134 replies to this topic

[zammykoo]

UPDATE 10/10/12:
(THE UPDATE YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR)

Hey folks, I have been busy with other things and have not been able to revisit my G5 project, although my PC is still sitting inside a nice and shiny G5 case.

I've been receiving messages about getting my source artwork for the PCB layout, which I've sent out to the first few who asked and I have not heard back from them since. I wanted to release this to the rest of you guys in case you wanted to build your own or have them massed produced. I have no problem with you guys producing and distributing these units amongst each other. That's what this community is all about!

BOM from www.mouser.com:
538-48146-0011
Telecom & Ethernet Connectors CAT 5 8P/8C

161-2905-E
Phone Connectors 3.5 STE W/2NC SW SHD

649-73725-0110BLF
USB Connectors USB UP RIGHT RECEP W/O SENSOR FLAG

BOM items purchased locally (or anywhere else online):
http://www.frys.com/product/2069003?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
80 Pin Double Row, Straight Header Strip, 0.1" Center, qty 5

http://www.frys.com/product/1984103?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
10 Pin Insulation Displacement Connector with Strain Relief, Gold/Black, Qty 10

BOM items purchased on ebay:
Cables were purchased in bulk from ebay, any usb/audio/ethernet cable works the same.

Download source vector artwork:
http://tamtruong.com/portfolio/download/

Password is g5download


Final Notes:
I can't get over the fact that this project has made such an impact on this forum, and is still in demand today. I hope this helps you guys continue to build awesome uncut G5 cases for your system. Feel free to modify the design to fit your needs and take pics of your finished product and post on this thread to keep it alive. With all that said, I cannot be held liable for any errors that could happen in your build. Please test EVERYTHING before plugging this unit into your system. Thanks all for your interest in my G5 rear I/O port project.

I will be visiting the forums from time to time but will not be available for assistance. I may also not respond to messages/emails so please post on this thread for others to help and work it out instead.


P.S. If anyone is going to have this produced at a fabrication house I'd appreciate if you can send me a copy of the finished product   ROCK ON G5 CASE MODDERS!

-Tam



---------------------------------------------

UPDATE 9/7/11:
I have been receiving messages from some forum members about releasing my sources for this project since I am no longer producing these units. That's fine, I have no problem with sharing this with others who are interested in building their own (or wanting to get a run of these manufactured).

Though, I have been hesitant on doing so because there was an issue that some people pointed out that the pcb was a bit wider than they'd prefer. I wanted to have this issue corrected before any more are made, so I can release the sources to those who would be willing to revise the board design. (Must know how, or know someone who does)

I have been super busy between work and my own projects so I cannot revise the design myself. I can provide some advice/assistance from my own design process, but can't guarantee to reply to every email.

If you are interested, send me a PM with your email address and I can have those files sent to you.

Thanks,
Tam

---------------------------------------------

UPDATE 7/19/11:
It was fun while it lasted. I enjoyed making these but I can no longer continue producing these units because I have shifted focus on other things. For those who have purchased one I will continue to provide assistance to any questions you may have. Either PM me or shoot me an email (same as paypal email).

I will be selling the rest of the inventory at a discount rate of %50 off. See below for pricing.
All remaining units are pending shipment SOLD.

---------------------------------------------

Hey all, I am building atx-to-G5 rear I/O port kits for modders who want a simple solution to access the motherboard's jacks WITHOUT cutting a hole on the backside of the case. (Please note this is made for the Early-2005 case and earlier. WILL NOT fit the Late-2005 case)

 P5243003.jpg   380.67K   1472 downloads
 P5242999.jpg   276.77K   1301 downloads
 g5zammykoo_diagram1.jpg   392.6K   1457 downloads
 g5zammykoo_diagram2.jpg   297.51K   1152 downloads

[eelhead]

Maybe, If I make a new G5 case mod I would probably go with as little cutting as possible. With one thing I can attest to is that it was more work then I realized doing my project. An alternative for the rear to have a modded made port form Apple to mATX would be sweet. I would probably buy one to save me the headache of cutting the case and making sure I didn't mess anyting up because once you cut it you cant uncut it lol.

[zammykoo]

eelhead, on Apr 18 2011, 11:16 AM, said:

Maybe, If I make a new G5 case mod I would probably go with as little cutting as possible. With one thing I can attest to is that it was more work then I realized doing my project. An alternative for the rear to have a modded made port form Apple to mATX would be sweet. I would probably buy one to save me the headache of cutting the case and making sure I didn't mess anyting up because once you cut it you cant uncut it lol.

thanks for the feedback, eelhead.

I need to ask those who are interested, which rear ports they will/not be using. This will help me determine pricing/time better. I'll include this in the poll.

I'll say ahead of time, I'm having trouble sourcing out the correct firewire jack. If anyone knows of a source, please chime in.

Thanks!

[okolowicz]

As my G5 mod is being used as a server I don't need most of the ports. Therefore, I've written down what I need:

USB2
Ethernet (would like 2, one where existing ethernet port is and another where modem is)
audio out (headphones)

Regarding cost... Really comes down to the quality of work but off the top of my head $100 would be fair for great work

~B

[zammykoo]

Thanks for the feedback, okolowicz. You bring up an interesting idea that I didn't think of, to mount two ethernet jacks.

So I've finally had time to put together a technical drawing draft, and included the second ethernet jack on there. And obviously there are some things that are missing such as the optical audio ports, firewire, etc. but I know most of us don't use them anyway.

I would like to include the 6-pin firewire 400 port, but I cannot find the right one.

If there is anything else that you guys would like to have, please let me know. I will probably start ordering a small batch of supplies to build prototypes soon.

EDIT: Sketch moved to first post

[rorydaredking]

Will it interface by extension cables or header cables?

[zammykoo]

rorydaredking, on Apr 21 2011, 12:29 PM, said:

Will it interface by extension cables or header cables?

Good question, I can leave this open to you guys.

Although crimping wires will take additional work and may cost more for supplies. Or maybe I can do both versions. Just tell me which you guys would prefer.

Keep the votes coming!

[zammykoo]

Mini Update:

I've placed a small order for pcb mount jacks online, and while I'm waiting for those parts to come I'm going to find the rest of the parts locally.

I do need to know which usb interface you guys would prefer (usb header or usb extension plug)

By default I will get usb extension plugs since I figured most of you guys will have an additional usb port pci card that connects to the usb header ports. And also in use by the front panel.

[zammykoo]

The mailman dropped off some goodies  
 P4272960.jpg   276.95K   457 downloads

Doing some test positioning on cardstock. The actual production models will be mounted on printed pcb
 P4272963.jpg   341.99K   526 downloads

My drawings actually made it fit perfectly!
 P4272964.jpg   418.3K   522 downloads

I've been quite busy with work but I'll try to update soon...

[Gus.Carrie]

Very nice job. Keep it coming.

[rorydaredking]

Hi mate,
sadly wont be buying myself as I am getting a Mac Pro case next week. Looks like its coming along well though.

[zammykoo]

rorydaredking, on Apr 28 2011, 01:08 PM, said:

Hi mate,
sadly wont be buying myself as I am getting a Mac Pro case next week. Looks like its coming along well though.

No problem.

I was actually looking into making IO connectors for the Mac Pros too. It looks a bit more difficult to figure out since I'm sure those connectors aren't available.

I'll need to get myself a MP case for test fitting too. How much are those things nowadays? (I do take case donations as well )

[Acro_Design]

now thats a nice project/product if i where to build a g5 micro atx i would defiantly be looking for things like this to make my job easier. keep up the good work

[rorydaredking]

zammykoo, on Apr 28 2011, 07:51 PM, said:

No problem.

I was actually looking into making IO connectors for the Mac Pros too. It looks a bit more difficult to figure out since I'm sure those connectors aren't available.

I'll need to get myself a MP case for test fitting too. How much are those things nowadays? (I do take case donations as well )

Not sure about Us prices, but UK arent too good. Empty brand new ones are about 100 pounds. But I want one wiht front panel, the drive sleds and the optical drive carrier. And pos the HDD cable too. And none of them have that, so I am waiting or the guys at scrumpymacs to get back to me on tuesday with what they have and prices. I want to pay about 200 pounds for all the stuff I said, and pick up a complely broken matching logic board for as little as possible, so I can do a sortof daughterboard mod.

But the connectors, I was looking round today and they are all available. I found a few dual rj45 sockets about and some firewire 800 ones too, luckily for you theyre all US the firewire ones. Sadly for me, couldnt find any in the UK.

PM me if you need links to them.

[zammykoo]

Alright guys, here's a quick update. I've been extremely busy so every minute of free time I get goes to the development of this project.

I've completed my first draft of this circuit design and will test as soon as I can etch it. I've made the toner transfer onto the copper board.... unfortunately I am out of muriatic acid to burn it   . Hopefully I can make a trip to the store to grab some tomorrow.

Until then.... enjoy this pic!
 P5032968.jpg   365.24K   362 downloads

[eelhead]

Wow

I got nothing else but wow!
It's going to be an awesome piece of hardware your making, nice and clean looking to compliment the case and everything.

[Gus.Carrie]

This looks seriously impressive!
How are you doing the circuit board? And how do you plan to solder to the board? Its so small it looks like a machine might have to do it, like a real manufactured board!
So impressive! Can not stress that enough.

[zammykoo]

Much thanks eelhead & Gus.Carrie!

I do have some not-so-good news. My schedule has been really crazy and some things have come up... I will have to put this project on hold for maybe a week or two. In the mean time I will keep thinking of design improvements though, and now I actually want to take a different approach than etching with chemicals. I will be using a mini cnc machine to cut these boards.

I'll keep you guys posted on the latest updates, stay tuned!

[eelhead]

Well Hurry back
Maybe that time I can get the other G5 running, fix the other G5 case lol and maybe set it up for an ATX no cut install. We shale see as well lol.

[okolowicz]

Wow! I must say I'm a bit disappointed you have to put it on hold for a bit. I was interested before I even saw the mockup. Now that I've seen it I'm positive I want one. My G5 project is nearly complete except for the I/O panel.

I've been pretty busy as well and have not been checking these boards as frequently, however, I'll be making a point to do so from now on. However, once you get back to this project and are ready to go, feel free to PM me and let me know. I'm prepared to buy one the minute you are ready to take your first order.

Bryan

PS Regarding your second poll, I'd prefer to have the ports already attached. I'd rather not have to mess with the crimping and such.