A raspberry pi - IKEA lack arcade idea

Question

Hi everybody! after looking for nice original ideas to build my own cheap and pretty arcade, i came across the IKEA lack coffee table arcades (such as element 14's) i have decided to do something similar but wall mounted and unique. check out my design in the attached pictures. i would very much like to hear feedback on my idea and how to improve.

what you are looking at is:

a LACK IKEA side table with no legs, with a integrated 19' LCD screen mounted on a wall (i would welcome insights and ideas on how to mount it, flat or with some giveaway from the wall? it's a concrete wall - what mounting device is best.. anything..)

the controllers are mounted on two small LACK wall shelf's (the controller themselves are not finale.. i would probably use some kit like

Easyget LED Arcade - i welcome input about this as well)

the pie it self is a challenge.. as it stands now it's just sort of sits inside a hole in the table.. and sticks out a bit.. would really like ideas about that.. the cables will go behind the table in channels i would carve out for them.

it's a good idea to note i have VERY limited woodworking skills, tools and money.. that is why i went with the IKEA HACK conept to begin with.. with that in mind, i am looking forward for your input.

Thank's!

BTW i am very sorry about my poor English grammar, i am afraid it is not my first language...

14rhb · Answer

Hi Omer, Fantastic graphics, really easy to see the idea, which I also really like. Those Lack tables are really lightweight so they are likely some sort of cardboard box section inside - only strengthened around the leg attachments and side? If that is the case you may find them really easy to cut. The main thing I would ensure when mounting the TV/monitor into the wall mounted table is to ensure some air circulation - e.g. perhaps space that table off the wall by 50mm so the heat from the back of the monitor can escape upwards. As for mounting to the back of that table, I would glue/screw some battens/frame on the back of the table. The monitor would sit in that frame and then add a simple batten or wire restraint across the back of the monitor to hold it in place. Rod (p.s. your English is great )

danzima · Answer

Hi Omer! This sounds really interesting, and I agree the graphical concept really helps. I would strongly recommend also posting this to Raspberry Pi , which is very much a hub for this sort of project!

14rhb · Answer

I guess the Lack tables look that bit more 'designer' - they are thick edged and come in a range of modern colours. A TV mount looks quite stark by comparision. Rod

Fred27 · Answer

My first thought was also that the lack table adds nothing. If you need to mount a monitor to the wall then just use a monitor mount. That's what they're for.

The small shelves look like a good idea though. If they're hollow and filled with a cardboard honeycomb like much of the cheaper Ikea stuff then they would be ideal for enclosing the Raspberry Pi too.