Build Log (Part 4)

All set, ready to paint and finish.  Paper and tape cover the most sensitive areas.

Four cans of spray paint later, it's done.  First I dumped a whole can of plain white primer over it all, and managed three coats before the can emptied.  Then I cut stencils of waves and taped them on.  Two coats of yellow give the bright finish needed for the top half.  When placing the stencils for the waves, I intentionally left a 1/2" gap of primer showing through.  Two coats of blue completed the outer look.

The last can of paint (flat black) was used to do the inner visible areas, the back of the bezel, and to fill any remaining gaps.  I then applied T-Molding to the whole cabinet, using wood glue to reinforce the gaps and help hold it in place against prying fingers...  The power supply fan pokes out the back door a bit, with the power button wedged above it.  I was able to repurpose the plug from the monitor into the back panel as well, giving a clean look to the rear panel.

For the front, I took a battery powered fluorescent undercabinet fixture and soldered wires to the battery terminals.  These connect to the +5V rail from the PC PSU and cause it to glow when the machine is powered on.  (Speakers are also powered by the +5V supply.)  The marquee is taped to a clear piece of plexi and held in place by painted L metal brackets used for holding drop ceiling tiles in place.  The bezel was an overly tall piece of plexiglass which bends to wedge exactly into place in front of the screen.  It makes a great fit, but can also be removed as needed.

Last, the internals.  Sticking with the theme of "one button to power it all", a 25A solid state relay controls power to the monitor.  When the PC powers up, the same +5V rail enables the SSR, and the monitor switches on.  Shutdown the PC and the monitor turns off too.  A fair amount of solder and electrical tape went into this... but somehow, it all fits neatly when closed up.

The top latches shut and is held closed by a small padlock.  Plug it in, push the button, and it's time to play!