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Step 7Hardware Build - Secure the Parts, Add Switch
Secure It
Now that everything is attached to the frame we need to secure it.
I used some blocks of balsa wood, an old wooden yard stick, and some high strength Velcro. I've noted placement of these items in the image below.
It's a custom fit so this step will be different for every laptop.
Use hot glue to hold the blocks firmly in place.
Attach Velcro to the yard stick and mounting blocks as shown in the image below.
I couldn't make this permanent because I need flip the motherboard back to install or eject the CD when I want to make improvements to the core functionality or apply the latest OS service packs.
Add a Switch
This step requires a bit of careful soldering, but it's really not that difficult.
Finally, cut a small hole in the back of the frame for your laptop power supply cord. Depending on how you plan to mount and display your frame you may want to do this on the bottom or side instead of the back. I wanted my power cord to be invisible (going through the wall), so I went with the back of the frame.
Use any bootable CD to once again test that everything still works.
The hardware build is DONE! Time to move on to the software...
Now that everything is attached to the frame we need to secure it.
I used some blocks of balsa wood, an old wooden yard stick, and some high strength Velcro. I've noted placement of these items in the image below.
It's a custom fit so this step will be different for every laptop.
Use hot glue to hold the blocks firmly in place.
Attach Velcro to the yard stick and mounting blocks as shown in the image below.
I couldn't make this permanent because I need flip the motherboard back to install or eject the CD when I want to make improvements to the core functionality or apply the latest OS service packs.
Add a Switch
This step requires a bit of careful soldering, but it's really not that difficult.
- Find the location of the previous momentary-on power switch for your laptop.
- De-solder the switch to expose the two connection points.
- Solder about 18 inches of fine gauge stranded wire (maybe 22 - 26awg) to the contact points.
- After confirming that you have a good connection, cover with hot glue to act as a strain relief.
- Extend the wire to a momentary-on switch installed on the back of your frame. Any low profile momentary on switch can be used, but I went with this one which works great: Radio Shack Model # 275-644
Finally, cut a small hole in the back of the frame for your laptop power supply cord. Depending on how you plan to mount and display your frame you may want to do this on the bottom or side instead of the back. I wanted my power cord to be invisible (going through the wall), so I went with the back of the frame.
Use any bootable CD to once again test that everything still works.
The hardware build is DONE! Time to move on to the software...
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May 16, 2011. 6:21 PMfelixh
says:
just a thought but couldn't one use wake on lan in place of a power switch?
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