Author Topic: Vertical Retrace - Almost Done!!!! (Read 73534 times)

mgb · « **on:** January 23, 2011, 11:44:49 pm »

I've been working on a new project. It's a vertical cabinet that formerly had Heavy Barrel in it, and seeing how Heavy Barrel was typically in kit form and the cabinet has a curved marquee, it was probably a Bad Dudes before that.

Here is a definition I found for the word Retrace:
trace: to go back over again; "we retraced the route we took last summer"; "trace your path"
reconstruct: reassemble mentally; "reconstruct the events of 20 years ago"

and of course the word vertical also describes the fact that its a vertical monitor.

(and yes, I know the term Vertical Retrace also refers to the the vertical blanking taking place in a monitor while the beam is moved from the lower right, to the upper left of the screen)

This cabinet will be fairly simple with basic controls. I am going for a retro look but not overdone.

I will soon post some renderings and other pics.

mgb · « **Reply #1 on:** January 24, 2011, 12:21:29 am »

Here are some basic renderings of the finished cab.

Here's a bit more close up of the cp. I'm not dead set on where the spinner will be just yet.
I'm not completely crazy about the control panel setup but I am limited to what it is currently drilled for. maybe I make another one down the road.

the middle button on the panel above the coin door is for pause. I will be using the other 2 for exit and maybe reset or something. (with pause as the shift)

The coin reject buttons will be wired for credits and the coin switches also still work.

The bezel on these renderings is just a temp in order to have something there.
The Gyruss screen, on the other hand, will very much be up on the machine very often.

I don't think these renderings really do justice to the lines of these Data East cabinets, they look better in person.

mgb · « **Reply #2 on:** January 24, 2011, 12:31:58 am »

Some basic equipment info:

Joysticks: Sanwa JLWs with white mesh balls
Buttons: GGG Electric Ice 2
Spinner: GGG Turbo Twist 2
Monitor: 25" WG u2000 ( I know its a problem monitor but it was free and I'm making needed repairs )
Lighting: RGB LEDs and LED Wiz
Input: IPAC

Everything above, I already have.
This week I am ordering white T-molding (13/16") and a video amp for the monitor.

mgb · « **Reply #3 on:** January 24, 2011, 12:35:21 am »

Here are some more pics:

The marquee

And here is the cpo

Later I will post some pics of the actual cab in the process of being stripped for laminating and how it looks after the laminating.

emphatic · « **Reply #4 on:** January 24, 2011, 04:04:26 am »

Looking Ace!

BobA · « **Reply #5 on:** January 24, 2011, 09:15:45 am »

Sharp looking renders. Looking forward to seeing you cab construction.

mgb · « **Reply #6 on:** January 24, 2011, 12:28:52 pm »

Here's a front shot of the cabinet before any work was done (except old monitor mount is taken apart).

There's a good size hole under that metal plate. I hate to use Bondo in my basement, but I will fill it before the front gets laminated.

I had to strip off the old gray vinyl...

and now the cabinet is stripped and ready for laminate

mgb · « **Reply #7 on:** January 24, 2011, 12:49:00 pm »

I was a bit nervous about laminating...
Will it be easy enough? Will it look good? (I may have been scarred by the many black and white marble top cabinets that I saw in the late 90s)

I gotta say, I couldn't be happier with it.
I've got the sides done and I still have to do the front after I repair the hole.

I used Formica brand laminate that I ordered from Lowes and I used 3M 30NF waterbased contact Cement.
The 3M contact cement was a lot more expensive than others ($34/qt) but I read some bad reviews on other brands and I really had to use waterbased inside the house.

Heres the cabinet all glued (1st coat) on one side..

I used the glue that turns green when its ready, but it actually goes on as a blue green so I didn't see a huge benefit in this feature.

well I found the laminating to be pretty easy and I love the ending result..

I don't think I will ever paint a cabinet again.

Nephasth · « **Reply #8 on:** January 24, 2011, 01:46:38 pm »

I have been debating on whether I should use laminate on my project. That looks great!

BurgerKingDiamond · « **Reply #9 on:** January 24, 2011, 02:22:09 pm »

Awesome. Any vert cab get's extra love from me.

jipp · « **Reply #10 on:** January 24, 2011, 04:47:28 pm »

looking good.. one vert cab owner to another.. even if mine was out of pure necessity. ie.. only way i could get the flat screen to fit

chris.

mgb · « **Reply #11 on:** January 24, 2011, 07:36:31 pm »

Thanks everyone,
theres just something I about a vertical monitor. I do however plan on still having some horizontal games too (modified).
I was at an arcade this weekend that had a couple of vertical machines with 25" monitors, man they looked good.

Hey Nephasth, You should definately go for the laminate. It gives a very clean finish.

Emphatic,
Thanks for helping with a crucial decision. I was teetering on whether to use white or black t-molding. I looked at you cabinet and decided that the white definately looks cool.
I was gonna use chrome t-molding but being mylar tape over plastic, it damages real easy.

Does it look weird having the logo on both the marquee and control panel (though I know alot of real arcade games do).

emphatic · « **Reply #12 on:** January 24, 2011, 08:08:21 pm »

Quote from: mgb on January 24, 2011, 07:36:31 pm

Does it look weird having the logo on both the marquee and control panel (though I know alot of real arcade games do).

In most cases it should be avoided, but in your case it looks great, as it's not on the button/sticks surface. Glad my old build could be of help.

mgb · « **Reply #13 on:** January 28, 2011, 09:35:52 pm »

Today I got my video amp from Ultimarc.
man it's been a few years since I've ordered from there, I didn't remember the shipping being so fast. very nice.
I've got my t-molding (13/16" white) on order.

I've got the control panel all stripped and ready to be sprayed before I order the cpo from GameonGrafix.

jipp · « **Reply #14 on:** January 28, 2011, 09:54:31 pm »

i really like how the sides came out so much cleaner than paint from the view of the pictures. im a fan of 3m products good quality. i also like the idea of it telling me when its ready to use by changing color. i think ill try this paneling stuff in black for my sis cab. depends on price tho. paint sure is cheaper.. but the results are so nice. guess will depend on side art.

thanks for sharing. i need to start thinking about my next build.. as i start in 2 months.

chris.

mgb · « **Reply #15 on:** January 29, 2011, 12:21:42 pm »

I am very happy with the laminate. I could never get paint really looking as good as I would like.
Laminate is definately not the cheapest route. I paid $85 for a 4'x12' sheet at Lowes (has to be ordered).
and the laminate glue is expensive.

I don't feel that the color changing deal with the glue was a huge benefit. It normally sets in about a half hour and then you've got 4 hours to apply to the 2 surfaces together.
The glue did cover well though. One quart was enough to doo both sides, 2 coats each and I still have enough in that quart that I may be able to get the front done too.

mgb · « **Reply #16 on:** January 30, 2011, 12:22:33 am »

I haven't gotten a whole bunch done.. I've been busy
today I had to shovel my roof because there has been so much snow and we're getting more this week.
Plus I had to go work on a customers Frogger (gotta support the habit).

Any way I am making some slow progress.
I got my video amp from Ultimarc (very fast) and I got my t-molding from t-molding.com (really really fast because I live in the same state).

I started out to stripping the coin door and control panel.
I think I will order my overlay this week, I'm just not sure if I'm done with it

Heres the control panel

Here it is stripped

I will be spraying it black before applying an overlay.

I finally got around to making some room in my basement today and getting my computer all set up so I can start loading Mala and getting everything all set.

eds1275 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 03, 2011, 12:13:02 pm »

I love metal for a control panel, even if it gets covered by art. Are you going to angle the joysticks like they are on that CP or are you mounting them straight on?

mgb · « **Reply #18 on:** February 03, 2011, 03:57:55 pm »

The joysticks will be mounted straight on. I will not be able to use the existing mouning studs and will have to drill and use carriage bolts $:-\$

eds1275 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 03, 2011, 09:22:31 pm »

Quote from: mgb on February 03, 2011, 03:57:55 pm

The joysticks will be mounted straight on. I will not be able to use the existing mouning studs and will have to drill and use carriage bolts $:-\$

If you live on Vancouver island, I'll weld on some nuts for you!

dandare · « **Reply #20 on:** February 03, 2011, 09:59:11 pm »

Now there's an offer you cant refuse!

mgb · « **Reply #21 on:** February 04, 2011, 12:50:58 am »

Quote from: eds1275 on February 03, 2011, 09:22:31 pm

If you live on Vancouver island, I'll weld on some nuts for you!

Thanks for the offer but I'm a little ways from there. I'm in Connecticut, US

mgb · « **Reply #22 on:** February 12, 2011, 12:39:17 am »

I think I'm gonna make a small change.
I have been running some tests and tweaks using my 27" betson multisync (which currently is not in a cab).
I really like it a lot better than the u2000. It was a little bit of a stretch to get the 25" to fit this cabinet but now I'm thinking of cramming the 27" in instead.
With a tweak to the speaker panel, I think it'll work.

VanillaGorilla · « **Reply #23 on:** February 12, 2011, 01:23:14 am »

27" vert? That sounds awesome, for Raiden alone.

emphatic · « **Reply #24 on:** February 12, 2011, 05:01:30 am »

Quote from: VanillaGorilla on February 12, 2011, 01:23:14 am

27" vert? That sounds awesome, for Raiden alone.

Nice choice. I have 29" in both mine cabinets (vertical 99% of the time). But for old school shmups such as Twin Cobra I actually prefer a 19" or a 20" monitor. But I only play CAVE shmups where a large screen is of much higher importance.

mgb · « **Reply #25 on:** February 12, 2011, 05:30:20 pm »

I will have it so that the actual game screens will not fully fill the screen. I also have seen where other guys have run some horizontal games on a lrager vertical screen so I'm hoping to do that also (with modified resolutions of course)

mgb · « **Reply #26 on:** February 24, 2011, 10:07:06 pm »

Man, progress has been slow because of.....life.
a few weeks ago I made the decision to use my 27" betson Multisync instead of a troublesome u2000 25".

I got lucky on the fit. It just fit.

Of course it doesn't fit in the rear.

But the 25" stuck out the back too. I've got that covered where I'll be bump out the back sort of like on the back of a cruisin cab (only smaller)

Heres a quick shot of Donkey Kong on the screen

Hopefully progress will go faster. I need to finish getting everything set for this monitor and the I've got to finish the front and the wheels on the bottom.
Then I can get it upstairs and I can do the wiring and tweaking

Nephasth · « **Reply #27 on:** February 24, 2011, 10:39:08 pm »

Is that water on the floor?

mgb · « **Reply #28 on:** February 24, 2011, 10:52:38 pm »

Yeah unfortunately but its far from my cabinet.
I can't wait to get this thing upstairs.

BurgerKingDiamond · « **Reply #29 on:** February 24, 2011, 10:55:04 pm »

that monitor looks awesome. keep it up. We need more verts.

VanillaGorilla · « **Reply #30 on:** February 25, 2011, 11:37:03 am »

Yeah, thats gonna provide hours of entertainment.

I just noticed that you're putting the machine name on the face of the control panel as well as the marquee. I'm planning on doing this too. Cant wait to see your graphics installed!

VanillaGorilla · « **Reply #31 on:** February 25, 2011, 11:40:31 am »

I was just looking at your renders, they are really nice, especially the way you get to see how your graphics will look installed. Is that sketch-up that you used? any tips you can give me on ramping up to using it quickly for doing a cab mock-up? Im pretty sharp with that kind of thing, I just hate reading manuals..

mgb · « **Reply #32 on:** February 25, 2011, 04:50:37 pm »

Thanks Vanilla,
yes I did use Sketchup for those renders. I'm not sure what tips I could give. I basically just downloaded sketchup about a week or two before posting those renders.
I have seen alot guys on here use it and I thought "thats neat" but I wasn't all that interested. finally one night I downloaded it and I love it.
For what I did, it wasn't too hard because I was able to find a Bad Dudes cabinet already done on google 3dwarehouse and then I made modifications to suit my plans.

I definately would advice you to download it and mess with it. As far as components like joysticks and buttons go, there are a bunch on 3dwarehouse for download.
For me, I think sketchup really gave me that extra inspiration for my project because I was able to get a better view of how it will look.

Now I just gotta get off butt and get this thing done. A few more messy tasks than its coming upstairs where it'll get wired and then let the software tweaking continue.

eds1275 · « **Reply #33 on:** March 07, 2011, 11:31:45 am »

After this one are you going to finish up that other one on the background?

mgb · « **Reply #34 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:51:16 pm »

Some day I'll get 'em all done.
I gotta finish the Atari system 1 with paint and a few odds and ends, the Robocop is empty and the I've scrapped the other project for now.

mgb · « **Reply #35 on:** March 27, 2011, 09:30:53 pm »

I've been making some slow progress. I just got back from vacation and have vowed to fast track this project (somewhat).
I've got some paid arcade work coming up so I can afford to get the artwork done and some odds and ends such as the Sanwa Meshballs ($12 each, jeesh).
I knew that I needed to do something to fix the art work and I finally reworked it to how I like it, it just needs soem kinda finishing touch but I'm not sure what.....
Any ideas?

Unfortunately I made a huge mistake and resized my artwork on accident and now I need to rework the old one (correct size) again to get it where I'm happy
attached is the reworked cpo. Please give me feedback on what would be a good finishing touch.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #36 on:** July 28, 2011, 03:14:34 am »

Hey, where in CT are you?

D

jimmy2x2x · « **Reply #37 on:** July 28, 2011, 04:16:51 am »

Quote from: mgb on March 27, 2011, 09:30:53 pm

Please give me feedback on what would be a good finishing touch.

Maybe a low transparency face of shodan central in the circuit?

mgb · « **Reply #38 on:** July 28, 2011, 09:48:38 am »

Hey Delusional, I'm in the New Haven Area.

Jimmy, thanks for the input on finishing touches, nice idea but I think I've finally got the Cpo where I want it. I've just gotta work out some surround compasses for the joysticks now and finalize my work.
I completely changed around the cp layout for a decent 2 player layout and trackball.
Each player has 4 buttons in a diamond configuration. I know there's less than a lot of love for the diamond configuration, but I tested it out and I find it real comfortable.
Really the only games my wife and kids seem to enjoy on the arcade are the King of Fightere series, so I need my 4 player buttons. This weekend, I will hopefully post pics of the cpo art.

mgb · « **Reply #39 on:** August 15, 2011, 12:51:24 pm »

I finally got my cpo finished and I'm sending both the cpo and marquee over to Gameongrafix for printing. I test printed the cpo and it fits great.

heres the cpo with buttons overlayed

please tell me what you think. I may get some hating on the diamond pattern but I find it real comfortable.
thanks

Nephasth · « **Reply #40 on:** August 15, 2011, 01:03:20 pm »

That looks awesome! Great work!

+1 on the diamond layout. Mine is a little different for my 3rd and 4th players, but I like it more than the standard square.

emphatic · « **Reply #41 on:** August 15, 2011, 01:18:21 pm »

Very symmetrical and awesome looking.

mgb · « **Reply #42 on:** August 15, 2011, 05:51:21 pm »

Thanks guys,
I'm still tempted to cram my spinner in there but it may not look great.

Woodshop Flunky · « **Reply #43 on:** August 15, 2011, 09:45:45 pm »

I like the CP! Very sharp!

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #44 on:** August 15, 2011, 09:50:33 pm »

Quote from: mgb on August 15, 2011, 05:51:21 pm

Thanks guys,
I'm still tempted to cram my spinner in there but it may not look great.

Have you thought about putting in on the front panel above where the retrocade logo is? Right in the center? I can't remember but I recall seeing a spinner game with a similar configuration.

D

mgb · « **Reply #45 on:** August 15, 2011, 10:56:01 pm »

Yes I have thought of it, as a matter of fact I believe I've seen Emphatic recomend that in other posts. I'm not sure I'd like the look of it though.
I don't gain too many games by having a spinner so I'm up in the air on it. I'm toying with the idea of building a second panel at some time, with a Tron layout.

mgb · « **Reply #46 on:** August 18, 2011, 01:25:09 pm »

I've finally got the cabinet out of the basement.
Its now up on my back stoop where I will finish up a couple of small steps. I shot the rear of the cabinet with some flat black to clean it up.

Tha cab is sitting tipped forward because I have the front leg levelers all the way in right now.

I will soon put on the white t-molding and I got the email today from Gameongrafix that says both my cpo and marquee are on their way.... man I can't wait to see how they come out.

Louis Tully · « **Reply #47 on:** August 25, 2011, 06:47:07 am »

mgb · « **Reply #48 on:** August 25, 2011, 07:17:11 pm »

Thanks Louis,

mgb · « **Reply #49 on:** August 25, 2011, 10:04:20 pm »

Update,
I finally found some time to post an update with some pics.
Work has been busy. I've currently got a school I'm working on with a dead fire alarm system that I'm in the middle of switching out, I've gotta swing by a costomers house and swap out a monitor in a Misille Cammand, I have a Ms Pacman from the same customer that is currently waiting for me to work on and on top of it, I'm working in a roller rink trying to make his sound system not suck, but the owner won't spend money on new sub woofers and fixing his games as they periodically die.

any way, enough complaining.

I've got the cabinet up in the room where it will be staying and the t-molding on.

My artwork arrived on Saturday and it looks great. I'll be working on getting it on soon.

I have a few coin control coin doors but I wanted a Happ one because I prefer the coin reject buttons and I can get them in blue. when I was at the rollerrink this week, I went in the back to get something and saw a couple of happ coin doors. I asked the owner if I could swap a coin controls one for a happ one and he said yes, so now I've got a nice coin door to pop in, after I refinish it of course.

soon I'll be working on getting the monitor in it.

lordnacho · « **Reply #50 on:** August 25, 2011, 11:09:10 pm »

I really like that white T-molding. Artwork came out good too.

mgb · « **Reply #51 on:** August 26, 2011, 07:41:59 am »

Thanks,
I'm glad I went with the white. I was gonna originally use chrome, as I did on my last cab but I decided that chrome is too fragile (its a mylar sticker on clear plastic).
I love the look of Nintendo Punchout cabs (black cab, white t molding)

Woodshop Flunky · « **Reply #52 on:** August 26, 2011, 11:48:37 am »

+1 on the white t-molding. And the CP overlay looks supper sweet!

This is going to be an awsome cab!

eds1275 · « **Reply #53 on:** August 26, 2011, 12:49:28 pm »

Quote from: DeLuSioNal29 on August 15, 2011, 09:50:33 pm

Have you thought about putting in on the front panel above where the retrocade logo is? Right in the center?

Here's mine [well... I haven't finished yet] and I think it'll be snazzy.

drventure · « **Reply #54 on:** August 26, 2011, 01:29:46 pm »

Nice. I love that curved marquee!

mgb · « **Reply #55 on:** October 14, 2011, 12:36:41 am »

I've made a lot of progress. It's still going slow but its much closer.

I have my monitor in and functioning, my artwork installed and controls mounted.

due to the monitor size, I had to remake the inner speaker shelf part above the monitor. I'm very happy with the way it came out.
I modified a grill from a Narc machine. I added two small ports for the subwoofer.

Here are a few pics of the installed marquee and control panel art.

I'm currently waiting on a new 2.25" iceball and a token top spinner. I also have an order into Tap plastics for the monitor plexi.

emphatic · « **Reply #56 on:** October 14, 2011, 03:17:22 am »

Lookin' good!

Woodshop Flunky · « **Reply #57 on:** October 14, 2011, 09:22:45 am »

Love the CP and curved marquee... great job!

Yvan256 · « **Reply #58 on:** October 14, 2011, 10:00:27 am »

Yeah, that curved marquee really adds to the "wow factor".

I just noticed the spinner... isn't it too close to the buttons of player 1?

Nephasth · « **Reply #59 on:** October 14, 2011, 10:17:08 am »

This is looking great! Can't wait to see it finished!

mgb · « **Reply #60 on:** October 14, 2011, 10:19:36 am »

Thanks for the kind words, guys.

Quote from: Yvan256 on October 14, 2011, 10:00:27 am

Yeah, that curved marquee really adds to the "wow factor".

I just noticed the spinner... isn't it too close to the buttons of player 1?

No, I actually find the spinner pretty comfy there. I really battled back and forth on if I should even install the spinner and in the end, I decided I would rather have it.
I'm not loading golden tee so hitting the spinner when using the track ball isn't an issue either.
I would prefer the spinner to be further away from the controller 1 buttons but with the room available this is the best setup.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #61 on:** October 18, 2011, 07:47:21 pm »

Just checking in on this project. Looks great! Can't wait to try it in person once you finish since you're nearby. (I work in Stamford, CT). LOL.

Nice job!

DeLuSioNaL29

mgb · « **Reply #62 on:** October 18, 2011, 08:22:42 pm »

Thanks.
try it in person? of course, why not. thats what its for. Stamford? I used to work down there all the time, now I do just once in a while.
I just got the smoked plexi from Tap Plastics yesterday, wow!! I like it
The smoked plexi really gives it a great finish and I think the picture on the monitor looks much better with it.
I'll be updating some photos soon. I'm also currently in the progress of painting my coin door, rebuilding my Happ trackball and my spinner is out for repair

mgb · « **Reply #63 on:** November 10, 2011, 09:54:32 pm »

Man, I'm slow on updates. In the last few weeks I've made some good progress.
The control panel is all wired up for control and lights. I still need to do the strict settings stuff of lighting the proper leds for each game.
Lately I've been doing a lot of work on the resolutions using the mamewah mame resolution tool. (very handy)

Here are some progress pics

I cut up some pacman joystick mounts and had them welded in, to avoid having bolts showing up top

There is a void between the mount and the metal cp that fits the dust washer fine except I just had to put some thin felt on the dustwashers so it sits perfect.

It's a pretty tight little package but I think it's pretty neat. I also used 12 terminal connectors like real arcade machines, so I can unplug the controls from the ipac if I need to remove the Cp.

I have to finish my coin door and redo the player 2 start vinyl

I'm off tomorrow, so I will be able to wire up my coin door and get it installed.

I am mounting switches behind the coin reject buttons and restricting them so you only need a slight push for credits. The metal strip will both hold the switch and restrict the button. I will also be using coin mechs so coins can be used but probably won't be.

I also installed the solar gray plexi from Tap Plastics, I really like how it looks.

The white ball tops are actually mesh balls, but its hard to see the pattern in photos. Even in real life, the white ones aren't easy to see unless you're right on top of them.

emphatic · « **Reply #64 on:** November 11, 2011, 02:57:55 am »

Wow, great job!

pmailley · « **Reply #65 on:** November 12, 2011, 08:18:59 am »

Great work, nice details!

mgb · « **Reply #66 on:** November 12, 2011, 10:35:22 am »

Thanks guys

BobA · « **Reply #67 on:** November 13, 2011, 01:12:45 pm »

Overall cabinet looks great!

Love the curve in the marquee and integration of all your graphics.

gbeef · « **Reply #68 on:** November 13, 2011, 01:31:55 pm »

Very nice job on the on the artwork love the CP and how it wraps around.

mgb · « **Reply #69 on:** November 13, 2011, 09:23:19 pm »

Thank you.
Also, I finally got the coin door mounted along with the switches for coining up. I just need to wire it up.
Soon, I have to get started with configuring ledblinky (which is awesome by the way) and all that.

Nephasth · « **Reply #70 on:** November 13, 2011, 09:28:53 pm »

Quote from: mgb on November 13, 2011, 09:23:19 pm

Thank you.
Also, I finally got the coin door mounted along with the switches for coining up. I just need to wire it up.
Soon, I have to get started with configuring ledblinky (which is awesome by the way) and all that.

Sweet!

Will you be using colors.ini to light your controls to be game specific? Or will you be going with your own colors?

mgb · « **Reply #71 on:** November 13, 2011, 09:35:53 pm »

Quote from: Nephasth on November 13, 2011, 09:28:53 pm

Quote from: mgb on November 13, 2011, 09:23:19 pm
Thank you.
Also, I finally got the coin door mounted along with the switches for coining up. I just need to wire it up.
Soon, I have to get started with configuring ledblinky (which is awesome by the way) and all that.

Sweet!

Will you be using colors.ini to light your controls to be game specific? Or will you be going with your own colors?

To tell you the truth, I haven't really thought about it. I got ledblinky 2 weeks ago and have only done the basic input mapping and then for messing around, I set up some background music in mala and set ledblinky up to go along with it. I have to sit down and look over my options. More than likely I will go with the option that is the least amount of work. I guess you can say I'm a bit lazy.

Nephasth · « **Reply #72 on:** November 13, 2011, 09:41:32 pm »

Quickest and easiest would be to set up MAME defaults. You can have only active buttons lit this way, but they will all be the same color. You can do different colors for P1 and P2, but all buttons will always be on. Colors.ini makes things pretty slick, but I've ran into an issue where only about 1/2 to 2/3 of the games in colors.ini light up correctly. I've found that adding the games that don't light up correctly to my controls.ini fixes the issue, but that's quite a bit of work to do adding to controls.ini. Once I'm satisfied from changing it up, I'll probably post my .inis for people who might be interested. But I'm hoping an easier solution arises, maybe I've overlooked something simple with my LEDBlinky.

madmatt · « **Reply #73 on:** December 30, 2011, 04:45:45 pm »

Quote from: mgb on January 24, 2011, 12:28:52 pm

Here's a front shot of the cabinet before any work was done (except old monitor mount is taken apart).

There's a good size hole under that metal plate. I hate to use Bondo in my basement, but I will fill it before the front gets laminated.

I had to strip off the old gray vinyl...

and now the cabinet is stripped and ready for laminate

I know this is off subject, but are you will to sell any parts or the cp from that Ropocop??? If you still have it.

In addition, I want to replace or rebuild the joystick..... would a happy comp. fit???

Thanks for any help.

MM

Out

mgb · « **Reply #74 on:** December 30, 2011, 11:25:50 pm »

I actually used the Robocop control panel for this project.
I still have some other parts from it.
The only problem I see with fitting a comp in it is that the welded studs used for mounting the joystick is kinda angled so the stick wouldn't be going straight

DaOld Man · « **Reply #75 on:** December 31, 2011, 05:29:02 pm »

This project is very good!
I, just like every one else, like the curved marquee.
Neat wiring job on the CP too.

mgb · « **Reply #76 on:** January 01, 2012, 04:06:12 pm »

Thank you,
I actually should update the photos soon, as now the coin door is all set. It's been getting some decent play too.
My wife and daughters don't really have much interest in it but we now have a 5 year old foster son and he's totally into it. He loves the beat 'em ups like Bad Dudes, Double Dragon and Michael Jacksons Moonwalker (kinda weird describing that one as a beat 'em up).

This week, I will be trying out an Omni2 from GGG for controller 2.

I still have to sit down and concentrate on getting my Ledblinky all configured..... Focus, focus

mountain · « **Reply #77 on:** January 23, 2012, 11:14:28 am »

Very nice machine. Everything looks very professional.

Can you tell me what kind of coin door you have? I am looking for one with blue ejectors.

Johns Uncle · « **Reply #78 on:** January 24, 2012, 05:06:29 pm »

This build is awesome

love the white t mould hope my cab looks as sharp with it !

mgb · « **Reply #79 on:** January 24, 2012, 11:53:59 pm »

Quote from: mountain on January 23, 2012, 11:14:28 am

Very nice machine. Everything looks very professional.

Can you tell me what kind of coin door you have? I am looking for one with blue ejectors.

Its a Happ coin door. I actually had several Coin Control Coin doors, but I can only find red reject buttons for those. I have a customer who owns a skating rink and in his back room, he had a Happ door in good shape so I traded him. He doesn't need the luxury of blue rejects.

Quote from: Johns Uncle on January 24, 2012, 05:06:29 pm

This build is awesome love the white t mould hope my cab looks as sharp with it !

Thanks alot. I'm really glad I went with the white. I got it from the best source for t molding: t-molding.com

wol-nz · « **Reply #80 on:** January 25, 2012, 02:12:28 am »

Absolute stunner! Very tight from concept to product.
I need to copy the curved marquee for my cab - but how did you retain that plexiglas.? (did I miss it somewhere)

mgb · « **Reply #81 on:** January 25, 2012, 07:10:26 pm »

Well its a Data East Bad Dudes cabinet originally so it already had the curved marquee and proper retaining brackets.
I just verified the size I would need for my marquee by using some construction paper and then when I ordered my Marquee from Gameongrafix, I ordered it with the plexi for sandwiching and it fit great.
Thanks for the kind comments.
Its still somewhat a work in progress. I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to simply hook up the switches which are being activated by the coin rejects.

I recently changed out the player 2 stick to a GGG Omni2 for simple 4/8 way switching and its working out pretty well.

lamprey · « **Reply #82 on:** April 02, 2012, 01:27:23 am »

Looking good!

Quick question: Does the marquee font have a name? I've boon looking for something like that that I can use for cut-outs.

Cheers!

Junai · « **Reply #83 on:** May 08, 2012, 09:31:50 pm »

Any progress? Can't wait to see this done, it's one of my favorite projects on the site.

AGarv · « **Reply #84 on:** May 08, 2012, 10:34:35 pm »

Very nice - so the curved marquee retainer came with the cab? I wonder what the best material would be for a custom curved marquee retainer..?

mgb · « **Reply #85 on:** May 15, 2012, 10:44:48 pm »

Hey Guys,
Sorry I haven't been on the site for a while.
This cabinet is done as far as all of the outside stuff is done. I will try and get some updated pics soon.

I still have to do some programming for the button lighting and get some leds behind the coin rejects.

@lamprey
- "Vertical" is in Concielian Break font
- "Retrace" is in Planet S font
I got the fonts from 1001freefonts.com

Yeah the curved marquee retainers were with the cab.

TGov · « **Reply #86 on:** September 10, 2012, 11:39:52 pm »

Wow, that is a big ass monitor!

mgb · « **Reply #87 on:** September 11, 2012, 03:04:06 pm »

Quote from: TGov on September 10, 2012, 11:39:52 pm

Wow, that is a big ass monitor!

Why thank you, thank you very much.
I had to modify the top speaker shelf to get it in there but I just had to do it.
With this setup, verticals are awesome and I'm still able to play horizontals at the same size as a 19" horizontal monitor.

I just noticed also that I have never added more complete pics up on this thread. my latest pic here is still without the coin door finished.

TGov · « **Reply #88 on:** September 11, 2012, 03:38:34 pm »

It is a cool setup for sure.

Probably a bit heavy

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #89 on:** September 11, 2012, 06:15:37 pm »

Quote from: mgb on January 24, 2011, 12:49:00 pm

I used Formica brand laminate that I ordered from Lowes and I used 3M 30NF waterbased contact Cement.

What size did you order that would cover the entire one side of the Data East cabinet?

Also, what trimmer brand did you use (looking to buy either a router or trimmer).

D

mgb · « **Reply #90 on:** September 11, 2012, 10:55:53 pm »

The laminate I used was 4' x 12'. It was enough to do both sides, the front and my speaker panel. The only thing is that I had to the front panel with 2 smaller pieces of laminate but I covered the seam by raising the coin door, putting on a kick panel and having the power button right above the coin door.

Another note on laminating: 3M 30NF Contact Cement is great. its waterbased so theres no bad fumes which was important for me. Its expensive at $30 a quart (Grainger) but one quart took care of the whole cabinet and I used 2 coats. I read a lot of bad reviews on waterbased contact cements but this product is great.

I used a cheapy trim router that I bought at Harbor Freight Tools, it was like $20 bucks after a coupon and I've used it for other projects. I've even used it for slotting the rear side of the cab.

TGov · « **Reply #91 on:** September 12, 2012, 04:34:07 pm »

How much was the sheet of formica if you don't mind me asking.

mgb · « **Reply #92 on:** September 12, 2012, 04:38:24 pm »

It was formica brand black ordered through Lowes. It cost about $75 for the sheet of 4' x 12'.
I see my local Home Depot has 4' x 8' sheets of black ( I think Wilsonart brand) for $40 something.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #93 on:** September 14, 2012, 10:17:58 pm »

One thing that has me curious. How did you go about filling in those holes on the metal CP?

mgb · « **Reply #94 on:** September 15, 2012, 10:28:48 am »

Quote from: DeLuSioNal29 on September 14, 2012, 10:17:58 pm

One thing that has me curious. How did you go about filling in those holes on the metal CP?

First off this is the cp I started with:

I went to Home Depot and picked up a metal electrical box with 3/4" knockouts. The slugs from these kockouts fit loosely in the unwanted button holes.
I also gave the slugs a quick grinding to remove the galvanizing on them.

Now there are two ways to go from here:
the best way would be to take the cp and slugs to a welding shop and have them mig welded on there. Then the welds can be grounded down smooth and bondo applied to make it all nicey nice. This probably would have costed a whopping 20-30 bucks.
I had my joystick mounts welded on by my mechanic for $20

But I got impatient and used jb weld. It took a few coats but it held nicely even when I drilled the new holes.
after I drilled the new holes, I went over the cp with a thin coat of bondo to make it smooth.

The joystick holes on these panels are a bit bigger so a suitable slug would have to be found or cut.

Junai · « **Reply #95 on:** September 15, 2012, 01:38:58 pm »

More delicious updates please! If I ever get around to a vert cab, using this as inspiration.

willybeamish · « **Reply #96 on:** September 25, 2012, 08:39:36 am »

Subbed my nutmegger

mgb · « **Reply #97 on:** September 25, 2012, 04:33:25 pm »

Us Nutmeggers are getting strong up in here.
I think there like 4 or 5 of us on this forum now.

willybeamish · « **Reply #98 on:** September 25, 2012, 06:26:00 pm »

Quote from: mgb on September 25, 2012, 04:33:25 pm

Us Nutmeggers are getting strong up in here.
I think there like 4 or 5 of us on this forum now.

Maybe there is enough to start our own thread

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

Nephasth · « **Reply #99 on:** September 26, 2012, 02:23:17 pm »

Looks like you've got some light bleeding going on (green in the blue). Might just be the camera though. If not, I was just wondering if you have any plans for it or will leave it as is? Don't even know for sure if these types of buttons will bleed light from one to the other...

mgb · « **Reply #100 on:** September 26, 2012, 03:15:27 pm »

No its just the picture.
But I did see in your project where you ended up wrapping the buttons to prevent bleeding. (I think that was yours)
I may experiment with that to try and focus the light even better.
But I'm pretty happy with how the lights currently work.

Nephasth · « **Reply #101 on:** September 26, 2012, 05:48:28 pm »

Just making sure. They do look pretty sweet by the way!

Woodshop Flunky · « **Reply #102 on:** October 25, 2012, 02:26:13 pm »

Just saw your control panel pictures over on the control panel database thread. Most excellent job!

You should post them here.

mgb · « **Reply #103 on:** October 25, 2012, 03:46:56 pm »

Thanks. I'm not sure why I didn't post them here.
I guess I should.

baz518 · « **Reply #104 on:** October 31, 2012, 09:09:03 am »

Like everyone else has said, very nice job!! One question about your CP... what width is your control panel. I'm waffling with a 2UP CP, but I'm building a galaga-like cabinet that i've made 25" wide instead of 23"... still not sure if it's wide enough for 2 players to play comfortably. Especially for so few vertical games that support 2 simultaneous players.

mgb · « **Reply #105 on:** October 31, 2012, 04:38:32 pm »

Quote from: baz518 on October 31, 2012, 09:09:03 am

Like everyone else has said, very nice job!! One question about your CP... what width is your control panel. I'm waffling with a 2UP CP, but I'm building a galaga-like cabinet that i've made 25" wide instead of 23"... still not sure if it's wide enough for 2 players to play comfortably. Especially for so few vertical games that support 2 simultaneous players.

Thanks. My control panel is just under 25 inches wide. I find it to be wide enough for 2 players but most of my two player time is with a 5 year old

mgb · « **Reply #106 on:** November 01, 2012, 07:41:24 am »

Woodshop Flunky gave the idea to throw up a few finished pics of the cp here. I have posted them in the cp database but for some reason never put them here.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #107 on:** November 01, 2012, 12:26:25 pm »

Any pics of it lit?

mgb · « **Reply #108 on:** November 01, 2012, 02:48:00 pm »

There is a lit pic above somewhere a few posts back

Nephasth · « **Reply #109 on:** January 02, 2013, 01:48:09 pm »

Well mgb, I'm wanting to nominate this build for the 2012 UCAs. Did you finish this one up?

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #110 on:** January 02, 2013, 02:42:36 pm »

Quote from: Nephasth on January 02, 2013, 01:48:09 pm

Well mgb, I'm wanting to nominate this build for the 2012 UCAs. Did you finish this one up?

It looked completed when I took a look at it. (And I got to play it too!) There's nothing quite like playing vertical games on 27" monitor. I definitely second that nomination.

D

mgb · « **Reply #111 on:** January 03, 2013, 03:01:30 pm »

Thanks a lot guys.
yes it is finished. I'm very honored to have nominations.

jackiabu · « **Reply #112 on:** January 03, 2013, 03:19:06 pm »

Cool great job

This way my next project.

I already have a panel to IKARI and other vertical games.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #113 on:** March 12, 2013, 08:35:42 pm »

Hi MGB,

Quick follow up: Do you by any chance have a pic of a horizontal game running on your vertical monitor?

I remember seeing this in person when I came over, but a pic would be great.

Thanks!

D

mgb · « **Reply #114 on:** March 14, 2013, 11:43:03 pm »

Hey Delusional,
sorry I haven't been on here lately. I've been crazy busy.
I will get some pics of horizontal games on the screen.
Because its a 27" monitor, the horizontal games look pretty fine on it at the equivalency to a 19" horizontal monitor.

I play neo geo games on it a bit. thats really the only reason I went with 4 buttons rather than just 3.

Also please tell your buddy that I'm sorry I haven't been able to help him with his monitor. I have been very busy with starting a small security business and I have a new commercial arcade repair customer thats been really giving me a bunch of work

alteredgrafix · « **Reply #115 on:** April 27, 2013, 07:58:02 am »

Your control panel is beautiful! I wish I had the space for a spinner and trackball. I think I may create a sub control panel for that, that I can tuck away somewhere. I'm planning on having female USB plugs under my control panel to add extra controllers.

Brian74 · « **Reply #116 on:** April 27, 2013, 10:55:09 am »

Mgb, I love the cab man!

I got the idea to switch over my finished cab to a vertical one from you. Seeing as I had a 29" crt laying around.

mgb · « **Reply #117 on:** April 27, 2013, 12:34:44 pm »

Thanks for the compliments guys.

Yeah I like having the spinner and trackball but I don't use them a whole bunch. But the trackball is a must have for missile command and centipede and the the spinner is important because I love tempest and it works for some classic driving games.

Brian, I'm glad I could be of some inspiration.
And to think, my teachers said I never amount to anything.

sabreerbasAlpha · « **Reply #118 on:** April 27, 2013, 06:13:44 pm »

Just how sweet is that CP...very nice my friend, Very nice..

Drayton · « **Reply #119 on:** August 02, 2019, 10:10:13 pm »

Awesome cab!

Do you still have any of the design files (Sketchup, control panel, etc....) for the cab? I have the same one and would appreciate anything that would help w/ designing artwork on my beautiful DataEast cab. Thanks!

Laythe · « **Reply #120 on:** August 03, 2019, 02:14:48 am »

Makes me smile to see this project get bumped back up thanks to Drayton. This is one of my top ten favorite cabinets from this forum.


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