Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Audio/Jukebox/MP3 Forum => Topic started by: Karnako on December 14, 2009, 10:32:44 am

Title: Curved neon tube - cover?
Post by: Karnako on December 14, 2009, 10:32:44 am
Planning my first jukebox and a doubt arised...

I plan to have a neon tube on the border, in a similar fashion as the Wurlitzer 1015 (straight on sides and curved on top). Size is something I haven't given a final definition yet, so I'm open to changes. One thing I'm sure it'll not be a full sized juke, so no replica parts would work here...

From what I browsed, led neon tubes seems to do the work to replicate neon tubes effect. I have also found flexible ones I could use on the curved area. My question is: what material should I use to cover them to look like an old juke? I would like to have that "milky" aspected when they are turned off as well, if possible. I could not figure what to use that could be customized to match the arc I'll create.

Not sure if I was clear on my question...  ???
Title: Re: Curved neon tube - cover?
Post by: HaRuMaN on December 14, 2009, 11:24:04 am
I would suggest a translucent material, plexiglass, acrylic, etc...

Barring that, you could use a clear plexi, and lightly sand the inner surface with a fine grit sandpaper.
Title: Re: Curved neon tube - cover?
Post by: mccoy178 on December 14, 2009, 02:56:21 pm
Check out the jukebox that was just built.  That guy used white acrylic to make his outline.  I'm working on the same type of thing right now.
Title: Re: Curved neon tube - cover?
Post by: caesar on January 07, 2010, 07:21:49 pm
Hello,
Check out my Touch Tunes juke project.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=98605.0 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=98605.0)

   In the early stages of design, I was looking for some color changing ideas when I saw the color LED outdoor lights.
I'm not sure what finished look your trying to acheive, but the LED's were very affordable.
Can't wait for some pics!  :applaud:

Thanks!
Title: Re: Curved neon tube - cover?
Post by: Karnako on January 11, 2010, 11:16:01 am
First of all, thank you for the answers and sorry I didn't come back here before.

caesar - I saw your project before and it was one of the responsible for making me stop building my arcade and decide I would accomplish the jukebox first.  :)

Problem was I wanted the tubes to be...ehhh...tubular. I mean, not having the 90 degree corners between front and sides as the ones from caesar have (correct me if I'm wrong). However, I couldn't figure out a practical way to do it on the top portion (ie. a curved tube) so I opted for designing my juke based on a model back - Wurlitzer 950 - as it has only side tubes.

At this moment, I had drawings of the front made on CAD and I'm getting quotation for wood cuts - I live in a small apartment and don't have room for doing it myself. As soon as I start doing something, I'll post pictures.