How 2 build a protective clear box 4 my laptop I DJ with
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Thumbderdome
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sat Jul 29, 2006 1:37 pm
- Location: San Francisco
How 2 build a protective clear box 4 my laptop I DJ with
In past years I have seen digital DJs using laptops that are enclosed in a protective plexiglass box. I googled around for plans on how to build one, but did not find anything. I am a mobile/weddng DJ with a ton of music, but I don't want to ruin my laptop, granted, I would bring my backup laptop that cost only 500 dollars new.
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Thumbderdome
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sat Jul 29, 2006 1:37 pm
- Location: San Francisco
Did they have some kind of container?
My housemate suggested putting the laptop in huge zip lock bag, or some other big clear bag, then snake out of the bag a keyboard and mouse. No plans to DJ at sunrise or sunset, but who knows on the playa what you end up doing and when? ;)
First, remember the keyboard needs to breathe or it will overheat. So don't suffocate it while it's running with a plastic bag. It should at least be in a box with plenty of air in it, like a big storage box or something. What sort of access do you need to the machine? Do you just need to see the screen? I'd look for a big plastic storage box with a clear side or lid. Maybe toss a cheap thermometer in there next to the laptop to make sure it doesn't get too hot inside the box.
If you do want to make some fancy custom thing, you can get plexiglass cut to size at Tap Plastics. They also have special glue for it. Just put the pieces in place where you want them, clamp it all together, then apply the glue along the edges with the applicator thingy. Or, you can build the box out of wood and just have a hinged top made out of plexi. I'd actually use some thin polycarbonate for that instead (available at Tap or hardware stores) because plexy can shatter easy when you try to drill it.
Custom will likely cost more than a cheap clear storage box unless you happen to have usable scrap laying around.
If you do want to make some fancy custom thing, you can get plexiglass cut to size at Tap Plastics. They also have special glue for it. Just put the pieces in place where you want them, clamp it all together, then apply the glue along the edges with the applicator thingy. Or, you can build the box out of wood and just have a hinged top made out of plexi. I'd actually use some thin polycarbonate for that instead (available at Tap or hardware stores) because plexy can shatter easy when you try to drill it.
Custom will likely cost more than a cheap clear storage box unless you happen to have usable scrap laying around.
The laptop I'm using to type this has been to BM 5 times, unprotected and used and abused. An old IBM that is built like a tank. Never a problem with it. Cleaned it once with one of those compressed air can things and even that was a wast IMO.
Sounds like a lot of effort for little return. If you completely seal the laptop it will likely overheat. If you try to partially seal or use some kind of case the fan will suck in dust anyway.
Just look at your camelback. Even though it is closed and sealed 99.999% time, still tastes like playa.
Sounds like a lot of effort for little return. If you completely seal the laptop it will likely overheat. If you try to partially seal or use some kind of case the fan will suck in dust anyway.
Just look at your camelback. Even though it is closed and sealed 99.999% time, still tastes like playa.
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Thumbderdome
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sat Jul 29, 2006 1:37 pm
- Location: San Francisco
blood brain barrier for laptops?
Maybe I can just bring the laptop out into the open, store it in my backpack enclosed in a big ziplock bag. On my other laptop, I once opened it up to clean out the fan and radiator like cooling thing. It seems like the rest of the computer has a heat plate that connects to the cooling system, but is pretty sealed off; where as a desk top computer is wide open to air on the inside. I guess after burning man I could open the battery compartment, memeory upgade compartment, cooling comparment, etc, and spray one of those compressed air things in there.
You could also craft an appropriate-sized box with an open top, onto which you securely fasten a piece of marine vinyl, the stuff boat-canopy windows are made of. Armorall will keep it supple, and reduce dust hazing. Leave airspace around the 'puter for air circulation. Add solar-powered car-window fan, or a cluster of those dollar-store cheapies. Use scraps of furnace filter as venthole covers- Bring extras.
Howdy From Kalamazoo
my band has built portable PA system in a garden cart that is pulled by a bicycle, so that we can play music anywhere on the playa. A laptop is part of our gear, so we had Tap plastic built a lucite box with a hinged top. The laptop sites on big sponges in the box, and there are two small fans with filters on each side, one pulling air in, one pulling air out. We connect to an external keyboard, so that we don't have to open the box to use it. The laptop stayed squeeky clean, but we didn't take it out when it was real dusty.
mrs. yow
mrs. yow