LED T-molding coming soon to T-Molding.com

[mgb]

Not sure if anyone has posted or seen this but T-molding.com will soon have led t-molding.
It's like the stuff on the Jurassic Park machines.

I know this still won't be like diffused glowing t-molding as many would like to see but it still may be cool for someone.

http://www.t-molding.com/t-molding-illuminated.html

[harveybirdman]

Kill it with FIRE!

 

[wp34]

They mention an EL Tape version is coming.   That might look pretty good.  The translucent sleeve design will hide the wires and make it so they can use one piece of tape.  This will eliminate the line that showed up down the middle for the previous effort.

[SavannahLion]

If it's jacketed like that I can't see why there would be a delay. Unless the EL is molded into it.

I would order just the jacket and shove ws2812 or APA102 down in there.

[Aceldamor]

I foresee some Tron themed cabs getting this treatment.

[Phreakwars]

Boy oh boy, can't wait !!! My son asked me about doing that to his a while back. Would make an awesome Christmas gift.

[yotsuya]

Enh, until they come up with an evenly lit, translucent glowing version where it looks like a solid, glowing strip of molding with no breaks or hot spots, it's hard for me to get excited about it.

[DeLuSioNal29]

Hmm, I wonder if you spray it with Vinyl Dye if it would defuse the LEDs?  I may need to order some just to experiment since I already have vinyl dye in red, blue, black and silver.

https://www.vhtpaint.com/products/vinyldye/

D

[JDFan]

Enh, until they come up with an evenly lit, translucent glowing version where it looks like a solid, glowing strip of molding with no breaks or hot spots, it's hard for me to get excited about it.

Wonder if this type of glowing el strips could be placed in it for that type of effect ??

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/3M-Flexible-Cool-Light-Glow-LED-EL-Wire-Tape-Rope-Strip-Car-Charger-DC-12V-Interior/1395894_32267481482.html

[BadMouth]

Wonder if this type of glowing el strips could be placed in it for that type of effect ??

An EL Tape option is coming, but we do not yet have a firm ETA.

 

[opt2not]

Ehhh, people gave me crap for using Chrome molding on one of my projects, I'd like to see what those same people think about this.  "Chrome molding is for slot machines, not arcade cabinets"... what would LED molding be for...jukeboxes?  pfft.

[wp34]

Enh, until they come up with an evenly lit, translucent glowing version where it looks like a solid, glowing strip of molding with no breaks or hot spots, it's hard for me to get excited about it.

Wonder if this type of glowing el strips could be placed in it for that type of effect ??

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/3M-Flexible-Cool-Light-Glow-LED-EL-Wire-Tape-Rope-Strip-Car-Charger-DC-12V-Interior/1395894_32267481482.html

They mentioned on their site that a version with EL Tape is coming next.

[harveybirdman]

Does it come in Lime Green?

[Phreakwars]

It's RGB so I would suppose you have a really good color palette to choose from. Guess that would depend on the limitations of the RGB strip.

[harveybirdman]

Yeah I was just being a salty, purist, ---tallywhacker---.

I will concede that there are some fine builds such as wp34's Tron themed build that would benefit from a product such as this.

[wp34]

Yeah I was just being a salty, purist, ---tallywhacker---.

I will concede that there are some fine builds such as wp34's Tron themed build would benefit from a product such as this.

I appreciate the comment but I'm actually just an interested bystander on this one.  It is a really cool product idea but I have no interest in adding it to my build.  I love my plain white t-molding.    

[yotsuya]

Yeah I was just being a salty, purist, ---tallywhacker---.

I will concede that there are some fine builds such as wp34's Tron themed build would benefit from a product such as this.

I appreciate the comment but I'm actually just an interested bystander on this one.  It is a really cool product idea but I have no interest in adding it to my build.  I love my plain white t-molding.   

Always the voice of reason.

[Aceldamor]

Sound, or attract mode for this would be an interesting sight.

[BGoulette]

Whatever happened to that illumicade guy?

[wp34]

Whatever happened to that illumicade guy?

He refunded the money to folks that pre-ordered and put the project on hold.

[ChanceKJ]

.

[yotsuya]

Whatever happened to that illumicade guy?

He refunded the money to folks that pre-ordered and put the project on hold.

Yeah, and even at that, there were a clear line down the middle where the molding barb went. I tell you, until they get it right, where there are no LED hotspots and it's evenly lit, it's always going to look like a compromise. This is a lot closer that past attempts, but I've seen that JP cab, and it's still not there yet.

[pbj]

Subscribed.

[RandyT]

I tell you, until they get it right, where there are no LED hotspots and it's evenly lit, it's always going to look like a compromise.

I have to agree.  One interesting development is the high density LED strips, which are something like 144 LEDs per meter.  One popular application for these seems to be a replacement for neon, where they are inserted into a light-diffusing tube, and bent into shape.  I think the biggest enemy of using something like this will be the size of the resulting molding.  To have good diffusing properties, the materials should really have a fair bit of thickness to them, and or distance between the LEDs and the material surface.  That said, it could be done with a specially designed molding.  It just wouldn't be as simple to install as conventional T-molding is, nor would it be as conformable to tight corners.

[vwalbridge]

Last time I installed T-molding, I had to wail on it pretty hard with my mallet in some tight spots.

How are LEDs gonna hold up to me beating my t-molding into place?

[pbj]

Randy's just salty he didn't think of it first.

[Generic Eric]

I tell you, until they get it right, where there are no LED hotspots and it's evenly lit, it's always going to look like a compromise.

I have to agree.  One interesting development is the high density LED strips, which are something like 144 LEDs per meter.  One popular application for these seems to be a replacement for neon, where they are inserted into a light-diffusing tube, and bent into shape.  I think the biggest enemy of using something like this will be the size of the resulting molding.  To have good diffusing properties, the materials should really have a fair bit of thickness to them, and or distance between the LEDs and the material surface.  That said, it could be done with a specially designed molding.  It just wouldn't be as simple to install as conventional T-molding is, nor would it be as conformable to tight corners.

Deeper tang?  As in router depth. 

[ChanceKJ]

.

[vwalbridge]

Last time I installed T-molding, I had to wail on it pretty hard with my mallet in some tight spots.

How are LEDs gonna hold up to me beating my t-molding into place?

You slide the LEDs in after installing the moulding.

I feel like a derp now.   

[RandyT]

Randy's just salty he didn't think of it first.

Not like there's a lot of thought going on with something like this   Doing it without looking like disparate LEDs lining the edge, without being a pain to install and/or limiting the side profile for the cabinet, that's something else entirely.  But if you are only concerned with lighting the edges of something, there are alternatives out there right now.  LED strip makers have what they call a "waterproof" silicone jacket for the strips.  Just route a slightly undersized pocket into the edge of the panel and press it in. The jacket also offers some diffusion of the light.

Deeper tang?  As in router depth. 

Depth, width, all of it.... the standard 1/16" slot is a walk in the park, compared to what it would take to eliminate hotspots from the LEDs in a lighted version.

[BadMouth]

For the sake of showing (in this thread) what it would actually look like:



That picture is a bit fuzzy, so the LEDs would probably look even more distinct.

I imagine the EL Tape option will look great down the center, but not illuminate the edges whatsoever. 

[yotsuya]

When it looks more like an illuminated surface and less like those Target garden rope lights tacked onto the sides of a cab, then I'll be impressed.

[ChanceKJ]

.

[T-Molding.com]

Hi Everyone,

Thank you very much for the link and all the interest in the LED T-Molding!  I just wanted to stop in to answer some of the questions I've seen in this thread:

Not sure if anyone has posted or seen this but T-molding.com will soon have led t-molding.

Thank you for the link!

If it's jacketed like that I can't see why there would be a delay. Unless the EL is molded into it.

The delay is due to determining the optimum size and brightness for the tape, as well as a supplier we can use long term for the tape and the power inverters.  We started the research for the LED strips about 2 months before working on EL tape, so those will be ready first.

It's RGB so I would suppose you have a really good color palette to choose from. Guess that would depend on the limitations of the RGB strip.

That is exactly right.  We're using 5050 RGB LED strips and we'll provide 24 buttons remotes which have buttons for 16 preset colors.

One interesting development is the high density LED strips, which are something like 144 LEDs per meter.

We're starting with 60 LEDs/m, which matches what you will find on Jurassic Park and other games, but will definitely keep an eye out for higher density options.

How are LEDs gonna hold up to me beating my t-molding into place?

You will install the t-molding first (beat on it as much as you need to) then slide the LED's into it after.  We've found that plastic string trimmer line is a great way thread the LED strips through the t-molding and will have that available on the website as well for anyone that needs some.

If you have any questions just let us know.  We're really looking forward to making this available!

Thank You,
Rich
T-Molding.com

[SavannahLion]

Thank you for bringing up the LED/Hot Spot issue (in a round about way). If hot spots are your beef, then LED isn't for you. But I've spotted a cab or two in the wild using LEDs on edge with obvious hot spots. It's really the design you want. Think about having a 50's marquee like design with chasing LEDs. It's wby I opted for LEDs myself (not straightforward RGBs however).

ELs are great with the appropriate applications too. Not knocking them either. I just think you guys shouldn't knock the LEDs.

I have a relevant question. Can we just order the T-molding without the lighting? And what is the internal space inside?

I'm thinking of using addressable LED strips.

[Phreakwars]

What will the T-molding width be? Haruman's bartop's are 1/2 inch, I think my son's is 3/4". I'd like to do his and other cabinets. Will there be a size option?

[T-Molding.com]

I have a relevant question. Can we just order the T-molding without the lighting?

Yes, all pieces will be available for sale on their own, including the LED housing.  There will will be a discount when ordering a full game kit of all the parts.

And what is the internal space inside?

I will get back to you on this.  I need to take the exact measurements and put together a dimensions diagram for the website which is on my list to do this weekend.

What will the T-molding width be? Haruman's bartop's are 1/2 inch, I think my son's is 3/4". I'd like to do his and other cabinets. Will there be a size option?

It is 13/16" wide and uses a 3/32" wide slot.  We have spoken with the manufacturer about custom making one in the future to match our existing 3/4" t-moldings that are 3/4" wide and for a 1/16" slot but there is no ETA for that at this time.  While that size is a possibility, we have no plans to offer anything smaller then 3/4".

Thank You,
Rich
T-Molding.com

[Automark]

a big hurrah For t-molding.com without them a lot of us would be lost in this hobby.

But rgb molding is not my jar of beer

[yotsuya]

a big hurrah For t-molding.com without them a lot of us would be lost in this hobby.

But rgb molding is not my jar of beer

Well put!

[mgb]

a big hurrah For t-molding.com without them a lot of us would be lost in this hobby.

But rgb molding is not my jar of beer

I agree, I'm traditional when it comes to T-molding but I understand there are some that like that sort of thing.

[T-Molding.com]

Hi Everyone,

We just wanted to let you know that the LED T-Molding and all the related accessories are now available:

http://www.t-molding.com/t-molding-illuminated.html

If you signed up for the email list you should have received your email earlier today - those were sent out at 11:30am Eastern time.

We're still researching EL Tape options.  We'll send another email and post here when we have updates on that.

Thank You!
Rich
T-Molding.com

[DeLuSioNal29]

Any updates on more color 1/2" options (with your t-molding selections in general). With the rise of smaller builds it would be great if you researched additional color options besides the white and black that you already have.

[pbj]

I'd really like to see some pics of this stuff installed and turned on....

[Aceldamor]

I'd really like to see some pics of this stuff installed and turned on....

As would I. If it diffuses light well and looks like a solid strip of light, it would make any Neon style cab pop for sure.

Though i'm sure you could make a Pac-Man style dot light with the "hot spot" style 

[RTyper56]

i wish i seent this before i ordered my t molding...

[T-Molding.com]

Any updates on more color 1/2" options (with your t-molding selections in general).

We moved to a larger warehouse in September, which allowed to us add a pile more sizes and colors.  Among those are Red, Blue, and Yellow in 1/2 which are available here:

http://www.t-molding.com/smooth-050in.html

Many of our 3/4" colors are custom colors (ex: Orange) and stocking those in 1/2" would require us to have 5000ft made.  We've been toying with the idea of trying a couple in 5/8 but haven't done that yet.

I'd really like to see some pics of this stuff installed and turned on....

I have a Ms Pac I've been planning to install it on for some sample photos, but may not get to do that until after the first of the year.  I was hoping to do that before we starting selling it, but didn't want to delay the sale.

Thank You,
Rich

[acvieluf]

I have these exact lights.  I am uploading a video to youtube as we speak, so you can see some of the settings. 

(disclaimer:  I stupidly ran up two flights of stairs, and just started recording.  I'm trying desperately not to be panting into the camera, but if it sounds weird, thats why, haha)  wheres the smiley icon for "fat and lazy"   

[DeLuSioNal29]

We moved to a larger warehouse in September, which allowed to us add a pile more sizes and colors.  Among those are Red, Blue, and Yellow in 1/2 which are available here:
http://www.t-molding.com/smooth-050in.html

Good to know, that's awesome!  Any plans for the more popular Galaxian Green or Ms. Pacman Pink in 1/2" size?  There's been a surge in bartop builds and those would be perfect as an option.

Green
http://www.t-molding.com/3-4in-bright-green-t-molding.html

Pink
http://www.t-molding.com/pink-t-molding.html

D

[acvieluf]

Here you go:   

[Aceldamor]

I hope the camera is not showing the diffuse well, because that literally looks like rope light.

[acvieluf]

This is not in the diffusing t-moulding.  This is merely the led strip itself, bare.  If you look at that directly (camera or not) its individual lights.  For underglow it's perfect.  But if you put it in that diffusing moulding, it would improve, for sure.