Someone call the cops! I stole a Jukebox!! MAGNETS??? [03.05.2009]

[reko19]

in US wiring is color coded: white is neutral, black is phase (hot), green is ground. On the cord there are two flat prongs one is larger and one is smaller and a semi-round prong. Cut the plug off the cord, note which wire is connected to which prong.  Larger flat prong is neutral, smaller is phase, semi-round is ground. Connect accordingly to your power entry module. When the switch is off you want the hot wire to be interrupted, this is why it is important to notice how it is connected before cutting it off. Hope this helps.

[javeryh]

in US wiring is color coded: white is neutral, black is phase (hot), green is ground. On the cord there are two flat prongs one is larger and one is smaller and a semi-round prong. Cut the plug off the cord, note which wire is connected to which prong.  Larger flat prong is neutral, smaller is phase, semi-round is ground. Connect accordingly to your power entry module. When the switch is off you want the hot wire to be interrupted, this is why it is important to notice how it is connected before cutting it off. Hope this helps.

Excellent.  Thanks.  Do I need to worry about voltage or anything or does splicing everything together have the same effect as using a power strip or plugging multiple plugs into one outlet?

Also, is twisting the wires and covering with electrical tape OK or is there a more secure solution that I should try?

[reko19]

pretty much same effect as using a plug strip. I would recommend using a wirenut or a terminal block for splicing

[javeryh]

pretty much same effect as using a plug strip. I would recommend using a wirenut or a terminal block for splicing

OK another good idea.  I will use a terminal block assuming I can get one from Home Depot.  Can I wire all three devices to the same screws on one side (like wiring 2 buttons to the same place on an iPac)?  I assume so since I don't see how it would work otherwise...

Thanks!   

[reko19]

one for line, one for neutral, possibly one for ground

[javeryh]

The next thing I had to do was attach the metal to the inside of the back panel for the magnets to catch on to. This was fairly easy - I laid out corresponding holes to the magnets I installed on the back of the jukebox shell and then used my plunge router to remove some material in the back panel so the metal catches could sit flush. Then I used some two-part epoxy to glue the metal catches in place.



This is what it looked like all clamped up:



I still haven't tested it yet to see if the panel stays in place like I'm hoping but I will this weekend.  I've been working like CRAZY for about 2 months straight (I'm posting from work).  I really want to finish this thing...

More later.

[javeryh]

Here's an updated "punch list" for this project:

Front Panel:

    * polish out scratch (I'm saving this for last)

Back Panel:

    * Cut hole for I/O panel on bottom
    * Laminate inside of panel to try and fix warping

Case:

    * block out marquee area with black posterboard or matteboard so light won't escape
    * figure out volume knob (I'll probably order a new one directly from Griffin)

I/O Panel:

    * Finalize design
    * Cut I/O Panel out of 1mm thick metal

Computer:

    * rip all CDs to hard drive (I'm up to the Ls with 407 CDs ripped)
    * tag all music using mp3tag (I'm up to the Ls)
    * normalize volume across all files
    * install freebox or xlobby (I wish they had iPod Touch software available for the computer)
    * wire computer, speakers and monitor to external plug (will need help)

Marquee:

    * send file to mamemarquees.com to print
    * cut to final size and install

That's about it - not much but a lot of little things.  I'm also going to install a few touchscreen games.  I attached a pic of one up and running to motivate me...

[Martijn]

good job, i got my backplate straight with metal pieces
i took out at least 95% of the problem. at one corner you can still see a little offbend, but i think its acceptable

ill post pics in my topic next week

[Benevolance]

Javeryh, you used the 1/8" hard board for the frame: since my local lumber store doesn't have the 1/8" MDF, I'm considering using the 1/8" hardboard as well. How did you find the bending/shaping process? Was there any special technique to getting the hardboard to bend without breaking? It didn't seem that flexible when I was playing with it at the store.

[javeryh]

Javeryh, you used the 1/8" hard board for the frame: since my local lumber store doesn't have the 1/8" MDF, I'm considering using the 1/8" hardboard as well. How did you find the bending/shaping process? Was there any special technique to getting the hardboard to bend without breaking? It didn't seem that flexible when I was playing with it at the store.

It actually bent no problem.  I had similar concerns in the store but when I got home and clamped it up (without glue) everything held in place real nice.  I went overboard on clamps though:



I started at one end and then worked the clamps around the frame.  I also used two band clamps in the middle during the glue-up but I'm not convinced they really did anything...   

[Benevolance]

Was the double-layer was necessary? The bottom layer wasn't splitting or ugly or anything? I'm not looking to build a jukebox, but something cosmetic to resemble a jet turbine. I wonder if I can get away with just one panel over the curvature?

Your juke box is looking awesome. I can't wait to see it finished.

[javeryh]

The double layer was NOT necessary - I just wanted to give it some thickness.  Also, I wouldn't try bending this stuff around something much smaller than an 8" radius.  I probably could have wrapped it tighter if I needed to but it would be pushing it.

Thanks for the compliment - I also can't wait to see it finished!  I have to remake the back panel and I've been lazy.  It works pretty good right now though...   

[orion]

I wouldn't stress to much about the scratch in the plexi glass, it polishes up easier than you think it does, it just takes some time and patience. I have shaved the lenses on half the cars I have owned and I always start by removing the raised lettering with 80 grit sandpaper... which as you can imagine puts some serious scratches in the plastic. I generally start polishing with the wet and dry 1500 grit sandpaper (depending on how deep the scratches are) The trick (and I can't stress this enough) is to use plenty of water, keeping the plastic and sandpaper wet at all times and just keep sanding with the 1500 grit wet and dry paper. I usually just sand under running water at the kitchen sink. It takes some doing (a few hours sometimes). I always finish things off by applying some 3M scratch remover compound (instead of the nuvous only because its available almost anywhere) Using this method I have restored the finish on everything from Ipod's (taken apart so as not to soak them in the sink) to sunglasses.  It's not bad at all, once you get the hang of it, its quite easy really. Oh and your jukebox is looking really good!

http://www.shop3m.com/60455033070.html?utm_term=3m+scratch+remover&WT.medium=cpc&utm_campaign=1272&WT.term=3m+scratch+remover&utm_content=504593139&utm_source=google&WT.mc_id=shop3m-ppc-google-1272-Cleaners&WT.campaign=1272&utm_medium=cpc&WT.content=text&WT.source=google&cshift_ck=1323092386cs504593139&WT.srch=1

[Benevolance]

I looked through all the pictures and read the whole thread, and I couldn't find the scratch he was talking about, so I figured it was builder's anguish. I am fully expecting this project to come out as kick ass as Bella's Arcade; that one is still bookmarked as one of my favorite all time projects.

[system01]

I really like that marquee.  I really dig olde tyme clocke and geare stuffe.

Didn't see you mention it, but what's with all the chunk around the outer perimeter of the front face?  And are you planning on 38 coats of hand-rubbed lacquer this time?

[javeryh]

Thanks guys.  I really need to get motivated and finish this up.  The problem is that I need another sheet of black laminate to remake the back panel and it is expensive and I haven't gotten around to ordering some more.

Didn't see you mention it, but what's with all the chunk around the outer perimeter of the front face?  And are you planning on 38 coats of hand-rubbed lacquer this time?

Are you talking about the black spots around the edge?  That is just where the protective paper has peeled away - the entire front will be black plexiglas when it is finished.  I'm trying to wait until I am completely finished with the construction before peeling it off... also, no hand-rubbed lacquer - probably ever.  I still have nightmares!   

[system01]

Ah ha.  I kept looking at it and it looked like it was a piece MDF that fell out of the back of your truck.   Now that you mention paper I totally see it.

Keep it up!

<edit>  I've got a ton of Formica left over from the cocktail.  Actually it's Wilsonart flat black.  I'm pretty sure it's 1595-60, but I'll have to pull it out of the attic to make sure.  I'll give a square to you for the price of postage.  PM if interested.