Sure, I’ve known for quite a while that Linux is good for scratch building devices like routers, but I never considered that there might be an online community dedicated to doing exactly that. It isn’t just Linux either; whether you want to run Windows, DOS, BSD or Linux, RDP has compiled summarys and links to the software you need. They’ve got a gallery of projects that you can rate and luckily only a few feature cardboard. If you’ve got some specialized networking needs this is definitely worth a look. Me, I’m going to remain firmly entrenched in my WRT fanboyism.

[thanks XyTec]

Continue reading “Router Design Project” →

Reader Jay was so mesmerized by the original oil computer story that he had to try it out himself. He had other good reasons: producing an experience report in English and creating a case that didn’t look slap-dash. It turned out to be a partial success and definitely a lesson. First thing he discovered was how not to oil proof a hard drive. He does get the chance to use the phrase “rock out with my caulk out”; which only goes to show: if you mess with bad puns, you will get burned. The rig did drop the computer temp quite a bit and Jay’s got numbers to prove it. Within hours of completion the case developed a fatal crack and redistributed the oil to the floor. Better luck next time Jay. It has been a couple months since the first story so if you’ve completed a similar project feel free to post your pics and/or comments.

Continue reading “Oil Computer Ver. 2” →

No, I never wondered what meteorologists did when they were bored. I’m happy to discover that they’re building slick little devices like this. It is a mini-ITX based system that uses StormPredator for the generating the display. Everything is housed inside an old marine weather display. It is a really thorough write up covering the entire build process even covering bugs found along the way.

Continue reading “Weather Radar Display” →

Here is a great power supply project. No, it isn’t just some simple case mod with binding posts. A lot of thought was put into this, plus a lot of disclaimers. I wouldn’t be too scared though, Andy Batts has got a lot of information covering most everything you need to know: Dell’s weird wiring, expected current, using a sandbar load, and not poking around inside while the thing is plugged in. I’m going to do this to a couple power supplys because it is sure to make future projects a lot easier.

[thanks momotarosan]

Continue reading “Lab Power Supply” →

Markus Leonhardt has taken the shortest route possible to liquid cooling.

1. throw motherboard in fish tank

2. cover in vegetable oil

3. there is no step 3

Markus has been using this system for over a year. it is quiet and is cooled by the still functional fans circulating the oil. he has swapped components and even successfully used pulled hardware in other pcs. the pages are in the process of being translated to english, but the english forum is already up with links to other projects. I’ve got some extra hardware and fish tanks are cheap, so I’ll give this a try some time. I doubt my roommate will feel this is an improvement over my plan of just nailing the motherboards to the wall.

Continue reading “Fully Submerged Cooling” →