A Little Rage *Officially Finished! 03/09/13*

[DaOld Man]

I decided to put a picture of this finished project at the start of the thread.
(Pardon the mess, I had not performed the clean up process yet.)




### And here is the start of the original Thread. Thanks for looking!! ###

I have started a project that is a close copy to "The Rage", except at around 69% size.
So Im calling it "A Little Rage". It is right at 48" tall.
Im building it with 1/2" MDF.
Here's my progress thus far:



Here are the sides, standing up behind my riding lawn mower:



Here is the control panel. Im still not sure I like this. I am trying to use two player controls, so I had to make the machine wider, so it is a little more than 69% wide compared to the original Rage.



The bottom. I cut a hole in the back for a fan. I have the casters mounted, I applied some primer around that area before bolting them, thats what the white stuff is.



And last but not least, the plans:



I dont know if Im going to go with a real coin door (Will probably look too large IMHO), or steal Louis Tulley's idea of the homemade coin door.

Thanks for looking, and I look forward to all comments and suggestions.
Now I just hope I remembered how to correctly post the pics!

[Louis Tully]

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[DaOld Man]

If it comes out half as good as your scaled down cab, I will be very happy!

I like the idea of the spinner, didnt you make one yourself? I may have to steal two ideas from you!

Edit, no artwork ideas yet, but Im wide open to suggestions!
I have thought about making a "neon tube" el wire marquee like The Rage has, but it might just be a back lighted picture instead of real el wire. Also I plan to use a 15" LCD monitor I have laying around.

[Unstupid]

wow... the numbers on the drawing are very hard to read! 

[GregD]

This looks like a cool project.  I'll be watching it as I plan to build a scaled down cabinet for my next project.  Good luck.

[darthpaul]

Glad to see a project from you, with all the ideas you keep coming up with this should be one cool cabinet.

[Ond]

Glad to see a project from you, with all the ideas you keep coming up with this should be one cool cabinet.

+1  I'm watching too.

[DaOld Man]

wow... the numbers on the drawing are very hard to read! 

Sorry about that, hopefully above will be better now.
If you want the plans I can send you the large file. I didnt follow my plans exactly though.

[DaOld Man]

Thanks for the compliments guys, I hope I dont let you down.
And I would appreciate any comments or suggestions, I tend to get in a hurry and forget important details.

[kahlid74]

I like it but I'm wondering if the control panel is just a little jammed.  Those buttons seem real close to the edge.

[DaOld Man]

I like it but I'm wondering if the control panel is just a little jammed.  Those buttons seem real close to the edge.

That is one thing that is bugging me about the panel. Suggestions?

[Drnick]

Lose fighters and drop down to 4 buttons    The control panel I recently built is 20.5" wide but feels cramped for 2 players 6 buttons. The test panel I created with 4 buttons feels a lot better.

[DaOld Man]

Lose fighters and drop down to 4 buttons    The control panel I recently built is 20.5" wide but feels cramped for 2 players 6 buttons. The test panel I created with 4 buttons feels a lot better.

Thanks..
So what do you think?
Loose two right buttons, pull the centers down even with the ones by the joystick, then pull left joystck and buttons in towards center?

[jennifer]

          Or perhaps use smaller buttons.... Those little red light-up ones would be pretty cool.

[DaOld Man]

          Or perhaps use smaller buttons.... Those little red light-up ones would be pretty cool.

Thanks Jennifer, I like that idea. Which buttons do you have in mind?

[jennifer]

      Missle command, I think, used them as player start buttons.

[DaOld Man]

Are those the volcano buttons?

[jennifer]

        There you go....That or maybe joystick shooter buttons, something small anyway. The project as a whole looks way cool, cant wait to
see it done up!

[Louis Tully]

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[DaOld Man]

Thanks Louis.
Yes, Im interested in ordering some of those buttons.
Be glad to share the order with you. PM me the details, I have not ordered from this company before.
With those smaller buttons, do you think I can squeeze 6 per player in?

I am thinking about using metal for the CP. That will be idea #3 (or is it 4, im loosing count) that I steal from you.

How do you feel about using regular sized player 1 and 2 start buttons with the small ones?

[darthpaul]

Are you going to go with a smaller trackball as well?

[DaOld Man]

Are you going to go with a smaller trackball as well?

Sorry for the late reply, work has been keeping me busy last couple of weeks.
Yes, I plan to use the trackball I got from Sparkfun.

I have noticed that my cabinet seems to easily tip forward. This worries me because I wouldnt want the cab to tip over if someone leans on the CP.
I will have to see how it is when I get the rest of the cab put together and the parts in it.
I sure hope I dont have to put counter weights in the back of it.

Any other guys have this problem with your mini cabs?

[DaOld Man]

Wow, its been a while since Ive updated this project thread. Work and life has kept me from doing the things I really like.

Did get a little bit of progress since last update, here is a ketch um up..

I had one of those glass top coffee tables, it had two panes of glass. Well, one day I took apart a 3" trackball right above one the glasses and guess what? Yep dropped it and smashed one of the glass panes. (No harm to the trackball though, and I was really tired of that old table.)
This happen quite a while ago, so if I have already mentioned it, sorry.
Anyway, I thought I might could use the other pane for a monitor cover.
So I took it to a local glass shop and had it cut down to fit the Little Rage.
The guy said most of the table top glasses are safety glass (like in cars), but luckily this was not or he couldnt have cut it. I wonder why it wouldnt be safety glass after he said that?
Ok, I cut some MDF blocks and mounted them so the bottom of the glass would have something to rest on:



Notice the smaller block on top to keep the glass from moving forward.

I then ran a block across the top to keep glass from falling backwards:



In last pic, I also have a block at the bottom, but havent decided that I like it, so it's not fastened yet.

Here it is with some white trim on the sides:



The white trim is some F Trim that I got at Lowes. I was thinking of using the F Trim as a channel for the glass to slide down into, but the F Trim space was too narrow, so I trimmed off the inner part, so I guess it's a L trim now.

Here is close up of the trim:



It is white but I can paint it to match the T molding Im sure.
Speaking of T molding, does anyone make 1/2" other than white?
Also I am concerned about the mirror like action of the glass. I have a black poster board behind the glass, I used it to get the right thickness, because I intend to use poster board behind the glass. But I do not like the mirror affect.
Any suggestions? Do you think a lighter color behind the glass might not be so reflective?

And now, a quick pic of the speakers I intend to use:



This is a ASI USB speaker bar. It is made to mount to the bottom or top of an LCD monitor.
My first idea was to place it in the bottom of the marquee box, where most speakers mount, but Im thinking it might be better under the CP, in teh coin door panel, above the coin door. What do you think?

Speaking of coin doors, I stopped by Louis Tulleys work place yesterday and checked out his mini coin door. It looks very good. I will probably go that route with this project.

[darthpaul]

It's about time for an update 
I know you said you were a little concerned about it being top heavy, won't the glass contribute to that?

[GIZMOGAMES]

was just reading your stuck for buttons hmmm i saw some momentary buttons on ebay might work

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5x-Momentary-Push-Button-OFF-ON-N-O-Switch-Red-B2-/250868205557?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a68e907f5
wide veriety of buttons and colours the waiting isnt that bad either ive ordered 2 sets in multi-colors  even at worst case theyl make great admin buttons
also how about something original like this for the artwork

yah primal rage hee hee i remember that along with killer instinct

[DaOld Man]

It's about time for an update 
I know you said you were a little concerned about it being top heavy, won't the glass contribute to that?

Actually, I am concerned about it being front heavy, tipping forward if someone leans on the CP. This glass helps because it is behind the tipping point, which is the front casters. But I am concerned that the glass is not safety glass, if it gets broke there will be dangerous shards going everywhere. I may still use plexi, not real sure yet.

was just reading your stuck for buttons hmmm i saw some momentary buttons on ebay might work

...also how about something original like this for the artwork
...
yah primal rage hee hee i remember that along with killer instinct

Thanks Gizmo, I will check out those buttons.
That art looks great, however I am going to give this to my 2 yr old grand daughter (If my son and his wife say its ok.), and I dont know if this might be a little scary for her?
I was thinking more on the lines of the baby characters, pacman jr, DK jr, sweetpea from popeye, etc, in frowning or temper tantrum mode.
What do you think? Im open to all suggestions.
BTW, that pic you suggested would make a great side art for The Rage, Im going to show it to my son to see if he's interested. How about the centipede wrapping around it too?

[GIZMOGAMES]

the centipede wrapping hmmm ill have to look that up or send me a link let me throw some ideas about
and if the machines for a younger girl def go with the 4 buttons each player fits better to the concept
 you said using a lcd screen but an old  monitor will add to the  back weight and should stop the toppling effect but it looks like you dont have the depth for one
 also might want rubber feet on the front and wheels on back http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-x-1-Rubber-Chair-Feet-Ferrules-Ferrule-Protection-Chairs-Leg-Black-/110877918272?pt=UK_Home_Garden_LivingRoom_Bookcases&hash=item19d0d6c440
helps support better you can use similar to what they have on fridges so you can adjust them accordingly
or just go for some chunky rubber stationary ones like above
Also go with a thicker Plexi for the screen Far safer

So drop me a pm or Post here with some pics please of the side straight on i can work that easier also do a front on please
just going to spitball some ideas around for you should have some by end of the day if you get those pics up quickly

[DaOld Man]

Thanks GIZMOGames.
I dont have any examples of artwork to show yet, I really havent had time to think about that, so I would appreciate any ideas you might come up with.
I think I will do something different with the casters. The ones in the front swivel and the back are fixed, it makes rolling the thing sideways a real pain.
No, I dont have enough room for the CRT monitor, I only have about 10-11" between the monitor front and the rear of the cab.
Oh, well something else to think about if I have a slow night tonight at work.
I did decide to go with plexi instead of glass. I kept thinking of my G-daughter or one of her little friends throwing something at it and breaking it. That would be a scenario that I dont need to worry about.
I got a piece of plexi from Louis Tulley, a couple of cuts with the router and it fits like a glove.
I may have to trim the sides a bit, it is too tight for the white trim. I like the look of it being flush wit the side of the cab but plexi has a tendency to expand and contract with ambient temps, so it needs a little gap for movement, and the trim would cover the gap.

Here are a couple of pics:



Front of the cab with the plexi laying in place.



And the side. It is right at 48" tall. I can get exact measures if you need them. (They are not exactly the same as the plans I posted above.)
Notice the two holes near the top? I used screws to hold the top brace for the monitor glass. I plan to bondo those.



And last but not least, my supervisor. He's a typical boss, lays around all day and does nothing but keep an eye on me working. Although he will steal a small block of MDF and chew on it, then leave it in the yard for my mower to find.

[GIZMOGAMES]

hahahaha yeah i got a supervisor like that lol but its normally the screwdrivers and her singing at the sander hahaha
And Gizmo is fine bud its what im used to those front/side profiles are perfect i got some ideas i think your going to love
So its a glorious day in the uk, so ill be outside doing my thang and also inbetween working on yours
Its still looking good tho m8 and perceverence wins overall  

[DaOld Man]

Thanks Gizmo. Hey man, dont neglect your project worrying about mine.
Im in no hurry (just look at how long ago I started this thread LOL).

My major obstacles are work and weather. I work a swing shift and it is sometimes hard to get motivated when you gotta go in to work in a few hours.
And since my work area is so small, I have to move my mower and a few more things outside to work on my projects, and if it's raining it just kills the whole mood. I really need a big garage, but then I can see me having to move my truck outside to work on things LOL.

So I need to build a really big garage and see if I can talk my work into just mailing me my check.   (Or I could throw away years of collected junk to free up space, and get off my lazy butt.) Nah to both.

[GIZMOGAMES]

certainly not neglecting mine bud
Its Been a Glorious day and i have to say PROGRESSIVE In fact ive problem solved most of the probs
Now the only thing i hate more than sucky weather is
PHOTOBUCKET UPLOAD TIMES lol
update 3.36 am gmt still uploading pics and working on a few ideas for you
PPS Also just got palmslapped by "TopJimmyCooks" for not owning a multi-meter   Doh !!!
Easily rectified tho good old E-Bay Hee Heee And Glad he mentioned it to

[darthpaul]

And since my work area is so small, I have to move my mower and a few more things outside to work on my projects

Got you beat, my work area has no lights, just a small basement window. I need to be extra careful of my fingers when using the table saw.

[DaOld Man]

Man Darthpaul, you can get some 4 foot florescent fixtures at walmart, dirt cheap, hang up a couple over your work area and plug em in.
Safety first!
 

[GIZMOGAMES]

just an idea for you buddy

in keeping with a theme for a girl


still working on the front wasnt sure you wanted a coindoor so left area for one
and an idea without

[DaOld Man]

Wow thanks Gizmo. I like it. I am planning on using one of the Louis Tullys fake coin doors, but Gracie really likes micky mouse, so leaving mini in there somewhere would be nice.

[GIZMOGAMES]

thats easy ill move the stars around in the bottom cloud and put minnie slap bang in the middle that way you can insert the door aswell
a suggestion would be white T-molding it would contrast the rest, the marquee would be the same blue with the 2 stars and her name in bubble writing or clouds and the bezel could be similar
only thing will be matching the blue to a paint for the inner and other non vinyl parts not really a prob tho one thing i am in need of is a way to scale these images, so when you get them actually done youll have the correct scale so it doesnt distort when scaling up ..That and i really need to learn how to use vectors for cleaner lines and such any articles advice apreaciated please
Thanks

HaHaHaHa so sorry i just thought the more i look at the design and the more i work out placement the more i see 
THE SIMPSONS


hahahah thats funny and sorry just had to share

[DaOld Man]

Ok, Its been a while since I did anything to this project. Personal stuff taking my time and the weather is HOT HOT HOT!

Just to catch everyone up, I Have modified a power strip to allow the PC to turn everything else on and off.
Nothing spectacular, A relay in the side of the power strip. The first outlet is always on, all others on or off depending on the 12 volt relay being on or off.


Next for a power entry I decided to build my own. I used a metal blank wall cover and cut out holes for a entry module I removed from an old power supply, and a 10 amp fuse.


I then painted it hammered black and mounted the parts:


I cut a hole in the lower back of the cab to mount a "old work" metal box.


I thought I may want to hook this kid up to the internet, so I took an ivory color Cat5E connector and plate and painted the plate hammered black.
Here is the IEC and the net jack both dry fitted in the cab:

Im happy with it. (The big hole between them is for a fan.)

I also mounted two aluminum angles to the top section, my plan is to have the top panel resting on these, with bolts through the panel and into the angles. I will drill and tap into the aluminum angles.
I fastened them with 10/32" bolts and T nuts. I plan to fill in above the T nuts with bondo. (Several places will need the bondo before Im done.)


I also cut a slot out in the upper back to let the hot air out. I did a rabbit cut on it and plan to use a piece of perforated aluminum to cover it from the inside. (If this makes sense).


Well thats it for now. This mini cab is about as big a challenge as the regular cabs.

[darthpaul]

Liking the power entry, something I should really do on mine.

[yotsuya]

I've done the power entry myself, but I love the data jack idea! Great idea!

[Louis Tully]

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