OMG - no one has mentioned ARTIFACT yet?? C'mon guys!!!
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68794.0;all
Thank you!!! I was inspired by so many GREAT projects here as well... I learned so much from all of you... It's a snowball effect.
I hope the SketchUp CAD plans are useful to some too!
My family has enjoyed it for a few years already. I've been 100% happy with the way it's designed, built, and works: wire coin return button to the motherboard's POWER switch, Smart Strip to turn everything else on, Mala on boot, DEAD EASY no keyboard/mouse. Those were vital to make the experience end to end and pleasant IMHO. A nice machine should make you forget that it's a computer inside.
It's been wonderful for teaching my son (now 8 ) about the evolution of technology, game design, aestetics... He has an appreciation for the SIMPLE things that have changed so much over the years. He usually DOUBLES my points at the old favorites (Galaga, Donkey Kong, etc) which is surreal to see.