Operation: Integration Alumicoat Phase I (beware 56ers)

[web56n]

Operation: Integration Alumicoat..phase I

Finally.. plans for Integration Alumicoat have been aproved! (by me, web56n)
In the proceeding weeks I will be performing this extreme mod,
with step by step collaboration of details and pictures.
consisting of a completely modded pc work station.

Phase I - Design
this operation will consist of having the entire work station integraded, which will include completely custom built desk that will become the pc's case.
along with a semi-stealthed keyboard and mouse, a stealthed webcam that will be built into lcd monitor and will be remotely controlled from keyboard tray.

Desk top
desk top will be fabricated from 0.040" brushed aluminum, it will include a splat window for viewing purposes, directly in front of monitor.
here is a drawing of top view of desk top


also a pic of raw materials

0.040" brushed aluminum.
here is a drawing of top view of desk top showing pc and drives

also a drawing of FRONT view showing where drives open and close and are mounted flush with edge of desk top

Mods underway...
keyboard tray
I completely covered the aluminuim with masking tape to avoid any unwanted scraches,
I then layed out where keys are, notice no number pad I choose not to include them.

[ccoldwater]

This is a great Idea. I sure hope the keyboard is comfortable to use. Some sacrifices are worth making. I love the brushed aluminum and the blue LED.

[RedFury]

very nice idea, look forward to seeing the progress. Keep us posted

[Ruler2112]

Oh man- that looks sweet! You're braver (or richer, or both ) than I am.


I don't mean to take anything away from this, but have an idea you might want to incorporate if it's not too late and will fit into your overall design. By the look of what you're doing, the mechanics of it shouldn't be a problem for ya.

What about having a button that, when pushed, a drawer will slide back from the top revealing a shallow compartment, then the keyboard raised up flush with the top? When pressed again (or switched down, depending on the type of switch), the keyboard would sink into the desktop and the cover would slide forward, completely concealing it.

Like I said, this is not meant to take anything away from your design or what you've done- it looks like a great idea. I also don't know the detailed design of what you're thinking; this is just something for you to consider as you progress. (I have no idea how one would go about doing it, but then again, I wouldn't have had any idea how to go about doing what you're doing right now before seeing the above pics. Sleeving cables and putting in lighted fans is the next step for me in modding my PC. )

[web56n]

here are pics of keyboard frame
the frame is made from 1"x1" acrylic, which sits along the outer edge of keyboards tray.
here's pic of frame. the ends were glued together on a 45* angle.
keyboard or whats left of it sits in cavity of frame and brushed aluminuim is on top acting as a lid.

I've drilled holes at either end to install highpower blue leds which will light up the entire frame


here shows a pic of each hole in the keyboard tray bezal, filed and sanded.


also keyboard tray bezal finished and ready for esembling.


more pics of tray esembled.
I've chosen to use satin finish aluminum for the edges it has a groove so the acrylic had to have a notch to match

I put a slice along the edge of the 1" acrylic 7/16" deep to fit the aluminum edging. it slides on with little effort. (press fit)

this is what it looks like, tray is emty and ready to be wired up with keys,
leds,and sliders

why no number pad? because all the time I've been using a comp I haven't yet used them. I guess I'm used to the one's above letters.
also here's a quick pic of what bottom will look like

[web56n]

here is pic of molded clear silicon, 1/8"x6"x13" this is how I made the keys to soft touch! yeah, just like elevator buttons
this goes right on top of electronic keyboard pad, instead of any keys or all the little rubber caps, this not only made the keyboard soft touch but it also let me light up all the keys..by placing 4 blue led's around the outsides.

here is keyboard tray with keys, all keys light up it's just the pics. sorry for the poor pics.

and day time



will post better pics.......

Phase II mods underway!
here are pics of front edge of desktop were cd-rw and dvd drives will be located, this piece will sit right in front of keyboard.

here's pics of front bezel...

this will show you the overall look of front, with drives stealthed,
this also will have power and reboot buttons along with 4- on/off switches for fans. (they all glow in the dark)
the area that is not aluminum is mirrored acrylic and will be back lit with blue led's,
I will be installing them at a later time!


this piece is 80" long and will go along front edge of desk top (one piece)

here is also close up of switches,

I will be starting desktop layout and cutting out window next,
once all pieces are ready then I will be assembling it all together

[ZeroAce]

Masterfully done.

Did this require any special machinng tools?

[ZeroAce]

I would have used this keyboard to compliment the futuristic design:

http://www.maltron.com/

[web56n]

Originally posted by ZeroAce
I would have used this keyboard to compliment the futuristic design:

http://www.maltron.com/

yeah there great, but what fun is that! anyone can buy them
and there not soft touch keys try makin your own....

[web56n]

Originally posted by ZeroAce
Masterfully done.

Did this require any special machinng tools?

just a demel and a good old fashion file.
tin snips.
sand paper.
hack saw ( no pun intended )