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(Suit)case Mod
by reflectedstatic on March 21, 2007 Table of Contents (Suit)case Mod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: (Suit)case Mod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: The innards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Attaching the screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Installing connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 4: Venting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5

http://www.instructables.com/id/Suitcase-Mod/

Intro: (Suit)case Mod

Here's a modified case for my LAMP development server. It's not exactly finished and it doesn't meet even modest safety standards, but it runs Linux and looks good doing it. At first I put the computer in a leather satchel, which gave it a nice worn look, but had neither the layout nor the protection I need, especially since the poor machine also runs DJ software (Mixxx) at parties.

Image Notes 1. The old case gave a nice worn look, but didn't quite have the protection I was looking for.

Image Notes 1. This is no place for a nice computer to be.

Step 1: The innards.

This isn't exactly going to be in step-by-step format since, well, frankly, you shouldn't follow what I did step-by-step. I already had all the components stripped down and (except for the monitor) mounted to aluminum plate, so most of the work was simply arranging them appropriately in the case and attaching them with a lot of rivets and a little double-stick tape. This was slightly complicated, since the wireless card has to dodge the support for the monitor when the case is closed. Note the unshrouded power supply, which I certainly wouldn't recommend copying it's just what I had on hand. I have no idea whether the aluminum foil lining the case (attached with spray glue) actually provides any degree of shielding (at least it's grounded), but it felt better to attach the parts to it than to the bare hardboard.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Suitcase-Mod/

Image Notes 1. The wireless card. 2. The motherboard. 3. The power supply, sans-shielding. No, it hasn't shorted anything out yet, nor has it wiped my hard drive, nor does it mess with my RAM / CPU / wireless, but I'm still crossing my fingers. 4. The hard drive.

Step 2: Attaching the screen

This is without a doubt the most difficult part of the build. The briefcase has a thin aluminum skin over hardboard, so I was able to cut the rectangle for the screen using a straight edge, a box cutter, and a lot of pulling. I attached each side of the screen (it had pre-tapped mounting holes) to a piece of hardboard and a bit of aluminum angle, then bolted the whole assembly in place behind the cutout. The internal electronics are attached with double-stick foam tape to the back of the screen. Note the open transformers. Cover those !I promise, unless you're as friendly with your cardiologist as I am, and enjoy the thought of wearing a Holter , you don't want to leave these guys exposed (Take my word for it I just might be talking from personal experience.).

Image Notes 1. Aluminum angle and hardboard bracket to attach the monitor (and keep the case from falling apart). 2. This transformer is not your friend. Keep it covered. 3. Monitor control buttons, attached with double-stick foam tape (as usual).

http://www.instructables.com/id/Suitcase-Mod/

Step 3: Installing connectors

Since the intention always was to be able to run the server with the case closed, I installed this port (actually a weatherproof exterior outlet cover) using the same straightedge/boxcutter method as the screen so that I could still run cables to the motherboard. (The phone jack adapter is just there to hold it open for pictures.)

Step 4: Venting.
To vent the power supply, I cut yet another hole and installed it such that the fan blows through the hole. I also relocated the power connection and switch to fit right next to the fan. This is far from adequate to ventilate the entire case, but does just fine for the power supply so long as the case is on its back and the front is propped open. To run with the case closed, I would need to reverse the direction of the power supply fan then add two more "pusher" fans to the side and some vents on the side with the handle (the "top" of the case when it's closed). Unfortunately, if I cut vents near the handle or latches, I would also need to do a good bit of structural reinforcement, and since this would be a bit of work and the current setup is happily functional, I haven't got around to doing that just yet.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Suitcase-Mod/

Image Notes 1. Possible future vent site. 2. The power switch and plug connector. 3. Ragged hardboard edges where I tried to cut too fast. 4. The fan for the power supply 5. Possible future fan site.

Related Instructables

How to: DIY Modded Computer Case by eomonkeyboi24

Computer Case Engraving by ionix

How to engrave a Computer Window (Part 2) by Rob K

How to engrave a Computer Window (Part 1) by Rob K

Computer Mod by easycom89

Awesome LED Computer Mod (Photos) by AlexTheGreat

Comments
30 comments Add Comment

nooriginalloginnames says:
Does anyone know what model/brand suitcase this is?

Jan 13, 2011. 11:25 PM REPLY

compaqxp123 says:
Looks like the old Compaq Portable III in some ways, just a lot more powerful.

Nov 29, 2010. 12:20 PM REPLY

donovin says:

Nov 4, 2010. 4:04 PM REPLY this is a sweet mod, i got a case and am going to mod it slowly after some careful designing and diagrams. this is definitely going to be bookmarked to come back to for some inspiration. one thing I'm going to do to mine is add a router running DD-WRT so I can have Wi-Fi just a bout anywhere. It will probably be something like this link http://hacknmod.com/hack/diy-portable-solar-powered-wi-fi-repeater but without a the case

http://www.instructables.com/id/Suitcase-Mod/

Crashmaxx says:

Oct 30, 2007. 11:13 PM REPLY This is awesome! I can't tell you how long I have had a similar case and wanted to put a puter in it. In the end I went with a large ammo box instead, which is still cool. But this is all in one and portable! Perfect for LAN parties and such.

Pumpkin$ says:
Please post the ammo box mod. I NEEDS IT lol.

Mar 24, 2010. 7:00 AM REPLY

dombeef says:
Can you show a picture?

Jan 2, 2009. 5:15 PM REPLY

Pumpkin$ says:

Mar 24, 2010. 6:57 AM REPLY Improving upon this, I'm gonna use a plexi-glass shield over the hardware that the Keyboard can be set on (In the bottom) and the Keyboard is gonna be wireless, so I can pull it out of the case and stand in front of it. Possibly Ipod-Touch controlled!!! (Note: I hate apple, but it's a necessary evil)

santy22 says:
nice and "Sweet" case! LOL PUN

Sep 22, 2009. 10:48 AM REPLY

Lance Mt. says:

Jul 22, 2009. 4:59 AM REPLY Why not have the monitor face into the box? You could also throw in a spot for a temp keyboard. Just that it would protect the screen and save some effort.

jjjjack says:
looks like somethin youd see n a james bond movie! : ) hahaha, i like!

May 18, 2009. 7:23 PM REPLY

cotton says:

Jan 21, 2009. 11:33 AM REPLY no offence theres a rats nest in this and this is a bad idea if its server that stays in realy long like for a weeb beacue all the heat unless itsopen then

notveryreal says:
There are ventilation fans.

Feb 8, 2009. 4:12 PM REPLY

cotton says:
still the head and stuff is a problem _

Apr 22, 2009. 4:36 PM REPLY

eyebot117 says:

Apr 7, 2009. 9:49 PM REPLY Impressive. Although, I myself would have the LCD facing the inside of the case to keep it from getting scratched and just make a dashboard to hide the guts, good job. Nice case by the way, where'd you get it? I could use a case like that for a portable xbox project...

Dragonboy says:
Mixxx is an awesome program, considering its free. Great idea!

Apr 2, 2009. 1:48 AM REPLY

austin says:
next try to carry that through an airport.

Apr 3, 2007. 9:32 AM REPLY

J_Mi says:
Haha thats what I was going to say!

Oct 16, 2008. 3:09 AM REPLY

bwpatton1 says:
Airport security- "HEY THAT GUYS GOT A BOMB" *SCREAMING* ................................

Mar 26, 2009. 6:55 PM REPLY

hcold says:
This would be very cool with a micro-ATX board and Pico power, set-up. Well done.

Jan 5, 2009. 3:57 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Suitcase-Mod/

cotton says:
lol i want it and it looks ike a copy of this other thing i saw on youtube

Dec 5, 2007. 6:15 PM REPLY

Darkshot says:

Oct 14, 2007. 10:42 PM REPLY put neon on the sides of the monitor too make it look cool and just not look so rough or EL wire lights which hook up to computers i think

Darkshot says:
awsome!!!

Oct 14, 2007. 10:41 PM REPLY

TheMadScientist says:
If I had a suitcase like this, It would have been modded to hell a LONG time ago...

Sep 11, 2007. 8:34 AM REPLY

!Andrew_Modder! says:
nice

Sep 1, 2007. 10:11 AM REPLY

DIY Dave says:

COOL

May 15, 2007. 4:53 PM REPLY

binnie says:
sweet! i cant wait till i build one, but i still prefer rackmounts :)

Apr 17, 2007. 11:54 PM REPLY

stone3408 says:
That is sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet! Nice craftsmanship. I would go with the lexan screen very cool.

Apr 10, 2007. 4:25 PM REPLY

jongscx says:
Heh... methinks we have the same source for computer cases... http://git.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011013&l=66d92&id=12813917

Apr 5, 2007. 6:28 PM REPLY

bluebomb says:

Apr 3, 2007. 10:11 AM REPLY This is a really good start to a good equipment case mod. I agree you need to look into some better ventilation. That little power supply fan will never keep the whole system cool with the lid closed. I really like the fact that you threw a screen on the top of it, adds a really nice touch. I would get some rubber molding or cut some tubing to hide the ruff edges around the screen though. What are the system specs? Guess it doesn't have to be too impressive for a LAMP server. Oh and this is my equipment case mod: http://www.themodguys.com/index.php?page=projects&topic=pt2

reflectedstatic says:

Apr 3, 2007. 9:23 PM REPLY Thanks. It's always really cool to see a very nice completed project for inspiration while stalled on one of my own. You have a lot more LEDs and much better looking switches than I do, not to mention the super-slick analog meters. That's a really nice setup all-told, and probably much sturdier than mine. It'll definitely need a couple more fans before really trying to run it closed. It idles at around 47 degrees C under no load when closed and standing up with the fans at full-speed. That climbs scary-fast when it's actually asked to do much of anything. The edges of the hardboard around the monitor still aren't trimmed out because I'm still trying to decide whether to put a permanent lexan shield over the monitor or just make a removable aluminum shield. I have no excuse other than laziness for not trimming out the rest. The hardware is a bit overkill for a LAMP server, but it also gets to stretch its legs pretty regularly with graphics editing. AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ (nice choice on yours, by the way) on an MSI K9NGM-2 with 2GB DDR2 677; 80GB Seagate (I don't really store much on it, obviously); RT2500-based MSI wireless/bluetooth card; occasionally with an HP Lightscribe 710i DVD+/-R (freebie from my brother) when I actually need to use media (the case doesn't exactly close when it's in place). The monitor is a cheap-ish Samsung 17" (can't remember which model) in the ever-awkward 1280x1024 aspect ratio. It has a horrible native gamma, but I actually kind of like that, because it forces me to choose colors very carefully in the graphics work I do. All told, it works pretty well.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Suitcase-Mod/