Community Event / Creation The C-Pod: A DIY Command seat (build log)

I love this kind of thing and judging from the responses so far there are quite a few around here that love this too. Dabbled with building my own arcade machine in the past but never managed to finish one. Quick hint for anyone thinking of doing something like this - don't play it till its finished or you will never finish it.

Anyone wants more inspiration go check out http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?board=10.0

My biggest problem was the finish of the cabinet, in the UK its really hard to get hold of vinyl of the type used to finish kitchen worktops. This leaves paint as pretty much the only cost effective finish which is tricky at best. What finish are you using?

Love that viewlix inspired 1 player by the way.
 
My wife thinks I should do this. I'd be interested to know what sort of market there may be. If anyone is interested, let me know so I can gauge whether to look into it further.

I'm developing with a few simulation ideas also, also with this in mind; Only I'm trying to raise money as an ED.backer, with no computer to play ED on! (GPU not looking too bad but am way short of a CPU presently) .. Until I can afford to finish that, my mind has been on peripherals, first !!

For me it's a converted car seat, but I'm fascinated to learn more about your cabinet making. Any close detailing or links you're able to share, on things like sources for your vinyl, aluminium grilles, more detail on foams and techniques for assembly, I'll be following with great interest.

I plan to develop UI control of the simulator, in link up with the game. As long as I can afford to buy parts to do this, I hope to share that experience too.

Great job. Thread followed and rep due!! :cool:
 
Quick hint for anyone thinking of doing something like this - don't play it till its finished or you will never finish it.

Anyone wants more inspiration go check out http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?board=10.0

What finish are you using?

Love that viewlix inspired 1 player by the way.

Playing before finishing is a no-no definitely!

BYOAC is an awesome site - plenty of action there which puts my builds to shame!

I searched long and hard for a decent vinyl to work with. I settled on blackboard vinyl - a really nice texture to it, more forgiving than regular adhesive vinyl to work with and now a project staple.

Close up of the vinyl texture:



I use it on my heavily modified, mostly DIY desk too:




... I'm fascinated to learn more about your cabinet making. Any close detailing or links you're able to share, on things like sources for your vinyl, aluminium grilles, more detail on foams and techniques for assembly, I'll be following with great interest.

I plan to develop UI control of the simulator, in link up with the game. As long as I can afford to buy parts to do this, I hope to share that experience too.

Great job. Thread followed and rep due!! :cool:

Aside from the vinyl mentioned above, I use diamond automotive mesh, sourced from eBay. It comes in sheets of around 1m x 25cm and is easy to shape with a jigsaw with a blade to cut metal.

The aluminium bars are actually tile trim. Again really easy to cut and hollow which makes the job easier. These should be available from most hardware stores.

The fine ribbed rubber sheeting I bought on-line from here:

http://www.floormats.co.uk/fine-ribbed-rubber-matting

There are plenty of other sites which offer the same thing.

I've not tried working with upholstery foam before but have done my research - apparently it's best to cut it with an electric carving knife! I'm always up for trying something new.

I'm also always on the lookout for new materials with interesting textures.

Your UI control sounds interesting and it would be good to hear more about it and thanks very much for the rep :)
 
As you build it, consider transportability because I am sure you'll get an invite from FDEV to show it off at trade events...
 
Well this is generating more interest than I'd anticipated which is great!

@DaveB - thanks - I will be considering the ability to dismantle to allow it to be moved.

@Trader Pat, I'm committed to this now and I have a propensity for posting a proliferation of project progress pictures ;) ... that's more 'P's than I usually have on my plate.
 
I searched long and hard for a decent vinyl to work with. I settled on blackboard vinyl - a really nice texture to it, more forgiving than regular adhesive vinyl to work with and now a project staple.

Ah! Whats the durability like? I had a quick search around and there are millions of suppliers for all sorts of types of this, got one you recommend?
 
Thanks again for the responses, it really helps!

@ijam, I'm a relative novice when it comes to woodworking so thanks for the links. The router is my biggest investment and it is treated with a great deal of respect. I have one with a 1/2 inch collet. It's the Trend T5:

That's a well respected model from what I hear - I've been thinking of getting a smaller one like that myself as my current router (Dewalt DW625EK) is heavy and I don't always need that much power.

I'm (very) far from expert at woodworking, but do let me know if you need something. I don't know if you already do this, but using a template trim (bearing) cutter in a router is a very powerful tool - if you need to match sides of the cabinet or make two curves the same for example. I use them all the time to ensure I end up with identical parts.

The pocket hole kit is less useful for MDF than plywood as the screws will not hold well and it splits/tears easily. So ignore that unless you change your mind on material! :)

Finally, watch that MDF dust - it's seriously nasty stuff. Be sure to wear a good quality mask, especially when using the router as the dust is fine enough to be highly carcinogenic even without all the formaldehyde.

Really looking forward to watching your build!

cheers

Ian
 
@ijam - yes, the flush trim router bit is a godsend. I don't know what I'd do without it! I always wear a mask when cutting MDF - as you say, it's nasty stuff.

@ZZleeZZ, no problem and I hear a storm brewing on the horizon ;)
 
Out of curiosity, why C Pod? is it going to be shaped like a letter 'C' with monitors hanging from the top of the 'C' or?.................

Apologies for the question but as I said I am curious:)

Regards
 
I like to give my project names but this is more of a placeholder really.

My previous 2 racing rigs were the r-pod (racing pod) mk1 and mk2. The c-pod is short for command pod. I may consider a different name in the future but will be using this for now.
 
If you keep a comprehensive set of build plans, you could probably earn a good few quid from quite a few of us here too.
Looking forward to seeing what design route you go down.
 
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