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jtorseydunn

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 4, 2009
10
0
Hey, is nobody doing any hardware changes to their phone at all. it seems like people used to do this more but lately its all about software. I know there is the colorware option but essentially nothing else. I replaced the apple logo on the first iphone with a clear logo and added a light. Now I am working on a replacement rear cover made of carbon fiber for the 3gs. I have successfully powder coated the bezel flat black and should look real nice when done. I have posted images. http://intrickit.com. Anyone else doing anything hardware wise?
 
Hey, is nobody doing any hardware changes to their phone at all. it seems like people used to do this more but lately its all about software. I know there is the colorware option but essentially nothing else. I replaced the apple logo on the first iphone with a clear logo and added a light. Now I am working on a replacement rear cover made of carbon fiber for the 3gs. I have successfully powder coated the bezel flat black and should look real nice when done. I have posted images. http://intrickit.com. Anyone else doing anything hardware wise?

You might want to rethink carbon fiber as carbon does a great job of blocking radio signals.
 
I was planning on incorporating a plastic logo of some kind near the bottom to make it easier for the radio waves to pass. Also as justinwebb points out, there are already carbon add on cases that dont appear to impede radio signals.
 
I know someone on these boards made their own backplate that allowed them to put another battery in their 3G for a greatly extended battery life, though it was a brick in size.

Not practical, but seemed like a fun weekend project.
 
I wonder if they used a substantially larger battery, because just another 2mm battery wouldnt add much more in size on its own. Thats kinda a cool idea. Could always use more battery life.
 
Hey, is nobody doing any hardware changes to their phone at all. it seems like people used to do this more but lately its all about software. I know there is the colorware option but essentially nothing else. I replaced the apple logo on the first iphone with a clear logo and added a light. Now I am working on a replacement rear cover made of carbon fiber for the 3gs. I have successfully powder coated the bezel flat black and should look real nice when done. I have posted images. http://intrickit.com. Anyone else doing anything hardware wise?

That 1G is awesome. Just like the mac book logo lol.
I have thought about doing a carbon fibre back case for a while. I spoke to my friend in China who said he can probably get one made due to the fact that I can already get copies of the back casing (cheaper than OEM for repairs and refurbs) He can already get the different colours so i wouldn't be too hard.
Just out of interest how do you power the light on the 1G?
 
Well this isnt a mod but I had to replace my wife's lcd and digitizer recently...
 
That 1G is awesome. Just like the mac book logo lol.
I have thought about doing a carbon fibre back case for a while. I spoke to my friend in China who said he can probably get one made due to the fact that I can already get copies of the back casing (cheaper than OEM for repairs and refurbs) He can already get the different colours so i wouldn't be too hard.
Just out of interest how do you power the light on the 1G?

I connected the LED in parallel with one of the LED's for backlight in the display. I had it for almost 2 years afterwards with no issue ever. It sure sounds like if you Know someone over there in China you can get all sorts of cool stuff made.
 
Great work! Where do you get the equipment to do carbon fiber molds!!!

I guess... The carbon fiber... Also, do you have to vaccume mold anything or do you just use a propane torch and wrap it around your mold?

Care to share any of your methods? Such as painting? I was thinking of doing something similar to my 360.

Also, do you have your own CNC mill? I know these can get pretty pricey... I used to do CAD and CAM work back in high school, but my small apartment can't house a CNC machine. :p
 
Great work! Where do you get the equipment to do carbon fiber molds!!!

I guess... The carbon fiber... Also, do you have to vaccume mold anything or do you just use a propane torch and wrap it around your mold?

Care to share any of your methods? Such as painting? I was thinking of doing something similar to my 360.

Also, do you have your own CNC mill? I know these can get pretty pricey... I used to do CAD and CAM work back in high school, but my small apartment can't house a CNC machine. :p

I buy most of my carbon fiber supplies from http://fiberlay.com. They are awesome and have always helped me. They are local so I usually stop by when I have questions.

I use vacuum bagging then place the part in an oven (not your cooking oven) at 170 degrees for about an hour.

Yes, I do plan to post more about how to do the things I have done on my website. If there is something you would like to see or get more details on please post a comment on my website with the blog it pertains to. Actually I was thinking about painting a new Wii enclosure. I will get going on that and take lots of photos and post a good how to.

Yes I do have my own CNC mill and lathe. They are small machines made by Sherline and I am still getting to know them but I think they are great for projects like this. I know from experience that it is possible to have and use these machines in an apartment (although the wife does not enjoy it).

Good luck hope to hear about your projects!
 
I have an old 2G and would be interested in having the light added. Any plans for adding that service?

Yes, I actually listed the service on ebay a while back along with a few other services but diddnt really get much interest. Either people diddnt want to ship their phone out, or people would buy it assuming it was for an actual phone. I just recently started this site http://intrickit.com hoping to get my projects out. Is this something you have interest in? what would having this done be worth to you? As of note, during this process I could also powder coat the aluminum rear panel the color of your choice.
 
you should make a small LED flash with the new backing and start selling them. have someone write an app to program a toggle on/off switch or to only come one when the camera app is in used. just an idea since you're really crafty with your molds and design. it looks really good!:apple:
 
Yes, I actually listed the service on ebay a while back along with a few other services but diddnt really get much interest. Either people diddnt want to ship their phone out, or people would buy it assuming it was for an actual phone. I just recently started this site http://intrickit.com hoping to get my projects out. Is this something you have interest in? what would having this done be worth to you? As of note, during this process I could also powder coat the aluminum rear panel the color of your choice.

Copper maybe, you're the one doing it so what's your time worth. Obviously, being older tech I'm not looking to spend too much.
 
you should make a small LED flash with the new backing and start selling them. have someone write an app to program a toggle on/off switch or to only come one when the camera app is in used. just an idea since you're really crafty with your molds and design. it looks really good!:apple:

You know, I have thought about that as well. I would want the light to be hidden when not in use. I just havent figured out how to get it to turn on only when in camera mode. The must be a way, but I will not be adding a physical switch.
 
You know, I have thought about that as well. I would want the light to be hidden when not in use. I just havent figured out how to get it to turn on only when in camera mode. The must be a way, but I will not be adding a physical switch.

I always thought that the Apple logo lighting up would be a sensational flash for the camera, and something I would be interested in for either my GS or 2G.
 
Copper maybe, you're the one doing it so what's your time worth. Obviously, being older tech I'm not looking to spend too much.

Uh, I could probably do it for $50. I found some nice copper colors on powderbuythepound.com do a search at the bottom of their home page for copper. They have photos of some of the colors on products. That could look real nice. I just dont know if the color would match well with the silver bezel. What color Apple logo do you like? What color LED?
 
You know, I have thought about that as well. I would want the light to be hidden when not in use. I just havent figured out how to get it to turn on only when in camera mode. The must be a way, but I will not be adding a physical switch.

the hidden method would be like your 2g lit up apple logo. maybe make the backing with a cloudy looking transparent white apple logo, that way it can spread light more evenly and you wont even see the LED bulb itself. carbon fiber backing with a white transparent apple logo as flash would look pretty sexy.
 
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