Main > Project Arcade - the book!

Getting ready to build...

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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:

--- Quote from: armax on March 29, 2007, 01:09:57 pm ---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?

--- End quote ---

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.   ;D

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