Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Electronics Assistant V4.1


Whatever your interest in electronics, you'll find something here for you. A beginners guide to project building, technical data including connector and component pin-outs, online interactive formulae calculators, software downloads including Electronics Assistant and EPE Index (see screenshots below), links to other sites and more.

Click Here to Download.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Custom Media Center Cases.

A media center case I designed in sketchup.
I call this case the "Media Mongrel".



The top opens by itself. A wireless remote activates the linear actuators.
There is a unique LCD bezel on the front that surrounds the display.
The power and reset buttons are on the front in the round areas.

The area surrounding the buttons are jog wheels illuminated for audio/video adjustment.
The DVDRom drive resides below the LCD Display.



Here is another one.
It is a desktop case w/watercooling reservoirs.
I call this case the "Vulcan H20 ResTower".



I'm tired of the same old CDROM configuration.
So I have decided to change it to something more interesting.
They are protruding drive bays with 4 SMD LEDs each, and a visible circuit pattern.

The handle can be removed by unscrewing the caps on the reservoirs.
Placement of the LCD module is still undecided. May just install a mini projector inside.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

NZXT Guardian 921 Mid-Tower Case.


Here it is. . the review you have all been waiting for. I would like to present to you the NZXT Guardian 921. From the moment I laid my eyes on this particular case design I was immediately intrigued by its shapely design, and the overly pleasant electric illuminecent glow. It features many unique qualities that have been combined to form yet another rock solid case design from NZXT.

Quote:
Originally Posted by NZXT View Post
NZXT, a company built upon gamer's dreams, hopes to create products that put consumers first. With the objective of designing unique products catered for hardware enthusiasts and gamers, NZXT has grown into a globally renowned brand recognized for dedication towards creating the next great gaming product. NZXT has won numerous awards from media and publications from across the globe with a product line spanning from gaming chassis, power, and gaming input devices. As a corporation formed by gamers, NZXT continues to expand into new horizons and push the limits further with each product unveiling.
Introduction:
The NZXT Guardian 921 is the successor of the original NZXT Guardian case. It is one of the 7 current crafted series cases. The packaging is similar to most cases with styrofoam on each end, with protective plastic coatings that prevent damage during shipping. It features a spacious interior and solid construction built from solid .88mm and 1.00mm steel, the Guardian 921 gives the user plenty of space for large video cards and space for (4) internal hard drives.

Retail Price: $89.99
Available at Newegg.Com Here <=-




Inside the black NZXT envelope you will find the electronic hardware. The have been neatly separated into separate bags. (9) Brass motherboard standoffs, (9) Motherboard screws, (7) Expansion card screws, (6) Hard drive rails, and other misc screws I have yet to find a use for.



The side panel features an awesome window design. I like that fact that they have chosen to separate
the window into different sections for some reason or another. (1) 120mm blue LED has been installed
there as the air intake for the case, and to keep the video card at a reasonable temperature.



There is (1) 120mm blue LED fan at the bottom of the front which serves as the hard drive cooler.
(1) 120mm black exhaust fan, and (1) 120mm blue LED fan on the side panel that illuminates the case.
The front of the case has (3) 5.25 drive bays and (2) 3.5 drive bays.




They have included an attractive chrome NZXT badge which complements the front panel.



Here are a few pictures of the illuminated NZXT Guardian 921 case.





There are (2) 1" hose grommets on the back that allow you to route your
water cooling tubes out of the back of the case chassis.




The power and reset buttons are located on the front below the LCD temperature display.
It includes temperature display that allows the user to monitor internal temperatures at all times to prevent overheating.



There are a total of (3) temperature probes; provided leads from the front panel.
You may also notice the (3) attractive plexi stripes, they are lit from the bottom by (1) 3mm Blue LED.




On the side of the front panel you will find (2) USB 2.0 Ports, (1) 1/4" Microphone Jack, (1) 1/4" Headphone Jack, and (1) E-SATA port. The SATA cable is included as a lead from the front panel.




These are 7 total expansion card slots. There is 1 expansion card clamp for each slot. You simply push on the curved area with your thumb or fingernail and they rotate back out of they way so you can install your cards, then all you have to do is move the latch back and they click into place.



The latches are all you'll need to the hold cards in place, but you still have the option to screw them down into place if you wish. I would also recommend caution when you remove the expansion card covers as they are really sharp, and I cut myself on one. So don't do that.




The slide clamps allow you to mount and unmount the drives by simply sliding the plastic back and forth. You can lock them into place by pushing down on the thumb button. The 3.5" inch bay clamps work the same way they are just designed a little different.

Specs:
Case Type: Steel Chassis Mid Tower
Solid .88mm and 1.00mm Construction
Dimensions: 206mm x 459mm x 522mm
Reinforced ABS Plastic Front Panel

Cooling Fans:
(1) 120mm Blue LED Fan "Front"
(1) 120mm Black LED Fan "Rear"
(1) 120mm Blue LED Fan "Side Panel"

Drive bays:
9 Drive bays
3 External 5.25" Drive Bays
2 External 3.5 " Drive Bays
4 Internal 3.5" Drive Bays
Screwless Rail Design

Power Supply is Optional: 400w ATX 12V
Weight: 8.2 Kgs Excluding Power Supply.

Motherboard Support:
ATX, MICRO-ATX, BABY AT

Pros:
Unique in Design.
Three 120mm Fans.
Included Thumb Screws.
Cool Lighting Throughout.
Solid Front Panel Door.

Cons:
PSU Not Included.

NZXT Rogue Small Form Factor Case.




Introduction: The NZXT Rouge Ultimate SFF Chassis is the best example of quality materials
and solid case construction you should expect when selecting a cutting-edge gaming chassis for your home.
It features many convenient access panels that allow you to easily install the various
hardware components in there designated locations.

The NZXT Rouge Media Center HTPC case is a small form factor enclosure. Designed in effort
to utilize available space or LAN mobility. It is also a convenient media source that allows you to take
full advantage of all compatible entertainment devices through multiple input/output arrangements.
It has been crafted from aluminum and steel featuring an impressive front panel door assembly
that will last for ages. It has been designed to accept mATX or MicroATX motherboards.

Quote:
NZXT, a company built upon gamers dreams, hopes to create products that put consumers first. With the objective of designing unique products catered for hardware enthusiasts and gamers, NZXT has grown into a globally renowned brand recognized for dedication towards creating the next great gaming product. NZXT has won numerous awards from media and publications from across the globe with a product line spanning from gaming chassis, power, and gaming input devices. As a corporation formed by gamers, NZXT continues to expand into new horizons and push the limits further with each product unveiling.
Retail Price: $149.99
Available at Newegg.Com $69.99 <=-



The rouge ultimate sff chassis was delivered in a square box that features the product
design and specifications in a high gloss on the packaging for your viewing pleasure.



The case has been protected by closed cell foam that has
been inserted on both ends to prevent shipping damage.



An owners manual, case hardware, and optional accessories have
been included along with the case harness and shoulder strap.



The hardware required to extend the power supply region
is included along with the case harness and shoulder strap.



The front panel assembly has been constructed from solid brushed aluminum
it features an embossed area in the center with three vents near the bottom.



The top of the case features an overview window, and top access panel.
You simply remove the thumb screw from the rear of the case and slide the panel off.



The side panel has a rounded area at the top and vents along the side.



There are two 120mm holes, and dust filters installed on each side.



With the top panel removed you can see the internal case structure.
There is one clear 120mm fan installed on the rear of the case,
and one black 120mm fan installed on the left case panel.



This is the rear view of the case chassis. The drive cage assembly is clearly viable and extremely well constructed. You can install the drives with the included drive slides in the appropriate slot.
You can also remove the motherboard tray an install your selected mATX motherboard.



This is a fantastic view of the case that shows the available card slots, and power supply receptacle.



The thumb screws have been removed, and the motherboard tray
has been pulled from the chassis to illustrate the ease of installation.








The front bezel is solid aluminum. It is without a doubt one of the strongest front panel designs
I have ever seen. The front panel door rests on two metal hinges, and can be locked
to prevent access to the drives, and and buttons that reside behind the panel.





Here is a view of the front panel with the door open reviling the drive bay covers, and
the power and reset buttons. Also profile view of the front panel, and the drive receptacles
on the front panel. It includes E-Sata, Microphone, an audio input, and (2) USB 2.0 inputs.



Here are the (4) expansion card slots that can be removed with a standard Phillips head screw driver.



Two 120mm case fans provide the case with fresh air effectively cooling the active components
.


The opposite side features a 120mm fan, and dust filter.
You also have the option to install an additional 120mm fan in the provided space.



The side panels can also be removed to allow access to the hardware, fans, and dust filters.



Another view of the side panels and overall case construction.



The panels have been removed for the top, and side
of the case to allow access to the internal hardware.



The NZXT logo complements the front panel design.



There are (3) vents that provide additional case ventilation.





A LAN bag in the form of a harness, and shoulder strap have also been included.



Securely fastened the harness is an effective tool that allows you to carry the case wherever you go.




Specs:
Case Type: Aluminum - Steel HTPC Case.
Front Panel Material: Solid Aluminum
Dimensions: 422mm x 375mm x 279mm


Cooling Fans:

(1) 120mm Black "Back"
(1) 120mm Blue LED "RSide"
(1) 140mm Blue LED "LSide"
Five total 120mm case fan mounts.

Drive bays:

(2) External 5.25" Drive Bays
(1) 3.5" External Bracket
(4) Internal 3.5" Drive Bays
Screwless Rail Design.

Power Supply: Optional 500 Watt ATX 12V
Product Weight: 8.8 Kgs Excluding Power Supply.
Side Mounted Ports: eSATA, USB 2.0 x 2, speaker and mic port
Available colors: Black with Red LEDs, Black with Blue LEDs, Silver with Blue LEDs.

(1)Carrying strap with shoulder harness included!

Motherboard Support:
mATX, MICRO-ATX

Pros:
Solid HTPC Case.
Three 120mm Fans.
Included Thumb Screws.
Removable access panels.
Removable mainboard tray.
Metal front door with lock.

Cons:
PSU Not Included.