Interchangeable

[Coachtrox]

Has anyone tried a field cover on a thin magnetic backing so that you can use multiple field looks for one board by just switching them on and off?

[nefgm.org]

I know it has been done by some people in years past. 

[The Major]

On 10/10/2020 at 11:20 AM, Coachtrox said:

Has anyone tried a field cover on a thin magnetic backing so that you can use multiple field looks for one board by just switching them on and off?

Coach, I have used fields printed on magnetic sheets and I will not choose this method again.  No matter how thin you get the magnetic material (and there is a minimum thickness), it is another layer of material between the vibration and the player.  In short, everything got SLOW and jerky.  I was able to adjust the motors and placement to smooth it out and speed it up a bit, but compared to a vinyl cover it is woefully inferior. 

As a result, I stuck that board to the side of my fridge (looks awesome by the way) and redesigned a new vinyl field for myself.  My board runs like a dream now on two tudor electric motors using the Tudor blip switch as well (aka Play Action Remote).   

I would spare you from the expense of going through the process of getting a magnetic field only to not be satisfied with it.  Obviously, to each his own, however.  Some of you out there may have had a better experience.  For me, vinyl is clearly superior.   

[The Major]

Another point of clarification.  I did put the magnetic cover on top of bare sheet metal.  I did not have it on top of an already vinyl covered field.   Also, while I do have a good engineering background, I do NOT know the physics of magnetic field effects on vibrational fields.  I do know there is a relationship however as magnets are used in many applications to deaden vibrations.  I have my suspicions however, based on what I have seen, that magnetic sheets may have a negative effect on the playing field vibration beyond just their additional thickness. 

[Ravenna Al]

I have a basic board frame that I switch the fields. My field cover is on a 26x50 piece of sheet metal ( I have 2 of them) My motors are on magnets that I put on underneath. When I want to switch fields, I remove the motors, switch the fields and then reattach the motors. Takes just a couple of minutes.

 

[Nanook]

It was very difficult for me to decide witch field cover to get on my ultimate board. I was wondering if anyone has tried putting a second field cover on a board but not sticking it down so it can be easily removed. Maybe hold it down with end zone magnets. Someone then could order a different cover and just switch them out.

[zak99b5]

To the endzone magnetic pylons, I would add a rare earth magnets (Harbor Freight) along both sidelines, every 20 yards or so, to keep the second field cover in place.

[Nanook]

Got my toe pro field cover for my ultimate board. Trimmed it to fit and put it on with magnets on the sides to hold it down.  Ran it and my players ran great. Still working on magnet placement but now I can use it with the toe pro or packer cover. Will send a video if anyone is interested.

[nefgm.org]

Would love to see the video. 

 

[Nanook]

My ultimate packer board and with toe pro cover over it held down with a few magnets.