Donkey Kong Themed Bartop

[eaconner]

Just started working on this last night. I will post more photos tomorrow.

It will be running the 60-in-1 Vertical Multi-Jamma PCB from Lizard Lick (http://www.lizardlickamusements.com/pages/multi_jamma_faq.shtml).

[LeedsFan]

Yay! Another project dedicated to my fave arcade game of all time. 

I will be watching this one. 

[eaconner]

Just completed the Marquee and CPO artwork.

[leapinlew]

Larry -

Looks good. Would you be interested in some side art? I had some printed up a while back with the intention of a bartop and never did it. If so - send me a PM, I'll send you some photos.

[SpaceHedgehog]

Vertical bartop  I like the sound of that! The pcb looks to have some great games on it as well. Looking forward to seeing this one come to life.

[eaconner]

The back panel and sides are now cut, sanded, and ready for paint. Tonight and tomorrow night I am planing to finish cutting and sanding the last four pieces. Then I am going to spend Friday priming, sanding, priming, sanding, and then adding the final coat of paint.

[eaconner]

I just finalized my CAD plans. I have added a png and pdf for your enjoyment.

[cmoses]

Very nice looking.  What size monitor are you planning to put in there?  Regular or widescreen?

[SpaceHedgehog]

I guess that would be regular or narrow screen 

[eaconner]

Very nice looking.  What size monitor are you planning to put in there?  Regular or widescreen?

The monitor is a 17" Widescreen Link To Amazon. I removed the plastic and mounting hardware.

[eaconner]

I am actually putting the whole project on hold for a few days. A friend has offered to let me use his CNC router to cut everything out. I'm just going to scrap what I have already cut out. I will post plenty of pictures from the CNC process. I am very excited.

[leapinlew]

I am actually putting the whole project on hold for a few days. A friend has offered to let me use his CNC router to cut everything out. I'm just going to scrap what I have already cut out. I will post plenty of pictures from the CNC process. I am very excited.

Awesome. If your using a CNC, don't forget the grill on the front plate.

[Spyridon]

Awesome. If your using a CNC, don't forget the grill on the front plate.

...and cut a few extra to sell

[eaconner]

Awesome. If your using a CNC, don't forget the grill on the front plate.

I won't forget that. I'm tired of drilling and cutting with a jig saw. I am actually going to mount the speaker above the monitor; I wanted to keep the front as slim as possible.

...and cut a few extra to sell

I am already thinking of offering a kit. I'll need to get my own CNC router if I'm going to de that.

[leapinlew]

I am actually going to mount the speaker above the monitor; I wanted to keep the front as slim as possible.

I had my first bartop with the sound above the monitor and my last few the sound came out from the base of the unit. Either sounds fine and about the same from what I could tell. If it's going to be a pain mounting them higher in the unit, mount them in the base pointing down through an opening in the bottom.

[eaconner]

All of the electronics are in. I love the 60 in 1 Jamma card. I will post a review as soon as I have time.

It looks like I will be cutting the case out next week, I just need to work out a time with my friend. I'm off to Lowe's today to buy some more MDF and a few misc parts.

[Bender]

Love this project!

I have no experience with jamma boards, is that thing running everything? (in other words no need for a pc, just a power suppy)
If so, how do you hook controls up to it?

[eaconner]

Love this project!

I have no experience with jamma boards, is that thing running everything? (in other words no need for a pc, just a power suppy)
If so, how do you hook controls up to it?

A JAMMA board (Japanese Arcade Machine Manufacturers Association) is standard for arcade machines. The main part of this standard is the 46 pair wiring harness (the rainbow cable on the left side of the photo below). This harness and board are basically the CPU and iPac in a Mame machine. The harness has connections for power, video, audio, coin door/coin counter, the player-1 controls, and the player-2 controls. This specific board has a 4 pin molex connector for power, a VGA output, and an 1/8" audio jack; this way you don't need to use all of the connections on the wiring harness. The only part of the harness that I am using is the player-1 and 2 controls. I have also attached the pinout for the JAMMA connector.

[Bender]

Wow that is pretty nifty!
Thanks for the info

I can sense another project idea forming, uh-oh

[eaconner]

Wow that is pretty nifty!
Thanks for the info

I can sense another project idea forming, uh-oh

The neat thing about this card is it allows you to turn on and off any of the 60 games. If you turn all but one off it will only load that game; there is no selection screen. You can have basically a dedicated cab. I already have plans for three full sized cabs; a dedicated Donkey Kong, Ms. Pacman, and Galaga. If I can't find a decent priced/working original board I know what I will be using.


On another note: I have finished drawing the parts in the CNC program so I should get everything cut out next week. I can't wait.

[saleem]

i think there is actualy only 48 games on them if i aint mistaken,i have one myself in an upright cabinet.the other versions are just faster versions of some of the games.i think there are 2 versions of the board,1 is supposed to be better hardware,i have the better version of the board.but,yes its an icade board.

[Bender]

actually 7 new games and 5 speed up games = 12

[eaconner]

Here is the complete gamelist.

1942
1943
Amidar
Arkanoid
Bomb Jack
Burger Time
Centipede
Crush Roller
Dig Dug
Dig Dug 2
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong 3
Donkey Kong Junior
Frogger
Galaga
Galaga 3
Galaxian
Gyruss
Hustler
Jr Pacman
Juno First
King & Balloon
Ladybug
Mappy
Millipede
Moon Cresta
Mr Do's Castle
Mr. Do
Ms Pacman
New Rally X
Pac Man
Pacman Plus
Pengo
Phoenix
Pinball Action
Qix
Scramble
Shao-Lin's Road
Space Invaders
Space Panic
Super Breakout
Super Cobra
Super Pacman
Tank Battalion
Time Pilot
Van-Van Car
Xevious
Zaxxon
 

NEW GAMES RECENTLY ADDED TO THE 60-IN-1 BOARD
Pooyan
Pleiads
Gunsmoke
The End
1943 Kai
Congo Bongo
Jumping Jack
Ms Pacman Fast
Galaga Fast
Pacman Fast
Jr. Pacman Fast
Pacman Plus Fast

[cmoses]

So how much does one of these 60 in 1 boards run and what is the best place to purchase them?

Really interested in this project.

[javeryh]

SO what kind of controls will cover you for something like that?  4-way, 8-way and 2 action buttons?

[eaconner]

So how much does one of these 60 in 1 boards run and what is the best place to purchase them?

Really interested in this project.

I bought my board from Lizard Lick, it was $149.95. You can find them on ebay but they are typically a knockoff, less reliable, and running slower hardware. You can find a very nice FAQ about the board at Multi Jamma FAQ.

SO what kind of controls will cover you for something like that?  4-way, 8-way and 2 action buttons?

I am using a 4-way Sanwa JLF-TP-8T Ball Handle Joystick and 4 Happ Pushbuttons with Horizontal Microswitchs (2 orange action and 2 blue for player 1 & 2 start). For the buttons I'm using 2 Micro-Leaf™ switches from Groovy Game Gear for the action buttons and 2 Cherry microswitches for the start buttons. Very few games will actually use the 2nd action button but, I decided to go ahead and add it. Three or four games can use a trackball but I decided to leave it out. I'll post a few photos of the controls tonight.

[eaconner]

Well, I just talked to my buddy and I am going over to use his CNC router tonight. I can't wait to try this out. Hopefully everything works out. I'll have some pictures tomorrow.

[eaconner]

The CNC process has begun. I have learned quite a bit about drawing the parts and operating the equipment. We started around 3:30 by mounting the board and starting a dry run where I found out I had the speed set a little to fast and my drawing needed to be rotated 90 degree. So, after fixing those issues it was about 5:30 we did another dry run and had to move the board and remount it. We then crossed our fingers and turned the router on. Everything went perfect! I didn't have a chance to take any pictures of the process (I will do that tomorrow) because I was very busy holding the shop-vac. We then cleaned up the shop and called it a night (by then it was 7:30). I am going back tomorrow to cut out a few more pieces, hopefully all of them.

The following are a few photos of the back panel.

1. Back panel outside - The holes are for power, fan, reset button, and vents at the top.
2. Back panel inside - Pocket cut for the fan.
3. Back panel outside - Primed and ready for sanding.

[deepblue]

Great looking project. Has motivated me to finish my 2+ year King of Kong cabinet just so I can start on a similar bartop next

[SpaceHedgehog]

That looks just so clean  CNC + laminate would be arcade heaven.

[eaconner]

That was fast! Yesterday, (3:30-10:30) I completed all of the pieces, everything has been cut with the CNC router, the edges have been slot cut for t-molding, and everything has been lightly sanded by hand. I have attached a few photos of the machine and the results.

Tonight, I will be priming and sanding the pieces. I hope to start putting everything together over the weekend.

1. CNC Router
2. Cutting out the front piece with pocket and holes for the speaker.
3. Front of the control panel.
4. Back of the control panel with pocket for the joystick.
5. Front of the front piece with holes for the speaker.
6. Back of the front piece with pocket and holes for the speaker.

[leapinlew]

Loving the grill. nice work.

[eaconner]

Last night I primed, sanded, and primed all of the parts again. I am getting ready to go pickup some paint and sand all of the parts again. Then give everything a nice coat of DK blue.

[eaconner]

Should I paint the inside edge black or blue?

[rablack97]

i dunno, both look good, depends on the color of your t-molding i guess...

Me personally would do black to create the darkness effect around my monitor.

[javeryh]

Black definitely - keep it as close to "original" as possible.  Looking good.

[SpaceHedgehog]

+1 for the black. It draws you into the game more.

[leapinlew]

black. I just painted mine with Onyx black from Home Depot. Turned out nice.

[Epyx]

For sure black.

[Ond]

Black,  wait, what was the question? *goes back and reads*  definitley black, looks very nice, the cab I mean.  

[eaconner]

DK blue!

[eaconner]

Quick update. Painting is complete, I am starting to put everything together.

[Ond]

Very neat work, looks very clean, looks like you are pretty organized too, ahh these projects that come together so quick (seemingly) 

[LeedsFan]

This is looking awesome! Are you planning on selling any kits for the cabinet? Woodworking is not something I am very good at myself. I might be interested.

[ccmathome]

where do you put the power switch on this board?

[eaconner]

Very neat work, looks very clean, looks like you are pretty organized too, ahh these projects that come together so quick (seemingly) 

Thanks, that means alot coming from you. I am in love with your Retro-Futuristic cab. Great work!

I tend to spend as much time planing things out as I can. I spent 4 months planing and designing my full size mame cab. I only spent about a month on this one, which, this time I had a better understanding of what needed to be done.

This is looking awesome! Are you planning on selling any kits for the cabinet? Woodworking is not something I am very good at myself. I might be interested.

I would love to offer kits. If I do, I will need to build my own CNC router. I don't think my friend would like his shop coated in MDF dust powder again.

where do you put the power switch on this board?

I am using a fused power entry module from Lizard Lick.


I wired a two way splitter to it for my PC power supply and the monitor. The PC power supply is powering the fan and the 60 in 1 iCade board.

When I flip the switch on the power entry module it instantly powers the board, fan, and monitor.

I will post a few photos with better detail tonight.

[eaconner]

Another quick update. Added T-molding and a few other things.

I still need to buy and cut the plexi for the screen and marquee, mount the monitor, apply the artwork, and mount the controls.

I will hopefully be done in two more weeks...
Fingers crossed, I can't wait to play.

[javeryh]

Woah.  Your power solution is EXACTLY what I've been looking for.  So simple and so elegant!  Do you have any details on how you hooked up the plug to the power outlet?  Did you solder or just wrap with electrical tape?

Also, do you have a link to where you got that white plug on the end that everything will plug into?

Thanks   

[eaconner]

Woah.  Your power solution is EXACTLY what I've been looking for.  So simple and so elegant!  Do you have any details on how you hooked up the plug to the power outlet?  Did you solder or just wrap with electrical tape?

Also, do you have a link to where you got that white plug on the end that everything will plug into?

Thanks   

Thanks, I'm glad you like my solution, I was looking for a very simple and compact way of doing this.

The plug is soldered on (quick disconnects would work too) then wrapped in electrical tape and the white three-way splitter was found on Amazon.com.

[javeryh]

Woah.  Your power solution is EXACTLY what I've been looking for.  So simple and so elegant!  Do you have any details on how you hooked up the plug to the power outlet?  Did you solder or just wrap with electrical tape?

Also, do you have a link to where you got that white plug on the end that everything will plug into?

Thanks   

Thanks, I'm glad you like my solution, I was looking for a very simple and compact way of doing this.

The plug is soldered on (quick disconnects would work too) then warped in electrical tape and the white three-way splitter was found on Amazon.com.

Awesome - thanks!  I have been putting off finishing my jukebox because of the power cords (I just plug all 3 - the monitor, the computer and the speaker bar- into a strip right now and it is horrible).  I thought I'd have to splice all 3 together and one of them has the big block on the end that I would have to open up and I didn't know how to do it AND I was a bit scared of setting the house on fire.  Your solution is much much better.   

[Arch]

It looks stunning with the white T-molding against the blue. Following this thread with interest! 

[eaconner]

After taking a short break I'm ready to start working on this again. I have to go buy some wood and plexi tonight. Then start mounting the monitor. Hopefully my artwork will show up from Mame Marquees this week. I placed the order about two weeks ago but, I know Scott is a busy guy. Update: I just received my tracking info from Mame Marquees, everything should be here by Thursday. I should have some progress pics soon.

It looks stunning with the white T-molding against the blue. Following this thread with interest!  

Arch, I'm glad that you like my project. Thanks for taking a look.

[eaconner]

My marquee and CPO came in yesterday from Mame Marquees and the print job is awesome! Special thanks to Scott for doing such a great job.

I however messed up my CP when I created the drawing for the CNC router, my button holes are 1/2" too high. Not a big deal, but I now have to create a new CP. Hope to get everything completed next week.

[eaconner]

Uploaded the CAM files for those who requested them.

Enjoy!

[eaconner]

Well, after taking a month long break from the project I am finally getting back to it.

Last night I created a new control panel and added the artwork and controls.

[Wade]

Wow, that's really nice and clean.  CNC cut?  Classy.  That's great that you have access to that sort of thing.  Makes for a very professional looking product!!

Wade

[eaconner]

Wow, that's really nice and clean.  CNC cut?  Classy.  That's great that you have access to that sort of thing.  Makes for a very professional looking product!!

Wade

Thanks Wade. Just wait till you guys have a game night, then you can see it in person.


Some slight progress has been made in the last few days. I put together the mount for the monitor, this weekend I am going to pick up the Plexiglas and a can of black spray paint to finish it off.

[Bender]

Hey eaconner,

What power supply are you using?

Any updates on the Build?

can't wait to see this thing up and running

[eaconner]

The power supply is a Diablotek DA Series 400-Watt ATX Power Supply PSDA400 found on amazon.

The only update that I have is I picked up the Plexiglas and spray paint that I needed. I just haven't had time to work on it. Yesterday, I picked up a 1979 Gottlieb "Buck Rogers" pinball machine that needs cleaned up and re-pinned. I have a feeling that my time is going to be torn between the two projects.

[WhereEaglesDare]

So as I read it that CPO art was custom or was it the same size as an original?  Could you post your CPO and marquee art file?  I am thinking I may build one following your example...if my wife will let me get away with it.

[eaconner]

So as I read it that CPO art was custom or was it the same size as an original?  Could you post your CPO and marquee art file?  I am thinking I may build one following your example...if my wife will let me get away with it.

The CPO is 17"x6" which is smaller than the original. If you have any questions just let me know. Good luck convincing your wife, Luckily my girlfriend doesn't have a problem with my arcade obsession. She still doesn't understand it though. Attached are the CPO and Marquee.

Enjoy,
Eric

[WhereEaglesDare]

Thanks      Are you going to use custom Bezel art aswell?

Yea she is giving me crap because I havnt gotten the artwork worked out for my other cabinet yet, but other than that its complete.  She doesn't understand that customer artwork doesnt just fall from the sky all the time.

[Bender]

hey eaconner,

you inspired me to pick up one of those cards
I'm having a little difficulty with the sound, how are you doing that part?
are you going through the mini jack, or the harness, is the jack mono or stereo?
are your speaker/s powered? What speaker/s are you using?
do you have a volume control besides the menu based one?
Thanks so much for any info

[eaconner]

I'm having a little difficulty with the sound, how are you doing that part?
Are you going through the mini jack, or the harness, is the jack mono or stereo?
Are your speaker/s powered?
What speaker/s are you using?
Do you have a volume control besides the menu based one?

I am using a 1/2 watt 4 ohm speaker hooked up to the JAMMA connector. I tried using the headphone jack with un-powered speakers and couldn't get enough volume. The board also has a volume control on it that only adjusts the JAMMA speaker. The audio output is only mono.

If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.

Hope that helps,
Eric

[eaconner]

Are you going to use custom Bezel art aswell?

I think I'm just going to paint the bezel black to keep the cost down.

One day I will find the time to finish this. I need to get my Buck Rogers pin up and running first.

[Jigenjuke]

How about shipping for a cost for the bezel artwork.  I am a little far away for you, but we have Color ink jel plotters here at school in Japan.  I am usre if you asked around the forum you could get someone to print the size of bezel you need for that bartop.  It would look great and maybe cost ya 5-6 bucks. 

Adam

[Bender]

I'm having a little difficulty with the sound, how are you doing that part?
Are you going through the mini jack, or the harness, is the jack mono or stereo?
Are your speaker/s powered?
What speaker/s are you using?
Do you have a volume control besides the menu based one?

I am using a 1/2 watt 4 ohm speaker hooked up to the JAMMA connector. I tried using the headphone jack with un-powered speakers and couldn't get enough volume. The board also has a volume control on it that only adjusts the JAMMA speaker. The audio output is only mono.

If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.

Hope that helps,
Eric

Yeah, It turns out you need the 12v going to the board for the sound to work and the headphone jack is only for powered speakers, but I did get the sound going
Thanks for the info!

I might have a way to help you out with the bezel too
What are the overall dimensions of it?

[eaconner]

I might have a way to help you out with the bezel too
What are the overall dimensions of it?

It is 17" wide and 18" tall.

[Bender]

PM sent!

[eaconner]

Looks like I need to create some custom bezel artwork now.

[Jigenjuke]

Hey mate, you don't have to create bezel artwork for this project.  I resized what I had for my bartops and zipped it for you.  Hope this helps.

Adam

[mike boss]

Great looking project. Amazing attention to detail, a top shelf project all the way around.
Really really good work.

I have three bartop's I'm working on. Sadly I broke one of the monitors so I now need to purchase a 15" LCD.
Was it easy to de-case your monitor ?

[Jigenjuke]

Great looking project. Amazing attention to detail, a top shelf project all the way around.
Really really good work.

I have three bartop's I'm working on. Sadly I broke one of the monitors so I now need to purchase a 15" LCD.
Was it easy to de-case your monitor ?

I agree, great projects!!  Mike You don't have to de-case the monitors.  For the three bartops that I made I kept the monitors in the cases because all of the monitors had nice threads for bolts.  I just put in a cross piece inside the cabinet and mounted the monitor to it.  The weight of the monitor cases is minimal so I just left them as they were.  You can kind of see what I did in this thread.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=85596.0

[eaconner]

Was it easy to de-case your monitor ?

Mike,
It was very easy to de-case the monitor. The plastic bezel was removed by running a small flat head screwdriver around the outer edge to unlatch the plastic tabs.

[mike boss]

I appreciate the info, thank you.
Not to take away from your thread, but I ended up breaking the neck of one of my monitors.
I figure a 15" LCD @ $40 used is better (and easier to find) then a 13" arcade monitor.
I'm thinking every little fraction of an inch will help, hence the reason for de-casing.
Again I think you !

(  my trio : http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QAVXNwPpzL8/S7i8ZkRKhvI/AAAAAAAAEAw/FRnGUolW8FU/s1600/Putting+It+Together+%287%29.JPG  )

[eaconner]

I've decided to take a break from Buck Rogers and finish this project up.

To Do:
1. Create plexi bezel (I've decided to just paint it black)
2. Mount the monitor and plexi
3. Attach the marquee

I'm going to try and get this finished by Sunday.

Hey mate, you don't have to create bezel artwork for this project.  I resized what I had for my bartops and zipped it for you.  Hope this helps.

Adam

Adam, I couldn't get the zip file to open.

[Jigenjuke]

Adam
[/quote]
Adam, I couldn't get the zip file to open.
[/quote]

Hey there I just downloaded it and tried to unzip it and I had no problems on my PC at work that doesn't have Winrar and also at home with my PC that does.  I had no problems.  PM later if you want it.  It really is a high quality illustrator file.

Adam

[mike boss]

eaconner & Jigenjuke,
Your work is inspiring. Really top shelf projects, they look incredible. I would be proud to have these cabinets in my collection.
I by no means want to take away from this thread, but thank you for all the info.
I ended up getting my 15" LCD monitor which DID fit CASES. And as I've seen done in previous posts I'm simply going to fashion a bracket to install.
I'm proud to say I just need to make the monitor bracket, plexi bracket, and wire up the power.
Thank you guys

http://www.mymissiontomame.blogspot.com/

[tevans333]

Any chance of some finished pics??