Hardware Projects - DIYProjects

simple XBOX 360 Transparant LED casemod

Posted on April 13, 2015by Steven

The first-generation Xbox 360 consoles are perfect candidates for case modding thanks to their bold design and roomy internals. I previously completed a custom mod years ago, and recently decided to breathe new life into another old console. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps of installing a transparent side window along with some vibrant RGB lighting to give your Xbox a modern, eye-catching look. It’s a fun and rewarding project that brings personality and flair to an otherwise standard console.

While the mod itself is relatively simple, it does require a special tool to safely open the Xbox 360’s case without damaging it. Don’t worry—I’ve included all the necessary information, including links to the parts and tools you might need, to make your modding experience as smooth as possible. Whether you’re doing this for aesthetics, showcasing internal hardware, or just for the fun of customization, this guide will help you get it done with confidence.

Arduino Hardware

DIY PC PSU to Bench / Project Power Supply

Posted on June 23, 2014by Steven

Computer power supplies typically cost around $30, while dedicated lab power supplies often come with a much higher price tag—$100 or more. However, by repurposing inexpensive or even free ATX power supplies found in discarded computers, you can create a highly capable lab power supply without breaking the bank. These units offer impressive current outputs, built-in short-circuit protection, and surprisingly stable voltage regulation, especially on the +5V rail.

This makes converted ATX power supplies an excellent choice for hobbyists, students, or anyone needing a reliable bench power source on a budget. With a bit of modification and setup, you can turn a common computer PSU into a versatile lab supply that rivals many commercial options in both performance and safety features.

Hardware

FT_Prog fix your FTDI RS485 DMX Interface

Posted on June 16, 2014by Steven

FT_PROG is a free EEPROM programming utility developed by FTDI, specifically designed for use with their USB interface chips. It allows users to read, write, and modify the contents of the EEPROM on FTDI devices. This EEPROM stores configuration data such as USB device descriptors, serial numbers, power settings, and other parameters that define the behavior of the FTDI chip when connected to a system.

With FT_PROG, developers and hardware integrators can easily customize FTDI-based devices to suit their specific applications. Whether you’re changing a device name, enabling custom USB descriptors, or configuring advanced I/O settings, FT_PROG provides a user-friendly graphical interface for editing EEPROM values without the need for manual coding or programming expertise.

Hardware

BenQ W1070 Firmware Upgrade, extra 3D support…

Posted on April 8, 2014by Steven

Experience stunning 1080p Full-HD image projection that can expand up to an impressive 200 inches right in the comfort of your living room with the W1070 Home Entertainment Projector. This projector delivers brilliant and vibrant visuals, thanks to its remarkable 10,000:1 contrast ratio which ensures deep blacks and bright whites, enhancing every detail in your movies, games, and presentations. Coupled with a powerful 2000 ANSI Lumens brightness, the W1070 guarantees clear and vivid images even in moderately lit rooms, providing an immersive viewing experience that rivals many commercial theaters.

With the latest firmware update, the W1070 takes your home entertainment to the next level by supporting a wider range of 3D resolutions and refresh rates. This enhancement means you can enjoy a broader selection of 3D content with smoother motion and improved picture quality, making your viewing sessions more engaging and realistic. Whether you’re watching 3D movies or playing games that support 3D, this update ensures your projector remains compatible with the newest formats and standards, extending the longevity and versatility of your home cinema setup.

Hardware

DMX RS485 Wrong Board Fix

Posted on April 2, 2014by Steven

This guide serves as an important update and fix to my previous tutorial titled “DIY USB DMX Interface for Under $10“. Since that tutorial was published, it has become clear that there are multiple versions of this USB-DMX interface board circulating in the market. Depending on where you purchased your board, you may have received one with a chip that doesn’t function properly or is incompatible with the standard DMX data output. This can be frustrating if you were expecting a plug-and-play solution but found yourself with a non-working device instead.

For those who find themselves stuck with such a non-functional chip, this guide offers a practical solution. Thanks to the discovery by GermAndy, it is now possible to modify your existing board to enable proper DMX data transmission. Rather than having to buy a new interface or give up on your project, you can follow these instructions to tweak your board and get it working as intended. This fix ensures that even if your board was sold with a defective or incompatible chip version, you can still achieve reliable DMX control without additional expense.

Hardware

Fix FTDI DMX interface & Arduino on OSX 10.9+ Mavericks

Posted on March 22, 2014by Steven

Apple recently made a significant change with the release of OSX 10.9 Mavericks by introducing their own custom FTDI driver. While this move was likely intended to improve system integration and performance, it inadvertently caused compatibility issues for many users relying on devices that use FTDI chips, such as Arduino boards and USB DMX interfaces. These devices suddenly stopped functioning correctly because the new Apple driver did not fully support the communication protocols these peripherals required. As a result, many developers and hobbyists found their workflows disrupted, with their essential tools no longer recognized or operating as expected.

Fortunately, there is a straightforward way to resolve this problem by disabling Apple’s new FTDI driver and reverting to the previous, more compatible version of the driver. By doing so, you can restore full functionality to your Arduino and USB DMX devices, ensuring that all your related applications work seamlessly again. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to safely disable the updated driver, reinstall the older FTDI driver, and get your hardware back to working condition — allowing you to continue your projects without interruption.

Hardware

DIY USB DMX Controller for under $10

Posted on March 15, 2014by Steven

The DMX protocol, widely used in lighting control systems, operates on the same communication standard as the RS485 protocol. This means that any RS485 USB converter can be repurposed to send DMX signals, allowing you to control DMX-compatible devices such as stage lights, dimmers, and other effects. By leveraging this compatibility, you gain a versatile and cost-effective way to interface your computer or lighting software with professional lighting equipment without the need for specialized, often expensive DMX hardware controllers.

Traditional DMX controllers tend to be costly, which can be a significant investment for hobbyists, small venues, or independent artists. This guide provides an alternative approach, showing you how to save money by using an affordable RS485 USB converter as your DMX interface. The money saved on expensive DMX controllers can instead be redirected towards enhancing your setup with additional hardware, such as a MIDI controller for your lighting software, offering more hands-on control and creative possibilities for your lighting projects.

Hardware

DIY USB DMX Interface for under 10$

Posted on May 11, 2013by Steven

The DMX protocol, widely used for controlling stage lighting and effects, is fundamentally based on the RS485 communication standard. This means that any standard RS485 USB converter can be repurposed to send DMX signals to compatible devices. By leveraging this compatibility, you can bypass the need for expensive dedicated DMX controllers and instead use more affordable, readily available hardware to manage your lighting setup.

Typically, DMX controllers come with a higher price tag, which can be a barrier for hobbyists or small venues. This guide shows you how to save money by using an RS485 USB converter as a cost-effective alternative. The funds saved can then be redirected towards enhancing your lighting control experience, for example by investing in a hardware MIDI controller to interface with your lighting software more intuitively and creatively.