CompuBlino Arduino based computer bling

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Development
1

I love to mod computers to be cool looking but have real functionality with the mod. So I was thinking... and came up with this.

The CompuBlino (computer + bling + Ardruino)
Key:
bottom silk screen
bottom trace
top trace

Features:

  • 5 temperature sensor input
  • HD activity input (active high or low selectable)
  • 5 pwm controlled RGB led output (via TLC5940)
  • Arduino compatible D5-D8 connector (future expansion)
  • Standard power from floppy power cable

Schematic compublinosch.png

So much potential :slight_smile:
Possible uses:
Computer lighting based on temperature of the various parts. (cpu, ram, video cards, hard drives, psu) that would create a unique over heat warning system.
Fan control should be possible with slight adaptation
Different lighting schemes for certain events (email received, high system load, network activity)

only thing to finish is the TTL to usb adapter.

what do you think?
Any errors I made? Suggestions? Sponsorship?

2

Why bother having a 5V regulator when your computer has a whopping huge 5V capability already?
(actually, it looks like you're trying to run the 5V computer supply through a 5V regulator as well, which won't work...)
(however, a fuse of some kind might be a good idea!)

3

fixed that, working on V2 of the design.
trying to decide if to make through hole for kit form or as small as possible. adding fan speed control. thinking on switching to the I2C temp probes and make things cheaper and more expandable :slight_smile:

4

Here is V6

Features:

  • 6 temperature sensor input (1 wire bus)
  • HD activity input (active high or low selectable)
  • 10 pwm controlled RGB led output (via TLC5940)
  • Arduino compatible A0-A5 connector
  • Standard power from floppy power cable
  • USB interface (Can plug directly into a MB)
  • 3.3v access-able

V6Schematic.png
I probably messed up the led bank switching transistors.

any errors? suggestions? would you want one? I love input!

5

It still has a voltage regulator of unlikely usefulness...

6

the regulator doesn't necessarily need to be occupied. It allows the board to be used for many other applications other then just a computer bling board :slight_smile:

Attach an LCD to the analog ports and wire some servos instead of leds, rig up the servos to control the air vents in your house. Now you have a home comfort zone controller.

Home made Beer temperature monitoring anyone?

Think outside the computer box :slight_smile:

I will probably end up with 5-6 of these though out my house

7

Why don't you use the 5V from the computer PSU directly, and have another connector that feeds into a regulator for non-computer applications? Not unlike how the Arduino boards cen run directly from USB power or internally regulated power via a separate connector. As it is, since you're regulating 12v from the floppy drive connector down to 5V, the regulator will be dissipating 1.4x the power used by the board straight to heat--not very efficient.