how do you put lights in your computer

supinsky

i wanna get the sound activated cathode lights here http://www.xoxide.com/logisys-15in-ccfl-blue.html but have no idea how to connect them. can someone detaily explain? :)

Yori

First, will a 15" cathode even fit in your case? Always measure beforehand. Twice, if you want to be completely certain.

Second, all you need is an open Molex Connector. It is a four-pin connector from your PSU. Here's a picture. Make sure the inverter isn't put somewhere with little to no airflow. The sound module needs to be able to "hear" the sounds you want it to (music from speakers, etc.). Some people mount it outside their case, but it should be just fine inside. I've got some 12" Dual Red Cathodes, I'll see about posting some detailed pics for installation.

supinsky

ok cool thanks

Yori

To reiterate something from my last post: Measure, measure, measure. Check to make sure it will fit before ordering.

This may be a bit lengthy, so please be patient. Lots of pictures, and I'll try to be fairly descriptive.

First and foremost, if you ever work on your computer, make sure the power is OFF, and if you are extra cautious, the computer is unplugged from the wall. Always follow proper safety procedures when working with electricity and electronics in general: Wear an anti-static wristband. If you don't have one, you can touch the metal case or Power Supply Unit first, to ground yourself and prevent electrostatic discharge. Depending on your case, cuts can be a danger too. Try not to run wires across sharp edges when placing your cathode, and check wires for damage beforehand. For now, on to the tutorial.

I'll be using my computer for the demonstration, so there will be differences. (BTW, would you please post what make/model of computer or case you have). First, you'll need to open your case. Most cases have two thumb screws you have to remove, so you can take off the side panel. Set it off to the side, out of the way. If the side panel has a fan attached, detach the fan from power.
That's just the side panel. You can see the bottom thumb screw near the bottom on the back of the case.

After you've done that, decide where you are going to put everything, and how you're going to mount the cathode. It should come with some bits of Velcro to mount it, but you can use other things to do so. In my case, the back fan wouldn't let me place the second cathode where I wanted too, so they are stacked at the bottom. I placed the inverter on top of the PSU so that it would get plenty of air from the side mounted fan. I don't have a sound unit, so one isn't pictured. The inverter has a switch that fits in a PCI slot, to turn the cathodes on and off. Install it in an empty slot.


Find a female Molex connector that isn't in use. Attach it to the male Molex connector from the inverter. The inverter also has a female Molex that allows you to run another item off of the same connection, but I don't suggest using it myself. Here's what it should look like when attached: (The one with P4 on it is the female, and it only has P4 on it with older PSUs.)


If done properly, when the computer is turned on, and the switch is set to ON, the cathode should light up:


Here's a shot if it inside my computer:


And you're done! Put the side panel back on. If you had to detach a fan to take it off, reconnect the fan first. Feel free to take pictures when you get it done and post them!