PS2 Case Mod: Window

Intro: PS2 Case Mod: Window

Basic instructions to case mod your ps2 with a window to give it that super-gamer effect.

STEP 1: Decide on Your Design

***WARNING*** this mod to your ps2 will void its warranties and be permanent, so do not attempt this unless you are confident enough to tackle this project
This WHOLE mod is centered around a single design. If this is your very first mod to a console, or if you aren't very skilled with a dremel, you should consider a simple shape, such as a rectangle, circle or triangle. Simple shapes are MUCH easier to do than complex ones (obviously)especially if you rarely work with a rotary tool, such as a dremel. Try not to choose a design that exceeds your skill level. Simple designs look good, especially if you take your time. Something like this should be easy enough.
Tools:
rotary tool(dremel)
exacto knife
brain

Materials:
Ps2 case
clear cd case
Fasteners(rivets,screws,glue,etc)
Philips Screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Design Template(detailed later on)
Another good instuctable using this method is Here

STEP 2: Disassembly

Flip your ps2 over, and remove all screws with a philips head screwdriver. Don't forget the screws underneath the rubber pads. Remove these with a flathead screwdriver, or your fingernail. If you're a modder, you know the routine, and if not, should be simple enough...

STEP 3: Mark the Design...

It is very important to mark the design correctly on your ps2, because if your marks are wrong,the cutout will be wrong. To mark the design, there are a number of options...first, you can hand draw the image full scale on a piece of paper, then use carbon paper to transfer it to your ps2 case, or second, you can use a template or printout of the design. I chose the latter way, because i was afraid my marks wouldn't be symmetrical, and my window would look cockeyed. Many other ways will work, but the two that i thought of off of the top of my head were these.(there's a lot of "of"'s in there, huh?) When you print out your image, cut it out using an exacto knife, scissors, or something sharp and shiny....or, you can use carbon paper along with the printout, and transfer it that way...however you do it, remember not to make it permanently visible, but if you do, make sure you have a way to remove it...Masking tape works well.

STEP 4: The First Cut...

How you cut out the design is entirely up to you, because techniques differ from one person to the next. However you do it, take your time and do it neatly...
I used a dremel with a cut-off wheel, but these break often. I substituted it for a high speed cuttter wheel, and this works fine, as it is metal, not that ceramic feelin crap that breaks so often. The smaller the blade, the tighter the cut radius, but the longer it will take you. The larger the blade, the smaller the cut radius and less cutting time.
One technique to use is to outline the design using the lowest speed, as if you're going to engrave it, and then come back and cut all the way through.

STEP 5: Protecting Your Insides...

Now that you have a hole in your ps2 case, it's time to add a preotective covering, while still being able to see through the cutout.
Clear strong plastic works well, such as acrylic, but if you're like me, you don't just have a panel of acrylic just lying around for such a purpose. A good alternatve to this is a simple cd case. it's clear, strong enough for this purpose, as ther'll be no weight applied to it, and is thin enough to add without interfering with the insides of your ps2.
Another good alternative is an actual cd, with the label removed.

STEP 6: Clipping the Cd Case

To be able to use the cd case, it won't exactly fit inside snugly. I cut the corners off of one using the dremel, and simply hot glued it in place, but this is a bad idea; the hot glue is semi-permanent, and won't allow removal of the case, in case you want to do something new, like etch it. So, i suggest using small screws, probably sie 4-40, or 3-32, available at radioshack, to hold it in place. One screw per corner should be enough, but don't tighten it too much, or the case will crack, and ruin your best efforts.

STEP 7: Yay...a Hole in Your Ps2

Now that you have your window mod added, admire your handiwork...if you want to, add paint or other effects to your ps2, such as led's inside to light up your new mod. I added green LED's and powered them from the usb port on the front, and it looks pretty sweet. I will post a new instrctable on this as soon as i can.

Comments

[bounty1012]

That sucks... you cant use this on the slim redesign.

[robots199]

Very nice, I would add plexiglass with led in it already. 4.5/5

[Chewy2634]

hey im doing a decepticon sign on mi ps2 but i cant figure out how to cut right so i can get the shape

[[ReinventingYourExit]]

Try printing the logo out and using it as a template. Masking tape comes off clean, so I'd recommend it.(I've used it fluently on all 6 case mods I've done) I also used a Dremel cutoff disc for the large pieces, and either a sanded down cutoff disc(run the edges of it spinning on some sandpaper, or hard metal) or a grinding bit(chainsaw grinding bit is what it said on my package.) For really detailed stuff, try an engraving bit.

[arch_angel07]

awesome, you inspired me to super mod my ps2, so far I have done a window mod (in the shape of a tri-force from zelda), filled in the ridges in the sides (it's and old fat ps2) and painted it white, and once I can get my hand on some I will be putting a couple of yellow leds to the tri-force will glow when the ps2's on.

[[ReinventingYourExit]]

Nice! What are you planning on powering the LEDsfrom?the usb port, or maybe the same source as the fan runs on? I power all 9 of mine from the fan's source, but before that used the usb port, and that worked decently...Let us know!

[arch_angel07]

I found a diagram to solder a them to an extra space on the mother board, Ill try and find it.

[arch_angel07]

found it

http://psx-scene.com/forums/attachments/ps2-case-modding-customization/6518-help-led-ps2-please-solderpoints.jpg?d=1107212973

it's 12v so It will need a resistor, how hard was it to set them up with the fans power source, as now that seems easier than ripping the whole thing apart and putting my (very poor) soldering skills to use on the board.

[[ReinventingYourExit]]

Well, the fan on mine had a connector between the fan and the motherboard,so i just cut the wires about midway,stripped about 1/4 inch off, and twisted the wires from the LEDs and the fan together. I soldered them together, re-connected it back to the motherboard, and since i had a resistor already wired into the led's on the case, i didn't worry about it. Hope this helps!

[1BigKid]

Don't worry about the camera, Pics were fine. This is a cool mod that looks entirely easy to do. I will add that for about 12.00 best buy sells light up led fans for computer cases that blink/flash and they have 2 or 3 sizes to choose from. I installed one one these in my plexiglass sided desktop and it actually lights up the room! Target also sells a strip of led's with a lighter plug on it for use in a car that could easily be modded for this. they were about 4.95. Computer shows are a great place to find things of this nature, check the net to see if there are any shows in your area! Again Great mod! I am looking forward to trying it out!

[Sgt.Waffles]

Looks cool! I have two PS2s, (got one free), so i will have to try this! But, you stole my biohazard idea. Damn. +++++

[Tierra]

Yeah the biohazard sign is such a sweet sign, but it seems a few people use them now on computers etc.

[Mitten]

Please invest in a digital camera instead of a webcam.

[[ReinventingYourExit]]

I apologize for the low quality of the images. I will update them with better ones as soon as i can.

[[ReinventingYourExit]]

I apologize for the low quality of the images. I will update them with better ones as soon as i can. This is my very first instructable, so i've yet to get the hang of this.