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Author Topic: Cocktail cab for outdoor use  (Read 4410 times)

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arcade-mad

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Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« on: April 14, 2006, 02:48:16 pm »
Hi
Im thinking of building a cocktail cab for use in the garden so looking for advise on the type of wood to use and the best way to weather proof it.
Also the best way to weather proof the pc inside the cab also i need to make a cover for the CP.

I live in england so it will need to stand up to alsorts of crappy conditions.

My thinking so far is to use ?? sort of wood and seal the joints with silicone sealer from the inside put the pc inside a waterproof plastic box and seal that with silicone also.

any ideas from you guys will be great the cab will be shielded on 2 sides as it will be in a corner. Also in winter it will be stored in a garage.

Thats it so far is my idea doable or have i nochance of it lasting more than a light rainy spell

let me know what you think

cheers

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2006, 03:49:07 pm »
My advice (and I have been asked to build a cab exactly like this before) is ... don't.

The arcade machine has one natural enemy above all others ... water. Humidity is also bad for components. Smoke and heat are nothing compared to humidity.

I suppose (and considered) you COULD buy components suitable for use in humid environments (military organizations do), but the cost is going to be rather high.

And then there is the whole issue of being able to see the screen in an outdoor setting.

If you go ahead with it, please let us know how you proceed.

Cheers.
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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2006, 04:48:42 pm »
My biggest aversion to doing this would be that monitors are not designed to face the sun--especially not all day with it directly overhead.
I think you can work around the water issues with proper planning.

If you do decide to do this, I would recommend marine-grade plywood as a starting point.
It is more resistant to water damage than just about any other form of wood.
I would use some kind of stand-off to prevent the cab from actually sitting in water (similar to the school desk Nintendo cabs).
I would also make sure the top has a drip-lip, to prevent water from running the edges of the cabinet.

That's about all the big warnings I can think of at the moment, except that I wouldn't put any components you are fond of inside until you test the design.

leapinlew

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2006, 05:28:36 pm »
Perhaps you could use a laptop that you could remove when the weather starts to turn.

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2006, 09:19:16 pm »
Perhaps you could use a laptop that you could remove when the weather starts to turn.

Honestly, I think the monitor would be a bigger concern than the computer.

leapinlew

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2006, 10:22:52 pm »
Perhaps you could use a laptop that you could remove when the weather starts to turn.

Honestly, I think the monitor would be a bigger concern than the computer.

I was kind of thinking he could mount the laptop into something and use the laptops LCD. Assuming of course that he doesn't actually want to play in the daylight...

arcade-mad

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #6 on: April 15, 2006, 06:31:57 am »
HI
thanks for the advise guys
the cab would mostly be played at night time for barbeques and mates round for beers.
i have a cab in the dining room but its hassle in there as all lads seem to stay in there while the ladies are in the garden.
So if i could build a cab outside all probs would be over.
Thinking of the pit falls i think im gunna build a cab same as my indoor only with wheels on the bottom  and keep it in the garage then just wheel it out on night when were in the garden.

Just thought it would be pretty cool to have a cab in the garden all the time  :P

regards

Lilwolf

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #7 on: April 16, 2006, 06:35:20 pm »
If your worried about the monitor, I wouldn't be... make sure there is a cover and it will be fine.  My monitor was out stored outside for years before I ended up using it.  They can make it through pretty cold winters and VERY hot summers outside.  The sun may effect it though, so design it so you can cover it easily.

I think your biggest problem will be insects growing inside myself.  And it will probably work until it gets really bad... then you wont want to clean it.

I was going to build an outside cocktail table last summer.... but it was going to be using a projection system onto the ground in my driveway... then I was going to have a pedistal control panel that you would sit on one side or the other.  So it would end up being a 15" cocktail.  But in the end, my current projector would only work in the dead of night (its an old cheap one)... and I couldn't get my wife to let me buy a new one... This year we might, but it will be inside 95% of the time.  So if I do it, it will be for a quick mount only.

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #8 on: April 16, 2006, 10:05:35 pm »
You might be able to at least mitigate some of the issues by building a small gazebo or pagoda for the cabinet to sit under.  Failing that, a tough vinyl cover (similar material to swimming pool and car covers) would at least keep the sun and water off when the cabinet isn't in use.  There's really no cure for humidity or extreme temps, though.

The phone and cable companies both have computer equipment that lives inside boxes on street corners.  That might be an easier place to start looking for component info than the military.

Uhh, boy I don't know.  We always used to refer to him as just 'That Paper Chase Guy'...

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #9 on: April 17, 2006, 05:15:04 am »


a cover for the top will stop any probs with the monitor as well as stopping almost all water ingress. whatever type of wood you use, use a marine varnish and you should be fine (be expensive though). i dont know much about pcs as such but i know you can get completely sealed pc cases that are basically a giant heat sink. i think they are often used in studios etc where you want to keep the noise down. if youve got the money, go for it! and takes lots of pics, but dont post as many as bones does  ;)


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arcade-mad

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #10 on: April 17, 2006, 07:04:28 am »
Ok guys im gunna give it a go ill take pics when i start just in the planning stages at the moe.
Ive already got my joys buttons i pac pc and 21" monitor so should be starting soon i hope.
Im starting a bartop aswell so gunna be busy  ;D

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #11 on: April 17, 2006, 07:17:25 am »
I would love to be proven wrong here and am looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

Cheers.
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leapinlew

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #12 on: April 17, 2006, 10:24:55 am »
i have a cab in the dining room but its hassle in there as all lads seem to stay in there while the ladies are in the garden.

I don't see the problem here. Keep the cab in the dining room and then you go in the garden. Let the dudes play video games and you can work on the ladies.

 ;D

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #13 on: April 17, 2006, 11:00:39 am »
More power to you it you can get it going.

I don't only see problems with the monitor and CPU but the microswitches also and Joysticks, moving objsects will be hard to seal around.  You can cover them up to keep direct rain off, but a very wet day 100% moisture in the air will get everything wet inside if there is any outside ventilation.

I know this is a compromise, but I would make a sort of bar top with 4 handles on top to help 4 guys take it outside.  If you want make a base to stay outside that it can sit on to get to the right height with a plug right there, keep the bartop inside except for parties.

Take some weight out to help, but most of a cabs weight is 3/4" MDF, bartop takes more than half the weight out.  when the guys comeover have the first couple help you carry it out.  Get creative and make it somewhat lighter, with a good way to lock it down.

A compromise, but I would hate to see a project end up a home for mice and wasps.

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #14 on: April 17, 2006, 11:26:41 am »
Did you know that you can put the whole PC and the television set into a aquarium filled with oil? They will still work and you don't need to worry about humitity any more.  ;D

Of course you still will have to care about the buttons and the table, but there would one big trouble less.

Ninn.

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #15 on: April 17, 2006, 11:57:29 am »
I'd probably get a big tarp or something to cover the whole thing up when not in use.  I'd be worried about the buttons, joysticks, trackball, etc getting wet and then having things go wrong with them on the inside.

If putting it outside, I'd try to design a big overhang so the CP wouldn't get soaked.  Also specifically sue an Outdoor paint/stain that will repel the water.  That way the wood shouldn't get too damaged if it pours.

But I think I'd still get a cover for it (like you cover your grill) and put it on a metal stand so wet ground won't rot anything from the bottom.

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #16 on: April 17, 2006, 03:09:30 pm »
I can see this happening somewhere like California, but not in England. Moisture can enter through vents and condense. Just look at your lawn when the dew settles.

But to add something constructive to the discussion, I'd avoid using plastics that can melt in the sunlight.
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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #17 on: April 17, 2006, 03:26:00 pm »
There is an arcade in Manitou Springs, Colorado (called Arcade Amusements) that keeps their cabinets outside just about all year round.   They do have is a roof directly over them, but that's about all the protection they get from the elements.  They do look pretty grungy (especially compared with the cabs they keep inside), but they seem to keep working surprisingly.  Some of the classics they have sitting out there are pretty surprising (Asteroids, Donkey Kong Jr, Joust).  I must say though, it doesn't get much better than playing arcade games outside on a nice warm summer night.

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #18 on: April 17, 2006, 03:35:24 pm »
avoid pvc based parts, UV light breaks it down.

it just ends up crumbling into a white dust

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #19 on: April 18, 2006, 04:04:25 am »
I'd probably get a big tarp or something to cover the whole thing up when not in use.  I'd be worried about the buttons, joysticks, trackball, etc getting wet and then having things go wrong with them on the inside.

If putting it outside, I'd try to design a big overhang so the CP wouldn't get soaked.  Also specifically sue an Outdoor paint/stain that will repel the water.  That way the wood shouldn't get too damaged if it pours.

But I think I'd still get a cover for it (like you cover your grill) and put it on a metal stand so wet ground won't rot anything from the bottom.

definitely dont use a tarp. you are inviting a strong wind to lift it off and then deposit some nice fresh rain on your machine. make a solid cover...


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Mark70

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #20 on: April 18, 2006, 12:53:37 pm »
You are not going to be able to keep water out.  It's a fact.  I work in architecture and my job is designing the details of building to keep water out.  In my province there has been a recent change to accomodate the fact that water will get in.  We design wall systems to have a "rainscreen".  Basically it means that we count on water getting in and build a system to drain it out and vent air into the wall system to dry it in good weather.

I advise a mobile cabinet that you can bring in.  If you're bent on leaving it out all of the time, take a page from boat building.  Use epoxy coated marine plywood or select sanded plywood with an epoxy coating.  Look in the boat building/restoration forums at www.iboats.com.  A search there will tell you plenty about boat building, epoxy and fibreglass resins.

My advice:
slope the top
make the top out of one continuous piece of glass
never rely on a horizontal sealant joint that water can sit on
never rely on a sealant joint
overhang the top well past the sides and use a drip edge
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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #21 on: April 18, 2006, 01:15:14 pm »
what if you made a sort of "box" to put it in when its not in use?  In other words, have a bottom part that the cab sits on, then have a solid wood or some type of cover that can be put on and locked down with clamps when not in use.  That might take care of some issues with bugs if it is sealed enough plus save it from direct sunlight and other small weather issues.  Plus if it is a garden or whatever you can make it look more like part of the lawn instead of having an arcade sitting the middle of your petunias.
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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #22 on: April 18, 2006, 03:09:21 pm »
I was thinking about a cover also.

When not use a gas grill cover = perfect size and built to be waterproof.

You could also make it similar to a grill with wheels on one side and a handle on the other. Just pick up one side and wheel it away into storage.

Good luck.
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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #23 on: April 18, 2006, 03:47:30 pm »
If you can get it water proof you should be able to keep it outside but put a cover over it when your not using it and put on of those things some people put on the car windshield so the leather doesnt get hot.
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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #24 on: April 18, 2006, 11:34:33 pm »
There is an arcade in Manitou Springs, Colorado (called Arcade Amusements) that keeps their cabinets outside just about all year round. 

Manitou Springs has an average of 246 days of sunshine. The climate is mild with very low humidity.
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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #25 on: April 19, 2006, 04:35:10 am »

You are not going to be able to keep water out.  It's a fact.  I work in architecture...

does water get into your new car? he's not building a house. if you view it as building a car instead then i say you ARE going to be able to keep the water out...


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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #26 on: April 19, 2006, 05:31:16 am »
I am sure I saw somewhere that people were immersing power supplies in oil to keep them cool and as it is non-conducting, is perfectly safe. Parhaps the PC components could be immersed in this way to protect them (obviously a fan would not be required ;) ).

Not sure how you'd go about protecting the monitor though. It'd have to be a really thorough job to avoid the possibility of electrocution!

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #27 on: April 19, 2006, 11:16:38 am »
Ok a quick update ive been talking to a guy who says he may be able to make me a solid fibre glass mould in the shape of a bartop cab  :o :o
so all ill need to do is drill for koys and buttons and seal the bottom up when i get the pc and monitor in.

He moulds shower trays and bath tubs so might be in with a chance ill keep you posted............

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #28 on: April 19, 2006, 11:23:06 am »
I used to go to a campground in the summer that had outdoor arcade games and they always seemed fine, but I'm pretty sure they were only out there in the summer... Seems like if you maybe put the thing on castors you could roll in out and lock it down for summer and stow it when the weather gots bad... just a thought?

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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #29 on: April 19, 2006, 09:10:41 pm »

You are not going to be able to keep water out.  It's a fact.  I work in architecture...

does water get into your new car? he's not building a house. if you view it as building a car instead then i say you ARE going to be able to keep the water out...

True enough in most cases I suppose.  It's just that things like the windsheild in your car are installed in such a way that there's a whole specialty industry which revolves around autoglass replacement.  It's because it's not easy.  Not to mention it may be difficult to adapt automotive parts to this application.  On the other hand, builders here have come up with some very innovative and detailed construction. 

On this suggestion then, I'd say you're looking to use as many continuous panels of metal, or glass or other similarly impervious materials, and you're going to have to use pressure seals like those that you would find around your trunk and doors.  I'd start looking in to automotive design.  Things like your trunk seal probably have a great deal of design in them to make sure water drains out from under the panels and can't pool against a seal.

Assuming no coin door, the obvious problem spot is sealing the controls into a compartment when not in use.
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Re: Cocktail cab for outdoor use
« Reply #30 on: April 20, 2006, 04:42:53 am »

You are not going to be able to keep water out.  It's a fact.  I work in architecture...

does water get into your new car? he's not building a house. if you view it as building a car instead then i say you ARE going to be able to keep the water out...

True enough in most cases I suppose.  It's just that things like the windsheild in your car are installed in such a way that there's a whole specialty industry which revolves around autoglass replacement.  It's because it's not easy.  Not to mention it may be difficult to adapt automotive parts to this application.  On the other hand, builders here have come up with some very innovative and detailed construction. 

On this suggestion then, I'd say you're looking to use as many continuous panels of metal, or glass or other similarly impervious materials, and you're going to have to use pressure seals like those that you would find around your trunk and doors.  I'd start looking in to automotive design.  Things like your trunk seal probably have a great deal of design in them to make sure water drains out from under the panels and can't pool against a seal.

Assuming no coin door, the obvious problem spot is sealing the controls into a compartment when not in use.

well, maybe. i was just using cars as an example. most BOATS don't seem to let much water in either  ::)


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