Stock is never good enough…

I came home from work today, just like any other day.  I almost didn’t notice the small package sitting outside my front door.  What’s this?  I wondered to myself.  Could it be…?  Nah.  I wasn’t supposed to get anything until the 10th.  I slowly bent over to pick up the box, my eyes darted to the shipper’s address.  Heinz Hanssen… Seattle, Wa… Oh yeah!  They’re here!  So, like the many that have gone before me, and like the many that will follow, my project begins.  Will I triumph against the evil that is OEM?  Or will I crash and burn?  My geek hopes and dream dashed in a seemingly unexplained ball of smoke and flame… Only time will tell.

Without further delay, I present the humble beginnings of Project Alpha Blue…

This is how it all began.  While browsing FrozenCPU’s website, I came across this little object of desire.

Quite a few hours were spent on modifying the script that I would be using.  As of right now, there is only one software program that will work with the Alphacool LCD.  After a pretty steep initial learning curve, I finally got the hang of it.  In fact, I’m still tweaking and modifying the script.

I downloaded Front Panel Designer from here. With it, I was able to create new face panel sections with my own dimensions.  Extreme care must be taken when designing the panels.  Front Panel Express will produce them exactly as specified.  They don’t check for mistakes.  All possible details should be added at this point.  Once you receive the finished panels, they are finished to perfection.  Any reworking or changes you make after receiving them, will most likely not match what comes from FPE.  Check and double check all measurements, or you’ll have just wasted a pretty penny on useless panels.

The box!  I can’t wait to get the dang thing open..

Only a piece of cardboard stand between me and a few pieces of aluminum lust.

Oh baby!  These thing are amazing!  They have far exceeded my expectations.



Now, that’s what I’m talking about!

I must admit, I can’t wait to get my Shuttle ripped apart.  Dremel, here I come!