C-200 Modding
From NMTWiki
Medium difficulty requiring some technical skills, or some parts require more than basic knowledge.
ANY modification may affect your warranty. Please bear this in mind before attempting any changes to your unit
| Applicable to the following NMT |
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| Popcorn Hour NMT models: | C-200 |
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There will always be users that wish to tailor any electrical device for their own specific needs and so redesign or modify their devices.
Some of these modifications from Networked Media Tank forum are shown below. None of these modifications should be seen as official or backed by Popcorn Hour.
Contents |
User posted modifications
Each forum user has posted pictures of their adaptation of the C-200 on the forum. They may be contacted via PM for advice if you need additional help or advice.
Feel free to add your own Mod, please keep to the format and style of the existing posts. If you have a couple of pictures and would like some help then please contact the moderators at the NMT forum.
3.5" HDD and 5.25" BD-ROM - posted by michaelr64
Here a single 'U' shaped bracket is added to the side of the drive enclosure to hold a 3.5" HDD. A support under the 3.5" HDD should be added at the side nearest the PSU. Here is a video and write-up detailing this method.
 Top view |
 Side view |
 U-shaped bracket |
3.5" HDD and 5.25" BD-ROM - posted by flyingernst
Here a foam support is made with the cables carefully run underneath the HDD.
 Taping down of existing cable run and routing of power cable |
 Building up the support pads for the 3.5" HDD |
 HDD fitted |
 HDD and BD ROM fitted |
2 x 3.5" HDD - posted by wizard66
Here we have 2 x 3.5" HDD fitted, only requires the removal of one plastic clip.
 Top view showing second HDD is located behind existing drive enclosure |
 Side on view shows top rear connection clearing second HDD |
Solid solution for mounting additional 3.5" harddisk in Popcorn Hour C-200 - posted by Mediator
This solution enables to install both an optical Blu-ray or DVD-ROM drive and a 3.5" harddisk, or two 3.5" harddisks in the C-200.
[Updated on 30-04-2010]
Advantages:
- Additional internal 3.5" harddisk
- No modification/drilling of case required (does not impact warranty)
- Silent drive mount
- Designed for good airflow (no negative impact on cooling)
- Does not require case fan or cpu fan *** update: I do advise to use a (silent) case fan ***
- Solid
Requirements:
- 1x Scythe Hard Disk Stabilizer (SHDS2) (I bought it here)
- 2x InLine SATA Adapter M/F Angled Bottom (these are avaible only in specialized shops, I bought them here)
- 10cm aluminum L-profile 40mm x 20mm (available in DIY shop)
- Some handwork and tools to make a bracket from the L-profile: metal saw, drill (3mm and 10mm) and flat metal file.
- 3.5" harddisk
Description:
The 2 SATA connectors/cables which are plugged into the PCB get a little in the way when mounting the extra harddisk. It is best to re-route them. I used two angled SATA adapters to route the cables to the left. This way the connectors/cables do not cover the memory chips on the right side. This is better for optimal airflow and cooling.
The SHDS2 is normally used for mounting a 3.5" disk in a 5.25" bay but is also very suitable to mount an extra 3.5" disk in the C-200. SHDS2 requires a minor modification: from 2 holes the screw thread must be removed with a drill (this is neccesary to tighten the SHDS2 and the optical drive to the bay as much as possible to prevent vibration noise).
The SHDS2 does most of the job but some extra handwork is required to make a custom bracket for the left side of the drive. See the pictures for my version of the bracket (and a drawing with measures).
The SHDS2 is first mounted to the 3.5" harddisk, then to the optical drive/bay and then the custom bracket is mounted to the SHDS2. When custom bracket, harddisk, SHDS2, bay and optical drive are connected the whole array can be mounted into the C-200 case. Before mounting the drives in the case the cabling needs some rerouting (the power cable in particular) so that the cables don't get in the way. I removed part of the tie-wraps and placed some new ones to fix the cables in their new position (see pictures). I fixed the custom bracket to the bottom of the case with two small pieces of double-sided adhesive foam tape. This is sufficient for normal operation. When the drives have to be removed later on it is simple to cut the foam tape with a little pressure. (A screw could be used instead but requires drilling in the case which voids warranty.)
I'm very satisfied with this solution. It's quite silent due to the rubber mounts, provides good air flow and does not require a cpu or case fan. I have mounted a Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD203WI (2TB 5400 rpm) harddisk in my C-200 and the case is not getting hot.
Update: I had a situation where the harddisk got rather hot while it was not used intensively (streaming music to PC). I now do prefer/advise to use a case fan.
(It appears that passive cooling of the C200 with internal 3.5" harddisk and BD/DVD drive is not sufficient under all circumstances.
My assumption: the power supply on the left side of the harddisk is generating a lot of heat and the air flow to the right side of the case is hindered by the 5.25" bay with BD/DVD drive.)
 The result: Popcorn Hour C-200 with optical drive and extra 3.5" harddisk mounted |
 Scythe Harddisk Silencer II (packaged) |
 InLine SATA Adapter M/F "Angled Bottom" |
 InLine SATA Adapter M/F "Angled Top" (Do not use this one) |
 Scythe Harddisk Silencer II parts |
 Harddisk Silencer Sideplate drilling instructions |
 Custom Mounting Bracket (back) |
 Custom Mounting Bracket (front) |
 Custom Mounting Bracket Drawing |
 Harddisk mounted to optical drive cage with Harddisk Silencer - bottom view |
 Harddisk mounted to optical drive cage with Harddisk Silencer - front view |
 Custom Bracket mounted to the harddisk |
 Two angled SATA adapters mounted - front view |
 Two angled SATA adapters mounted - back view |
 Cabling layout view |
 Harddisk mounted - side view |
 Custom bracket and power cable - side view |
 Custom bracket and power cable - top view |
 Harddisk mounted to optical drive cage - top view 1 |
 Harddisk mounted to optical drive cage - top view 2 |
 Harddisk mounted to optical drive cage - top view 3 |
 Harddisk mounted - back view 1 |
 Harddisk mounted - back view 2 |
Supplier modifications
There are many drive enclosures available to purchase that enable you to adapt a 5.25" enclosure into a 3.5" HDD drive bay with room for a slimline BD-ROM. Simply remove the drive enclosure and fit as per a BD/DVD-ROM. Ensure that you have enough connections available, you may have to use the internal USB port via a USB>Sata connection if you also use a 2.5" HDD.
Discussion on these enclosures can be found on the forum HERE
