12-04-05
As some of you know I have returned to fixing cars at a local Dodge dealership not far from my home.
Now being a fan of 3dfx and Quantum3D it didn't take me long to come up with something related that I could bring to work and be practical as well
The business has wireless Internet access and Chrysler has a lot of their Technical Service data that can be reviewed via a Dealer portal not to mention I have lots of repair database programs that would be handy to have on hand.
So between not wishing to use the shops computer (I perfer my own for security and privacy) I hatched a (low budget) plan.
Step one was to take a spare Quantum3D Graphite 810 motherboard with Celeron 433 CPU and install it in a Gateway MicroATX tower I had lying about. It was the right size for what I needed and free.
128 MB of ram was installed (free) the Gateway CD-ROM and floppy were reused (free) and I installed a fan in the front of the case for better airflow (also free)
Network access is via 2.4 ghz Linksys USB adapter from Newegg.com ($24)
Step two was to trip out to the garage where the chassis was modified with a saw to utilize a real ATX power supply (free) instead of the dinky 80 watt original and to pass a number of case pieces through the spray booth for a nice semi-flat black finish.
Step three was to assemble it all with a 10 gig ($4 off Ebay) dual boot drive (Win95/Win2000Pro) and install a number of automotive database programs.
Step four was to take an old Snap-On side cabinet and give it a good cleaning. After the cleaning and sanding was completed it was attacked with a hole saw front and rear for ventilation and cable access.
Step five was a nice krinkle black paint job (Autozone, $5.99 a can) and install a spare set of Mercury fan grills.
The cabinet hangs off the side of my main box with the monitor on top, the wireless keyboard and mouse ($19.99, Newegg.com) sit in the top draw of my main box. All I have to do is fire the system up in the morning and lock the cabinet for security.
So now I'll be able to access the net from my toolbox at work with my stylish "Quantum3d" work terminal so I can be more productive fixing cars