.jpg
All 6 fans actually hover.
6 in a row run at 19-21dB at min and 67-71dB on MAX (~1 away).
Even at min setting the row throws over 85CFM at any point (~5cm away).
They have a power spike of ~40W and pull 29.4W at 12V
Which means I need to have 270W of power overhead just to turn on my fans, and another 180W to keep 'em running.

The fan controller - the build quality is nothing to write home about but I'll straighten out the components, clean off the acetone, add new heatsinks, and make a new frame.
I went with this controller because it's the only controller -that I could find- that can offer up-to 45Watts per channel.
Most 120mm case fans will draw no-more than about 2-3W - so a low wattage controller will more than do you.
The Delta Fans I'm using however draw 29.4W w/ an on spike as high at 40W so they need more beef!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/270w-Fan-Controller-01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/270w-Fan-Controller-02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/270w-Fan-Controller-03.jpg

Also some arctic silver TIM and TIM remover - some of which will be used in this project... most will go elsewhere.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Arctic-Silver-01.jpg

Lastly a free gift from Gary - this little treat which I rather enjoyed because I happen to love little metal machinist rulers. =)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/Sidewinders-Free-Gift.jpg

[Langer]

I just fed one a carrot!

[Odin Eidolon]

I just fed one a carrot!

ROFL. 5200rpm. ill repeat it. 5200rpm. gosh

[Chicken Patty]

I never got my ruler from Gary :( haha

I use that stuff langer, the artic silver cleaner and purifier, works great bro :cheers:

[procpuarie]

build is epic. you should switch out your 65nm quad though for a 940 phII

[Langer]

I've never used the cleaner - but I'm sure it works better than methyl hydrate?

I may swap out the CPU, but this build isn't' about staying on the bleeding edge. I'd rather spend the cash on the next build.
I get my employers to pay for the supercomputers. lol

[Chicken Patty]

I've never used the cleaner - but I'm sure it works better than methyl hydrate?

I may swap out the CPU, but this build isn't' about staying on the bleeding edge. I'd rather spend the cash on the next build.
I get my employers to pay for the supercomputers. lol

lol. Yeah the stuff works pretty good bro. YOu'll see for yourself. Never used Methyl hydrate though.

[ML Infamous]

Amazing Build Langer

Can't wait to see the finished pictures

[Burnout21]

Langer, its not fair your grabbing a 16 core beast.

What app's do you run in order to need that much crunching power?

[Langer]

I don't run apps. I crush them!


Considering that my new fans frighten me, it occurred to me that someone might get hurt.

So I decided to add redundant safety protocols, just in case:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-redundant-safety.jpg

[Oli4v]

are these san aces?

[just a noob]

delta's, seems to me he needs something like a meanwell psu to run them as well, they also float according to him :P

[smee]

Sign me up for one o them cooler DANGER papers. ha

[Worthy]

LOL I was wondering how you came so fast out of left field in the thread where I posted the 24volt fans I had laying around. LOL You had new toys!

Fans like that are no game and they will indeed hurt you.
I replaced some of the ones I posted before and the first time, i got myself really good.
A finger won't stop them either.

You won't be having any cooling issues fo sho.

[knightmaric]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3izrRwi35hY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMJmkkgRwV0&feature=related

two videos showing somewhat the power of deltas =P
Jesse you need some of the fans in the second vid xD

And this is the power of an 80mm xD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0osWXSfWPsc

[Worthy]

Man, that's intolerably loud.
The ones I have are not that loud.
But they make it very difficult to pull away an air filter when they are running.

[Langer]

Hey, it's Ballzor. =)

[just a noob]

so...would one of those things break your finger? or would your finger break the blade?

[MomijiTMO]

Do they hover? I'm never going to be happy until I see this all thanks to Ballzor.

[Eternalightwith]

It would cut your finger off. Pray that's all it does. It starts self feeding and goodbye 5 digits. LOL, it probably would snap off a blade just to spite you.



so...would one of those things break your finger? or would your finger break the blade?

[procpuarie]

that is too much rpm.

[knightmaric]

Nothing is ever too much.
I'll be settling with my 1900rpm scythes when I get them ^__^
Those deltas are a bit too hardcore for me lol

[Langer]

UPDATE:

Today was an intimate day between myself and my scroll-saw. =)

I started making some carbon accents from .8mm sheet - I had a few of these sheets left over from an earlier project. Their intended purpose was the outer shell of the Acer Ferrari series laptop ;).

I popped out the stainless steel - and cut out a replacement on my scroll saw:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbon-accents-01.jpg

I made some more carbon covers for the I/O and the RAM.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbon-accents-02.jpg

And another for the RAID card, because it's PCB was green:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbon-accents-03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbon-accents-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbon-accents-05.jpg

I also covered the ATX plug with a little cover - because I wont be needing it:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbon-accents-06.jpg

A little overview:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/Langer/PrometheusCu/prometheus-carbon-accents-07.jpg

I made little circles for all the fan motors as well, but I forgot to take pics. I'll take some with next update.

Tune in soon for more.
-Jesse

[Cutless009]

uh, how are you gonna pull off not plugging in the ATX power connector???!

[procpuarie]

cool!

[Langer]

I'm soldering the wires to the back Cutless.