Assembling a Personal Media Server from Remnants of Old PC Components and a Custom-made 3D Housing
In a recent project, a builder embarked on the exciting journey of constructing a custom 3D printed PC case for the LattePanda Mu's Mini ITX development board. This article will take you through the key steps and components used in the build.
To begin with, the builder opted for ferrules on the bare wires to enhance the mechanical grip and minimise the risk of shorts. The M3 20mm self-tapping countersunk screws, sourced from Amazon, were used for securing the 3D printed sections together and for motherboard mounting. A small Wera ratcheting screwdriver was employed during the build process for added convenience.
Wires were soldered onto the power button connections and tested before being made permanent. Kapton tape was utilised to make the wiring changes permanent and also serve as strain relief. It's worth mentioning that the LattePanda development board lacks a conventional breakout for power buttons, case LEDs, and so on, making the use of ferrules and Kapton tape all the more essential.
The MASS project, designed by Haydn Bao, is a 3D printable modular storage stack project. The builder's case included drive bays that could accommodate up to four 3.5-inch drives, each with rails to pull the drives in and out of the bays for easy access. The instructions for the MASS project are detailed and include both words and pictures to illustrate the build process.
For those interested in augmenting their build, the MASS project offers optional parts. The builder made use of the power button on the board, which makes a connection when pressed, triggering the board to power up. The power button was connected to the board using the methods previously detailed.
The LattePanda Mu's Mini ITX development board uses a 5525 DC barrel jack for an external power brick. A UNI-T UT58C multimeter was used for testing the connections throughout the build process. The builder also employed an HOTO Electric Screwdriver to expedite the assembly process.
When it comes to PC case building, it's important to have the right screws on hand. In this build, the builder used M3 screws for motherboard mounting and component fastening, 6-32 screws for hard drive and PSU mounting, fan screws for securing case fans, and thumb screws for case side panels and easy access covers. A comprehensive PC screw kit can be purchased from Amazon or electronics hardware stores, ensuring you have all the common types needed for a PC build.
In summary, the builder has successfully completed a 3D printed PC case for the LattePanda Mu's Mini ITX development board, demonstrating the potential for creativity and customisation in DIY PC builds.
Technology and gadgets played crucial roles in the builder's project to create a custom 3D printed PC case for the LattePanda Mu's Mini ITX development board. For instance, a UNI-T UT58C multimeter was used for testing connections throughout the build process, while an HOTO Electric Screwdriver was employed to expedite the assembly. Additionally, Kapton tape served as both a permanent wiring solution and strain relief in the build.
