Even modern clock workers need servers to store their data.
I would like to have a server that can be switched on by a winding key for clocks.

Unfortunately you can´t buy such a switch. But you can build it! :-)

The server is a tower with the following dimensions:

16 cm to 16 cm and 50 cm high.
The case is made from multiplex wood.
It is stained with black stain and painted with shellac.

Step 1: The Parts for the Computer

You need:

atx mini power supply
a fan
one ore two harddisks (I used two hard disk´s 512 GByte for the data and 60 GByte for Windows 2000 and the storage for the FTP - Server and the Web Server.
a motherboard (3,5 inch formfactor) This MB will fit exactly the size of a 3.5 ´´ harddisk. It has LAN 10/100, VGA and one IDE Connector on board. I attached 512 MByte RAM.
two jointer for woodwork (steel)
some pieces of wood
Windows 2000 server (I bought one package with 5 CAL´s for 30.- EUR) WIN 2000 Server has two free RDP connections for administration.
Filezilla Server (FTP)
Apache (WEB - Server)

Step 2: Building the Frame

I mounted everything between the two jointer. The only thing I have to do (to make the hard disk´s fit) is to widen the holes a bit.
With the hard disk´s in place I have had a perfect frame for mounting the power supply and the fan.
There is only one fan that cools the power supply and the mother board as well.
After the cabling I installed WIN 2000 server, apache and file zilla server on it. Then I made a final test and everything was OK. :-)

Step 3: Building the Stand and the Case

The stand was made from 2pieces of 21mm multiplex wood. The frame was mounted with two pieces of wood on the stand.
After I tried the right position for the frame I stained and painted the stand and did the final mounting.

The case was made from thin multiplex and stained and painted as well. On the top is a wide opening for the air flow. Later covered by another piece of stained and painted multiplex.

Step 4: Building and Mountig the Switch

For the switch you need:

a piece of wood (for mounting everything together)
a micro switch
two adjusting collars (6mm diameter)
a piece of 6mm round brass
a 6mm bracket
some screws
a spring

Firts file the round piece of brass to square so that it fits the winding key.
Than mount it together as shown on picture four.
Connect it to the power on switch of your computer.

I mounted the switch in my case so it lays exact behind a hole in the middle of my tower.
See pictures 5 - 7.

Now you can turn the winding key to switch the server on and off. It looks like a clockwork. ;-)

With kind regards,

Horatius Steam