Author Topic: Desktop Mini Cab -- Updated 4/23/06 (Read 48327 times)

quarterback · « **Reply #40 on:** December 04, 2005, 07:37:23 pm »

[quote author=MameMaster

bishmasterb · « **Reply #41 on:** December 04, 2005, 08:18:25 pm »

I like QB's idea. Make the cabinet fit the dimensions of the monitor. Perhaps, abandon the full size buttons and go to all miniature buttons instead.

Be sure to keep us updated with new pics.

markrvp · « **Reply #42 on:** December 04, 2005, 09:12:49 pm »

Congrats on getting this one going!

I like the model. I think I would be tempted to make it less wide. The height is fine, but if you reduce the width, it will look more proportional to the original cab and fit the monitor even better.

I never considered how living in Manhattan would affect project progress. Can you have MDF delivered? Are there Home Depot's on the island?

MameMaster! · « **Reply #43 on:** December 05, 2005, 10:32:18 am »

to answer all---

yeah, there's a Home Depot here in the City about 40 blocks south of my apt. I realized that I have a closer hardware store near me....but I'm not sure if they have what I'll need.

Re- the monitor....I like the size of the cab as it is now ...but I was considering making it more narrow (a bit)....and seeing if I can find a nice small color TV with AV inputs instead of the LCD.

If not....I'm most likely going to stick w/the LCD....but make is so that I can swap it out at a later date. I would just have to reprint the bezel....so I'm OK with that.

Assuming I keep the size as is stands now...I'll have room for a 14" w x 9.25" high x 15 D tv.

Anyone know of any?

I'm going to check out Best Buy later today.

Obviously I can always adjust my dimensions to fit a larger tv...but I really wanted to keep this to about the size I have it now.

Thanks for the input!

MameMaster! · « **Reply #44 on:** December 05, 2005, 11:54:43 am »

I think I may bite the bullet and just get this 9" tv and an RF modulator.

.... http://tinyurl.com/7rtca

....I may be selling my LCD for low price soon!....

MinerAl · « **Reply #45 on:** December 05, 2005, 02:59:43 pm »

sounds like the dimensions of a 13" $59 tv from wal-mart.

MameMaster! · « **Reply #46 on:** December 05, 2005, 03:02:33 pm »

....yeah, thanks for the heads up I appreciate it.

Apparently.... 13" tvs in general are MUCH cheaper than 9"!......

But I'm going to suck it up and stick to the 9" so that I can keep the cab small. This was supposted to be a desktop model....that's already really now a table top.......

But, again, thanks for the heads up!

markrvp · « **Reply #47 on:** December 06, 2005, 01:00:35 pm »

That 9" TV you listed doesn't appear to have any video inputs other than the RF antenna input. That would require a converter which will trash the signal somewhat.

MameMaster! · « **Reply #48 on:** December 06, 2005, 01:03:01 pm »

Quote from: markrvp on December 06, 2005, 01:00:35 pm

That 9" TV you listed doesn't appear to have any video inputs other than the RF antenna input. That would require a converter which will trash the signal somewhat.

yes....you're exactly right...I bought a radioshack RF modulator to get around that.........but I tested it and on the 9" the picture looks great!.....

So far between art, the TV, various parts and buttons etc...I'm in for $338.00 not including the loss of my 2 LCD tv's.......this is of course before I even buy wood.

The thing that threw me way off was the 9" Tv and modulator..... oh well...I figured the foamcore looked so good....that I might as well bite the bullet and get a good sized Tv for it.

Man this thing better come out friggin' awesome!!!!!

This weekend I hope to get the wood and start cutting....

ChadTower · « **Reply #49 on:** December 06, 2005, 02:09:21 pm »

He is all excited about his 9" but doesn't even have wood yet.

markrvp · « **Reply #50 on:** December 06, 2005, 02:50:14 pm »

If I had 9" without wood I would be excited too.

nullb0y · « **Reply #51 on:** December 07, 2005, 03:26:24 pm »

bah u stole my idea! lol is that u austin?

MameMaster! · « **Reply #52 on:** December 08, 2005, 04:46:46 pm »

Ok....here's the latest.

My brother suggested that I set up the control panel using molex connectors so that I can change plug/play systems......a good idea that I hope to incorporate.

I've rethought the whole 3/4 " MDF and I'm going with 1/2 " for the side. Apparently Home Depot has 2 foot x 4" MDF sheets for $6 bucks!.....so at least the sides of the cab will be cheap!

I hope to pick up all of the wood on Saturday. As of now I still have to get wood and wood clamps but I have just about everything else so I hope to post progress by the end of the weekend.

....by the way, I know I've see posts here and there using the Dremel Router gadget......for the Tmoulding....but does anyone have an extra bit for the Dremel I would borrow?

I would of course pay you for shipping and I'll ship it back......just a thought in case someone doesn't need theirs for a while.

I hope to get a lot done this weekend if possible.....

MameMaster! · « **Reply #53 on:** December 11, 2005, 07:26:35 pm »

I got a lot done this weekend!.....and made it quite far. Man I have to say doing this in an apartment is a real hassle.

On Saturday I put down a drop cloth.....but when I was done literally EVERY surface within 20 square feet was covered in MDF dust.

Today (Sunday) I covered EVERYTHING in plastic....much neater!....enjoy the pics....more progress soon!

by the way....you guys like my makeshift work bench?....it's 2 storage cointainers and a TV box......

MameMaster! · « **Reply #54 on:** December 11, 2005, 07:27:06 pm »

MameMaster! · « **Reply #55 on:** December 11, 2005, 07:27:31 pm »

almost done with pics..

MameMaster! · « **Reply #56 on:** December 11, 2005, 07:27:50 pm »

WHAT A MESS!!!!

SteveJ34 · « **Reply #57 on:** December 12, 2005, 09:46:36 am »

Nice work.

Hopefully you are done with the majority of your MDF cuts as you'll be sucking that dust for months ahead. I always make those cuts completely outdoors after my first experience many years ago and that was in the garage. Can only imagine the dust factor in an apartment.

Good luck with your project and keep the pics coming....

MameMaster! · « **Reply #58 on:** December 12, 2005, 09:50:56 am »

Quote from: SteveJ34 on December 12, 2005, 09:46:36 am

Nice work.

Hopefully you are done with the majority of your MDF cuts as you'll be sucking that dust for months ahead. I always make those cuts completely outdoors after my first experience many years ago and that was in the garage. Can only imagine the dust factor in an apartment.

Good luck with your project and keep the pics coming....

I think it took me over 2 hours to clean virtually every surface. It's amazing how much of that stuff becomes virtually vaporized and dispursed. Even though I wore a mask...I took it off between cuts....BIG MISTAKE....my throat was a little scratchy for hours after.

Definitely an outdoors job....unfortunately I'm on the 28th floor with no balcony.

But the bulk of the cuts are done. As a matter of fact the control panel is built....but I didn't have time to take pics yet.

More to come!

Goz · « **Reply #59 on:** December 12, 2005, 10:31:20 am »

Doing a damn good job in your apt man....

MameMaster! · « **Reply #60 on:** December 14, 2005, 06:19:20 pm »

More updates!....I have the marquee ready with a light (it presently has protective plastic on it)...

Now I'm waiting for my Tmoulding slot cutter, artwork in progress.....and then I have to wire it up.

These photos are a dry run....I'm holding much of it in place with tape for now!......

MameMaster! · « **Reply #61 on:** December 14, 2005, 06:20:19 pm »

more pics....

markrvp · « **Reply #62 on:** December 14, 2005, 07:43:26 pm »

It's lookin really good.

When you get the slot cutter and get ready to make the T-molding groove, you will be amazed at the unholy mess it will make. The MDF dust you have seen so far is like a light rain compared to the Hurricane Katrina level of dust you will see when you cut the slot.

If you have someone who can assist you, it would be good to have a Shop-Vac (or whatever vacuum you can use) with a hose positioned right at the blade's output to get as much dust as possible before it goes all over everywhere.

It there is anywhere in Central Park where you can plug in your router, I would try taking it there j/k, or can you go to the roof of your building?

If you have a bathtub/shower, you might put it in there and close the shower curtain around you to keep the dust inside.

OR - You can tape a plastic drop cloth from your ceiling in a square surrounding your cabinet when you do this.

I can't stress what a huge mess this is going to be, so just trying to give you all the suggestions I can think of to keep the mess to a minimum.

MameMaster! · « **Reply #63 on:** December 15, 2005, 09:12:53 am »

Quote from: markrvp on December 14, 2005, 07:43:26 pm

It's lookin really good.

When you get the slot cutter and get ready to make the T-molding groove, you will be amazed at the unholy mess it will make. The MDF dust you have seen so far is like a light rain compared to the Hurricane Katrina level of dust you will see when you cut the slot.

If you have someone who can assist you, it would be good to have a Shop-Vac (or whatever vacuum you can use) with a hose positioned right at the blade's output to get as much dust as possible before it goes all over everywhere.

It there is anywhere in Central Park where you can plug in your router, I would try taking it there j/k, or can you go to the roof of your building?

If you have a bathtub/shower, you might put it in there and close the shower curtain around you to keep the dust inside.

OR - You can tape a plastic drop cloth from your ceiling in a square surrounding your cabinet when you do this.

I can't stress what a huge mess this is going to be, so just trying to give you all the suggestions I can think of to keep the mess to a minimum.

....wow......thanks for the heads up on that. I'm sure my wife will be thrilled with this next step.

Thankfully since this isn't a full sized cab....there is less wood to slot....but I really apprecaite the warnings.

I don't have a shop vac, but I do have a powerful handheld that I may be able to get my wife to hold while I do this.

Unfortunately it would be totally illegal to do this out doors anywhere in NYC without some sort of a building permit.

....and the roof is locked so that's not an option. You know, I did just give my head maintenance man a big tip for Xmas....I may be able to use a storage area in the building instead of my apt.

....you know, since it's so small I may be able to somehow put it into a garden/lawn bag (clear) and somehow cut it in the bag itself.....hmm....

RetroJames · « **Reply #64 on:** December 15, 2005, 09:30:58 am »

It really will make a crazy mess, highly advise NOT doing it IN the apartment.

Hallway?

Elevator?

Do it in the middle of the street in the SoHo district and if anyone asks say it's performance art.

MameMaster! · « **Reply #65 on:** December 15, 2005, 09:33:45 am »

OK...you guys have me totally freaked out now....here's the plan for now...unless I can come up w/a better alternative.....I'll do it on the bathroom and seal off the door w/tape.

Thankfully 50% of the walls are tile....and the rest can be easily cleaned as it's so friggin' small....but there should be enough room to manuver to get it done.

I will definitely be wearing a mask......and I appreciate all of the warnings.

RetroJames · « **Reply #66 on:** December 15, 2005, 09:43:57 am »

MameMaster! · « **Reply #67 on:** December 15, 2005, 09:46:31 am »

....are you serious?....is that your bathroom after such a "brainstorm" like I just had?

? C#$P.

RetroJames · « **Reply #68 on:** December 15, 2005, 09:58:35 am »

[quote author=MameMaster

versapak · « **Reply #69 on:** December 15, 2005, 10:29:26 am »

There should be more warnings about MDF around here.

If only I had known about its "qualities" before hand, I would have gladly shelled out the extra cash from some decent plywood.

I will never be working with MDF again. HORRIBLE stuff it is. Heavy as hell, and messier than volcanic aftermath.

MameMaster! · « **Reply #70 on:** December 15, 2005, 10:38:41 am »

Quote from: versapak on December 15, 2005, 10:29:26 am

There should be more warnings about MDF around here.

If only I had known about its "qualities" before hand, I would have gladly shelled out the extra cash from some decent plywood.

I will never be working with MDF again. HORRIBLE stuff it is. Heavy as hell, and messier than volcanic aftermath.

Saint has tons of warnings in his book.......but I agree...there should be a label on the wood itself.

RetroJames · « **Reply #71 on:** December 15, 2005, 10:40:42 am »

Quote from: versapak on December 15, 2005, 10:29:26 am

There should be more warnings about MDF around here.

If only I had known about its "qualities" before hand, I would have gladly shelled out the extra cash from some decent plywood.

I will never be working with MDF again. HORRIBLE stuff it is. Heavy as hell, and messier than volcanic aftermath.

Yep, I am a confirmed plywood man myself.

markrvp · « **Reply #72 on:** December 15, 2005, 10:43:35 am »

Quote from: 1hookedspacecadet on December 15, 2005, 09:30:58 am

Do it in the middle of the street in the SoHo district and if anyone asks say it's performance art.

I'm laughing ---my bottom--- off over that one.

versapak · « **Reply #73 on:** December 15, 2005, 10:51:38 am »

[quote author=MameMaster

c64rulez · « **Reply #74 on:** December 15, 2005, 10:59:20 am »

I am a licensed diver, so basically I just hold my breath during routing.
You can check me out in the guiness book of records under "longest period of time holding your breath while routing". Honest.

Goz · « **Reply #75 on:** December 15, 2005, 12:20:27 pm »

M,

You are inspiring me.... to actually start my mini cab.

-Goz

MameMaster! · « **Reply #76 on:** December 15, 2005, 12:30:28 pm »

Quote from: Goz on December 15, 2005, 12:20:27 pm

M,

You are inspiring me.... to actually start my mini cab.

-Goz

....to be honest this is the most elaborate thing I've ever built....but it bascially comes down to ....if you want one....you simply have to build it!

Except for the toxic MDF dust....so far it's coming along quite well.

MameMaster! · « **Reply #77 on:** December 16, 2005, 09:27:28 am »

THANK YOU to all who suggested that the MameMaster would most likely endure a long and slow death due to MDF dust in his home.....because you prompted me to talk to the head Super in my build who has very graciously offered to let me use an empty apartment under renovation.

He told me to not even worry about cleaning up!!!

SWEET!

Thanks again to everyone's advice.

Now next week I get to see if I know how to use a router.

Stay tuned!

Xiaou2 · « **Reply #78 on:** December 17, 2005, 11:04:18 pm »

I highy recomend getting a "Dust Collector".

You can get one as cheap as 100$.

I never knew they existed..else I would have gotten one a lot sooner.

Unlike a vaccume... these dust collectors use blower like fins, and move a Ton of air. For the cheapest ones: 600 cubic feet per minute. 1800+ for 2hp models.

My 1hp moves quite a bit of air. Got it from Harbor Freight. They also have hose kits available. I had to ask them about it, cause it wasnt on the shelves.. but was in stock.

I took my tablesaw off its base, made a wood bottom that held the collector hose.. and sealed most all the air leaks in the tablesaws base itself with some closed cell foam, hot glue, and some thin plastic material.

When on, you can feel the suction right thru the saw opening. When cutting, theres almost no dust at all. The only dust, is a very small amount from the top of the blade which dosnt seem to get arborne. That could be illimimated too - if I hooked up something to the blade gaurd.

The noise level is not bad at all. A lot less intense than a shop vac. A low frequency hum rahter than a high frequency squeal.

For additional dust protection, Ive also got an Ionizer from ebay for 100$. Has 26 ion pins.. and produces 60,000,000 ions per cubic cm !!! The model is:
XJ-2100. The seller is "thewindsurfman".

The ionizer charges the air with ions, and when the ions hit a dust particle, it drops them to the ground like they were stones. At least, thats my understanding of it. It also clears the air of bacterias, smoke and fumes. Works great

Finally, Not completely related, but just picked up a memmory foam mattress topper from ebay seller "foambymail". I have a full size bed, but decided to cut a queen topper down just in case the full was too small. I got the 3" topper with
3.5lb density. Im about 170lbs 6ft tall. The add tells you which type of foam to order based on your weight and sleeping habbits. My mattress is actually pretty comfortable, as its got a 'pillowtop'. However, after installing the topper.. its was absolutly amazing! Its like floating on a cloud!

Just looking at my bed makes me want to sink into its comfotable embrace now! : )

I once bought a tempurpedic memmory pillow from brookstone.. but it was too hard. It wouldnt conform to my light weight - unlike the topper. Putting a pillowcover over it made it worse. This is why its very important to get the correct density foam based on your weight. So anyway, I got another memmory pillow from Sharper Image. One side of it has foam bb's in it, which is nice cause I sleep on my stomache, with arm resting under the pillow. The bbs easily conform keeping my arm from getting squashed. Also nice to be able to switch up from firmer foam, to softer bbs, depending on what you feel like at that moment.

The new topper makes you feel as if youve gotten about 1 extra hour of sleep. More sleep = more energy to do things, like say...build arcade machines

MameMaster! · « **Reply #79 on:** December 18, 2005, 09:21:16 pm »

OK....big update today. I spent most of the weekend learning how to use a voltage meter and soldering....and thankfully soldering in particular was WAY EASIER than I had feared. I was really concerned that based on what I've read on the board that soldering was pretty tough.

I guess if you have the right tools.....it's actually quite easy if you have a steady hand and patience.

Any way.....I took apart and wired up 2 plug/play gadgets to use in my mini Ms. Pac. First was of course the Jakks Ms. Pac....the second was the Taito Space Invaders.

I used molex connectors to allow for me to easily swap games with my stationary control panel.

I plan on doing one more using the Frogger/Konami.....but I haven't been able to find one recently. I think they're selling well as Xmas stocking stuffers. I'm sure I'll see one soon.

I'm a bit disappointed at the emulation of the Taito stuff....but whatever...I'm just glad I got everything wired up and working fairly easily.

I made a few minor mistakes....but overall this was much much easier than I had feared.

I used a radioshack 6 volt plug to replace the batteries in these gadgets.....and other than that I just used the gadgets as is.

Enjoy the pics!.....

NEXT UP--

Cutting the slot for moulding, decorating the cab.....and putting the final pieces together. There's a good chance I'll be done by next weekend.

I'm almost disappointed that I'm close to the finish line as I'm having a blast building it!


Main	Restorations	Software	Audio/Jukebox/MP3	Everything Else	Buy/Sell/Trade
Project Announcements	Monitor/Video	GroovyMAME	Merit/JVL Touchscreen	Meet Up	Retail Vendors
Driving & Racing	Woodworking	Software Support Forums	Consoles	Project Arcade	Reviews
Automated Projects	Artwork	Frontend Support Forums	Pinball	Forum Discussion	Old Boards
Raspberry Pi & Dev Board	controls.dat	Linux	Miscellaneous Arcade	Wiki Discussion	Old Archives
Lightguns	Arcade1Up	Try the site in https mode		Site News


Unread posts \| New Replies \| Recent posts \| Rules \| Chatroom \| Wiki \| File Repository \| RSS \| Submit news