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Showing posts with label 改造. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 改造. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

iBook G3 Clamshell Mod - Install 1400x1050 Pixels HD LCD

This is one of the passages about the iBook G3 Clamshell modification project, of which a logicboard of Intel i5 was being installed into the classic Apple iBook G3 Laptop.

We start this project in 2014. We finished it in April 2015. A video about this project was uploaded onto Youtube. And I have been using it for almost a year.

Actually, I am very satisfied with its performance:

The i5 CPU is fast. The system is very quiet, stable and smooth, even if being upgraded to Mac OS X El Capitan.

Temperature of CPU is around 50 degree celsius all time.

The design of iBook Clamshell is the most elegant laptop ever. The idea of inclusion of a handle is great. I like carry the iBook with the handle. No pouch or cover is ever needed.

I applied a layer of protective film onto the shell. The skin protects the laptop and is still adhere firmly after a year. There is no need to buy any cover for it.

It is amazing to use a classic laptop like this, perform contemporary tasks effectively after 16 year of its first issue.

However, honestly speaking, there are some limitations to the modified iBook.

First, the screen resolution is limited to 1024 by 768 pixels. Which is a very low technology in these days.

Secondly, the battery life is about 3.5 to 4 hours after fully charged. I am not satisfied with this. I will try to find out if this is caused by too many application being used at the same time.

Recently, the iBook's LCD screen was replaced, by an aviation-graded 12" HD LCD with resolution 1400x1050 pixels.


Upgrade the LCD of iBook to 1400x1050
Upgrading the LCD of iBook Clamshell to 1400x1050


After the replacement, the System Preferences Window becomes smaller. Now the display can show more information; and it will be more meaningful to use the multi-tasking of Mac OS X El Capitan.


The resolution of 13" Macbook Air 2015
The Screen Resolutions of Macbook Air is 1440x900


In Apple's official site, it is declared that the resolutions of 13" MBA is 1440x900 whereas 11" is 1366x768. Now we have more pixels but in a smaller panel!

Erik Siivel (@siivel.com)
Modder | Producer | Blogger | Youtuber
Email: siiveldotcom@gmail.com



Sunday, December 20, 2015

Studio Display Mod - Protective Film for the Display

Despite the revolution of LCD technology bring about production of HD monitors with 4K or even 5K resolutions, some people still concern not only the screen quality per se but also the overall design of a monitor (like me XD). This is one of the articles about modifying an obseleted Apple Studio Display 17" (ADC) to meet present use.
The Studio Display is heavy. It is about 45.8 lb (21 kg). The whole weight of the display is being sustaied by the stand. To make it worst, as the monitor is already a very old item, there will be some depreciation, degrading or weakening of the structure, including the stand. Therefore, whether it is still fit to hold the CRT is in doubt. In fact, my original Studio Display has been broken at the stand.

After the modification, the display will be much lighter, as the CRT will be removed. However, it is still a good idea to strengthen the structure of the stand to prevent it from damage and extend its lifespan.

DIY Protective Skin for Apple Studio Display
Making a Protective Skin for the Stand


We have initiated a number of proposals, but finally, we found that applying Bestskinsever protective skin on the stand of the Studio Display appears to be the best solution.


DIY Protective Skin for Apple Studio Display
Finished! (Front View)

DIY Protective Skin for Apple Studio Display
Finished! (Rear View)

DIY Protective Skin for Apple Studio Display
The Bestskinsever Skins on the Display Stand is Hardly Noticed


The on scale blueprint will be uploaded in another passage, you may need it if you have this monitor, even if you don't mod it.

DIY Protective Skin for Apple Studio Display

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Studio Display Mod - Polishing the Case

Despite the revolution of LCD technology bring about production of HD monitors with 4K or even 5K resolutions, some people still concern not only the screen quality per se but also the overall design of a monitor (like me XD). This is one of the articles about modifying an obseleted Apple Studio Display 17" (ADC) to meet present use.
Polishing the shell is one of the most important step of our current Studio Display modification project as our goal is to give a junk Mac a new life. "A new life" not only limited to the innards spec but also to the outlook.


Scratches on the Mac
There were Many Scratches over the Case of Studio Display


Used Macs always unavoidably have the surface scratched in varying degrees. By rubbing the case with liquid polish, we remove the scratches and creat a smooth and shiny surface.


Dents on the Mac
Dents on the Studio Display



For the Studio Display I am modifying, as it was originally an inoperative junk item, or perhaps a trash-picked item :), there are hundreds of scratches on the shell, some areas even have dents thus even polish is no use (sad). But we still try our best to renovate it.

We first use some Tamiya sand papers to rub the heavy scratch, then by liquid polish 3000 (particle size about 3 micrometres) followed by 9800 (particle size about 1 micrometre). Now most of the scratches has been removed.

Mac After Being Polished
Studio Display - After Being Polished

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Studio Display Mod - About ADC Connection

Despite the revolution of LCD technology bring about production of HD monitors with 4K or even 5K resolutions, some people still concern not only the screen quality per se but also the overall design of a monitor (like me XD). This is one of the articles about modifying an obseleted Apple Studio Display 17" (ADC) to meet present use.
Using ADC (Apple Display Connector) is one of the distinguishing features of the Studio Displays debuted by Apple during 2000-2003.



Apple Display Connector
Apple Display Connector


The ADC combines analog and digital video signals, USB, and power all in one cable. Users only need to plug that one and only one cable exert from an ADC monitor to the Mac which has an ADC connection, and it will provide power and signals required for the display connected.

Apple Studio 17 CRT Display (ADC) was the last CRT display issued by Apple, it has also an ADC connection. Unlike other CRT displays of its time, ADC is the only cable out for this monitor.


ADC Cable of Apple Studio 17 CRT Display (ADC)
The ADC Cable will be preserve in my mod work


Some people complain about the lack of compatibility of the ADC connector. When a device which has DVI only, one need to buy an DVI to ADC adapter for his/her ADC-only monitor. The adapter itself was not cheap, about US$149 at that time. Even if one has this adapter, s/he will find it incompatible with Apple Studio 17 CRT Display (ADC).

I personally, however, adore this connector as I dislike too much cables on the table.  The idea which combines all proprietaries into one cable is really terrific cos I don't need to care about all complex connections; also, I Don't need to find power cord/VGA/DVI/Display port for my monitor.

For the upcoming modification work, I am planning to preserve this ADC cable for the Studio Display. I don't want to make several holes for a power cord, a Display Port, a VGA/DVI, that is stupid. At the same time, I will made an adapter so that it will be able to connect with the latest Macs like Intel Mac Minis.
Modder | Producer | Blogger | Youtuber
Email: siiveldotcom@gmail.com

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Studio Display Mod - Take Apart the CRT

Despite the revolution of LCD technology bring about production of HD monitors with 4K or even 5K resolutions, some people still concern not only the screen quality per se but also the overall design of a monitor (like me XD). This is one of the articles about modifying an obseleted Apple Studio Display 17" (ADC) to meet present use.
Here's a Service Source of the Apple Studio 17 Display (ADC). After reading that, you will be able to disassemble your Studio Display:

http://tim.id.au/laptops/apple/displays/studio17adc.pdf

After disassembled the Display, you will have the following stuffs:

(a) the Outer Case - comprising of the front bezel, the rear housing and the stand;
(b) the deflection board; and
(c) the CRT.

Among these, the CRT is our subject matter which needs to be replaced by a LCD.

However, the CRT has leaded glass and poisoning substances inside. So when you take apart of it you need to pay special attention. Remember not to break the glass or you might be exposed to those poisoning substances therein. After take apart the CRT, hand over to e-scarp porofessionals for handling. 

After disassemble the display, I applied glue between the front bezel and a 16" LCD.

Modifying Apple Studio CDT Display (ADC)
Mac OSX Yosemite Shown Up in Apple Studio CRT Display (ADC)

Is that a good idea to modify the display this way?


Modifying Apple Studio CDT Display (ADC)
The CRT was being replaced by a 16" LCD Panel

I think it is amazing to see an Apple Studio CRT Display (ADC) works with a Mac Mini.

It is just the beginning. Please stay tuned to this blog:)

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Studio Display Mod - An Idea

Despite the revolution of LCD technology bring about production of HD monitors with 4K or even 5K resolutions, some people still concern not only the screen quality per se but also the overall design of a monitor (like me XD). This is one of the articles about modifying an obseleted Apple Studio Display 17" (ADC) to meet present use.
In the early 2000s, Apple manufactured several displays bearing the name as "Studio Display". The Studio Didplay I am referring to, in this article, is the "Apple Studio Display 17 (ADC)", which was introduced by Apple in July 2000 and terminated in May 2001.


Apple Studio CRT Display (ADC)
Apple Studio Display 17 (ADC)


This Apple display is a "D-shaped" monitor with a Diamondtron CRT installed. It has a viewable area of 16”.  Its  connection via an ADC connector meant it could be used with a Power Mac G4 and a Power Mac G4 Cube only.

It is a beautiful monitor with a clear acryl-plastic housing.  The display adapted the Apple Display Connector (ADC) technology which was a new technology at that time which accepts power and signal simultaneously.

It is one of the Masterpieces of Apple. Yet, due to its limited compatibility with merely Power Mac G4 and the G4 Cube, it became obsolete quickly.

Some people had some creative idea changing it into a hamster home. I however thinking if I could make it compatible with the latest Mac. For example, replace the CRT by an LCD, using the mini display port as the connector. Have you got other ideas in modifying this?


Modder | Producer | Blogger | Youtuber
Email: siiveldotcom@gmail.com

Thursday, October 8, 2015

The New Airport Exterme Harddisk

Last year, we turned an Apple AirPort Extreme into an external hard disk. Now it comes with some upgrades: (1) upgrading the 1T SATA Drive from 5400 rpm to 7200 rpm; and (2) turning the USB from 2.0 to 3.0. We haven't change its outlook at all.

Link of the video:
https://youtu.be/7PJTlZikXKM

Airport Airport Extreme Hard Disk
The font view of the Airport Hard Disk

Airport Airport Extreme Hard Disk
Its rear view (you can supply additional 5V power supply via the power supply jet; the modem is just dummy)

Airport Airport Extreme Hard Disk
When the Airport HD connects with the Mac, its LED will turn on. While writing files, it flashes.

Airport Airport Extreme Hard Disk
Icon appears on the screen, you may even configure it as a TimeMachine Hard Disk :)
Those upgrades make the Airport Hard Disk more powerful.

Written by: Erik Siivel (@siivel.com)
Modder | Producer | Blogger | Youtuber 
Email: siiveldotcom@gmail.com


Saturday, June 6, 2015

iMac G3 Mod - Its Innards

After we have custom-made a CRT back for the LCD Panel, we put all the hardwares needed therein, which include logic board, fan, harddisks, sound controller board, and wires.

After several attempts and amendment, We were successful in putting those stuffs firmly and orderly inside the CRT back respectively, we call the whole structure "CRT-shaped Console" because it is now the brain of the new iMac.

In fact, connecting the wires between hardwares would be another challenge, it is because space inside the CRT-shaped Console is very limited. We have to use as least wires as possible to seize every milli-meter inside the Console.

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Apart from making a CRT-shaped Console, we also retain the video board inside the iMac. By doing so, the modify iMac will be more resemble to the original one. However, this improvement comes with the expense of a heavier iMac.

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Related Articles:

iMac G3 Mod - What is iMac G3?
iMac G3 Mod - iMac G3 "i7": an iMac G3 with i7 CPU


Written by: Erik Siivel (@siivel.com)
Modder | Producer | Blogger | Youtuber 
Email: siiveldotcom@gmail.com


Thursday, June 4, 2015

iMac G3 Mod - The Side Panel

Just finished making the Side Panel of iMac G3 i7 Version 2.0. Compare with the Version 1, this version has greater connectivity ability.

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(1) Mic Jet;
(2) 3.5mm Stereo Jet;
(3) Firewire Port (could be changed to USB 3.0);
(4) and (6) USB 3.0;
(5) a Thunderbolt Cord; and
(6) Gigabite Ethernet.

Mic and speaker jets are new features of Version 2.

If you still have vintage devices like iSight Camera, iPod Gen 1-3 ..., you still need a FireWire Port, or just dropped it.

As there is no "female" Thunderbolt Port available in the market (unless being disassembled from a Thunderbolt device), the Thunderbolt Jet has no choice but to be built this way.

Related Articles:

iMac G3 Mod - What is iMac G3?
iMac G3 Mod - iMac G3 "i7": an iMac G3 with i7 CPU


Written by: Erik Siivel (@siivel.com)
Modder | Producer | Blogger | Youtuber 
Email: siiveldotcom@gmail.com


Thursday, May 14, 2015

iMac G3 Mod - The LCD Panel

The iMac G3 has a translucent plastic case. in our opinion, when upgrading its hardware, if the original inward structure could be preserved at the same time, as if nothing has been changed inside, it would be so cool~

To achieve this goal, we have made a CRT-shaped Console for the iMac G3 as a storage for logic-boards, hard-disk, fan, wires and cables.

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The front portion is the 15" LCD with 1024x768 resolutions whereas the rear, the CRT Console.

Related Articles:

iMac G3 Mod - What is iMac G3?
iMac G3 Mod - iMac G3 "i7": an iMac G3 with i7 CPU


Written by: Erik Siivel (@siivel.com)
Modder | Producer | Blogger | Youtuber 
Email: siiveldotcom@gmail.com


Tuesday, March 24, 2015

iBook Clamshell Mod - Keyboard and Trackpad Attached

This is one of the passages about the iBook G3 Clamshell modification project, of which a logicboard of Intel i5 was being installed into the classic Apple iBook G3 Laptop.
It is already the final stage of the iBook G3 Clamshell modification project. Yesterday, I attached the original Keyboard and Trackpad to the iBook Clamshell. Afterwards, I tested them thoroughly, by pressing the keys one by one. Also, I tried to use the combination keys such as reseting PRAM, all worked in order. Test results were satisfactory.

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It is however quite disappointed that the Cap Lock Button could not be lit. And as to the Trackpad, originally, I intended to install the Magic Trackpad into the iBook but subsequently in vain.

Nevertheless, it is already a successful mod, in terms of keeping the original outlook at the same time, retain the original functions of those peripherials.

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The "skin" if the Trackpad has been replaced by a new one (as the old one had been "polished" by repeated usage), and covered by the a layer of Bestskinsever.