Today has seen a major change of plan! I have had to ‘do down’ lower into the coffee table, and cut out the previous base so its down into the shelf underneath.
The sides have also been blanked off. This was necessary to get my computer in with adequate air movement and space for cables etc. Everything did fit in the top section BUT it would of meant serious routing to get cables into video card and air flow would of been compromised. So I decided to change the plan a little.
This shot is taken looking down:
The DMD is actually the same angle it would be in a backbox, and the playfield is set lower into the table.
Really happy that I did this now, it took a couple more hours of routing (and more hours of vacuuming!).
I bought a cheap joystick/keyboard encoder off ebay and I have to admit – its a pile of dog crap, so I have just ordered the iPac mini, which is a direct replacement cabling wise. The problem I have with the cheap encoder is it just wont work with PinballFX2 games as it emulates a joystick. I can not choose specific keys in PinballFX2 either, as they are expecting you to use an 360 controller. I know there is probably a software hack to get round this but I am just going to go to the ipac mini as I know this works well. It does what it says on the box!
So the next jobs:
FIX the playfield screen in properly (it is sat on wood struts at the moment.
Make a bracket for the small ‘back glass’ monitor to sit properly on top of the playfield.
Program the DOF to get the button lights to work as they should. I have decided not to light the flipper buttons.
Wire solid state relay so everything switches on and off with PC.
Install sub speaker. Have just ordered upgraded speakers for my Family Guy so I will use the stern sub. I only have 4 inch speakers on the L and R on the cabinet so I know I will not get the greatest sound.
After all the installation is done all the bezels will be made around the screens.
I am also going to recover the wooden top (the bit under the glass!) as its not in the best condition. When finally fitting the glass (semi-permanent) I will use a rubber seal around the edges so in case of a spillage that will stop most the carnage. To be honest – I know its a coffee table but I wont be putting drinks directly on it. I will put a tray on it first to again minimalise any chance of damage by liquid. It can never be 100% water tight without using sealant – but all the electronics will be serviceable from under the glass.
On the front of the table is also an external button to turn PC on, as well as a USB port. I can plug a memory stick in that for updates and also a joypad for MAME games.
Have a lot of finishing off work to do but the table is now at least playable.
More stuff to follow when mini iPac and other bits arrive……
Attachments:
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
