Retro Arcade Clock - Rpi2DMD - P2.5 Cover for Frame Kit

After building a larger version using P5 LED panels, I also wanted to build a smaller one. The p2.5 panels (2 of them side by side) are 80mm X 320mm and are basically the same size as a pinball cabinet Dot Matrix Display.

These files are only the cover plates I created to go over the p2.5 LED Panel frame. The frame itself was created by Monk and is hosted on NeoArcadia forums in the link below. I just wanted to provide more of a finished look to it was it will sit on my desk at work.

This is an awesome project and I would encourage you to check out the excellent guide created by eLLuiGi hosted at the link below. Included in the zip file with the guide is the P2.5 Frame Kit that my covers are to be used on.

The guide will provide links to all the hardware needed and directions on how to obtain the RasberryPi Image and additional animations. The image comes with around 600 animations by default yet you can also add an additional 1500 which I also recommend as they are excellent. The amount of work the crew at NeoArcadia has done is incredible.

A great addition to any location, game room, office, bar room you name it!

Use google translate if you don't speak French: http://www.neo-arcadia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=66819

UPDATE: Sept. 10, 2019

I have added some additional back panel and top panel options with air holes should you wish to use them. Would be worth consideration if your project will be running in a non-air conditioned location.

I find the RaspberryPi never gets hot (only warm to touch) even when running the panels at 80% all day long, yet that is an air conditioned space so I opted to not have additional ventilation holes. For your project? You now have options my friend.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Monoprice

Printer:

Maker Ultimate

Rafts:

No

Supports:

No

Resolution:

0.2 mm

Infill:

20%

Filament: Hatchbox PLA Marble

Notes:

If you want your version to look the same as mine, print the following:

1x Name plate top (can be printed in 4 colors as shown in the pictures)

1x Name plate bottom

1x Coverplate

2x Side panel

2x Top panel

You can use the plates with air holes instead as you deem appropriate, just ensure you have the same number of plates listed above for a full build.

Also if you don't want the raspberry pi logo, just print 2 coverplates. :)

Post-Printing

Assembly of the prints to the frame

The 2 parts of the name plate are to be glued together and then glued to the front left of the frame. The tops, sides and right side coverplate (same size as the 2 nameplate sections just without any logo) are also glued to the frame.

The frame kit by monk contains the back plates and mounting points for the P2.5 panels and the raspberry pi.

I drilled out the holes that secure the LED panels to the frame from left to right a bit (an oval hole) so I could move the panels left or right before tightening so they are flush against one another, that way it looks as it is one panel when completed. I had less than a millimeter of space before widening the holes.

I made a couple of changes versus what the guide mentions, as follows:

1. for the Micro USB connection to the Raspberry Pi, I used the following connector and some spare Molex power cable wires to make a more robust wiring harness. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014GMP4E4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2. While the guide mentions using a 5.5x2.1 plug, I found on amazon a 5V 10A power brick with 5.5x2.5 connectors for ~$15 shipped, so I used that instead. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q26YG61/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3. Finally I added a female power plug mount to the one rear panel so it looks more polished. If you want to do the same, just drill a 3mm hole in the cover to mount the connector. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32926192128.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.7c064c4dBpQGLR

Category: Signs & Logos