Media PCs

The atTiny45 USB LED E-mail, Twitter and Pidgin Notifier

Justblair

This is an interesting little modification that i have completed on my EeePC901. Based on an Atmel aTiny45 processor it's function is relatively simple, but as it is built from scratch, the build took some interesting twists and turns. Not only that, but it also has a nice little social story that for me was part of what made it such an engaging little project.

Eee RC - My hacked version of ngRC

Justblair

ngrc_eee_home_001 ngRC, short for Next Generation Remote Control is a fantastic piece of software that you can install on your Windows Media Center. The software allows you to control aspects of your Media Center across a WiFi network using any device that is able to run a web browser.

Recently i purchased a pair of Eee PC 901 ultra mobile portable computers, one for myself and one for my partner. So far I have already modified both Eee PCs to add touch sensitive screens to them. ngRC seemed by its description to be an ideal application for us. I was particularly interested in being able to select and play music from my hard drive without having to switch on the TV. However there was still some work to do to make it perfect.

Adding a touch screen to an Asus Eee PC 901.

Justblair

I recently purchased an Asus Eee PC 901 ultra portable PC. For those yet unfamiliar with these devices, the Eee range of PC's from Asus are ultra mobilepersonal computers which although not the most powerful computers, are incredibly small. This semi guide cover the installation of a touch screen to the Eee PC 901 from Asus. With a couple of hard lessons learned hopefully I can impart to you some tips that will save you money and hassle.

Silencing a hard drive

Justblair

hdsilence1
This guide shows how a hard drive can be effectively silenced using some household items and an aluminium enclosure. I performed this modification a while back on a passively cooled pc. The hard drive used was an IDE drive. Even in an open case, with no other fan noise, this device reduced almost all hard drive noise to complete silence.

Adding an internal USB Port

Justblair

usbheaderstart The Antec Fusion case that i currently use as my HTPC comes with many laudable features, however I found myself quickly running out of USB ports. Rather than sully the elegant front panel with a USB memory stick permanently sticking out, I decided to produce an internal USB port to house the stick.

My Current HTPC

Justblair

dscn0816 Computer based media has traditionally been a compromise over quality versus storage requirements. However with advancements in Hard drive and other storage mediums providing a glut of storage space, it is no longer a requirement that music, films and images be stored in heavily compressed formats.

Stealth Bedroom HTPC

Justblair

This article includes a photo gallery of a project I conpleted a couple of years ago. It was a stealth HTPC installation in the bedroom of my then bachelor pad. The PC was built into a hand made desk and silenced. Features included were a silenced hard drive, slowed fans and thermal management system that exhausted the hot air into a sound trap.