My home built metal DDR pad (Part IV)

ChilliumBromide · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR

What I'm doing with my designs is making a 1/4" layer specifically for the wires to go in. Figure out where all your wires will need to go (if you have buttons in the bar, keep that in mind), then get a 1/4" piece of plywood, cut it as needed, and put it on top of the baseboard.
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DMS · Trick Member Joined: 08 Jul 2007

Alright. Also, with the wiring for the matr1x sensors, how exactly does it work? I know you run an active wire from one bracket, and a ground from the other, but how exactly do you keep them on? Electrical tape? Solder? Glue? Also, what do I ground all the wires to? Do I reserve a panel well for some small screws to act as grounds? And with 5 sensors per arrow well for the actual arrow(not lights), how do I wire them all together? And is there a guide to doing the lighting, or will I have to wing it?

ChilliumBromide · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR

neuter_man · Basic Member Joined: 29 Jun 2007

Building a new pad, plan on having the top part of the frame routed. Only problem is that I'd like to put some sort of edge on the arrows so they aren't so open on the sides. Y'know, so the innards of the arrow are showing if you were looking at the pad from the side. I think it'd help with the dust issue as well. But, still, any suggestions as to how I should do this?
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ChilliumBromide · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR

neuter_man · Basic Member Joined: 29 Jun 2007

SoymilkCharlie, I have to thank you for your wonderful suggestion. Now my only predicament is finding what material should be used for the base, I'm looking for something lightweight, as it would need to be transported, any suggestions?
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ChilliumBromide · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR

I'd suggest 1/2" Fir Plywood. A 35"x35" base would weigh about 10lbs, and it's quite a bit stronger and cheaper than other plywoods. You may find, however, that it's not perfectly flat, which can be a problem with light pads. I'm not sure what would be the most effective way to fix that, but it sure as hell is annoying when your base squeaks every time you adjust your center.
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DMS · Trick Member Joined: 08 Jul 2007

Charlie, are there any blueprint images, or regular photos/videos that can aid in the wiring and whatnot? I am terrible at comprehending things like this via text. Sucks for me. lol

ChilliumBromide · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR

Here; I made this one just now for ya:

Red wire is the wire for the button. It can be ground or active. The top should be done exactly the same in layout.
And I frick up the lighting wiring on there. xP
Let someone who's actually awake help you. I'm not thinking straight.

Make sure your soldering is nice and snug. What you can do, if you have the tools to do so, is make a small cut (1/4" into the bracket, then stick the wire in it, and solder it there. This will provide a much better hold, but it's hard to do if you don't have at least a saber saw and a good clamp.
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DMS · Trick Member Joined: 08 Jul 2007

Hmm... I think I understand it.. so, how many brackets, again? 4 corner brackets, and 3 straight?

ChilliumBromide · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR

DMS · Trick Member Joined: 08 Jul 2007

And use the 4 corners, and the inner-most side sensor for the button, and the remaining 3 for the lights? Also, what are the best brand lights to use?

neuter_man · Basic Member Joined: 29 Jun 2007

DMS · Trick Member Joined: 08 Jul 2007

neuter_man · Basic Member Joined: 29 Jun 2007

DMS · Trick Member Joined: 08 Jul 2007

What thickness is the pad for ITG2? And how much room is on each side of the arrows('north', 'east', 'west', and 'south' directions of the pad? Dimensions of the ITG bar? And how could I get like the decals that go on the side of the pads? And do cathode bulbs come in different colors?

ChilliumBromide · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR

The ITG panels are the same size as DDR panels. Order 10 7/8" square and build for 11 1/8" square.

I believe the pads are 3" thick. The bar's 38" high and 1.5" Don't know about the decals; you should be able to get them printed at Kinko's or something, and yes, Cold Cathode bulbs come in all colors. SVC has Blue, Red, Green, Ultraviolet, and White.
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DMS · Trick Member Joined: 08 Jul 2007

ChilliumBromide · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR

I don't really know the specifics for the decals, but as for what svc is, it's Silicone Valley Computers. svc.com.
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DMS · Trick Member Joined: 08 Jul 2007

How many bulbs per arrow? 2? And how would I mount them in the well?

EDIT: What about LED clusters? The ones with 5 LED's already in the mount? I figure get two of those per arrow would work. Not sure if it would be more effective than cathode, though.