STAR TREK Case Mod for Comic-Con
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Last response: in Components
MonsterMawd
June 2, 2011 5:10:38 PM
A Star Trek case mod theme that will be stylish.. Er, I mean Chic!
Maximum PC has a presence at Comic-Con every year as an outreach opportunity—to let the hardcore comics and sci-fi fans know that PC enthusiasm goes hand-in-hand with that kind of fandom. This year we’re using our booth as an opportunity to show the fans at Comic-Con how awesome a great case-mod can be and how PC geekery and sci-fi enthusiasm can meet in a beautiful way. So we’ve hired the best guys in the business to design and build an awesome Star Trek-themed PC, and we’ll be giving one away at Comic-Con and the other one will go to David Gerrold in exchange for some writing he’s doing for us in relation to Comic-Con. - Nathan Edwards, Senior Associate Editor
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Conceptual Designer: Mike Okuda is graphic designer who has worked on Star Trek series since the 1980s and is responsible for much of its visual style, including the LCARS interface as seen on Next Generation.
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Matt Jefferie's original design of the Tricorder served as Mike's inspiration for styling cues on the "Tricorder Shiek" computer case
design. We could have scratch built a PC that looked just like the Tricorder, but David wanted an actual computer case instead with specific utilitarian features like hot swap bays and a compartment for his Tribbles.
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3D design of "Tricorder Shiek" by Dave LaLopa
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Top panel and storage compartment
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Top panel will be milled from 2" thick 6061 aluminum
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This Lancool K-58, manufactured by Lian Li will sacrifice it's chassis to this project.
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Lancool K-58 chassis will be painted Matte Black Enamel.
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Using Rounded side hand file to smooth the cut edges.
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Using Red Scotch-Brite pad to scuff the surface in preparation for Primer base coat.
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Lancool K58 chassis painted Matte Black Enamel (1 for david, 1 for comic-con)
Machined aluminum computer case feet, http://www.mnpctech.com/ITX_MATX_Computer_Case_Feet.html
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Machined aluminum computer case feet with grooved edges.
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The aluminum feet are machined on CNC Lathe, http://www.mnpctech.com/ITX_MATX_Computer_Case_Feet.html
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The bare aluminum is nice contrast to the Matte Black.
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#10 x 5/8" Black Oxide Fan Screws, http://www.mnpctech.com/thumbscrew.html
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Screws will be used in conjunction with fan silencing rubber grommets, http://www.mnpctech.com/FanGrommet.html
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#10 x 5/8" Black Oxide Fan Screw inserted in rubber grommet
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We are installing Yate Loon Blue LED 140mm cooling fan
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Lian Li Tool-Less PCI Card Holder, 7 x PCI Holder. Works with many Lian Li cases or other modified cases. Specifications: Tool-Less PCI Card Holder, 7 x PCI Holder. Designed for Most of Lian Li Cases. Dimension (W)70mm x (H)145mm x (D)30mm
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Add your own Caption!!!
Maximum PC has a presence at Comic-Con every year as an outreach opportunity—to let the hardcore comics and sci-fi fans know that PC enthusiasm goes hand-in-hand with that kind of fandom. This year we’re using our booth as an opportunity to show the fans at Comic-Con how awesome a great case-mod can be and how PC geekery and sci-fi enthusiasm can meet in a beautiful way. So we’ve hired the best guys in the business to design and build an awesome Star Trek-themed PC, and we’ll be giving one away at Comic-Con and the other one will go to David Gerrold in exchange for some writing he’s doing for us in relation to Comic-Con. - Nathan Edwards, Senior Associate Editor
Conceptual Designer: Mike Okuda is graphic designer who has worked on Star Trek series since the 1980s and is responsible for much of its visual style, including the LCARS interface as seen on Next Generation.
Matt Jefferie's original design of the Tricorder served as Mike's inspiration for styling cues on the "Tricorder Shiek" computer case
design. We could have scratch built a PC that looked just like the Tricorder, but David wanted an actual computer case instead with specific utilitarian features like hot swap bays and a compartment for his Tribbles.
3D design of "Tricorder Shiek" by Dave LaLopa
Top panel and storage compartment
Top panel will be milled from 2" thick 6061 aluminum
This Lancool K-58, manufactured by Lian Li will sacrifice it's chassis to this project.
Lancool K-58 chassis will be painted Matte Black Enamel.
Using Rounded side hand file to smooth the cut edges.
Using Red Scotch-Brite pad to scuff the surface in preparation for Primer base coat.
Lancool K58 chassis painted Matte Black Enamel (1 for david, 1 for comic-con)
Machined aluminum computer case feet, http://www.mnpctech.com/ITX_MATX_Computer_Case_Feet.html

Machined aluminum computer case feet with grooved edges.
The aluminum feet are machined on CNC Lathe, http://www.mnpctech.com/ITX_MATX_Computer_Case_Feet.html
The bare aluminum is nice contrast to the Matte Black.

#10 x 5/8" Black Oxide Fan Screws, http://www.mnpctech.com/thumbscrew.html

Screws will be used in conjunction with fan silencing rubber grommets, http://www.mnpctech.com/FanGrommet.html
#10 x 5/8" Black Oxide Fan Screw inserted in rubber grommet
We are installing Yate Loon Blue LED 140mm cooling fan

Lian Li Tool-Less PCI Card Holder, 7 x PCI Holder. Works with many Lian Li cases or other modified cases. Specifications: Tool-Less PCI Card Holder, 7 x PCI Holder. Designed for Most of Lian Li Cases. Dimension (W)70mm x (H)145mm x (D)30mm
Add your own Caption!!!
More about : star trek case mod comic con
MonsterMawd
June 2, 2011 8:23:40 PM
Picking up following material list in morning.... 6061 aluminum
1.938 thick x 18.1875 x 8.25 (2 pieces)
1.5 thick x 8.25 x 5.906 (2 pieces)
1.4375 thick x 14.969 x 8.25 (2 pieces)
.4375 thick x 21.25 x 21.125 (4 pieces)
.25 thick 1.625 x .3125 (2 pieces)
.125 thick x 8.875 x 7 (2 pieces)
.125 thick x 20.5 x 20.375 (4 pieces)
.125 thick x 8.578 x 7.5 (2 pieces)
.125 thick x 1.82 x 1.11 (2 pieces)
.125 thick x 8.1875 x 3.219 (2 pieces)
1.938 thick x 18.1875 x 8.25 (2 pieces)
1.5 thick x 8.25 x 5.906 (2 pieces)
1.4375 thick x 14.969 x 8.25 (2 pieces)
.4375 thick x 21.25 x 21.125 (4 pieces)
.25 thick 1.625 x .3125 (2 pieces)
.125 thick x 8.875 x 7 (2 pieces)
.125 thick x 20.5 x 20.375 (4 pieces)
.125 thick x 8.578 x 7.5 (2 pieces)
.125 thick x 1.82 x 1.11 (2 pieces)
.125 thick x 8.1875 x 3.219 (2 pieces)
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MonsterMawd
June 3, 2011 5:39:28 PM
We will be swapping the hardware from NZXT's 5.25 bay Sentry Fan Controller into the top cover, available from performance-pcs, here
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E.E.L Ambiense is having fun with making captions too!
E.E.L Ambiense is having fun with making captions too!
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Related resources
- Star trek input - Forum
- Star Trek: Voyager - Forum
- Star Trek Online and Crossfire - Forum
- Passive/Silent Video Card for Star Trek Online? - Forum
- Star Trek 2013 - Forum
MonsterMawd
June 4, 2011 11:48:06 AM
Hey Kids, It's Billet on a skid!
I was focused on making a dent in our work load, so I didn't take a lot of photos last night...
First layer is 1/8" thick smoked grey, cast acrylic.
these will 3/16 mounting holes
Starrett spring loaded center punch..
Using counter bore bit to debur holes
Flush.
(hint: my lanboy air review)
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MonsterMawd
June 5, 2011 10:54:41 AM
This morning I'll be sleeving the Sentry this Silverstone FP34S Premium 3.5inch Bay Card Reader & Front I/O combo module, David chose this model mainly for it's card reader and headphone jack. It's from performance-pcs here It will be mounted in the new top panel. I chose Bulgin's "Orange Dot" for the Main Power button from performance-pcs, here
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The Sentry's display screen will be mounted in the top bezel opening. A 22mm Bulgin "Orange Dot" vandal resistant switch will be the Power button.
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another caption by EEL :clap:
The Sentry's display screen will be mounted in the top bezel opening. A 22mm Bulgin "Orange Dot" vandal resistant switch will be the Power button.
another caption by EEL :clap:
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MonsterMawd
June 5, 2011 7:33:39 PM
MonsterMawd
June 5, 2011 10:37:05 PM
ignoranceabound
June 5, 2011 10:45:46 PM
MonsterMawd
June 6, 2011 11:37:33 AM
MonsterMawd
June 6, 2011 11:57:30 PM
Tonight we'll be milling the aluminum panels and inlay plate for the side panel with the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) design, which will be slightly larger than whats show in this screenshot.
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The top cover will have a compartment...hmm for what?
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The compartment lid consists of one sheet of 1/8" thick aluminum and 1/8" Opaque red cast acrylic
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The top cover will have a compartment...hmm for what?
The compartment lid consists of one sheet of 1/8" thick aluminum and 1/8" Opaque red cast acrylic
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The Halo Don
June 7, 2011 3:38:14 AM
MonsterMawd
June 7, 2011 12:52:38 PM
Thank you!!
Last night the larger aluminum side panel plates took two hours apiece to mill. They exceed the travel space of the mill, so they had to be re-positioned for each side.
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Made a temporary Tapping block as guide when manual tapping blind screw holes on backside of the larger aluminum panel.
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Blind hole tapped for 8/32 machine screw
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Caption by EEL!
Last night the larger aluminum side panel plates took two hours apiece to mill. They exceed the travel space of the mill, so they had to be re-positioned for each side.
Made a temporary Tapping block as guide when manual tapping blind screw holes on backside of the larger aluminum panel.
Blind hole tapped for 8/32 machine screw
Caption by EEL!
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MonsterMawd
June 7, 2011 11:16:39 PM
MonsterMawd
June 8, 2011 1:39:23 PM
MonsterMawd
June 8, 2011 6:17:32 PM
MonsterMawd
June 9, 2011 2:38:56 AM
MonsterMawd
June 9, 2011 2:19:11 PM
MonsterMawd
June 11, 2011 12:59:40 PM
Finished the four Enterprise inlays for the side panels on both cases last night.
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I'll be sleeving everything with Black PSU and fan wires cable sleeve kit
I'll be sleeving everything with Black PSU and fan wires cable sleeve kit
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MonsterMawd
June 11, 2011 11:44:13 PM
The trim piece for the Bezel, Hot Swap & Top compartment doors are being laser cut from 1/8" thick Red Opaque Cast Acrylic. We're using a single 75 watt, 24" x 18" Platform "Universal Laser Systems" machine. We use this unit for making retail PC fan and radiator grills. This unit if new, would be priced between $19K - $25K. We don't offer laser cutting as a service, but these guys do! Laser Cutting Service, Inc. offers custom laser cutting to PC builders, modders! hobbyists.
Laser Cutting Service, Inc.
803 41st Street North
Birmingham, Alabama 35212
205-595-7070 FAX 205-595-7021
http://lasercuttingservice.net/content/view/13/33/
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Laser Cutting Service, Inc.
803 41st Street North
Birmingham, Alabama 35212
205-595-7070 FAX 205-595-7021
http://lasercuttingservice.net/content/view/13/33/
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MonsterMawd
June 15, 2011 9:35:41 PM
Next step is making the "H" frame piece for the lower portion of the bezel, from 1.5" thick aluminum. This will have an engraved "David Gerrold" signature plate (white square, 2nd pic). Each of the cases will have two ICY DOCK MB877SK-B Tray-less Aluminum Body 3.5" SATA I, II & III Mobile Rack Removable Hard Drive adapters, behind a hinged access door (red square, 2nd pic) on the front of the case.
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By request from David, two ICY DOCK MB877SK-B Tray-less Removable Hard Drive adapters... to store his Scripts? hmmm
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By request from David, two ICY DOCK MB877SK-B Tray-less Removable Hard Drive adapters... to store his Scripts? hmmm
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MonsterMawd
June 16, 2011 6:59:22 PM
This morning we started milling the lower half of the front bezel.
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I will be using this Black PSU and fan wires cable sleeve kit for the top I/O cables
I will be using this Black PSU and fan wires cable sleeve kit for the top I/O cables
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MonsterMawd
June 22, 2011 12:52:59 PM
The first of 2 lower half of the front bezel is finished. Next step is making the upper half and the compartment door covers.
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I'll be sleeving the Sentry this Silverstone FP34S Premium 3.5inch Bay Card Reader & Front I/O combo module with our Black PSU and fan wires cable sleeve kit for everything. (8 mil PolyEthylene Terepthalate (PET) monofilament yarns)
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I'll be sleeving the Sentry this Silverstone FP34S Premium 3.5inch Bay Card Reader & Front I/O combo module with our Black PSU and fan wires cable sleeve kit for everything. (8 mil PolyEthylene Terepthalate (PET) monofilament yarns)

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MonsterMawd
June 23, 2011 4:52:32 PM
MonsterMawd
June 24, 2011 3:55:39 PM
MonsterMawd
June 25, 2011 2:02:42 PM
MonsterMawd
June 26, 2011 10:04:48 PM
Mike wanted the drive faces Stealthed. This mod is very straight forward. I'm using 1/8" diameter rod as spacer, but you can improvise this to whatever you wish for your stealth drive mod... and the aluminum faceplate I've cut is 1/8" thick.
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PC Mod Ruler as fence spacer?!
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1/8" diameter recessed hole.
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cutting 1/8" diameter rod
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A drop of ScotchWeld DP-190 epoxy, before inserting 1/8" rod
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Apply 3 layers of Scotch 4010 double sided tape, for a tad of flex in the faceplate for contact to the eject switch.
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paper fits in gap between switch and 1/8" rod
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You now push in lower left corner of the faceplate to activate the Eject.
PC Mod Ruler as fence spacer?!
1/8" diameter recessed hole.
cutting 1/8" diameter rod
A drop of ScotchWeld DP-190 epoxy, before inserting 1/8" rod
Apply 3 layers of Scotch 4010 double sided tape, for a tad of flex in the faceplate for contact to the eject switch.

paper fits in gap between switch and 1/8" rod
You now push in lower left corner of the faceplate to activate the Eject.
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MonsterMawd
June 27, 2011 2:54:47 PM
As I traced out the badges to make by hand
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Working on the front hot swap bay door handles and case badges..
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to protect the paint finish under the door edge, I've applied Black automotive vinyl film
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The blank spot is for david's signature plate....
Working on the front hot swap bay door handles and case badges..
to protect the paint finish under the door edge, I've applied Black automotive vinyl film

The blank spot is for david's signature plate....
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MonsterMawd
June 27, 2011 7:51:13 PM
MonsterMawd
June 28, 2011 7:38:03 PM
MonsterMawd
June 29, 2011 3:48:46 PM
Here is the entire front bezel assembly. The Silverstone FP34S Premium 3.5inch Bay Card Reader & Front I/O combo module mounts at 45 degree angle in the top panel. It's held in place with m3 set screws, inserted into countersunk holes on each side of the top panel. David chose this model mainly for it's card reader and headphone jack. It's from performance-pcs here It will be mounted in the new top panel.
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Upper portion of the front bezel attaches to the top panel with "key" style fasteners for 8/32 machine screws..
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David's signature name plate..
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Upper portion of the front bezel attaches to the top panel with "key" style fasteners for 8/32 machine screws..
David's signature name plate..
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MonsterMawd
June 30, 2011 3:52:36 PM
Stealthed Asus Blu-Ray drive installed.
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behind the latched door, is 2x 3.5" HD Hot Swap bays
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Used Round Modder's Mesh for the front grill, Modders Mesh
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Strongest 2 part epoxy available, ScotchWeld DP-190.
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The grill will be painted Matte Black.
behind the latched door, is 2x 3.5" HD Hot Swap bays
Used Round Modder's Mesh for the front grill, Modders Mesh

Strongest 2 part epoxy available, ScotchWeld DP-190.
The grill will be painted Matte Black.
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MonsterMawd
July 6, 2011 7:43:34 PM
bitterfun
July 8, 2011 7:12:49 PM
MonsterMawd
July 9, 2011 1:04:50 AM
MonsterMawd
July 16, 2011 10:11:50 PM
MonsterMawd
December 15, 2011 12:07:13 PM
The Winner has listed the Star Trek PC for sale on Ebay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Star-Trek-Tricorder-Chic-PC-/27...
PDF of November issue of MaximumPC Magazine about the build, http://dl.maximumpc.com/Archives/MPC_2011_11-web.pdf
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Star-Trek-Tricorder-Chic-PC-/27...
PDF of November issue of MaximumPC Magazine about the build, http://dl.maximumpc.com/Archives/MPC_2011_11-web.pdf
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Related resources
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Read discussions in other Components categories
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