Getting ready to build...

[GAtekwriter]

Hi, my name is Jim - I'm a freelance tech writer in Atlanta, Georgia.  I've been lurking and reading for a while and finally bought my copy of the book.  I've read it all and am preparing to purchase the supplies for the initial cabinet build... hopefully starting this weekend or next.  I'll be documenting the entire process, with photographs, and posting here.

Since this area of the forum is about the book, I would like to add a few comments about the book for those considering purchasing.  These aren't criticisms of the book but personal comments that I feel someone wanting to jump in might consider:

1.  The building instructions for the cabinet are okay, but not complete.  I'm okay with basic woodworking, but I had a difficult time with some of the written descriptions that lacked a photograph.  Luckily, through this website and forum, I've seen some of these holes "filled" with others' comments.  (As an example, I had a hard time understanding the part where the author described using the small extra pieces that are cut as guides for placing the cabinet pieces together.  This is mentioned at the top of page 36.)  I also had visual problems with the method used for cutting the 45-degree angle (Figure 2-5  on page 30) but I think I've figured out how to do it.

2.  Chapter 7 is where my biggest problems are found.  The coverage of actually wiring up the Control Panel (CP) is vague - the options available are covered in excellent detail, but the actual wiring of the CP is really not covered.  There are some basic descriptions of soldering and some of the wiring components used, but this crucial step in the process is where I feel the book is most lacking.  Again, through examination of various projects in this forum, I've sort of figured out what to do.  But I do believe that if someone is simply given this book, with no other resources available, many readers will find it near impossible to actually wire up a CP based on what's described.

I'll add some more comments later about other sections of the book, but I just wanted to comment now on some of the more troubling items that I anticipate might slow me down.  I'm ready to build... I'll post here again once I've actually got some steps and pictures to share.

Jim

[armax]

I have to agree.  I struggled to find out how to wire leaf spring switches.  which is common and which is hot?  or does it matter?

[Hoopz]

I have to agree.  I struggled to find out how to wire leaf spring switches.  which is common and which is hot?  or does it matter?

It doesn't matter.  You can wire ground to either.

[saint]

Hi guys - I appreciate the feedback! Several things were cut or reduced to make the page count - as is I was something like 50-100 pages over   If --- *IF* --- they let me do a second revision things like this will get corrected

--- saint

[ChadTower]

If you do a second revision I'll give you $50 to put my name in the acknowledgements.   

[GAtekwriter]

Don't get me wrong, Saint... between the book and this website, I'm certain I can find my answers.  For me, the wiring is the part I'm most concerned about... I'm sure, for others, the wiring is a piece of cake and maybe it's the woodworking. 

I do hope you get a chance to do a 2nd edition - I'm also a writer and I'm being asked right now to consider doing a sequel to my last book ( LEGO Mindstorms NXT: The Mayan Adventure ).  I know writing is tiring and the editing process can be a real pain...

I hope sales are still good - I bought my copy 2 weeks ago.  I don't think the information in your book is dated, which is always a good thing

Jim

[saint]

Thanks Jim! Writing is something I've always enjoyed but never done professionally until this book. It was an eye-opening process to be sure!

[AtomSmasher]

Normally I would direct you to http://www.retrorevival.co.uk/site/index.php and download issue number 4 which has a great tutorial on wiring the control panel.  Unfortunately retro revival seems to be gone now, so thats not much help.  Maybe someone has a copy of the pdf files they could put online.

[GAtekwriter]

Yes, if anyone has this tutorial, I would enjoy seeing it.  Thanks for at least referencing it - lets me know that the information is out there.

Jim

[AtomSmasher]

I just found a copy I printed out a year or so ago, if no one does have a copy then I could scan it in and upload it.

[GAtekwriter]

Thank you, AtomSmasher... I can wait a few days (or even weeks) to see if anyone has a digital copy... but if not, if you have the time and can do so, I'd sure appreciate it.

Jim

[GAtekwriter]

AtomSmasher,

Any chance you could scan that document in and email or post it?

Jim

[AtomSmasher]

AtomSmasher,

Any chance you could scan that document in and email or post it?

Jim

Here you go:
page 1
page 2
page 3

*saint - if you want me to remove them, then let me know.  I'm assuming since its from a free magazine distributed online that it will be okay.

[saint]

It's good, thanks for checking though I was digging to see if I had a mirror to post myself.

[GAtekwriter]

Woo Hoo!  Nice... thanks, AtomSmasher for posting.  Really appreciate it.  And it's with the IPAC which I've decided seems to be a good option for my cab.

Jim