DVD drive modifications ?

[Max_Kreeger]

Hey guys,

I'm going to be modding my friends 360 for him, in the upcoming holidays. He wants a window put it in, so he can see the disc spin. To do that do I just unscrew the top of the DVD drive and take it off ? Also is there any risk of laser damage to the user ?

Thanks guys.

Max

EDIT: One more thing...anyone recommend any LED strips ?

[Modded Matt]

lazer dammage to the user..yes, I would recomend not poering it up while the lazer is exposed, it could blind you if shined in the eyes. try to tighten it up the same as it was, I know this is not really posible, you need a micro torque wrench, LOL dont over tighten, and make sure to tighten enough.

as for leds, everyone is a big fan of the arora strips.

[Max_Kreeger]

Sweet cheers man. But what I meant was..if I took the top of the DVD drive off so you could see the disc spin and then leaving it like that and rebuilding the Xbox again...like this :

Xbox 360 mod - White and black

By the looks of it he has a special see through DVD cover...also how many LED strips do you think I'll need for a lighting like that ?

Thanks again
Max

[802Chives]

you cant completely remover the top of the DVD drive, there is a black ring that keeps the disc centered and acts as a bearing while the disk is lifted and spinning.

You might be able to find a clear replacement if you dig hard enough, but what most people do is cut out the excess material of that cover while maintaining the support for the aforementioned black ring.  I have seen people cut that cover to look like a mercedes symbol and it gives the effect you are looking for.

There is a laser safety issue as the laser will be pointing out of the drive, I dont think it would be dangerous to people in the same room, rather dangerous to someone whos face is real close when the drive has no disc in it and it is looking for one.  That means you as the installer need to be extra careful not to power it up when you real close to it with your face.  Remember that the thing about lazers is that some of them emmit light that you cant see and if it damages your eye it will happen in less than a hundreth of a second, long before your pain receptors let you know something is wrong.

[Modded Matt]

wow that is slick, never seen one done like that, it looks like a custon clear case that holds the disk in place. IDK

[Max_Kreeger]

Hmmm, ok. Its not worth it. I'll just leave it as it is.

Thank you guys
Max

EDIT:

I can't find any aurora vent lights on ebay. I need blue ones :S I can only find red and green

[SN!P3R]

llama.com has em

[Max_Kreeger]

Excellent! Thanks man. Also while we're here. I'm planning to add a window to a 360 using plexi-glass. Is there a recommended thickness, and will the CPU heat sync melt it since it will only be like 2 cm off it ?

EDIT: Is it safe to buy from Llama and give out your personal info ?

Thanks again Max

[Modded Matt]

I can vouch for llamma. they are tyipically over priced, but are secure and trustworthy. they can be a pain, because of the steps they have taken to protect you. you must ship the product to the same address your card is registered to. this is someone cant take your card and order stuff. there order page is a secure page. I have ordered from them twice, very pleased with the service.

[Max_Kreeger]

Awesome, thanks man. So I just sign up for an account on the shop page, and I'm off ? Do you have to pay for postage and handling ?

[Modded Matt]

I think snail mail is free, I suggest paying for ups/fedex delivery

[SN!P3R]

Excellent! Thanks man. Also while we're here. I'm planning to add a window to a 360 using plexi-glass. Is there a recommended thickness, and will the CPU heat sync melt it since it will only be like 2 cm off it ?

EDIT: Is it safe to buy from Llama and give out your personal info ?

Thanks again Max

1mm thick plexiglass is what i use. chad also told me that many people use the clipboard that are clear for windows. dont wory about the plexi melting, its an xbox 360, not an xbox oven.

[Max_Kreeger]

Awesome thanks man. Thanks again to everyone else for the info. Now just gotta buy the supplies...

[Ghost In Black]

Has anyone done this with a Benq? I have one and I really want to do something with it but it has that raised part that gets in the way.