 |
|
 |
|
| |
Overview
This project has really taken a lot of time to finally get published. It has kind of taken a back burner to our other projects just due to its sheer scale. At the time of this article being written we have over 150 images and the article takes more pages than any other article we have ever produced. It’s just HUGE! So why is it getting finished now? Hardcore Gamer Magazine wanted to feature our older version of our dance pad. This new version is so far and above superior that I had to give them this. In fact they are featuring the world premiere of this article. So, with no further adieu. The ultimate dance Deck 2.0 |
|
The Dance Pad:
Sometimes the right method for invention is reinvention. Reinventing the wheel is not always the best course of action (unless you’re talking about government work or Software Development). When it came to the console interface we decided to do the easiest thing possible to accomplish our goal. A quick trip down to our local GameStop, some funny looks when we told them what we were doing with them and 40.00 for a set of their self branded dance pads and were off to a running start. These pads are for the Xbox. There are of course the PS2 verities as well and there is no difference in construction between the models. But the reason we chose the Xbox version was for the super easy ability to plug into a USB port on a PC. Just a simple converter is required and allows for pc play for free via step mania. Step mania is a free dance gaming suite and most dance games are based on its engine, both console and arcade. Just as a note there are Xbox to PS2 adapters for about 16.00 each. Giving the maximum flexibility possible out of the system |
|
Steel:
With this project we decided to use 1" square tubing for ease of construction. We also went to great efforts to create a design that would be both easy to construct as well as well as very durable. Using 14GA(.083) square tube we got from our local steel supplier and cutting it to length ourselves to save a buck or two. We strongly recommend using .083 or thicker material. Thinner materials may not have the strength to prevent warping and bending over time as well as being a little trickier to weld for the noob welder. The cut list for this project will be in the part list (yes, this is our first one.... but I think its finally appropriate on this project). Total cost for steel was somewhere around 95.00 and welding materials are about 10.00 per deck. Just a fair warning on costs, if you can’t cut and weld your materials yourself you can usually have the supplier of the material cut it to size for you at a cost usually twice the cost of the materials alone. These cuts are important to be accurate and I do not recommend using something like a hand hack saw for accuracy sakes. Additionally if you can't weld the deck you can usually get it welded together for 100.00 or so. Everything other than the deck fabrication can be done in the comfort of your personal geek studio surrounded with your friends like Old Ben Kenobi and Mr. rubix. |
|
Project Box:
Our local Radio Shaq (yes I know this is misspelled) we found some simple project boxes. Basically a 4 " X 8 " plastic box with a screw on plastic or metal lid. This is where we’re going to hide the controller wiring from the dance pad to the deck. Cost was about 8.00 |
|
Large Terminating Block:
We used one of these terminating blocks to provide a modular interface between the dance controller and the deck in case of tile or sensor replacement. Basically a 10 screw terminal it provides the functionality we needed at a good price, somewhere around 9.00 each from our local home improvement store.
|
|
Small terminating Block:
We used one of these terminating blocks to provide a modular interface between
the dance controller and the dance decks common ground. Basically a 2 screw terminal it
provides the functionality we needed at a good price, somewhere around 3.00
each. |
|
Wire:
We picked up a couple spools of this 24 gauge speaker wire at our local super
store for about 9.00 each. We chose to use the clear plastic coated speaker wire in this version for all our lighting electrical systems. |
|
The Deck Clamps:
In the prototype deck we chose to not use clamps due to the weight of the tiles. But this made so many dancers worry about sprained ankles that we decided to add them. But a run of the mill normal clamp would be lame (lame = not very innovative). So we designed a set of deck clamps that would allow you to adjust the step pressure required to trigger the sensor. Thus allowing for an adjustable intensity of work out beyond the step count method.
12.00 USD |
|
The Deck Surface:
Another change we made in this new version is going with 1" thick tiles. The reason for this change is not safety or weight limit concerns. It would be 10X stronger if we went with 1/2 inch polycarbonate tiles instead of these 1" thick acrylic tiles. The reason we went with the thicker tiles is in making the sensors more sensitive, and aesthetics. The lighting is so much more brilliant with 1 inch tiles that it really was the right choice for us.
One important note. When you get the tiles they should have rough white edges from the cutting process. If you get them laser or water cut this may not be the case. For the light to defuse and colors to blend in the deck these need to be very opaque. You can use some sandpaper or an electric sander on the edges to add this finish if they come nice and clean. |
|
Power Connections:
One of the goals we wanted to achieve with this new deck was greater storability. A quick stop by our local radio Shack for some power connections and we have a modular power system. Additionally this helps with the scrounging points as you can scrounge up your power supply and make it work like it was designed originally for this. 5.00 usd |
|
help
support inventgeek.com
|
|
|
