MECTILE

Category: ComputerSphere

  • ComputerSphere – modding the original base to include a DVD burner

    I thought for a change in scenery, I would look at modding the original square base. The square base was an attachment that could be used to support the Videosphere, it wasn’t needed if the Videosphere was hanging. To keep with this idea, I decided to make the base a removable DVDRW drive, with a…

  • ComputerSphere – restoring the original knobs and dials

    The two large knobs were the reason the project stalled for so long, I initially planned to use the knobs to control the LCD TV, interfacing the knobs to the digital up/down buttons. The idea was, since the knobs are rotary, I needed some way to convert the clockwise and anticlockwise directional rotation to two…

  • ComputerSphere – testing the Via Epia M output on the LCD

    A quick update. Before I went through the process of installing the operating system on the computer, I thought I should quickly check the VGA output and make sure everything was normal. BIOS output of the Via Epia M on the LCD. Secondly, I decided to shorten the VGA cable to a more manageable length.…

  • ComputerSphere – mounting the VIA Epia M motherboard

    A quick post on the progress made to mount the VIA Epia M motherboard inside the Videosphere. Firstly, the VIA Epia M motherboard, chosen as I had it from a previous project and it was the perfect size, well, it was a little bit too big, but it still did fit nicely. Fitted with a…

  • ComputerSphere – converting the knobs to buttons

    Before I can mount the motherboard, I needed to return the three knobs back to their original location as I wouldn’t be able to do this with the motherboard in the way. Originally these knobs were used for volume control, and some form of picture fine tuning. As we are all in a digital age,…

  • ComputerSphere – Installing the LCD electronics and testing

    After a very long break, I’ve decided to complete this mod once and for all. This update is mainly to make sure the LCD is still working after sitting around for a number of years, and confirm I still have all the parts. Firstly, let’s make sure the LCD is still working. Now we need…

  • Finishing the bezel and mounting the LCD

    A small update to keep things rolling. I finished sanding the bezel to a state I was quite happy with. The hole was then trimmed as it was slightly too big and the sides were uneven. Pictures below just before painting. First a white undercoat, 2 layers. Coat of matt black, 2 layers. Final photos…

  • Integrating an LCD TV with the Videosphere

    As I previously posted, I purchased a 8.4″ LCD TV for around $150. Here is the last update for the year, going on holidays and won’t be back till mid January. I have started to try to mount the LCD TV into the Videosphere. Firstly removed the LCD from the plastic housing This is a…

  • Videosphere polishing and TV tuner

    Progress with the cleaning of the Videosphere is as follows: Have purchased some buffing/polishing compound that is supposed to be very good for plastics, it is called Polac (but also goes by the name Vonax). Purchased from Abrasiflex for $24.20. It can be purchased cheaper from Ferrofin but are in the eastern states. Whilst this…

  • Cleaning the Videosphere

    I should mention prices, and note it will all be in Australian dollars. I picked up the Videosphere about 3 years ago of eBay for about $200. I will also mention, I am going to try and include everything, even the mundane stuff. So with that said. Here are some pictures of me washing it.…