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SuRfReAk
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Joined: 19 Dec 2004
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latindude88wpg
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Joined: 12 Nov 2004
Location: winnipeg, mb |
3561.  Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 7:48 am Post subject: |
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i used metal tape on my pad and it works fine. the downside is that, as HitokiriX mentioned, the sticky side is non-conductive, but you can work around this.
basically you just stick the tape to the bottom of the plexiglass and put a tiny piece of cat5 wire on the shiny side of the tape and tape it down with the same metal sheet. just try to do this on a place where you know there is no contact with your screws or whatever contact you're using. |
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5thDementian
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Joined: 12 Oct 2004
Location: Kalamazoo, MI |
| 3562. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 12:05 pm Post subject: |
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| HitokiriX wrote: | I'm using the corner brace contacts that someone else on this forum (I think it was 5thdementation) and Bluebeefman used. Bluebeefman was a REALLY old generation builder. Like maybe one of the first of the 3 starters (of DDRhomepad, Riptide, and him). But anyway I'd like to use it cuz I'm not totally into the idea of the screws (I could if I need to I'm just to lazy  ) and they have at least some width to them so hopefully no adjusting will be needed...HOPEFULLY!!! ^^ |
I'm using 9x9 sheet metal for my contacts.
Someone mentioned that they "bounce" and double/triple register the steps. I have NOT had this problem even once. I am 100% happy with how great my pad has held up. I don't have any "static" issues, no "timing" issues, or any "double-step" issues.
I built two of them (for the xbox), one for me and one for my fiancee. We play for a minimum of two hours straight and have never had any problems. We're still quite amateur when it comes to how great we play, but since we've started using the homebuilt pads, we NEVER get more than one boo/miss when playing DDR/Stepmania. And, when we do get our boo/miss, it's because we lost our balance and actually did boo/miss the step.
Just wanted to add my $0.02 
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HitokiriX
Trick Member
Joined: 27 Mar 2004
Location: Berwyn, PA |
| 3563. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 12:32 pm Post subject: |
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| latindude88wpg wrote: | i used metal tape on my pad and it works fine. the downside is that, as HitokiriX mentioned, the sticky side is non-conductive, but you can work around this.
basically you just stick the tape to the bottom of the plexiglass and put a tiny piece of cat5 wire on the shiny side of the tape and tape it down with the same metal sheet. just try to do this on a place where you know there is no contact with your screws or whatever contact you're using. |
I don't really understand that sorry. I'll just go with how I did it and hopefully it'll keep that way. Maybe it was ter_ter that did it.... |
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mtwieg
Trick Member
Joined: 06 Sep 2004
Location: Ù
٠اÙÙØ§Ø¶Ø Ø§ÙÙ Ùا اعب اÙجÙÙÙ |
| 3564. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 12:41 pm Post subject: |
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| 5thDementian wrote: | | HitokiriX wrote: | | I'm using the corner brace contacts that someone else on this forum (I think it was 5thdementation) and Bluebeefman used. Bluebeefman was a REALLY old generation builder. Like maybe one of the first of the 3 starters (of DDRhomepad, Riptide, and him). But anyway I'd like to use it cuz I'm not totally into the idea of the screws (I could if I need to I'm just to lazy ) and they have at least some width to them so hopefully no adjusting will be needed...HOPEFULLY!!! ^^ |
I'm using 9x9 sheet metal for my contacts.
Someone mentioned that they "bounce" and double/triple register the steps. I have NOT had this problem even once. I am 100% happy with how great my pad has held up. I don't have any "static" issues, no "timing" issues, or any "double-step" issues.
I built two of them (for the xbox), one for me and one for my fiancee. We play for a minimum of two hours straight and have never had any problems. We're still quite amateur when it comes to how great we play, but since we've started using the homebuilt pads, we NEVER get more than one boo/miss when playing DDR/Stepmania. And, when we do get our boo/miss, it's because we lost our balance and actually did boo/miss the step.
Just wanted to add my $0.02 |
what kind of sheetmetal, and how long has it been in use? |
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pandaran
Basic Member
Joined: 22 Jan 2005
Location: California, US |
| 3565. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 1:26 pm Post subject: Catching up |
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| HitokiriX wrote: | | Do all the acrylic types bend? I really don't like the idea of the acrylic panels bending and I don't think they would seeming as the distance is only about 1/16 of an inch. |
It's good that they're a little flexible. If they weren't they would just crack when you stepped on them.
| mtwieg wrote: | I actually thoght of something after I finished my last pad...
If you want to use the contact method where one wire is hooked to the bottom of the panel and the other to all the screws on the base, you can do this: instead of individually hooking all the contact screws together with wire, you can simply put them all on top of another piece of screen, whick would make them all contact each other perfectly. You get the clean contact of screws on screen without the hassle of wiring it all. |
*raises eyebrows* hey, sounds like a good idea! *points it out to the resident expert on wiring* He thinks it's a good idea, too. Think we might borrow that one from ya! Thanks!
Isn't the aluminum screen everyone's talking about just window screen? Has anyone considered using hardware cloth? That's what we're gonna try. Less likely to tear than window screen, even though I'm guessing aluminum screen is a bit tougher than the stuff in the windows at my house that the kitty likes ripping up.
Has anyone tried medium density foam? |
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HitokiriX
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Joined: 27 Mar 2004
Location: Berwyn, PA |
| 3566. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 1:33 pm Post subject: Re: Catching up |
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| pandaran wrote: | | Has anyone tried medium density foam? |
I don't think there exists a "medium" density foam. There's only low and high. Still can't find that open-cell though...*sigh* |
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SuRfReAk
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Joined: 19 Dec 2004
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pandaran
Basic Member
Joined: 22 Jan 2005
Location: California, US |
| 3568. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 1:40 pm Post subject: |
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This isn't a very good picture of it, but
http://www.mcnichols.com/products/wirecloth/hardwarecloth/wc_hrdwre_cu.htm
I'm not really sure why it's called "cloth." It might have something to do with the wires being woven (just a guess). We bought 1/4" hardware cloth, meaning that the little squares in it are 1/4" to a side, but you can get smaller or larger mesh, too. |
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HitokiriX
Trick Member
Joined: 27 Mar 2004
Location: Berwyn, PA |
| 3569. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 1:47 pm Post subject: |
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| SuRfReAk wrote: | Hardware cloth? I'm assuming its metal cloth?
HitokiriX, can you find low density, just not open cell, or none other than high density? Heck, cut up a sponge from Walmart or something. |
i can only find high density stuff. NO low density and NO open celled weather stripping. |
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5thDementian
Trick Member
Joined: 12 Oct 2004
Location: Kalamazoo, MI |
| 3570. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 2:00 pm Post subject: |
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| mtwieg wrote: | | 5thDementian wrote: |
I'm using 9x9 sheet metal for my contacts.
Someone mentioned that they "bounce" and double/triple register the steps. I have NOT had this problem even once. I am 100% happy with how great my pad has held up. I don't have any "static" issues, no "timing" issues, or any "double-step" issues.
I built two of them (for the xbox), one for me and one for my fiancee. We play for a minimum of two hours straight and have never had any problems. We're still quite amateur when it comes to how great we play, but since we've started using the homebuilt pads, we NEVER get more than one boo/miss when playing DDR/Stepmania. And, when we do get our boo/miss, it's because we lost our balance and actually did boo/miss the step.
Just wanted to add my $0.02 |
what kind of sheetmetal, and how long has it been in use? |
Not sure what kind. I got it at Lowes... came in a 2'x4' sheet. I do know that it's the same sheet metal I made the pad with. Sorry I can't be more descriptive.
Umm... it's been in use for about 3 months now (maybe two).
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pandaran
Basic Member
Joined: 22 Jan 2005
Location: California, US |
| 3571. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 2:12 pm Post subject: |
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| It was suggested to me by my boyfriend's dad to use liquid nails to attach the sheet metal to the plywood. We bought Elmer's Ultimate Glue, but we haven't used it yet. He said you just brush some on each side and stick them together, and once it dries that stuff's never moving. I couldn't find any mention of that in the forum. Anyone know any pros or cons? |
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mtwieg
Trick Member
Joined: 06 Sep 2004
Location: Ù
٠اÙÙØ§Ø¶Ø Ø§ÙÙ Ùا اعب اÙجÙÙÙ |
| 3572. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 2:19 pm Post subject: |
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you probably have normal 22-26 gauge galvanized steel, which is pretty good. However, I recommend opening up your pad every couple months and wipe up all the oxides, which appear as black crud, from the surfaces. That should keep your pad healthy.
Yes, I realize low density wheatherstripping is difficult to find, but I promise that home depot carries it. Usually, there is only one kind of low density hidden in the middle of the high density stuff. Chances are, the brands will all be Frost King. If so, look for the words "maximum compression" on the front of the bag (minimum=high density). If you still can't find it, you could look at riptide's videos. One of them shows the container for his foam. |
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SuRfReAk
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Joined: 19 Dec 2004
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HitokiriX
Trick Member
Joined: 27 Mar 2004
Location: Berwyn, PA |
| 3574. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 3:29 pm Post subject: |
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| SuRfReAk wrote: | Pandaran- There was a post by Weston near the beginning of this thread, about "Making the Perfect Metal Panel." He specifically stated Elmer's Ultimate Glue as the glue he used, but he still used screws in each corner. I know Liquid Nails is really strong, but there were posts a while back about certain types of glues crackling when you step on them (not sure if that's one of them).
mtwieg: What kind of contacts DO you like? You've had cons for almost every one that comes up, so what's left?
EDIT: Aha! Here's the link: http://www.ddrfreak.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=59254&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=180 |
I commend you if you actually found the specific post in the huge forest of posts that makes up this thread, but the thread was in Shadow_Dragon's FAQ all the time. Anyway I believe it's only the spray adhesive that crackles. All the other stuff is good. The spray adhesive crackles cuz it's got air and stuff inside. If you use real glue like elmer's or epoxy and spread it real well it won't crackle in the least. I really dont' know what the point of using glue AND putting screws in is though because if you build a border then the only way the sheet metal on the solid panel can come off is for it to be lifted up off the plywood panel, and that is not ever gonna happen. The glue alone should be strong enough to hold it in for just that. It's what I'm doin anyway. Gonna attach the sheet metal to the plywood panel with elmer's ultimate glue or epoxy and attach it to the base with screws through the bottom of the base so you don't see em on the top. Want this pad to be as clean as possible. |
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5thDementian
Trick Member
Joined: 12 Oct 2004
Location: Kalamazoo, MI |
| 3575. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 3:32 pm Post subject: |
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For everyone looking for the weather stripping... This is a picture of the stuff I got... it is what you are looking for:
http://www.secondattempt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=160
If that link doesn't work, just click the link in my sig and scroll down to the pic that says: "Enter the polyfoam weather-stripping".
I got it at Lowes so I know you'll find it there.
Notice on the pic that the package says "Maximum Compression"... that is exactly what you want.
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pandaran
Basic Member
Joined: 22 Jan 2005
Location: California, US |
| 3576. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 3:40 pm Post subject: |
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Yeah, I'm pretty sure the crackling glue was the spray on adhesive. I know Elmer's Ultimate Glue was what was reccomended for the perfect panels, but I was just wondering if the liquid nails might work even better. I'm not really sure how strong one glue is compared to another.
*does a search* Hmm.. couldn't find anything with Elmer's Ultimate Glue, but it's pretty much the same as gorilla glue, right? And most of the sites I ran across seemed to think they were about the same, at least for the projects they were using them for. I guess I sorta answered my own question on that. 
Sorry, I'm just bored. |
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SuRfReAk
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Joined: 19 Dec 2004
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mtwieg
Trick Member
Joined: 06 Sep 2004
Location: Ù
٠اÙÙØ§Ø¶Ø Ø§ÙÙ Ùا اعب اÙجÙÙÙ |
| 3578. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 4:47 pm Post subject: |
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| 5thDementian wrote: | For everyone looking for the weather stripping... This is a picture of the stuff I got... it is what you are looking for:
http://www.secondattempt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=160
If that link doesn't work, just click the link in my sig and scroll down to the pic that says: "Enter the polyfoam weather-stripping".
I got it at Lowes so I know you'll find it there.
Notice on the pic that the package says "Maximum Compression"... that is exactly what you want. |
exactly what I use. stuff.
As for which type of contacts I think are best, I can't tell you. I can find problems with every system I've tried so far . Right now I've been using the screen/screws method, and I think it's starting to get dirty or broken... |
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HitokiriX
Trick Member
Joined: 27 Mar 2004
Location: Berwyn, PA |
| 3579. Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 4:57 pm Post subject: |
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| pandaran wrote: | Yeah, I'm pretty sure the crackling glue was the spray on adhesive. I know Elmer's Ultimate Glue was what was reccomended for the perfect panels, but I was just wondering if the liquid nails might work even better. I'm not really sure how strong one glue is compared to another.
*does a search* Hmm.. couldn't find anything with Elmer's Ultimate Glue, but it's pretty much the same as gorilla glue, right? And most of the sites I ran across seemed to think they were about the same, at least for the projects they were using them for. I guess I sorta answered my own question on that.
Sorry, I'm just bored. |
Elmer's Ultimate Glue is actually Elmer's Probond glue. It's the same thing, they probably just changed named or somethin. Probond sounds cooler to me anyway Anyway the stuff is supposed to be as close to epoxy as you can get without actually buying epoxy. And epoxy is EXPENSIVE!!! My dad's got a tiny bit (like 2 grams) but I think I'll need more for this project. |
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