Redesigning and remaking a custom Predator Helios 500

Unkn0wn1
Unkn0wn1 Member Posts: 5

Tinkerer

edited November 2023 in 2019 Archives
Dear forum users,

This might sound a bit crazy, but I am thinking about redesigning my Predator Helios 500. Including a new building material, like aluminium or carbon fiber. The latter is probably too expensive, but a cool idea never the less ;)

I love this laptop, and it looks pretty good as well. But as an engineer it tickles me to change some of the design choices Acer made. I did a quick analysis of the internal design and mounting points, it should be possible to make the laptop more compact without compromising the cooling system (which I would never want to, because it's wicked). Looking at the total volume of the chassis, it would be theoretically possible to increase the battery size and capacity. Thus increasing it's battery life. I know this might be a bit far fetched, but it's not impossible. It's just not common to do such a thing, especially when it's a 'daily driver'. Despite the possible risks, I still like the idea of doing a full aluminium remake of the Helios 500's chassis. It would look wicked, especially with a darker tint. 

The challenge however, is actually producing it. The original chassis is probably produced by injection molding, which is not feasible financially for me since it's just one product.
The university I used to study at has a lot of production machinery I can use for free as an alumni, they've got a CNC watter jet cutter and also some really fancy DMG 360 degree milling machine. I have no idea how to program that thing haha! But my old teacher told me that it could do the job when programmed properly. 

To aid me in this endeavor I would like to acquire the original 3D-parts/assemblies Acer used to design and produce the Helios 500. It's nearly impossible to recreate the chassis 1:1 by just measuring all parts, some of them are just too hard to accurately measure. I could make sure some of the key mounting holes etc. line up and make a new design around that, but I prefer altering the original design.

So my question to Acer is: Would it be possible to acquire the original 3D-CAD files and 2D-CAD drawings of the PH517-51 model?

Greetings


Best Answers

  • xapim
    xapim ACE Posts: 7,253 Pathfinder
    edited June 2019 Answer ✓
    Well you might be lucky but it doubt Acer would disclose any design of any of their machines to the public but again you could try if i were you i wouldnt ask here this is a community mainly ran by users acer staff only maintains it i would contact Acer HQ themselves or possibly get in touch with the marketing&engineering staff to see if they would really be able to disclose that or not


    https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/11532543

    UserBenchmarks: Game 43%, Desk 61%, Work 40%
    CPU: Intel Core i5-7300HQ - 63.5%
    GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050-Ti (Mobile) - 41.9%
    SSD: WDC WDS200T2B0B-00YS70 2TB - 71.4%
    HDD: WD WD10SPZX-00HKTT0 1TB - 93.7%
    RAM: Kingston HyperX DDR4 2666 C15 2x16GB - 76.8%
    MBD: Acer Predator G3-572

    I'm not an Acer employee. (just here to help in the best way i can)
    If my answer fixed you issue please accept it for any other users who search for it would find it quickly thanks :)
    If you want to learn more about undervolting/optimizing windows join the Predator fb group and youtube channel:

    Owner/Admin (HOTEL HERO/Red-Sand/Opoka Opoka)
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/PredatorHelios300
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJwGUHxSJ8FKqAhnOqQuAw
    Acer support:
    https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/service-contact
    http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/  


  • MaClane
    MaClane ACE Posts: 35,598 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓
    Good night Unkn0wn1 !

    Acer does not distribute, disseminate or share any template or design of its equipment to users.


    Se minha resposta foi útil, deixe um Curtir, marque como Solucionado e clique em Promover!
    Caso contrario, fico a disposição para tentarmos sanar suas duvidas e resolver seus problemas!
    Atenciosamente:  J. MaClane™

    If my answer was helpful, leave a Like, flag as Fixed and click Promote!
    Otherwise, I am willing to try to heal your doubts and solve your problems!
    Sincerely, J. MaClane ™


    For users of the English, Spanish, French and German Community, I will be using Google Translate!
              

Answers

  • xapim
    xapim ACE Posts: 7,253 Pathfinder
    edited June 2019 Answer ✓
    Well you might be lucky but it doubt Acer would disclose any design of any of their machines to the public but again you could try if i were you i wouldnt ask here this is a community mainly ran by users acer staff only maintains it i would contact Acer HQ themselves or possibly get in touch with the marketing&engineering staff to see if they would really be able to disclose that or not


    https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/11532543

    UserBenchmarks: Game 43%, Desk 61%, Work 40%
    CPU: Intel Core i5-7300HQ - 63.5%
    GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050-Ti (Mobile) - 41.9%
    SSD: WDC WDS200T2B0B-00YS70 2TB - 71.4%
    HDD: WD WD10SPZX-00HKTT0 1TB - 93.7%
    RAM: Kingston HyperX DDR4 2666 C15 2x16GB - 76.8%
    MBD: Acer Predator G3-572

    I'm not an Acer employee. (just here to help in the best way i can)
    If my answer fixed you issue please accept it for any other users who search for it would find it quickly thanks :)
    If you want to learn more about undervolting/optimizing windows join the Predator fb group and youtube channel:

    Owner/Admin (HOTEL HERO/Red-Sand/Opoka Opoka)
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/PredatorHelios300
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJwGUHxSJ8FKqAhnOqQuAw
    Acer support:
    https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/service-contact
    http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/  


  • MaClane
    MaClane ACE Posts: 35,598 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓
    Good night Unkn0wn1 !

    Acer does not distribute, disseminate or share any template or design of its equipment to users.


    Se minha resposta foi útil, deixe um Curtir, marque como Solucionado e clique em Promover!
    Caso contrario, fico a disposição para tentarmos sanar suas duvidas e resolver seus problemas!
    Atenciosamente:  J. MaClane™

    If my answer was helpful, leave a Like, flag as Fixed and click Promote!
    Otherwise, I am willing to try to heal your doubts and solve your problems!
    Sincerely, J. MaClane ™


    For users of the English, Spanish, French and German Community, I will be using Google Translate!
              
  • Unkn0wn1
    Unkn0wn1 Member Posts: 5

    Tinkerer

    Thanks for both your answers!

    I kind of expected that, totally understandable as well. I am going to have to do it manually. I’ll keep you posted on the progress if you’re interested, but it might take a while.

    This topic can be closed now, have a good day!