G4 Cube Inspired Self Build

[kiwisincebirth]

No progress update, but have attached the Sketchup 3D model, as I am not going to modify it further. It has a nice animation of the Case, and a well modelled Cube power switch if you want one.

 

[minihack]

Well I have a very old set of Swiss Pattern Files that I use for many things such as slots and elongating holes. Also you can look at a "nibbler" tool which does what its' name implies on thin sheet metal. Or you could generate a CAD file and have a panel laser cut $$$.

And I am following this project and appreciate your updates.

Good hacking,
neil

Neil,
Laser cut does not always mean $$$$.
A panel of that size, if you have, or can generate, a file for it then it should not cost more than £15 from aluminium or perspex wherever in the world you are located. In a case (pardon the pun) like this it is simply a question of whether you enjoy spending hours with a set of files or not.

 

[kiwisincebirth]

Neil,
Laser cut does not always mean $$$$.
A panel of that size, if you have, or can generate, a file for it then it should not cost more than £15 from aluminium or perspex wherever in the world you are located. In a case (pardon the pun) like this it is simply a question of whether you enjoy spending hours with a set of files or not.

I am spending my money on the clear acrylic panels (that will be seen), rather than the bottom (that wont). FYI I have a quote for $100 AUD for the two panels 280mm x 220 mm x 10mm, with four mounting holes, and polished edges. This doesnt include sales tax or delivery.

My budget gone; means I will have hours of fun with a set of files.

 

[kiwisincebirth]

Bottom Panel

Spent some time with small files to cut the rear IO port access in my bottom panel. This is the same material as the top plate, it was chosen for the G5 look, and to let as much air in as possible. Here is the result.

Next job is to finish off the front and rear panels.

 

[MacTester57]

Nice! Can't wait to see the finished case.

MacTester

 

[kiwisincebirth]

Nice! Can't wait to see the finished case.

MacTester

Trust me, neither can I. But there are some internal details to finish first, before can get back to the case.

Proximity Power Switch Mounting

I just completed the mounting of the G4 cube power switch. The power switch is screwed via short standoffs to a backing plate. That plate is then screwed to an L bracket, which is glued to the main case. The switch was supplied by minihack. (Thanks by the way)

I found (in my spares) that a G5 has an matching plug that can be used on the Cubes Proximity Sensor board. It is the same as the one used on those small temperature sensors mounted in the various sections of the G5 case. Apart from that I followed the standard guide, going for the simple option of three connections to the MB (GND, StandBy 5V, and Power Switch).

Here is what it looks like from the front.

Fan Cowling

I was a little concerned about a big gap (5-10mm) between my fan and heatsink, so I constructed a cowling out of thin cardboard, and some sticky tape. I just slips over the end of the fan and can be adjusted back and forwards.

Here is what i looks like once assembled. I am hoping this improves my temperatures.

My next job is actually the WIFI antennas.

 

[MacTester57]

Good idea, this cowling! I guess, it will improve your temps.

 

[kiwisincebirth]

Good idea, this cowling! I guess, it will improve your temps.

Yes I will get round to comparing temps with and without, seems to be getting lower temps, but we are in middle of winter so not objective. Did the WIFI antennas a couple of days ago. Getting around 10 MBytes/s, on an N network so happy.

WIFI Antennas

I am using two Tyco antennas one at the front one at the rear. The antennas are stuck to pieces of thin plastic with double sided tape. This one is for the front of the case, the holes are four the power switch standoffs.

The front facing antenna mounted in position

Looking at the back of this you can see the antenna, top right of picture, cube switch is behind the plastic top left.

On the back of the machine I glued an L bracket to the case, and stuck the plastic with double sided tape. You can also see the WIFI card in this picture. I had to reverse the antennas (from pictured), as didn't work this way round

 

[ersterhernd]

Those antennas are terrific Kiwi. Much cleaner than an exterior setup, which is ok on something like a Cube where its out of sight, but would take away from a build like this one. Great work...


Cheers!

 

[rick26]

Nice work Kiwi!

This really looks amazing!

keep going!

Rick,