uroMAMEstyx : Project done (2007.12.10)

[superbigjay]

Lack of sleep huh?  Are you sure it's not from the Rum?

Speaking of "more chubby", congratulations (or condolances, whichever is appropriate) on the pregnancy.  The clock is ticking now on finishing up this project.

Chubby is a word I don't use (read afraid) in front of my girlfriend right now 
As you said, the clock is really ticking right now... I've got max 10 weeks and so many things to do...
- install the fence in the backyard for the dogs
- install shelves in the baby's room wardrobe
- finish the cab ASAP..... 

I remember Javeryh stop posting for 3 weeks when he got a special package delivered by his wife...

Fantastic job on the marquee BTW.  Much better than your first couple of drafts.

Thanks, I really have to complete the artwork, because this is what is stalling me from
starting to mount the controls/electronics in the CP.

My goal is to be done with it sunday night.

I think I'm almost there.

Here my latest trial (also posted in the artwork section to get as much feedback as possible).

This time I went with some stainless steel effect to match the cab sides. 
The background is kind of yellow/brown to match the buttons/trackball.
As for the lizards, I'm not 100% sure about the color...

If any of you have any advice, please let me know.  I really suck at choosing colors...
Feel free to post your advice here or in the artwork forum (this is for you bfauska  )

Jay 

[bfauska]

In keeping with form, I'll reply here instead of the artwork post.  I like the steel look better than the other look I think, but it seems to work better in the circles than the words.  In the words it seems a bit too "patterned" or regular.  Of the lizard color choices I like them best in this version and earlier versions, not the version with them both the same color.  I think the scales look pretty cool.  In the last version with the "rust" circles and text (looked like gingerbread w/ powdered sugar to me) the scales had lines separating them that looked too fat, this one is better I think.  I just went back to the artwork thread to double check something and saw a glance of where this started out, WOW, it's come a long way, I think that any of the last few versions would have looked nice printed and lit, now it's just fine tuning and polishing to greatness.

[Kaytrim]

I agree with bfuska the title seems off someway.  Keep the rest as you have it now.  Lock it if you can.   Try to make the title look like the buttons, a transparent yellow.  If you don't like that you can try something else, but don't change anything else.

Congrats on the little bun in the oven.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[superbigjay]

Congrats on the little bun in the oven.

Thanks!!!  The thing that scares me the most about this "bun", is that my mother in law
will come to help us for a few days... 

I like the steel look better than the other look I think, but it seems to work better in the circles than the words.

Thanks bfauska,
both circles and text are using emboss + chisel.  This gives the impression there's some anti-aliasing on the text,
especially on the top of it.  If I go with the stainless finish, I fix this by either increasing the contrast, or
by using a "smoother" emboss.

As for the marquee, I did some trials to find other metal effects, but didn't end up with
anything good to post. 

I did another trial with some sort of yellow translucent plastic effect to see how it
would look like.  However, I'm not sure how it will look once lit...
the yellow color is a bit off, but you get the idea...

So the only thing left is to decide the effect on the text/circle.
- plastic look
- stainless look
- other suggestions? effect tutorial to try??

So far, I have a preference for the stainless finish...

I need to make up my mind for Saturday morning, because I'd like to complete
the artwork for Monday...

Jay zzzzzZZZZZ

[bfauska]

I think I like the yellow best.  I like the slight transparency of it too.

[javeryh]

I like the yellow transparent letting too.  Maybe see how the silver circles will look with the yellow lettering?  It's really coming together...   

[superbigjay]

Ok, I'm doing the final round of marquee.

These are done at full scale in illustrator+photoshop (300dpi).

Let me know what is your favorite:

First trial with the chrome effect:


Second with Stainless effect:


Third with gradient text + metal outline:


And last, the yellow plastic effect.


And finally, I'm including a zoom of the background to give you an idea of the texture...


So far, my 2 fav are the stainless and gradient.
I didn't manage to tune the plastic effect properly.

Let me know what you think!!!

PS: double post in project annoucement + artwork to get as much feedback as possible 

EDIT: update plastic version to add stroke around the text.

[Kaytrim]

I'm liking the third one.  I think that will look the best when backlit.

TTFN

[superbigjay]

Ok, double post again...

Based on Coder's and Joystick Jerk feedback, I'm reducing the range to the font with yellow text.
They'll probably look better when back lit than the darker ones.

So let me know your favorite between these ones:

#1 : gradient effect + orange background


#2 : gradient effect + green background


#3 : plain yellow + orange background


#4 : plain yellow + green background


Thanks again for answering always to the same question again and again. 
It's real tough to make the final decision... 

PS:
The side logos are also ready.  Just need to apply the same effect on this layout.

Note1: The gray area represent the stainless steel side panels
Note2: The circle lines were there for the text arc radius alignment.

Now, I just have to vectorize the CP overlay, which is about 75% done...

Good night folks!
Jay 

[bfauska]

#1, but... what do you think it would look like if you did an emboss effect on just the outline?  I haven't read the artwork post yet so I don't know what JJ or Coder said, but if it was anything like "the title being the darkest thing on a back lit sign may be odd, I think it should be a light color"  then I totally agree with them and your decision to limit the choices to yellow text.  I also think the latest scales (in the yellow) are the best ones yet, good work.

In answer to your question about my art in my thread, no, but maybe I'll try some tonight.

[theCoder]

#1 if going with yellow t-molding.  #2 if going with green t-molding.

Either one looks great.

[superbigjay]

All right!  I've made my mind on the artwork.

All the required effects/color are written down in my log book.

I should be able to post the final pic of the marquee, side logo and CP overlay Saturday.

Thanks again for everyone feedback 

Jay 

[superbigjay]

#1 if going with yellow t-molding.  #2 if going with green t-molding.

Either one looks great.

Thanks Coder,
I'm going with something similar to #1.
BTW, the T-mold is black.  I didn't really like how the yellow t-mold look with the stainless.  So I played safe, and stayed with black...

[superbigjay]

Well, I guess I'm done with the artwork.
So it will the last of my double post (project announcement + artwork)

I should be able to make it print Tuesday...

If you see a major flaw in these, let me know.
It's not perfect, but overall, I'm pretty satisfied with the result and it's unique.

I will probably add my signature somewhere on the cp-overlay (something discreet...) 

So here it is...
The top marquee : 28inx7.5in


The 2 circular side logos : 16in diam


The Control Panel overlay : 35inx19in


Here's the link to the 1600 pixels wide file (if you want a larger view).
The jpg are a bit "blurry" because of the compression, but you get the idea 
http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/9066/resizeofmarqueecj6.jpg
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8833/resizeofsidelogoaz2.jpg
http://img463.imageshack.us/img463/2769/resizeofcpoverlayey5.jpg

Thanks again to everyone who gave me some feedback.
It went a long way from the first trial 
And now, I'm pretty handy with illustrator.

Jay 

[Kaytrim]

Jay,

This is one unique machine and one that should be in the archives.   Excellent job on the artwork can't wait to see it on the cab.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[superbigjay]

Thanks Kaytrim!

Well, it's done.
I went to drop a DVD with the artwork to a local print shop to get it print.

It's expensive, but since I already put so much time, effort and money on that thing, I went through with it.

It should be ready early next week...

In the mean time, I'll work this long weekend on my custom mala layout.

Good night
Jay 

[superbigjay]

Hello everyone!

today is a BIG day for me.

First I finally cut the t-molding slot.  I don't know exactly why, but this step was scaring me somehow and I was trying to avoid it...

Well, since the artwork is at the print shop right now, and the t-mold slot was the only thing left before bringing the cab in the house, well I decided to do it today...

So I installed the 1/16 slot cutter on one of my router, did a few trial on a scrap piece of MDF to adjust the center (pic#1).

Then, I took the cab outside for a bit of fresh air, install it on its side on a blanket and route that slot! (pic#2 + #3)

woooohooooo!  a smooth ride 

I turned the cab on the other side and again route that side.

The router left a small mark on the cab side, so I polished it a bit and gave it another coat of clear gloss.

Then I took the upper part of the cab outside and routed that part too.  (this is the part of the cab I really didn't want to do again: the stainless is a pain to work with...)

Hopefully, everything when well!!!

The other big part was to bring the cab "in da house".

I asked my friendly neighbor to help me with the cab (my girlfriend being not in a condition to lift that thing...)

and here it is, (disassembled) in my living room (pic#4).

Tomorrow, I'll install the t-mold.  I just have to go get a "mallet"

Quick question:
---------------------------------
to install the t-mold, do I just have to insert it in the slot with the mallet or do I need to use some sort of glue at the t-mold ends?

thanks
Jay 

[Kaytrim]

Since you cut a 1/16" slot all you need is a rubber mallet.  You are in the home stretch man don't look back now.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[superbigjay]

Since you cut a 1/16" slot all you need is a rubber mallet. 

Thanks Kaytrim!

I went over my friend and borrowed his rubber mallet.

So I did the installation of the t-molding.
A simple enough operation.

For the upper part of the cab, the t-mold is going all the way around.

So I started at the bottom (the less visible part) and inserted the t-mold. 
Then, with the mallet I gently tap it in its slot. (pic#1)

For the corners, I cut the t-molding to allow it to be bent properly (pic#2)
Again, with the mallet and a slight pull, I "pushed" the t-mold into place.

Repeating that process until all the cab circumference is covered with the t-molding.

Then I did the same for the lower part front and back side.

Once done, I couldn't wait to put the 2 pieces back together.

Since my girlfriend couldn't really help, I decided to do this part on my own
(I know, not really clever, but I wanted to do it now!!!)

So I grabbed the upper part and installed it on the cabinet base.
Hopefully, I modified the UA2 plans so that they can be easily assembled
(by 1 person  )  (pic#3).

The last pic, is to show that famous rubber mallet (pic#4)

[Kaytrim]

So you went all Jumpman on the cab eh?   Looks good all in one piece doesn't it?  Now get the guts in that thing.

TTFN

[superbigjay]

Looks good all in one piece doesn't it?  Now get the guts in that thing.

Ooooh yeah!
It's pretty impressive.  the UA2 cabinet is HUUUUGE!
I can't wait to receive the printed artwork.  I'm suppose to get it sometime this week.
Then, I'll start to mount the controls on the CP!!!

I did my first version of Mala layout today
It's not so bad, but I still have to tweak the fonts size/effect to make it easier to read...

Tell me what you think!!

Good night!
Jay 

[javeryh]

Awesome job.  I'm quite jealous of your cab.  How hard was making the MaLa layout?  I really want to make one but I'm afraid I don't have te necessary skills - I've never used photoshop or any type of computer drawing program.  You definitely have a one of a kind cabinet which I think is the coolest part of this hobby - the marquee, side art and MaLa layout tie everything together.  Nice job!!   

[bfauska]

Looking great SBJ, you are definitely going to have a cabinet that can get ranked up there with the greats.  The theme is being excellently carried out.  I don't usually like the look of the UA2 cabs, but that brushed metal top half makes it look very nice.  You're on the home stretch now, keep it going.

[superbigjay]

@ Javeryh
Thanks, but there's nothing to be jealous of.  Your cab is awesome, especially the paintjob.  I'm pretty sure if you spend 1/4 of the time on your Mala layout, it will be great 
BTW, let me know for a "second pass" on your Mala layout...

@ Bfauska
Thanks man, the real stainless side was a touch I wanted to have something slightly different than the other 

@ everyone : I got the artwork at home!!!
I pick it up today.
The marquee + side logo (backlit stuff) is printed on a vinyl sticker glued on a white plexi with a laminate process on top of it.
This gives really good results at diffusing light.

They also printed the CP overlay that way (mis-communication between us), so they printed an additional copy on a glossy paper (covered by a transparent plexi).

The pics...
pic#1 : the marquee with the 24in T-5 neon.
pic#2 : the 2 side logos
pic#3 : the CP overlay

I'll probably trim with the router all plexis and install the marquee+sidelogo this weekend.

In the mean time, I'm continuing my Mugen setup with password protection for the "naked/too violent" characters (for my nephews)

Jay 

[Kaytrim]

Jay,

This stuff looks great.  It looks like a pro did them.  This is really a unique cabinet and I can't wait to see it completed.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[superbigjay]

This stuff looks great.  It looks like a pro did them.  This is really a unique cabinet and I can't wait to see it completed.

Thanks Kaytrim,

It was in fact printed by a shop that specializes for business.
It was expensive, but I think it worth it ... and at this point, I've stop counting 

Jay 

[Kaytrim]

This stuff looks great.  It looks like a pro did them.  This is really a unique cabinet and I can't wait to see it completed.

Thanks Kaytrim,

It was in fact printed by a shop that specializes for business.
It was expensive, but I think it worth it ... and at this point, I've stop counting 

Jay 

I wasn't talking about where you got it printed.  I was talking about who created the artwork, YOU.

[superbigjay]

hey hey hey....
Thanks Kaytrim 

Jay 

[bfauska]

They're looking great so far.  They should look fantastic lit up and filled with buttons.  You're sooooooooo close.

[javeryh]

Wow!  Sick!!!  I love it.  Almost done...  Something tells me this is one of those 99% projects where you set up the controls and realize you just created something completely awesome and every time you go near it you want to play instead of finishing that last 1%...  Keep it going!

Also, I still haven't played with the MaLa layout you made for me - stupid real life getting in the way again...  The plan is to tinker tonight unless the wifey thinks otherwise - I'll let you know how it goes...   

[superbigjay]

Something tells me this is one of those 99% projects where you set up the controls and realize you just created something completely awesome and every time you go near it you want to play instead of finishing that last 1%...

I hope top have something functional by october 31st.  It's my nephew's BD and it would be awesome to have the cab ready in 2 week...
If not, the real deadline is nov 21st...

Jay 

[superbigjay]

Late night update, but not much done...


Install the T5 neon (pic#1)
I've installed the marquee light fixture.  It's a 24in T5 neon.  Really small diameter.
Nothing complicated : 2 brackets, 1 screw/bracket and clip the fixture into place.

Install the Marquee light reflector (pic#2)
I've installed the neon reflector.  I had some piece of scrap Luan and some metallic
vinyl left (from my side logos reflectors).  So I cut a piece of Luan, put the sticker
on it and installed it in the cab.  I've used some foam tape to secure everything
into place

Cut the Marquee retainer (pic#3)
his is an idea I got be reading one of Senator's post.  I went to Reno-Depot and got
a L-brackets for drop ceilings.  It cost me 3.75$ for 8ft.  The 10ft was 3.73$ (),
but the 8ft was enough and fit better in my car.
I already sanded the edges.  The only thing left is to slightly bent the lower retainer
to compensate for the angled speaker shelf, drill the holes and paint if black.

No Cover Logo (pic#4)
And finally, the last thing I did tonight was to do a small logo for the jukebox
program (skjukebox or multijuke) when no album cover is available.

So that's about it for now.

Jay 

[superbigjay]

hello,

I've stop by the electronic store today to get the main power switch.
I should be able to install it this weekend on the cab.

Just have to double check the power rating of each components...

Jay 

[superbigjay]

All right, Saturday morning (almost noon)!

after bringing a few boxes in the soon to be "baby's room", installing curtains and few minors stuff that my girlfriend asked me, I have almost 4 full hours to work on my project... 

got to go!!!

Jay 

[superbigjay]

Hellooooo everybody!

today was a good day!!!


Marquee Retainer (part 1 of 2)
------------------------------
I did my own marquee retainer using L-brackets for drop ceilings.

1. Cut the L-bracket to the disired length.  In my case in was 27.5in.
2. slightly change the angle of the lower bracket to compensate for the
   angled speaker shelf.  This was done by holding 1 edge of the bracket
   between 2 piece of mdf and manually increasing the angle of the bracket.
   (pic#1 and pic#2)
3. On a piece of scrap L-bracket, find the correct hole size to use with
   #6 screws (pic#3 and pic#4)
4. Mark the holes and drill them using the press drill (pic#5 and pic#6)
5. Smooth all edges and surface using a smooth grain sand paper. (pic#7)

Jay

[superbigjay]

Marquee Retainer (part 2 of 2)
------------------------------
All right, this is the continuation of the previous post...
(forum limitation of 8 pictures)

6. Paint those retainer.  3-4 coats using a spray can of semi-gloss
   black.  10 min interval between coats (pic#1)
7. Add a piece of foam tape on each retaine to protect the plexiglass
   from being scratched. (pic#2)

Trim the artwork.
--------------------------------
1. Separate the side logos using the table saw (pic#3)
2. create templates to use with router's flush bit.
3. Center the artwork with the template (pic#4)
3. clamp the template on the artwork and route it! (pic#5)
4. you're done.  Just need to clean it up... (pic#6)

Jay 

[superbigjay]

All right, las update for tonight...

Install the side logos and marquee
-----------------------------------
1. Install the marquee using the retainer (pic#1) and the painted screws (pic#1)
2. Install the side logos, secured into place with foam tape (pic#2 and pic#3).
   Still have to clean the stainless surface.
3. Light up the Marquee and take a picture 

soon, I should connect the side logos led strips to see how they look when lit...

Jay 

[bfauska]

  lookin good

[superbigjay]

Today was template day!

I decided to build my control panel template.

1. mouse template
----------------------------------------------------
first step was to do the trackball hole template (3 inches). 
I used an adjustable hole cutter.  It took me 2 trials to get
the right size (pic#1)

2. push button/joystick template
----------------------------------------------------
The other template was for the action buttons and joystick.
I took my CP overlay (pic#2) and put a piece of scrap mdf under it.
Drilled some pilot holes (pic#3).
Then with my drill press, I drilled 1 1/8 holes in the scrap mdf piece.

3. Route the CP template
----------------------------------------------------
Now, equipped with my holes templates I was ready to route the main CP template.
With my power drill, I drilled 5/8 holes using a spade bit aligned on the pilot holes
(pic#4).  This hole is just big enough to insert my router's flush bit.
Once all holes drilled, I clamped the template over the CP and turned the router ON.

So now, my CP template is ready to use (pic#5).

I'll continue tomorrow...

Jay 

[superbigjay]

Hola amigo!

tonight, a big decision was made : top or bottom mount the joystick.

I spend the last 2 days trying to figure out if I should mount the joystick on the bottom or on the top of the CP.
I wanted to mount them from the top to have the longest shaft possible, but wasn't too sure on how to proceed.

So I decided to finalize my templates (joysticks+trackball) and see how they look when bottom mounted.

First, I have 2 routers.  One of them already had the t-molding slot cutter on it.  Being on the lazy side,
I decided to route the t-mold slot on the CP.  So I did 2 trials to adjust the height to match the 5/8 mdf + 1/8 plexi
and route that slot (pic#1)

Then, I traced the outlines for the joystick bases and the trackball hole and mounting plate.
The holes were roughly cut by first drilling a hole and then using the jigsaw. (pic#2)
Then I installed guides (nailed into place) and used the router's flush bit. (pic#3)
Trackball hole was cut as is.
The others were cut 1/16 wider than drawn.  Those will be used with the router bushing kit.

Then, I tried the 2 joystick template with the bushing and tested how they look
when bottom mounted.  The joystick height seems appropriate, so I didn't
bother to try the top mount. (pic#4)

So that's it for tonight,
If this post doesn't make sens, it's because it's too late and I need to get some sleep.

PS:
The next post will start the page 6 
PPS:
The 31st, it's my nephew's birthday.  He's gonna be 10.  we're going to celebrate on Nov 10th.
I told my sister that we're gonna do the party at my place and that I should have the cab functional
(might not be 100%, but pretty close).  wish me luck 

Jay