Manufacturers: MacPower   Product: DigiDoc5 Mod   Availability: Now   Author:   Date: 4-28-03   Price: N/A

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Putting a DigiDoc5 into a pair of 3.5 bays is hardly on the top of anyone's list of priorities for their PC. But if you have extra 3.5 bays like I did and all your 5.25 bays are full, you might want to try something like what I've done here.

The first thing to do is to make a faceplate that doubles as a mounting bracket. I machined mine out of a piece of 4" x 4" x 3/8" aluminum angle that was 4" long. It was anodized black afterwards.

I'm sure there are a lot of ways to make this and a number of materials could be used. What you use really depends on the case its going into and what you're comfortable working with. Some suggestions might include making it from plastic stock or from leftover drive covers. I'm certain that with a little thought, the supplied bracket could even be modified.

This drawing will give you accurate measurements to work with and a good idea of what is required.

These shots of the bracket before the DigiDoc5 is installed show how simple it really is.

Thengs for the control panel and LCD screen are really critical. Be sure to measure twice and cut once.

Machining my personal logo turned out to be the most difficult. It's still my favorite part of the machine work, because it gives it that extra bit of a professional look.

Special care was given to leave room for plugging in and unplugging the fan headers and thermal probes.

First, you simply remove the mounting bracket by releasing the four retainer tabs with a small screwdriver. Unplug all the fan headers and don't worry, they are all clearly marked.

You'll be left with the face plate, fan and circuit boards.

Two screws remove the fan.

A trial fit will clearly show you how much of the face plate needs to be removed.

Masking off the portions that will be left protects the plastic while marking where to cut.