Hardware Hacking Projects for Geeks

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Part I: Basic Hacks, Tools, and Techniques

Exhibit A: Bill of Materials

Item Notes

A Macintosh computer These plans will work without modification on a Mac 128, 512, Plus, SE, and

SE/30 computers. With slight modification, the plans will work for Mac Classic

and Classic II computers.

Plexiglas brand acrylic sheets There are other brands that may (or may not) work as well. A 3’ x 6’ sheet of

1/4” Plexiglas costs about $45 at Home Depot and is large enough to make

about three aquariums. Buy a smaller sheet if you like, but if this is your first

time working with acrylic you may ruin a sheet or two, so the extra material

could come in handy. Do not use Lexan—it may be harder to scratch or break,

but it’s almost impossible to glue together.

Acrylic solvent Sold under various trade names and found at plastics supply houses; check your

Yellow Pages under “Plastic Supply” for more info. Get both the liquid and thick-

ened versions. You won’t need a lot, so buy the smallest can and tube you can

find. This stuff isn’t really a cement or glue; it’s a solvent that melts the acrylic

pieces together. Once bonded correctly, the pieces will never come apart. It also

creates seriously toxic fumes, so follow the warnings on the can and tube and

avoid breathing the vapors.

A plastic squeeze bottle with a

needle-like tip

Pick one up at the same place as the acrylic cement. Note: when you’re done

cementing pieces together, pour the remaining solvent back into the metal can

it came in. The solvent will quickly evaporate from the plastic bottle, even when

capped.

Undergravel filter (UGF) kit A UGF kit designed for a 5- or 10-gallon aquarium should cost $5 to $8 and is

more than large enough. Easily found at WalMart or aquarium stores.

Goggles These are very important. When you start cutting and grinding on the Mac case

and the acrylic, the pieces are going to fly and you will need protection.

Dremel Moto tool (or other

rotary tool)

You’ll want the variable-speed model (although the single-speed model will

work) with the flexible neck attachment.

Dremel accessories You will want the cut-off wheel, the large and small barrel stones, and the steel

cutting bits.

Hand tools Flat, square, and round files; masking tape; C clamps; T-15 sized Torx screw-

driver; Phillips screwdriver; flat screwdriver; hand or power jigsaw; propane

torch; black or red marker; four bar clamps.

Air pump Purchase from a pet/fish store.

Water filter Purchase from a pet/fish store.

Fish Purchase from a pet/fish store.

Gravel Purchase from a pet/fish store.

Alligator clips From your toolbox or purchase at Radio Shack.

Exhibit A

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1/13/2002 2:19:29 PM