Creative, concealable rigs?

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cazamarama

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cazamarama
I've seen some awesome custom rigs on here. I am wondering how creative some of you guys/gals have gotten when it comes to concealing a set up. I'm not talking about folding it up and storing it in a closet, because even storage is quite limited where I am, and I don't want anything sitting out.

I did see one home made rig (can't remember which site now) where the guy could fold the seat down and put a cover over it so it could be used as seating. It was really creative and I am considering some of my own similar designs for somewhere down the line. I am no carpenter, so I'd have to work on my skill first, but it seems like a fun project.

Thanks!
 
Since I also don't really have any place to store a rig, I've also been looking around for something that could fold away, or be concealing.

The only thing I've come across, which was concealing, was the ConverTTable. I was looking into getting one, until I saw the price-tag (€3000 (~$3980 USD)), but it might be possible to make something similar :D:tup:.
 
My kind of Topic :D

My problem was fitting everything into a small business office and hide it during the day.



For more info see my topic in my signature
 
I have my gaming computer mounted in a computer hutch -- single-screen monitor (24" 1920x1080). I have my T500RS wheel mounted on a decent set of roller-bearing drawer slides, and the pedals fit in the bottom where the printer shelf would go (I built the hutch minus the printer shelf). This is the hutch itself:

Link: http://www.sauder.com/Sauder/Office-Computer/Computer-Armoires/103330.aspx

I can break down my gaming rig by sliding out the "drawer/shelf" that the wheel is mounted on, and then storing the T500 wheel in the bottom section with my mid-tower CPU and the T500 pedals, but it's a bit of a pain because I have to slide the pedals over a bit, then store the "drawer/shelf" and the wheel in an inverted position, with the drawer slides resting on the top of my mid-tower case, and the T500 base resting on a padded wooden "support" that I also use as a "blocker board" to keep the pedals in-place while racing.

So, it does what I wanted it to when I came up with the original idea, but I'd like to make it even more "user friendly" for me by making it easier to "transform" from my racing configuration to the "close up the doors on the hutch and get it all out of sight" configuration.

As it is, my wheel remains mounted and the hutch remains open about 99% of the time. In fact, it's almost ALWAYS mounted and open unless we're having friends over or entertaining and such, which almost defeats the purpose -- personally, I'd LIKE to be able to just stow my wheel and shut my PC down at the end of the day, then simply open up the hutch and flip the wheel into place when I get home from work and just want to run a few laps.

To that end, in order to make it a bit easier, I am now moving on to "phase 2" of my computer hutch racing rig. First, I'm going to remove the keyboard tray and install a "mixer lift" shelf mechanism, then mount the wheel to the shelf. I'm actually going to insert a night stand into the cavity where the printer shelf would go (where my pedals are now), and then install the mixer lift inside the night stand.

This is the night stand I grabbed -- fits perfectly with the keyboard tray removed, and by building it without the drawer, the shelf, and the raised "shelf" on the base, it makes for a perfect mounting receptacle for the mixer lift mechanism:

Link: http://www.kmart.com/essential-home-night-stand/p-021W825872110001P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

This is the mixer lift mechanism I'm using -- Rockler carries the same item, but it was a little cheaper online from this supplier (shipping was fast, too):

Link: http://www.woodstocksupply.com/heavy-duty-mixer-lift-chrome-ras-ml-hdcr-rev-a-shelf.html

I think I'm also going to mount my monitor on a wall-mount monitor arm so I can swing it out and have it "float" right above my T500 wheel base -- I've got a couple of VESA mounts on-hand to use, and they look something like this:

Link: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...d=1082806&p_id=5921&seq=1&format=1#largeimage

I use a "sled base" (no wheels) Herman Miller Equa office chair to race in -- I previously had a '94 Honda Civic seat mounted on a base with wheels as my "office chair," but it was a bit of an eyesore in our family room. The Herman Miller Equa offers EXCELLENT back support, and it holds me in place as well as my Honda seat did previously; the "sled base" keeps it firmly in place while racing, so I have a nice, "fixed" racing position. This is what the Herman Miller Equa looks like -- nice enough to use as in-home furniture with a nice, modern look, and I picked mine up from a local used office furniture store for $25, which was a HUGE bargain considering they go for upwards of $300 new:

Link: http://www.metroretrofurniture.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?item=5027&cameFrom=397

I'd post pics of my current setup but, uh, my desk is a HUGE mess.

:guilty:

Once I get it all done the way I want, I WILL post pics, but hopefully this will give some of you some ideas for "spouse-friendly," "family room compatible" concealable racing rigs.
 
Awesome ideas.

Dean, that is a cool table, exactly the kind of thing I was hoping to see. It is very expensive though. But if you can afford it, and it fits your style/space, then that is awesome. I like the elegant look that fits both a modern look and a race look. That is something I would want to incorporate in a DIY project.

HoiHman, the retractable TV is sweet, and a great idea! The whole setup is something to drool over (or next to, at least :).

John, wow, you've really thought this one through. Awesome prices on some nice furniture too that will fit perfect. I hadn't thought about doing an amour like that. And yeah, it definitely is best to be concealable and convenient That mixer mechanism is really clever and something I'll have to think about. That chair looks nice too.

I'll have to try and throw some ideas into a CAD program.
 
I was also going to throw this out there:

http://www.geekchichq.com/

They make high end furniture for tabletop gaming. I don't play those kind of games, but this site inspired me to think about a "classier" way to conceal a race rig. I bet someone could make a lot of money making stuff like this for video games (and somebody probably does...).
 
Love that GO GO concept -- perfect for a rec room or basement, but there are no accommodations or allowance for a CPU tower or monitors, so it seems designed to work with a gaming console setup and a large screen TV.

Still very cool, but it wouldn't have the "wife acceptance factor" of a fully hidden setup like what I'm sorting-out with my armoire/desk setup.
 
JohnBodin
Now THAT is epic! 👍

Seems like you might have room enough to incorporate a CPU tower (perhaps a mid-size tower?) inside the unit itself -- if you could devise some way to incorporate a stowable monitor on some type of articulated arm, I could see that becoming a self-contained "racing pod."

VERY cool! :)
Click to expand...

Thanks :) Your solution looks pretty cool too, from what I can piece together with your several links :D How stable is that mixer lift?

In regards to Dragula there were a few issues I have with the current layout, the main one is the wheel deck height, I feel it is a bit too low, I think an RS smarty wheel mount (http://rseat.net/shop/product.php?id_product=75) would alleviate the issue, and the second issue is the no-name car seat is extremely uncomfortable on long hauls. The ottoman design is something of merit, but I just feel that for what I need to spend on it, I can put that money towards another rig. I will probably return to Dragula at a later date probably when when my son wants a rig, and it could go in his room.

And as you said, yes you could easily mount a tower, and possibly a monitor in it, but keep in mind that this thing weighs a ton as it is, and is difficult to move on carpet, wouldn't be so bad on hard floors. Or even if you had a dedicated area.

But in saying all this, I am about to order an Obutto Ozone as I have gained some space in my house, and the "Secretary of Finance and Recreation" (wife) has finally agreed to let me have a dedicated area for my rig and racing, so I am going to go down the "off the shelf" path and get an ozone.
 
Clevohead
How stable is that mixer lift?
Click to expand...

That IS the question of the day for me -- I know the mixers that the shelf is designed to support can be VERY heavy and they create quite a bit of gyroscopic motion when they're really working hard (as with bread dough and stuff). My wife has one of the bigger mixers that this shelf is designed to support, and it's a beast.

The shelf can be adjusted to support up to 60 lbs, so I'm thinking it's probably going to be pretty solid when raised into place.

My other worry is having enough clearance BELOW the shelf to clear the T500 pedals underneath, but the dimensions look good on paper.

Now I just need to find the time to get the lift installed.

:nervous:
 
I will be keeping an eye on your progress with great anticipation :D

Now just a quick question, are you possibly going to make your cool rim centres for G27? Would love a ford one ;)
 
Why is everyone trying to "conceal" their rigs? Please don't tell me it's because you don't want your respective woman in your lives judging you? Screw that! If they don't like it show them the door. Man up! LOL :)
 
Carson79 - That's pretty awesome, it's exactly what I was hoping to see! Give me some good ideas, but he's got patent's going, so better watch out for those I guess :O


FMW - actually it's my preference too. Don't get me wrong, if I had the space, I'd love to have a high class rig in a man cave. But sim racing isn't really my main hobby, so I don't care to devote the style of my living room to it. And personally, most setups are an eye sore. I know they can look nice, but again, space. I'd rather keep my guitars on display ;)
 
Patents won't matter unless you try to sell copies of his design. A patent wouldn't prevent you from copying what he's done down to the exact detail for your own use.

;)
 
FMW
Why is everyone trying to "conceal" their rigs? Please don't tell me it's because you don't want your respective woman in your lives judging you? Screw that! If they don't like it show them the door. Man up! LOL :)
Click to expand...

My gaming rig has to reside in our family room, which is the main room of our house -- I don't have room for a full cockpit and a triple monitor setup, and I don't want to have to compromise my living space for an occasional racing rig. Given that, for me, having a concealable rig is an ideal compromise.

Besides, I like the "hideaway" aspect -- if I can't have a hidden entrance to the Batcave, at least I can have a hidden driving simulator!

:cool:

:lol:
 
JohnBodin
I have my gaming computer mounted in a computer hutch -- single-screen monitor (24" 1920x1080). I have my T500RS wheel mounted on a decent set of roller-bearing drawer slides, and the pedals fit in the bottom where the printer shelf would go (I built the hutch minus the printer shelf). This is the hutch itself:

Link: http://www.sauder.com/Sauder/Office-Computer/Computer-Armoires/103330.aspx

I can break down my gaming rig by sliding out the "drawer/shelf" that the wheel is mounted on, and then storing the T500 wheel in the bottom section with my mid-tower CPU and the T500 pedals, but it's a bit of a pain because I have to slide the pedals over a bit, then store the "drawer/shelf" and the wheel in an inverted position, with the drawer slides resting on the top of my mid-tower case, and the T500 base resting on a padded wooden "support" that I also use as a "blocker board" to keep the pedals in-place while racing.

So, it does what I wanted it to when I came up with the original idea, but I'd like to make it even more "user friendly" for me by making it easier to "transform" from my racing configuration to the "close up the doors on the hutch and get it all out of sight" configuration.

As it is, my wheel remains mounted and the hutch remains open about 99% of the time. In fact, it's almost ALWAYS mounted and open unless we're having friends over or entertaining and such, which almost defeats the purpose -- personally, I'd LIKE to be able to just stow my wheel and shut my PC down at the end of the day, then simply open up the hutch and flip the wheel into place when I get home from work and just want to run a few laps.

To that end, in order to make it a bit easier, I am now moving on to "phase 2" of my computer hutch racing rig. First, I'm going to remove the keyboard tray and install a "mixer lift" shelf mechanism, then mount the wheel to the shelf. I'm actually going to insert a night stand into the cavity where the printer shelf would go (where my pedals are now), and then install the mixer lift inside the night stand.

This is the night stand I grabbed -- fits perfectly with the keyboard tray removed, and by building it without the drawer, the shelf, and the raised "shelf" on the base, it makes for a perfect mounting receptacle for the mixer lift mechanism:

Link: http://www.kmart.com/essential-home-night-stand/p-021W825872110001P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

This is the mixer lift mechanism I'm using -- Rockler carries the same item, but it was a little cheaper online from this supplier (shipping was fast, too):

Link: http://www.woodstocksupply.com/heavy-duty-mixer-lift-chrome-ras-ml-hdcr-rev-a-shelf.html

I think I'm also going to mount my monitor on a wall-mount monitor arm so I can swing it out and have it "float" right above my T500 wheel base -- I've got a couple of VESA mounts on-hand to use, and they look something like this:

Link: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...d=1082806&p_id=5921&seq=1&format=1#largeimage
Click to expand...

Quick update on my concealable rig progress:

The mixer mount from Woodstocksupply is awesome, but with it mounted inside the "nightstand" enclosure, I don't have clearance below for my pedals, and there's not enough room to slide the pedals back far enough for it to all fit.

:(

All is not lost, though -- looking at the unit from Rockler, their version is designed for under-drawer mount, and it's a TOP-mount bracket, rather than a side-mount (screws go UP into the bottom of the drawer/shelf above, not into the sides of a cabinet). The Rockler item is a little shorter, it seems, and even if it works out to be roughly the same height, with the top-mount scheme I should have plenty of clearance below for the pedals.

Here's the Rockler item:

Link: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=220

That does simplify the build a bit -- I considered the Rockler item to begin with because of the way it mounts, but it's also only rated for 20 lbs, whereas the one from Woodstocksupply is rated up to 60 lbs. I'm hoping the 20 lb capacity of the Rockler shelf will suffice, but if not I have already figured that I should be able to use a pull-out support using my current drawer slides that I mount my wheel with presently to make for kind of a "drop-leaf" support if necessary.

So, the Rockler part has been ordered, and now I just have to wait for it to arrive to see if it fits.

Also, I need to toss the mixer shelf from Woodstocksupply up on ebay to try to recover some of the money I laid out for that.

:guilty:

Wish me luck!
 
JohnBodin
Patents won't matter unless you try to sell copies of his design. A patent wouldn't prevent you from copying what he's done down to the exact detail for your own use.

;)
Click to expand...

Exactly. If it is for your own use, you can do it, I'll be proud if my foldable rig design is a nice solution for the gamers. That's why I publicized it too. :)

Pics of an other new version will be shared with you before end of the year...
 
Dean J
I would love to see some pictures of your progress, John. It surely does sound interesting :D.
Click to expand...

Oh, it's looking pretty ugly at the moment -- I built-up the nightstand sans shelf and drawer to serve as a wheel/pedal enclosure, then drilled out the holes for the lift mechanism . . . and now it can't be used.

:(

It did fit nicely in my armoire, but the first lift mechanism is just too tall and doesn't leave clearance for the pedals, so I uninstalled the lift mechanism and boxed it back up for resale (it's basically unused, so SOMEONE will be getting a bargain), and the nightstand is probably destined for trash pickup.

:guilty:
 

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