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Transparent Control Panel
Jollyrob:
I've yet to build my cabinet after tossing ideas around for 2 years, buying the Project Arcade book, reading it cover to cover and what not, so I still consider myself pretty up to date and schooled in the whole hobby. So not seeking help on wiring, opinions on a layout, or anything like that, so you can relax now :)
BUT, I am seeking opinions and thoughts on something that is really up to my own personal experimental preference.
Has anyone ever done a clear acrylic/lexan control panel top, wood sides and all that, so not like clear all around but clear on top (maybe with some artwork painted on the underside) to show off the sexy wiring scheme in there.
And if noone has, why not, and would it be wise for me to do this. I just feel it's the one thing I can do that would set mine just a little apart from the common.
Ideas I have for this to clean it up a little as well:
Under the acrylic top, put t-molding over the top edges of the panel sides for a clean look (or other smooth flat material)
lighting obviously (but not shining outward directly cause that would bother the daylights out of anybody) maybe put an LED like under the encoder just to shine light out from under it and other strategic places like that etcetera.
Also, i'm under the assumption this should be treated like a metal CP thickness wise as very clearly (pun) being a thinner top material.
Ok, i'm prepared to have the idea shot down, after all, this is the purpose of this thread, to point out potential issues
thetered:
I think it would be an awesome idea, and now with the clear translucent buttons, it's even better. I can't say why it appears to not have been done yet, but I would think it would be more expensive, some people might not like seeing wires and that mess, I would think it would be a little harder to work with, etc...
I always liked seeing how things worked so if there ever was a clear case option for anything I bought I usually chose it. But I think to pull it off in style the biggest thing is to make the wiring look SHARP and uniform.
I say stop talking about it and do it! I want to see it!
CJK:
Saw one made out of Lexan for sale on eBay -- it looked REALLY cool. Maybe someone still has the link...
-- Chris
Jollyrob:
I remember that one now, it was clear all around and had a screen inside that noone hear could guess what was used for and apparently belonged to some basketball player, it was a seperate panel only, and yeah, that did look cool....I think i'll probably note this down as a strong condideration on my cab...following a couple more car payments and initial payments on a hernia operation (uhg)
Timoe:
pixxelhugger made one with a clear bottom a while back. I should be in the projects announcements section somewhere.