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Uncle Aaron's "Unique Challenges" Juke Build (looking for art help)
alarsuel:
After getting the first panel sized I had the aforementioned router problem, which led to the purchase of a new toy!!!! I got a great buy on a Ridgid router at HD that was on clearance and open box. It cuts like a dream, is quiet, and I really recommend it so far. I used it to template cut the second panel, which is seen in attachment 1. I've noticed that the pics are better and probably more interesting if they show more detail as opposed to the overall project where it might be hard to make out what I'm specifically doing. I'll try to take more detail shots from now on. Anyway pic 2 shows where I am currently. I have built an interior frame or skeleton for some structure and to hold the bottom shelf and a shelf to aid in mounting the touchscreen if I decide to use a mechanical mount of some kind. Also, I put a second "stud" in the bottom cavity to attach hinges to for an access door.
I need to make some decisions before I can proceed with covering the sides and top. I'd love to hear ideas and suggestions.
1. I'm going to use the marquee cut out to clamp the curve. I think I'm going to do a half circle similar to mountain's, but I wondering about how to hold the plexi in place. mountain uses glazing points on his http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=79817.msg842898#msg842898 fantastic build, but I am nervous about the clips casting a shadow. Maybe I'm unclear about the marquee process. I was planning on a print sandwiched between a clear plexi and a frosted plexi. The frosted plexi would diffuse the light and the clear piece in front wouldn't effect the color. If there are better ways, I'd love to hear them.
2. If I want to tilt the touchscreen to make it more easily usable would you
a) recess the top into the juke and leave the bottom even with the face
b) leave the top even and extend the bottom away from the face
c) mount the whole thing flush with the face (stop making this harder on yourself)
Keep in mind that the juke is 5 ft tall, but the primary user is 7' 1".
I have had a few other ideas about the monitor if anyone thinks they are winners. I could mount it parallel to the face on a low profile lcd swivel like this http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10828&cs_id=1082801&p_id=6524&seq=1&format=2. It would be easy to do and would tilt, but only 15 degrees and wouldn't look as clean as flush. Another option is mounting it flush, attached to drawer slides and a hinge. The idea is that it would be flush against the face, but if you wanted to, you could slide the monitor out like a drawer, then tilt it to whatever angle you wanted. I think this idea is decent, but I'd have to find a way to keep the drawer and hinge in the profile of the monitor, so that it would just look flush mounted normally. What do you build and design gurus think?
I've got a million more questions, but these should be good for now. Also if anyone loves designing art or has recommendations for those who do, a custom marquee is down the road. Sorry for the long catch-up post... hopefully short and sweet from here.
jipp:
looking good man. will be following this with great interest :)
i have my cab right now jammin the tunes.. meatloaf!! music for the win
chris.
pj14701:
As far as your concern for the view angle why not separate the faceplate and make it 2 panels having the screen bezel angled back at the top for better viewing for your friend ...and it could also possibly tie in with your dashboard or instrument panel /car theme
edited for typos... phone was being a pain during lunch break lol
alarsuel:
PJ, how do you mean? Are you saying use some bracing inside the cabinet to fix the monitor at an angle, then have the bottom of the bezel flush with the face and the top of the bezel recessed into the cab? Perhaps this isn't what you mean and I'm just dense... very likely. If so, explain further. Glad some are taking interest in the project. Thanks for the ideas.
alarsuel:
I was working on laying out the back panel, and I had a couple thoughts I wanted to get some opinions on. First I think I'm going to use 2 red led computer fans for cooling (even though I doubt I need it in such a huge cab) and lay them out so that they look like brake lights. The other though I had was using a license plate frame mounted to mdf as my access panel. Then I have a bunch of options for the theme. I could actually get an old plate, or I could use a solid Mustang frame. Either way the screws to attach the plate to the frame could hold the panel in place and wouldn't look out of place. My only concern is if the size is big enough? The opening would be 6" X 12", but the mounting holes are inside of this, so the usable opening would be in the neighborhood of 6" X 9". Thoughts?