Kharaa Case Mod
esuna
Rock Bottom Join Date: 2003-04-03 Member: 15175Members, Constellation
Rock Bottom Join Date: 2003-04-03 Member: 15175Members, Constellation
<div class="IPBDescription">Infestation :)</div> Ok, if i don't lose enthiesiasm about this, i'm +hopefully+ gonna start work making a Kharaa infested computer case. The problem being i'm doing this on an absolute minimal budget. But i want it to look good.
I've got a few ideas already floating about, but if anyone can make any more suggestions or tips for doing something someway that i haven't thought of, please tell me. This isn't going to be a heavily "modded" case, in the standard sense of things (not an abundance of lighting, not masses of fans and so on). Also please raise any computer facts i've overlooked and so on, such as overheating etc.
Ok, this is what i have planned so far. Also bear in mind this is on a case that has 6 cd sized drive bays, so it's not a small little thing <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
<b>The case in general</b>
Ontop of this being sprayed a mix of greens, yellows and oranges to resemble the Kharaa infestation, i will actually be doing extensive 3d work on the case to depict the "infestation" in 3d as well, so it won't just be coloured metal. Right now i plan to use some sort of filler or plaster (Polyfiller) or maybe even papier mache to create a true, yet durable, 3d effect.
<b>A 120mm fan on the front</b>
This is going to be mounted in the 5 free drive bays (pending measurements, it may be a smaller fan) On the outside this will have some sort of chicken wire, or mesh covering it, but partly bent open and mangled as to give it a "Skulk just ripped this partly off" effect. All around this will be infestation to mask the edges and make the fan blend in better.
<b>The remaining drive bay (CD drive) and power switch etc</b>
This, i plan to at least, will be a metal plate in a rough L-shape, (this will also have the toggle switches for the fans on) with a TSA logo on it and possibly a small NS logo also. Also in this area, depending on cash flow, i hope to have some sort of LCD panel to display the interior's temperature and so on.
<b>The sides</b>
One side i'm going to leave plain, maybe put a TSA logo on it, but it will be generally infested, this will be the side at the back of the motherboard, where it's basically inaccessable. This panel will most likely have the gaps sealed and the panel will not be removable at all. The other side will be entirely made of perspex or acrylic. Hinged at the top as to make it easily accessable. On the outer-bottom of this will be a standard metal handle (to open it with). Around the border it will still be infested. But a large amount of it will still be totally transparent. For the window itself i am thinking i might take sandpaper to it and give it a worn / frosted look, like the windows in NS do.
<b>Inside</b>
This will be unchanged on the most part, due to the fact that i don't much like screwing around with the expensive parts of my puter. But, the IDE's i intend to replace with red, and blue circular cables, to conserve space and also for aesthetic reasons. Also, on the bottom i intend to put in some sort of cold cathode light (red most likely) or rope light.
<b>The rear</b>
This will be left entirely alone, its not like it will be seen much or anything, and i want to leave the PSU fan and all the cables free to be connected easily.
Now there's the concept. Any suggestions or tips anyone? <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
I've got a few ideas already floating about, but if anyone can make any more suggestions or tips for doing something someway that i haven't thought of, please tell me. This isn't going to be a heavily "modded" case, in the standard sense of things (not an abundance of lighting, not masses of fans and so on). Also please raise any computer facts i've overlooked and so on, such as overheating etc.
Ok, this is what i have planned so far. Also bear in mind this is on a case that has 6 cd sized drive bays, so it's not a small little thing <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
<b>The case in general</b>
Ontop of this being sprayed a mix of greens, yellows and oranges to resemble the Kharaa infestation, i will actually be doing extensive 3d work on the case to depict the "infestation" in 3d as well, so it won't just be coloured metal. Right now i plan to use some sort of filler or plaster (Polyfiller) or maybe even papier mache to create a true, yet durable, 3d effect.
<b>A 120mm fan on the front</b>
This is going to be mounted in the 5 free drive bays (pending measurements, it may be a smaller fan) On the outside this will have some sort of chicken wire, or mesh covering it, but partly bent open and mangled as to give it a "Skulk just ripped this partly off" effect. All around this will be infestation to mask the edges and make the fan blend in better.
<b>The remaining drive bay (CD drive) and power switch etc</b>
This, i plan to at least, will be a metal plate in a rough L-shape, (this will also have the toggle switches for the fans on) with a TSA logo on it and possibly a small NS logo also. Also in this area, depending on cash flow, i hope to have some sort of LCD panel to display the interior's temperature and so on.
<b>The sides</b>
One side i'm going to leave plain, maybe put a TSA logo on it, but it will be generally infested, this will be the side at the back of the motherboard, where it's basically inaccessable. This panel will most likely have the gaps sealed and the panel will not be removable at all. The other side will be entirely made of perspex or acrylic. Hinged at the top as to make it easily accessable. On the outer-bottom of this will be a standard metal handle (to open it with). Around the border it will still be infested. But a large amount of it will still be totally transparent. For the window itself i am thinking i might take sandpaper to it and give it a worn / frosted look, like the windows in NS do.
<b>Inside</b>
This will be unchanged on the most part, due to the fact that i don't much like screwing around with the expensive parts of my puter. But, the IDE's i intend to replace with red, and blue circular cables, to conserve space and also for aesthetic reasons. Also, on the bottom i intend to put in some sort of cold cathode light (red most likely) or rope light.
<b>The rear</b>
This will be left entirely alone, its not like it will be seen much or anything, and i want to leave the PSU fan and all the cables free to be connected easily.
Now there's the concept. Any suggestions or tips anyone? <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
Comments
OR you could get some bubbling-paint-stuff as well, or both.
OR you could get some bubbling-paint-stuff as well, or both. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'm toying with the idea of using textured paint (hammered finish and so on) but i have to check at a hardware store or two what colours i can get it in. Since from what i remember they're all metallic.
Do you think you can sell it like that when you want a new computer?
Is it reversable?
Are you this much of a hardcore NS player?
With that said, if you are still with me, I recommend you buy a bunch of those sticky stretchy almost slimey things that stick to the window. Spread them across one side of the computer (uneven is good for NS style) to appear to be alien growth. I think those things cost 50 cents each. 40 of them would look nice (20 bucks to pour in it).
Do you think you can sell it like that when you want a new computer?
Is it reversable?
Are you this much of a hardcore NS player? <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
First off, yeah, i'm extremely addicted to NS <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
But this is more of a personal thing, i'm not hoping, nor wanting, to sell this in the least. This is for my own amusement. Another thing, whether i get bored of NS or not, the case is a pretty generic infested alien type creation, which appeals to me and has done for years upon years. The case i'm going to be working on is one i have sitting around the house, adorned with many stickers and so on. It's got no purpose whatsoever, so i'm using it while we would have normally just thrown it away.
It's also something to do with my time.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I recommend you buy a bunch of those sticky stretchy almost slimey things <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I have absolutely no idea what you mean here. I think it's because i'm not american <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
Some alternatives might be dried seaweed? (buy at a hobby store so it doesn't stink lol)
Make it unbalanced though. I think that would be cool. NS is not about symmetry, so neither should any design immitating the style. Quite possibly you could have a "technology" side and an "alien" side (which is basically the technology side crawling with weird tentacles). I recommend you design the whole thing in the "technology" design first, then add the alien stuff.
Woah. That is an excellent idea. Seriously. As soon as i read that i could imagine +exactly+ what it would look like. Using gunmetal coloured hammered finish metallic paint on the wasted side (the one without the window) with the infestation creeping around the top and front. Also, the fan grille would be totally fine and bolted down on the "tech side" but on the kharaa side it would be half torn off.
Thanks for the fantastic idea, that is definately going in. Also, it cuts off a fair amount of work with the 3d infestation stuff <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
Has anyone got or drawn the TSA logo (the gunblade / wings thing) head on. I'm planning on making a cardboard template of this and spraypainting it on for the side. It's not got to look flawless or anything, just to show that the TSA has marked it as theirs.
If anyone has (regardless if it's small or large) i would appreciate a copy. Otherwise, it's back to the drawing board <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
I'll send you a link of my web site as soon as it is updated (I have a nice design ready to put up for it, but I don't have access to putting it up at the moment).
<li>Start by building a Marine CC-alike case. Hammered Chrome, TSA logo on the non-windowed side. Possibly mod the bezel as well to look more like a CC.. the 120mm is a good touch, though I'd keep it spinning slow, more for effect than anything else.
<li>Add on Infestation. Possibly use things like epoxy or sealant (the stuff you use to seal windows when installing them) to simulate tendrils. If you want a rougher texture, think about sanding the area and applying a ceiling-texture mix, or just smear it with more epoxy. Paint as you like. I'd suggest having the TSA logo remain partly visible, but overgrow it. Testor model paints are good for detail work, and they have glossy versions that actually LOOK like they're still wet. I've had no end of problems with other types of 'glossy' paints on this aspect, when trying to put on 'wet' patches.
<li>Cold-cathode. I'd suggest going for green, actually, rather than red or blue. It gives a more alien look, and if you set up the 120mm fan to spin real slow, it'll give a VERY nice effect in the dark.
<li>Fan grating. If you're going to have one edge loose, I'd suggest having the chicken wire grating (fine weave) and then a more substantial finger-protector, possibly painted to be less visible, a little further back. This prevents the chicken wire from accidentally getting pushed into the 120mm, which could jam it, knock off metal shavings (and draw them into the case) and is generally quite helpful if you have pets, small children in the house, or plan to put it anywhere on display where people could even POSSIBLY touch it..
<li>Blowhole. If you're going to blowhole the top, you might think about an inverted-duct to look like an alien 'spout' coming off the top. Haven't thought this one fully through yet, but it'd be helpful in getting the vented air away from the machine, and would assure nothing gets set on top of it, blocking the flow. (Suggestion for this: Take a cheap plastic funnel. Cut off the pointy end at an angle so you have a tapered tube with one angled end. Make sure the small end is cut far enough down so that you have about a three to four inch diameter... or at least not *too* small, to maintain good airflow. Put it in the oven for a few minutes on low, so the plastic will partially melt... hopefully the thinner plastic of the sides, and start to 'slump'. This is your cue to CAREFULLY remove it since it's still hot, and let it cool. Maybe assure that the larger, base-end is still circular. Paint. Cut out the blowhole-grille <as any decent modder will do> and epoxy the new blowhole over it, leaving access for the screws. Attach the fan AND a flat finger-protector grille to the INSIDE of the case, so it's not visible, and paint the screwheads.)
<li>Window. Sounds good, though instead of sandpaper, you might just want to take a knife/etcher and go to town in roughly parallel strokes. Give it a look like a Skulk has been clawing at it, especially if you have the coordination to do an aesthetically-pleasing curve. Do this on the *inside* to minimize dust-collection and wearing of the edges, possibly sand the inside of the grooves if they're big enough so when the cold cathode is on, they'll individually *glow* green in the dark, a grid of slashes hovering over the visible hardware.
<li>IDE/Floppy cables. Surprisingly, I'd suggest making your own rounded cables the old way with an X-acto and a roll of electrician's tape. The prepackaged ones look nice if you're going for a clean, futuristic look. Which isn't what NS's theme runs toward.. it's gritty, it's patched, it's hanging on where it can. It'll look like a kludge, which would fit right into the NS universe. Besideswhich, the pre-made rounded cables are painfully overpriced, speaking as one who used to make the rounded ones before they became the trendy thing to have.
I just haven't had the time or spare cash with college to put one of my own together.
Great Idea btw, but I've no experience at all with such things.
Edit: Forgot the link <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> well, here we go: <a href='http://www.joshbeeler.com/ramses/images/misc/TSA-Logo.psd' target='_blank'>http://www.joshbeeler.com/ramses/images/mi...sc/TSA-Logo.psd</a>
<span style='color:green'>*Fixed the link. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->*</span>
Seriously, I've no idea how to mod Macs. Not familiar with their construction, as they were always too... proprietary for my tastes. But I'd start by drawing up a concept sketch so you know what you want it to look like at the end, as a Mac case is a lot more expensive than a cheap PC case, which you can afford to screw up on.
With the extra-smooth finish of the Macs, if you're going to apply any paint to it, I'd suggest rough-sanding the intended paint-spots with large-grain sandpaper to really give the paint something to grab onto.
Though if you have the cash for a Mac, I'd also suggest just looking into plastic-extrusion moulding. It'd probably be easier to velcro a thin plastic shell over the original case without damaging it. Much more expensive than DIY case-modding as with on a PC, but a lot less likely to cost you upward of 2K if your hand slips, or if you accidentally cut a portion of the case that was important. Possibly swap out the Apple logo for a green one too, if that's possible.
And talesin, thanks for the suggestions too. About the blowhole, it's as yet not confirmed if i will do it on the top, since i want the fan to be functional, and not totally aesthetic. Hence why i thought about making a "wind tunnel" in my pc. I need to do more research into the art of pc cooling really. Also, as i mentioned i want the fan to be functional, i don't think (dispite how absolutely cool it would look) it's a viable idea to have it spinning so slowly.
As for the idea of skulk marks, i'm not overly keen on this idea, while it is a very valid point that a skulk could have been munching on it, i want the whole system to have a very, er, "dormant", or tranquil, look to it. I don't really want it to be ravaged by battle so much. The sandpaper effect on the window was more to detail wear and tear over the many years it's been there, also possibly a condensation type effect. (the heat inside the craft would create this effect due to the icy coldness of space).
as for the grating over the fan, i plan to border the whole thing (be it in metal or plastic) for the interest of safety, since i know what that stuff's like, and also it will give the overall thing a more "finished" look, rather than the person building the machinery was just doing a quick hack job. Hopefully aformentioned border will support the mesh enough so that it can't be bent back into the fan, at least not without extreme force.
Btw, excuse my ignorance, but is an X-acto a craft knife or am i mistaken? (just for clarification). Also, adressing the issue of the IDE cables, i think whilst the whole thing is supposed to be pretty gritty and so on, i think in the future they will have had the technology to create proper cables <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
As to the cold cathode, i was thinking green initially, but after giving it a lot thought (i was up til 5am throwing around ideas instead of sleeping) i realised that this is supposed to be a piece of human technology instead of alien, and the infestation is nowhere inside the case (for safety and aesthetic reasoning) The window is keeping the infestation out. If you see what i mean. But another idea i thought about would be blue, to coincide with the whole "blue thing" the marines have going on.
Please keep the suggestions coming, i'm getting really excited about starting work on this <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> I +MIGHT+ attempt a concept picture sooner or later (might be hand drawn or modelled in Hammer) so you can see the image that is so vivid in my mind right now <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
And the blowhole on top would still be functional, the warping-plastic thing is just to make the exit duct appear more organic.
<!--c1--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>CODE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='CODE'><!--ec1-->
Normal exit-duct
***
/ \
--- <-grille
-----
|[F]| <-fan
| |
| |
| |
-----
Organic duct
***
( .
-----
|---| <- grille
|[F]| <-fan
| |
| |
-----
<!--c2--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--ec2-->
As you can see, the blowhole would still work just fine. A minor rearrangement of components is all, to give it a smoother, more joined look.
And I'm not sure if an X-Acto is a craft knife or not. It *is* an art supply.. basically it's an extremely sharp razor blade on the end of a grip. The 'extremely sharp' part comes in when seperating the individual wires of the IDE cable so you can pack them down tight into a circular bundle, and then wrap them in electrician's tape. If the knife isn't sharp enough, it could drag and cut into the shielding of one of the wires on either side of the cut you're making. Which would make the cable not work if you cut all the way through, degrade performance if you partially cut through, or not work if you have two of 'em and they happen to touch and short out... it's called a 'shiner', and you have to be very careful of them with the level of detail you have to pay to what your hands are doing. Though once you get good, it isn't too hard.. and you usually save about $13 USD on each cable you make, even put up against the cheapest rounded cables.
I'm not really happy with the marine-side and I doubt that I've the same imagination as you, esuna, but it's worth the try...
<a href='http://www.modthebox.com/' target='_blank'>Mod the Box</a> has some pretty sweet case mods going on, one of my friends works there. Check it out for ideas/inspiration. Also a good place to get noticed for your work.
I'm not really happy with the marine-side and I doubt that I've the same imagination as you, esuna, but it's worth the try... <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Goddamnit, i hate you now. Heh. I quickly did a pencil sketch of what's in my head. And it's pretty much aloing the lines of that. I'll post it reguardless. But mine's pretty similar, but different placements etc.
<b>EDIT:</b> The marine side is supposed to be pretty bland and bare, since it's supposed to look like standard marine gear, so nothing special. Perhaps as i go along, i might come up with something to do with it <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
Another preview-attempt:
Here's the image stolen from the thread:
<img src='http://www.spacemonkeymafia.org/gallery/albums/album03/Picture_157.sized.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image'>
If you have any questions about possible electronics tweaks, you can PM / email me for help if you need it - I can draw up a circuit design for just about anything you might have going through your head. <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
I may have to take you up on that, since i will need to wire up a drivebay thingy to control the fans and light, also I'm going to try change the normal pushy-button power button into a flip toggle switch. Thanks for the offer, i might be more than you can take though, heh.