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Agreed,
I'm sorry to hear it man, but like crazybillbob said you family and your surgery is what counts so put those first definately. All else can wait and i'm sure i speak on everyone's behalf that we understand that...
Good luck man!!
Titch
P.S. Maybe you should get a job fixing up comps, it would be frickin awesome. Lol
I do freelance a bit, fixing comps and stuff, on site. 99% of the time, you end up at someone's house, usually an old lady, watching virus scans run and waiting for MS updates coming down over 56k modems (I carry a CD with most of the updates and tools I need, but still!). Not exactly exciting, and not exactly fun. I much prefer the freelance design work I get, but money is money.
It turns out that my job may be spared until at least the first of the year, but I'm not going to sit around and wait for the axe to fall, so I’ll be looking for other work over the next few weeks.
I do have more to show off soon, but I’ve gotta finish working on my resume and portfolio, as well as a few improvements in the barn where I’m doing all this mod stuff – I tore the old ugly cabinets out of the house this weekend, and will be putting them in the barn so I can actually get a little organized while I work on this stuff.
I’ve got my mini-mod just about ready to start posting pics – by the end of the week I will have updates, I promise.
Got some progress today, but not a lot.
First thing I did was hang up these nasty old aluminum cabinets to free up a ton of desktop space - I tore these out of the house I'm working on. I'll tell ya what, when you're unsure if you're going to have a job and need to burn off some aggression, nothing beats taking a crowbar to some panelling in a house. Just make sure you're allowed to do it first, or the home owner might get a touch upset.
That said, I hung these ugly beasts up - definately needs some paint on the doors, but that can wait.
While my friend was preparing the wall and doing some other preliminary work, I got the rest of the first LED mounting box cut, assembled, glued and painted. It's not pretty, but it will be almost entirely hidden, so it doesn't really need to be. I used some spray silver paint to help reflect the light inside and brighten the light a bit.
This is entirely made out of 1/8" PVC board, called Cintra (I'm sure I've mentioned this before). I actually stopped by Skagit Valley Signs on my way home tonight and asked if they had any scraps laying around of it, and got to take home a armload for free, on the condition that I wouldn't make any signs out of them. Lol. If you need building material for things, I recommend stopping by your local sign shop and asking for their leftovers, lots and lots of places use this stuff, and for a hobbyist a three years supply can be had for next to nothing if you ask nicely. Very easy to work with, bends nicely, simple to cut, and you can't beat the price.
The only other thing I did was take the front panel for the Xbox mounting platform off and cut out the holes that I drilled earlier - it turns out that I will need to have them this way to get the controller cords through - a step I was hoping to avoid, but it turned out inevitable. I also sanded down the old paint so that I can paint over it smoothly. I'm still working on a better way to label this thing - I'll let you know when I come up with something.
This is all I got done tonight, and I might have some more time tomorrow, I'll have to see.
I'll keep ya posted.
That LED light box looks pretty sweet. Good idea with the silver paint. Still can't wait to see it in action.
The more I think about it, the less I'm happy with that LED box. It's just sloppy.
I'll probably let it go, for a testing piece, but I'm probably going to remake it. I have to make a second one anyway for the other side, so why not redesign it and make it right the first time.
I'm still mulling it over. I may have some time tonight to get some work done, but it's getting darn cold outside, and the barn isn't heated, so it's tough to keep motivation going. Plus, painting in temperatures hovering around 35 degrees (F) with spray cans isn't an ideal situation.
I'll keep ya posted.
You could try using silver or aluminum contact paper instead of paint--Silver paint tarnishes pretty quickly from my experience--enough to make me hate the stuff altogether. When I need a reflective "light box" these days I line it with that automotive foil trim material--a bit more expensive than shelf liner contact paper but its shiny like chrome--
just my 2cent, hope to see more soon! ;)
I've definately considered that. The silver is the least of the problems - you can't really tell from the photo, but the box itself is really assembled poorly - off-square, with ugly gaps, the dividers came out shorter than I had expected because it was cold and I was distracted while working on it, the cuts aren't even, the ends are off, and I'm just not really satisfied. I've got a much better plan, that will take quite a bit more time to do, and I've just been so busy lately I rushed it, which was a mistake.
I'll post more when I have it to develop. Thanks for the input!
(by the way, another great and cheap source for extremely reflective mylar is "Space Blankets", the mylar blankets they sell with camping supplies. You can get a huge sheet (at least 8'x8') for about $2 at most hardware or general stores. A little spray adhesive and careful application with a roller or squeegee, or even an old credit card, would work perfectly. I bought a few of them a while back and put them on PVC frames to use as reflectors for some outdoor photography. The fact that they were wrinkled worked well, as it sent out a reflection that was similar to a water reflection, which was perfect for the subject.)
Okay, new rule. Rankenphile isn't allowed anywhere near a hardware store this close to Christmas any more. :p
So, I had to stop at the local Home Depot for some screws and a heat gun, because I wanted a heat gun... and screws. Imagine that. While wandering around the tool department, because one of the lower-ranked lackeys said that I'd find a heat gun there (wrong, it was in the paint department), I kept walking past a Ryobi scroll saw, on sale for a mere $99. Adjustable speed, comes with five extra blades, adjustable cutting surface that tilts up to 45 degrees... it was rough, man.
So... lo and behold...
I mean, it was calling me.
Scroll Saw: Come on, man. Think of the fun we could have together.
Me: Sorry, Ryobi. The holidays are coming, and I have to be responsible!
Scroll Saw: But... don't you want me? Don't you love me any more?
Me: That's not fair, it's not like that. Really. I just...
Scroll Saw:*sniff* Okay. I see how it is. Just go.
Me: Oh, Ryobi. How could I stay mad at you. You know how I feel when you look at me with those big puppy-dog... um... blades.
So, yeah. It was inevitable. I caved. And I'm glad I did. My camera's batteries died (again. It eats them faster than Vin Deisel eats babies!) so I couldn't get pictures of the progress I got done, but this thing ZIPS through Cintra in no time, in perfectly straight lines, very smoothly. I redesigned the LED box and started cutting it out, complete with dovetail joints to ensure that it is square, strong and clean.
I love you, Ryobi.
Scroll Saw: I love you, too, Rankenphile.
That wasn't the only thing I got. I got the heat gun, too. Check it!
Not only that, but I got the screws I needed (8/64x2 slot-head screws... you'll see what they're for soon), a bunch of very small spring clamps (they were like $.38 each, and SO cute! :p), and this:
The pic came out blurry, because the camera batteries were almost dead, so I went without flash, but in case you can't tell, it is electrical tape - in five different colors. Ooooh, so fancy. Hehe.
I wish I had pics to show of the LED box, but I only finished a couple pieces of it. I'm going to a punk show tomorrow night (Propaghandi is playing at the local university. Rock! :D) so I won't get a chance to do much, and if the weather is nice I'll be working on the house most of the weekend, but after dark I should have some more time to get some more progress on this part of the project.
I'll keep ya posted.
heh rank back in high school we had a saw exactly liek that and we only ever used it for cutting perspex it was f**king perfect for it although there were some people who never got the hang of it and tended to cut a bit crooked and constantly snap blades all i can say is take ur time always or u will be going through blades liek theres no tommorrow. also if ur looking for a nice silver or chrome finish that will last i suggest u try "avery" brand vinyl its the same stuff they use for signmaking and decals for cars so its sweet. i just baught soem for myself and if i can remember correctly it said it can last 5-6 years or something anyway when i use it on my mods ill try and get a camera from somewhere and take some pics for you. cheers SaWBLaDe. P.S i was going to buy one of those saws too lol.
Appreciate it, Sawblade, thanks.
I worked in a print shop for nearly five years previous to my current job, and we used a lot of Avery labels. I'll take a look through an old distribution catalog, see if I can track it down. I still know a couple sales reps for Avery, I'll see if I can't talk them into shipping me a sheet or two of samples. As far as I know, they don't know I'm not still in printing. :p
So today I asked at work if they had any leftover scraps of plexi. There was only one guy int he shop, as it is Friday and most of the crew works four 10's. He was like, "Oh, sure, yeah we do. Right over here."
He moves a board, and there are three BIG pieces of plexi. Crystal clear, no scratches, and at least 24"x36"! FREE! WOOHOO!!!
I was expecting a few odd off-cuts, but here is a ton of plexi, more than I'll end up using for this project, most likely! All in great shape, 1/8" thick and perfect.
I'll get some more info up soon - it looks like it will be clear this weekend, so I'll only have nights to work on the cabinet, but I'll get SOMETHING on it done. I'm on a roll now, and want to keep up the momentum.
Ooo..Nice scroll saw--looks like a variable speed model too--perfect for plastics and other shtuff.
Ecks-ACKly!
So, I got a bunch dug out from under the house today, in preparation for the foundation, as well as cut down a bunch of ugly trees that were taking up a ton of room in the yard. In project news, I have the first LED box redo about half done. I've gotta finish cutting a few dividers, the subfloor for the LEDs to get mounted to, and the actual back of the piece, as well as the plexi front panel. I also need to get the containing box for the circuit itself built. I'm figuring a lot of it out as I go, off of a single sketch I drew of the whole thing. It is working out VERY well, so far, and assembly should be very easy and clean. A few of the interior holes are a bit rougher than I would like ideally, but they certainly suffice. Again, they will be hidden, so the only ones who will know will be me, and you guys, of course.
I've gotta pick up another set of rechargeable batteries for the camera tomorrow. I've gotta get up early and get to work on the house, which only leaves evenings for this stuff, but the LED box is nearly done, and I'll post pics of the whole assembly as soon as I get a little more progress. I've gotta build a whole second set, as soon as I get this one done, so don't worry - I'll document the whole process.
I'll keep ya posted.
Today we managed to get the entire rest of the house dug out, and finished stacking all of the cut branches from the lilac bush and the boxwood shrub, as well as the cedar branches from the trees we took down yesterday. I've got the LED box almost entirely cut, I have three more pieces - the bottom, one side and the plexi front, and I'll be all set. I left the camera in the barn, but I actually have batterues that seem to last long enough to get some good shots, which is nice.
I'll try to finish it tomorrow and post pics as soon as I have them.
Need...more...ultimate...arcade!!!!
Lol...
Things have been busy, with Thanksgiving coming up and all. I won't have any time tonight or tomorrow, but will have all day Friday to spend working on the box, and will have an update soon, I promise. I'm just about ready to get the first LED box working.
I'll keep ya posted.
First off, let me apologize, I know I’m overdue for an update, but I just haven’t had anything to share. I’ve been so busy, what with Thanksgiving, getting ready for Christmas and such that I really didn’t have the time I was hoping for this weekend to work on the cabinet. I actually spent a couple days using SketchUp to create mock layouts for our house, before we start the remodel. We’ve come up with a layout that we think is ideal, and should allow us plenty of room while being as efficient as possible. We will submit it to the architect this week and get his feedback, but I’m really positive about it. It looks like it could work out well, and it will be SO nice to finally get back to a place of my own.
I’ve still got plans to keep the cabinet going, but bear with me, things are a bit complicated in the rest of my life right now, so this has to take on a lower priority than some of the other messes I’ve got to straighten out. I WILL get progress on this soon, and will share everything I have with you guys, but it may take a little while.
By the way, if anyone here has ever wanted to try their hand at 3D modeling, but were intimidated by the steep learning curve, I highly recommend checking out SketchUp. It is an incredibly intuitive program, and their website features a number of very simple video tutorials. The demo allows for up to eight hours of use before they ask you to register, and it is very worth it.
now that i finally got my profile working, i just wanted to tell you, rank, that i've been following your mod for a while. it sounds like a great idea. also i just want to tell you that ths is probobly not he most important thing you're doing at the moment. so take it easy. get what you need to get done done.o. and good luck on getting a job after the holliday season. :D
Heh, thanks, Sarge. Welcome to TBCS. I've actually shelved this mod until after the holidays - it looks like my job is actually pretty secure for the time being, at least through February. There will be some changes in the company structure after the first of the year, and we'll see what happens then, but I'm working on finishing up some plans for this mod, and will be back in full swing come January. I've got some neat ideas, and a couple surprises in store, so keep checking back, and thanks for the kind words. It's driving me nuts not being able to work on it like I want to, but probably just as well, because it's DAMN cold outside! LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by Sergeant Napalm
This project has been buried half-way down the second page, and I've received a number of messages about it asking about the progress and such. I'm going to put my reply below to the most recent one, to keep you guys updated on it - it's not forgotten or abandoned by any means, just sort of put on hold.
It's kind of up in the air. I'm going to be getting a new computer for my girlfriend when I get my tax return back, and the arcade system won't really be too useful until we move into our new house as there is nowhere to put it yet, and that won't be until at least late summer to mid-autumn, so I'm not in a big rush. I'm going ot be doing a computer mod once I get the money from my taxes back, so I'll have a project to post once that gets started, but I jsut don't have a ton of motivation right now to work on the cabinet, as when I get it done it will basically mean I won't be able to play my xbox, lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sergeant Napalm
I'm still playing around with the LED setup and stuff, so I'll post on the progress of that as it happens. But yeah, a lot of it is just waiting for warmer weather, and a lot of it is just I'm too lazy to stop playing World of Warcraft and get crackin' on a new project, lol.
A quick status update - this project is by no means abandoned, just put on hiatus. Personal life has a way of creeping into my modding/project time, I'm getting close to gettting the plans for our remodel done, so we can start construction (finally!), I've received a promotion at work into the position of Marketing Director, which means my workload has tripled, I just got back from Vegas for a tradeshow I was entirely responsible for, my freelance project is still clipping along, and I just got engaged (!), which means my cash flow is gone until I can pay for the ring I just bought, which should only be a month or two. I still really want to get back to this, and have some great plans to share with you guys, but it is not abandoned, just on hiatus. It is coming, and I've got a couple other neat projects in the planning stages, too, that I can't wait to share.
Thanks again to everyone for putting up such great content on this site, I leaern new stuff from you all almost every day.
Keep checking back, and post any other ideas you guys have, I'm always into new inspiration.
YAAAHOOO!!! (gotta be careful about copyright enfringments on that)
Glad to hear everything is going well.. Although I am anxious to see progress on this mod, It sounds like you got a lot of GREAT things happening. Good luck on everything...
Hey congrats on getting engaged!
Sounds like everythings going great, hopefully that will spread over onto the mod when you get back to it!
Thanks, guys.
The engagement isn't exactly sudden, I've been dating my girl for four years, and we got engaged the day I got back from Vegas, which just happened to be our four year anniversary, and two days before Valentine's day.
Things are going well, but way crazy busy. I'll have some fun stuff soon, especially since it's starting to warm up enough to paint.
Awwww.... yet another soul being caged for a while XD
Enjoy 'Bach'hood while it lasts.
Btw, Congrats are in order in promotion and engagement.
Hey Rank,
Loads of congrats on your promotion and engagement! your a friggin busy guy. I hope you and your fionce (no idea if thats right) have a great wedding and a great life. i haven't been on teh forums for a while so I sort of missed your post till now. and again congrats!
lol, thanks, Sarge.
ive done a mame arcade myself there pretty simple but can be expensive and a pain to maintain especially when its at school and everyone has access to it
ive also written some files to make it so a particular game starts up
email me if u want a lil help
Hasbios@aim.com
Thanks, Hasbios, I'll keep that in mind. Remember, this isn't a strict MAME box, this is a Modded xbox, which has much different programming. If you know much about programming or setting up an Xbox mod chip (Saphire, I believe... I'll have to look it up, it's been a while), let me know, there are a few things I'd like to do that I haven't had a chance to yet.
Hey, Rank! Haven't checked up on you in a while. Anyways, that's great news about you getting engaged and getting a promotion! Hope you still have time to be a modder!
Don't worry about that. Things are warming up here, and I actually just got a new part in for another project I've got planning. I'm definately going to stay active, I just need a couple more weeks, I hope, to get a few more things in order and I'll be ready to get back in the saddle and get this project up and runnign again.
