I remember when I downloaded Pivot software before that there was an extra utility in the package that swapped the view 180 deg., but now it's not included. Maybe if I was to buy...?
Anyhow, know where the two bracket 'hangers' come through the back of the IO? My pivot scheme has the IO swivelling on the left-most one. I was thinking that by pivoting the unit there that the right side of the screen would have a tendency to drop (in horizontal mode only), and that's why I made the spring loaded locking pin. As it turns out my implimentation is very firm, and unless the swivel somehow loosens over time I guess the pin wasn't really necessary.
Bar #1: 1-1/4" X 5-1/2" (abt. 1/8" thick flat bar) with pivot hole 2-5/16" in from one side.
Bar #2: 1-5/8" X 8-1/4" (same thickness as above) with pivot hole 3-1/8" in from one side.
I used a large bolt for the pivot, I believe it was 3/8-16 and must be cut to fit for length (it will end up just shy of 3/8" long. Find a bolt with a rounded head, but not a carriage bolt as you'll want threads all the way up to the head of the bolt.
Cut two washers from (don't laugh) a milk jug or similar thin slippery plastic. (Got Milk?) One washer I made just as big as the bolt head, the other I made 1-1/4" diameter, because it fits between the two bars.
Drill 3/8" hole (only if you're using that size bolt, as I was) through bar #2 at the specified location 3-1/8" in from one side. On the smaller bar, what I did was to tap out threads (for the 3/8" inch bolt) necessitating using a smaller drill size initially.
Put small washer on bolt, then large bar, then larger washer, then thread on the smaller bar and cinch it all down firm. The extra bolt coming through will have to be cut off with a hacksaw or similar tool. After you cut the bolt, unscrew the whole assembly, which should clean up the threads mangled from the cutting.
Fit the small bar inside the stock IO bracket and over to the left. I had to make small cuts in the 2 cross support partitions to allow the bar to go all the way in flush with the edges. Countersink the screws you use to mount this inner plate (bar #1).
Bar #2, if you've noticed, is exactly the same size as the stock IO bracket, and this will mount using the same holes that the bracket used to, going into the back of the IO. You need to countersink these screws also, so you'll have to get the right size screws from the hardware store. (Tip -- ditch those Torx screws and tap out the holes to fit screws you can easily locate, I did that months ago).
Now, unmount everything, if you jumped ahead, and re-assemble just the plates, washers, and bolt assembly. Tighten bolt to the firmness you want for the pivot. Now either arc-weld the cut bolt end to the threaded plate (bar #1) or go with JB Weld or other super adhesive. I decided to try the JB Weld because no heat would be generated that could melt my homemade washers. I've heard of guys that've successfully repaired cracked engine blocks with this compound, so I figured it'd work for this usage. Mix it correctly and apply to ONLY the threads that enter bar #1. Carefully thread on bar #1 and tighten to the firmness you want for the pivot. Smear JB Weld all over the cut end of the bolt and part of the plate surrounding it too (outer side of course, duh). Following instructions, leave it alone for 16 hours or so. (hard to do, I know)
After it's dried fully, mount bar #1 inside the stock IO bracket using countersunk screws. Then you can mount the rest of it to the back of the IO using the original mounting holes (with new countersunk screws). NOTE: a small amount of cutting may have to be done to the case right where the pivot bolt head meets the case. I didn't have to trim very much, but I did have to. That's why selecting a bolt with a rounded head is important in the first place.
This message is getting way too long, so I'll just say briefly that I used a steel pop-rivet and a spring from an ink pen to make the retaining pin, which works very nicely to prevent unwanted swivellation frustration.
(pan back to see Friar spinning in his office chair...) | |
