Cabinet Lighting Modification/Ideas + Opinion

[mike boss]

Now that I've completed my Bad Dudes project (all that remains is installing the t-molding and polish the plexi) its time to move onto my Final Fight.
I got this last year from Silver Matrix, and I'm excited to start it.
Thanks again Silver Matrix !
I'd like to wrap this up in the next month or so.
I'm torn between putting in an extra MAME PC I have, or just put the original board back. If I do go the route of the jamma board I'm going to replace everything with new parts.
Since this was a Stargate cabinet with a Final Fight kit the cabinet is nothing special. I'd like to try and do some modiciations, perhaps add some creative lighting, something that will make it look rather unique.

Anyone ever done any lighting modifications on a cabinet ?

I have a couple of cold cathode tubes that run off 12v DC. I was thinking to add these to the base of the cabinet. Be it front & back, or the left and right side. I think this could look really cool inside a games room.
The other idea I had was to add some RGB LED lighting strips as marquee lighthing, so the person can select a color of choice as a backlight. Over and above that the only other mod I can think of is different color LED lights in the coin reject buttons, or even some lighthing in the speaker grills.

Any thoughts, ideas ?

[Billy_Goatfeet]

  I like the idea of led lights in the coin reject buttons and the speaker grills....I haven't ever done it but since I am just finishing my own project, I might try something similar!!   

[Caparo8bit]

im using this on my marquee light and wors amazing.....

[Caparo8bit]

[mike boss]

I actually just picked up a TON of these RGB LED strips from eBay.
Various sizes, various kits, love that I can power them from the arcade power supply.
Planned on using the LED strip on the base of my Final Fight....but it sits too low !
However I am going to try the cold cathode tubes I got on my bad dudes.

The Final Fight (red) sits too low. I tried adding some pads that would protect the floor, but it wasn't enuff life. So the LED lights wont get added.
The yellow cabinet (now complete) is my Bad Dudes. I want to add one cold cathode to the font, and other to the back.
With this cabinet I have the back door so the red lighting wont (shouldn't) effect the monitor by being too bright or what not.

[mike boss]

Cold cathode tube.
Looks really cool.
For $10 its a nice little mod.

Want to still try the RGB LED strips on the Final Fight..........that's next !

[mike boss]

To bump an old thread............................


I'm trying to find a home for my MANY LED strip lights.
Like I do, I got excited and bought WAY TOO MANY with no real need for them.
Over and above cutting down a strip and installing it ontop of my 4 Nintendo cabinets (Set up in a row) I haven't used any !!!!!

I'll use some on my Ikea glass door cabinet that is now the home of some of my toys, I think that will be cool. The rest as I said I'll need to find a use for.

I've just now seen the single LED lights with controllers. I'm thinking these could be a cool way to light coin reject buttons ?

[jmike]

Those LEDs are pretty sweet.
Been thinking of getting me a set but I get as far as the shopping cart on Amazon.
Where did you get yours from?

 

[mike boss]

I got them from various sellers on eBay...but all eBay.
I've ordered just the strips, then had to go back and order remotes + controllers.
I'd say pick up the complete set, RGB LED strip + remote + controll. Should come in at about $15-20 "Buy It Now."
I think buying part by part I perhaps saved $2-3,  but you wait WEEKS !
So again..eBay, any seller really, and buy the complete kit.


The only application I've done (as of now) was take a strip of the lights and lay them accross the tops of my 4 Nintendo cabinets. The cabinets are side by side and it gives a great effect....I'll try and find a photo.

But I've seen people who wrap the base of the cabinet with the lights and that looks sweet. Even adding some to the back (which I cant cause most cabinets I own are missing the back door).

And to just repeat it, the 12" cold cathode tubes @ $10 on eBay are super cool. 2 x 12" tubes cost me $10-12. They get power from the 12v of your power supply. For my Bad Dudes I installed the one as shown, then ended up breaking one  ---------- Had I not I would have put it on the back of the cabinet for a cool effect.

I just think these little mods help provide a lil something extra.
Lastly I'll say this EL wire (powered via USB on your PC) sucks.............stuff is so dim!
I bought this to try working into a build, but it provides NO REAL LIGHT!