Tuesday, November 9, 2010

DIY Cyber-accessories... and the dangers of filthy computers!

Today I worked on my latest DIY project. I've had access to a bunch of old computers and circuits, knowing that they're the best resource for finding cool little parts to add to cyber clothing and accessories. I put some circuits onto a pair of goggles that I bought cheap at a market recently. The goggles weren't anything special, I didn't like the colour, so thought I would make some additional changes.


Here are the goggles, being modelled by my good friend Elsie (my first DIY fashion sale, too!). What do you think?

Anyway, this post isn't exactly about the goggles, but the other horrors we found inside the old computers. Going through old hardware can be fun but it doesn't come without some nasty surprises. . Maybe you should just see for yourself. Here are the pics from when I opened the first PC box a few days ago...


The computer was from a high school that was refurbishing one of its IT rooms with new gear, and I was able to get some extra gear that would otherwise be chucked in the dumpster. Maybe it should have stayed there. My friend Ken (who works in the IT department at the school) promised me I could take all I wanted. I did, and I got more than I bargained for...

By now I was coughing and sneezing because of the dust. Also, the smell was beyond belief. It smelled like a cross between singed human hair and a gravel pit. The worst part was the fluff on the fan, as if the computer had a life of it's own, and that organic lifeforms were infesting on its insides, becoming one with the computer!



Here's the front panel, right after I took it off. What the hell were they doing with these computers?! 


 

Well, I walked away with a few cool pieces but mostly I was put off by what I had seen. Man, I love making my own cyber gear but that was almost too much for me, so I think I'll let others do the hard work from now on. There were a few leftover pieces and I made these cute little wristbands (after I washed every usable piece thoroughly by soaking them on a tub of hot soapy water!). 

It was so gross, I thought I might wake up with robot parts growing out of me like in Testuo: The Iron man or something. Sheesh...

22 comments:

  1. You have such an eye for design it's incredible. Cyber-cool!!!

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  2. cool and a good example of recycling

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  3. Pretty cool, makes me sneeze just looking at that computer though

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  4. Oh dear lord, the inside of some of those cases made me vomit a little.

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  5. Cool! I love taking apart old computers.

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  6. Dear god, this is WAY past filthy!! Some people just don't care about their stuff but this is a great idea, but I personaly wouldn't wear one of these!

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  7. Ahh looks so gross inside the case

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  8. That's freaking gross. How did that computer not explode?

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  9. Holy crap, that's awesome! And I know what you mean about the smell... I've opened plenty of old PCs and it reeks!

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  10. I love taking apart old computers as well, dont think ive ever seen anything quite so dusty, though!! Wow!!

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  11. I always wondered how these tiny pieces can make something so extraordinary. and the fact that in reality nothing on the internet is tangible or "real" since they're all just pixels O_O

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  12. yay to cyber accessories. not yay to the lead and other toxic materials inside :\

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  13. @Guy Movie Blogger -- the smell was indescribably foul!

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  14. You are well on your way to becoming a stylish cyborg. Nice necklace and earing set!

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