Author Topic: Battletoads - It's back together again. This time with artwork! (Read 52986 times)

AlienInferno · « **Reply #40 on:** July 08, 2011, 01:52:04 am »

After work today I got the monitor sat in it's final location, I got the computer bolted in it's place, and the smart surge protector zip tied down in it's spot. Now all that's left is to buy a set of speakers, finish the speaker panel, put in the marquee holder and lights, order joysticks, ipac, paint, etc. But hey it's looking more like a machine every day.

My wife was really impressed by how it looked when the monitor was finally put in it's spot. She said she was glad to be married to a nerd. I took it as a compliment.

She then suggested I build her a skeeball machine.

Drunkraccoons · « **Reply #41 on:** July 08, 2011, 04:38:03 am »

dam i got to get me a wife like that

HanoiBoi · « **Reply #42 on:** July 08, 2011, 07:02:58 am »

If you're still contemplating your original theme...when I read 'Fun Evil Jester' I immediately envisioned the jester from early Marillion albums. The artist is Mark Wilkenson. It's worth a look, I'd think. (Sorry, no photo evidence to supply at the moment as I'm on my phone)

AlienInferno · « **Reply #43 on:** July 08, 2011, 10:07:34 pm »

Quote

If you're still contemplating your original theme...when I read 'Fun Evil Jester' I immediately envisioned the jester from early Marillion albums. The artist is Mark Wilkenson. It's worth a look, I'd think. (Sorry, no photo evidence to supply at the moment as I'm on my phone)

Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out at some point. But honestly the theme is jumping all over the spot at this point. Not even 100% sure I want to stick with the "Fun Evil Jester" part.

AlienInferno · « **Reply #44 on:** July 26, 2011, 04:44:46 am »

Another miniscule (read extra long) update:

Finally got the rest of my controls ordered a few days ago from GGG and Ultimarc.

From GGG:
1 x Electric Ice T Trackball
2 x Hand Candy Joystick Ball Tops in the Ruby Gemstone color
2 x SlipWire Swiveling Interconnect for Rotatable Controls
2 x White ButtonBlaster LED's
2 x Red ButtonBlaster LED's

From Ultimarc:
1 x I-PAC 2 Interface
2 x U360's w/ balltop
2 x Hard Springs for the U360
2 x Octogonal restrictor plates for the U360
2 x Button wiring harnesses

I allready have an LED-Wiz and the 17 Electric Ice 2 buttons here at the house. My plans for the next few days (if I can bare the 100+ degree days we've been having) is to cut out the wood panel for the speakers (sans actual speaker holes), and build the box and top for the control panel in preperation of my controls arriving. I will be using the U360 button inputs for the player/pinball buttons and the Ipac for the Start/Admin buttons.

Also did some work on a possible theme idea and made a marquee. I used images from the Outlaw Star Manga. What do ya'll think?

The first is the original image slightly stretched horizontally.
Second is after some coloring and logo adding (WIP).

Woodshop Flunky · « **Reply #45 on:** July 26, 2011, 10:28:41 am »

I love where this artwork is heading!

The mix of black and white with a little color is really slick. The title is a little hard to make out. I wonder if making it a little less transparent might help it pop a little.

Looking good!

AlienInferno · « **Reply #46 on:** July 26, 2011, 01:02:44 pm »

I'm not 100% sure on the logo. I want the marquee to have the logo on it but I feel bad about covering up that artwork at the same time. I'll work on it a bit and post an updated image in the next few days.

Checked my tracking number for my items from Ultimarc last night and it said they were still over in the UK. Today DHL knocks on my door with those items. They must have air dropped the DHL van right in my driveway. Very fast shipping. Expecially from the UK IMO.

AlienInferno · « **Reply #47 on:** July 26, 2011, 05:08:53 pm »

Got the rest of the ships colored in. Also changed up the logo a bit. Made it a little less transparent.

I like the way it look snow but am wondering if:

I should leave it as is?
I should color in the flames (missile launcher/engines)?
I should color the stars?
I should color both flames and stars.

Harakiri · « **Reply #48 on:** July 26, 2011, 05:52:01 pm »

Could you share that photoshop file with me so i could give you my idea? Using the same layers of course!

AlienInferno · « **Reply #49 on:** July 26, 2011, 09:53:56 pm »

Quote from: Harakiri on July 26, 2011, 05:52:01 pm

Could you share that photoshop file with me so i could give you my idea? Using the same layers of course!

If you could tell me how to send it to you I would. Can't attach it to this post because it is roughly double the limit.

jimmy2x2x · « **Reply #50 on:** July 26, 2011, 10:07:44 pm »

use hotfile?

http://hotfile.com/

AlienInferno · « **Reply #51 on:** July 26, 2011, 10:45:07 pm »

Quote from: jimmy2x2x on July 26, 2011, 10:07:44 pm

use hotfile?

http://hotfile.com/

Let me know if this works. My layers aren't the greatest so don't hate. LOL!

http://hotfile.com/dl/125106293/8c370c6/Outlaw_Star_Marquee_WIP.rar.html

EDIT: That's directed more at Harakiri

Harakiri · « **Reply #52 on:** July 27, 2011, 01:17:59 pm »

AlienInferno · « **Reply #53 on:** July 27, 2011, 02:46:28 pm »

Thanks for the idea Harakiri. I'll play around with it some more and see what happens.

Martijn · « **Reply #54 on:** July 28, 2011, 03:25:33 am »

AlienInferno · « **Reply #55 on:** July 28, 2011, 03:56:32 am »

Thanks to those that have posted their ideas for my marquee artwork. I really appreciate it. But after looking at some things and trying a few ideas of my own I've came to the conclusion that I'm going to stick with the one I made. I printed out a full size image (over 4 sheets of paper) and taped them together. It came out quite nice. Easy to see and the colors popped right out. Again thanks and I will be asking again when it's time for the side art.

AlienInferno · « **Reply #56 on:** July 29, 2011, 01:39:50 am »

Not much of an update. Had a lot of bad things happen these last few days. My truck needs some work now. Let's just leave it at that. But I did get my test control panel put together. Hinged the top, got a U360 mounted on Player 1 side, and have the Ipac mounted. The wiring won't be pretty since it's just a test. Hopefully will get the buttons mounted tommorrow once I get something to drill the holes the right size.

Planning on using the U360's for the player buttons as well as the pin buttons. Will use the Ipac for the Start buttons and my admin. buttons.

AlienInferno · « **Reply #57 on:** August 10, 2011, 03:27:12 pm »

Haven't worked much on the cab lately. Set to break the record of consecutive 100+ degree days on Friday. Maybe Saturday. So I haven't been out of the air conditioning much. I have done a little work on my "test bed" control panel. Got the top of it hinged and latches put in place as well as installed the 2 U360's and the buttons wired into them. I have the 6-player 1 buttons as well as the left flipper button attached to stick 1 and the 6-player 2 buttons, the right flipper button, and plunger button wired into stick 2. Seems to work well so far. I have the coin door and the player 1 & 2 start buttons wired to an Ipac 2. Will also use the ipac for my admin buttons. Top mounted one U360 and bottom mounted the other to see which I liked. Plus I have some longer hollow shafts on the way which should help out with the short bottom mounted stick.

My trackball from GGG is on the way. A couple small things are not ready to be shipped yet but I'm not in a hurry. Plus I just made another small purchase from them (a couple balltops.) So after I get everything I should have enough to finish my control panel and have a few things left over for a bartop build for my brother.

Also recieved an email saying my marquee has shipped from GameOnGrafix. Can't wait to see it in person. Will motivate me to finish my speaker panel and marquee mounts.

jimfath · « **Reply #58 on:** August 17, 2011, 01:22:32 pm »

How long ago did you order Electric Ice (EI) buttons? I have old Happ's on mine and wanted to upgrade to EI and have been waiting for them to become available. Do they feel like happs?

AlienInferno · « **Reply #59 on:** August 17, 2011, 02:12:48 pm »

Quote from: jimfath on August 17, 2011, 01:22:32 pm

How long ago did you order Electric Ice (EI) buttons? I have old Happ's on mine and wanted to upgrade to EI and have been waiting for them to become available. Do they feel like happs?

I had to go check my receipt but I made my Electric Ice button order on July 3, 2011. I do remember when I made my order I took about half of what they had left in stock. As far as feeling like Happs I really can't tell you. These are the first arcade type buttons I've felt in 12 years or so, so if I have felt a Happs button before it's been awhile.

mgb · « **Reply #60 on:** August 17, 2011, 10:56:30 pm »

I'd say that the electric ice feel at least as good as happs

jimfath · « **Reply #61 on:** August 20, 2011, 03:17:58 am »

Quote from: AlienInferno on August 17, 2011, 02:12:48 pm

Quote from: jimfath on August 17, 2011, 01:22:32 pm
How long ago did you order Electric Ice (EI) buttons? I have old Happ's on mine and wanted to upgrade to EI and have been waiting for them to become available. Do they feel like happs?
I had to go check my receipt but I made my Electric Ice button order on July 3, 2011. I do remember when I made my order I took about half of what they had left in stock. As far as feeling like Happs I really can't tell you. These are the first arcade type buttons I've felt in 12 years or so, so if I have felt a Happs button before it's been awhile.

Cool thanks. I have been checking back almost daily to see if there is anything listed on the website but have missed the few times there were. I think being on the west coast might not help as the inventory might get listed when I'm a sleep. I know I was out of town on vacation on July 3... this is an adventure.

Quote from: mgb on August 17, 2011, 10:56:30 pm

I'd say that the electric ice feel at least as good as happs

Cool. I just got my test IL translucent from PA. Those definitely feel like Happs too.

AlienInferno · « **Reply #62 on:** August 31, 2011, 11:48:15 pm »

Worked on the cab for a few hours today. Got the slots cut out for my speaker panel. Need to get some sand paper and a dremel with a drum sander on it after them to smooth them out a little more but overall I'm happy with the way they turned out. The slots are 3/8" slots spaced 3/8" apart filling a 6" circle. 9 slots total.

Also went to the local Lowes and got some plastic corner guards to use as my marquee retainer. The bottom piece works great. The top piece will work but needs some trimming. It currently covers a bit too much of my marquee at the top. Not sure if these guards are going to work or not. Only time will really tell. If they don't work I think I'm going to just make my own out of some clear plexi (black if it bends ok with heat) and bend it myself to the shape I'm looking for.

Anyway here are 3 pictures. Took them to showcase the slots but the marquee is in them as well. Nevermind the mess of pencil marks I made trying to figure out what size slots and circle I wanted the first time.

Rick · « **Reply #63 on:** September 07, 2011, 02:29:45 pm »

Hmm... Now you have me thinking. I like the slotted look for your speakers. I was toying with doing drilled holes for mine, or use speaker cloth, or even a grilled look, but the slotted look does look pretty sweet. Damn, man. Good work there!

AlienInferno · « **Reply #64 on:** September 07, 2011, 02:56:06 pm »

Thanks man. I just did them for looks mainly. The speakers I'm using are just some regular PC speakers. Just going to cover the inside with some black cloth to deal with light seepage and keep people from seeing the puny speakers. Now get back to the STTP!

Rick · « **Reply #65 on:** September 07, 2011, 03:14:57 pm »

Quote from: AlienInferno on September 07, 2011, 02:56:06 pm

Thanks man. I just did them for looks mainly. The speakers I'm using are just some regular PC speakers. Just going to cover the inside with some black cloth to deal with light seepage and keep people from seeing the puny speakers. Now get back to the STTP!

Black cloth looks awesome - if you have a "Fabricland" nearby, you can actually get speaker cloth. I did my fireplace/media centre in that, as it lets IR through, and I could hide my Media PC and the kids Wii in there. (I say "the kids Wii", as I suck at consoles.)

And as for the STTP3, I'M ON IT! (Even updated the blog...)

Donkbaca · « **Reply #66 on:** September 07, 2011, 06:54:25 pm »

I got some speaker cloth off ebay, turns out the person selling it was in my home town, it was dirt cheap.

AlienInferno · « **Reply #67 on:** October 22, 2011, 11:41:40 pm »

Finally got off my big fat bottom earlier today and cut out the panels for the permanent control panel box. Was getting slightly flustered and made a couple bad cuts but managed to finish and clean up for the day. Wasn't planning on doing anymore work on it but since the Rangers aren't doing to hot I went ahead and screwed it together. The 45* angle cuts in the front lined up well but the back one's were all kinds of off. Tommorrow all I'm planning on doing is adding some bracing for the corners on the inside as well as some sanding of the top edges to line them up better and add some bondo to fill/straighten out the gaps.

AlienInferno · « **Reply #68 on:** October 28, 2011, 12:13:29 am »

Been working on my cab the last couple of days while it was still warm. Nothing really picture worthy. Got some bondo work done on the control panel box. Still have some left to do before it's ready for paint but gonna have to wait until we have another warm/dry day. Hopefully will be able to finish it in the next week or so.

Also did some work on the back panels. Broke it down into three sections. A top panel to access the marquee/speaker area, the middle (main) panel for the tv/pc section, and the bottom section will be permanent with a vga out port and a IEC power jack. The two removable panels will be held on with four 3/8" bolts each with the heads flush mounted into the panel.

SammyWI · « **Reply #69 on:** November 08, 2011, 08:55:33 pm »

Any updates? Looking forward to see how this turns out.

AlienInferno · « **Reply #70 on:** November 08, 2011, 11:08:38 pm »

Not yet. I do all my work outside. The temps haven't been too bad upper 70's for a high most of the time but I find that a bit cold for bondo work. Plus it's been rainy the last two days. I did do some a few days ago but the bondo has a slight sticky feeling to it still. My guess is since it's colder (upper 70's or below is my idea of cold) it's taking a L-O-N-G time to dry.

I need to find a way to trim an eighth of an inch or so off my base in the back to get the lowest panel to fit. I might be able to use the router but need to pick up some things including bits. Also decided to add a couple cooling fans into the top of my cab.

Besides figuring out how I'm going to attach the plexi it's all basically small things before I can paint.

mgb · « **Reply #71 on:** November 09, 2011, 08:01:38 am »

Upper 70s is definitely not too cold for bondo work. You can put bondo on in some pretty cold wheather. As a matter of fact, it generates its own heat during the chemical reaction between the bondo and hardner.

AlienInferno · « **Reply #72 on:** November 09, 2011, 04:38:59 pm »

OK. Well maybe not too cold for bondo work but sometimes too cold for me. LOL. Still trying to figure out why my last bondo work stayed feeling sticky for so long. Just checked it and it's dry feeling now so unsure on that one. Gotta do some work on my wife's car today so maybe tommorrow can work some more on it.

SammyWI · « **Reply #73 on:** November 09, 2011, 07:01:07 pm »

Upper 70's is cold? Dude, it snowed here today!

mgb · « **Reply #74 on:** November 09, 2011, 11:41:49 pm »

It hit 60 here today, I went outside and painted my house trim.
You bondo probably stayed sticky for a while because you didn't use enough hardner.
I prefer to err on the side of too much hardner, though that can give some air holes.

AlienInferno · « **Reply #75 on:** November 10, 2011, 01:09:15 pm »

Quote from: mgb on November 09, 2011, 11:41:49 pm

It hit 60 here today, I went outside and painted my house trim.
You bondo probably stayed sticky for a while because you didn't use enough hardner.
I prefer to err on the side of too much hardner, though that can give some air holes.

That's the thing though. I used more hardner then I have been. (ie the stuff that was sticky was a bright pinkish color as compared with the previous bondo work that is a light pink color.) Not sure what I did but it's fine now. Sanded it down lastnight. Will try to work on it some tonight if I can get what needs done around the house done before dark.

AlienInferno · « **Reply #76 on:** November 10, 2011, 10:21:36 pm »

OK. So I actually did do some work on the control panel and CP box today. Can you believe it? I was out there in the dark, mid 50 degree weather, with a jacket and a homemade block sander knocking down bondo. Actually I'm pretty much done with the CP and CP box. Got it almost down to a paintable smoothness. Have a few pinholes I can't seem to get rid of though. Besides that all I need to do is shave 1/8 of an inch off the control panel top and it will be good. Gonna work on it again tommorrow after work and will take some pictures at that time.

mgb · « **Reply #77 on:** November 11, 2011, 12:39:11 am »

What works good for pin holes sometimes is a skim coat of bondo applied ove the pin holes with a razor blade.

AlienInferno · « **Reply #78 on:** November 11, 2011, 11:28:11 pm »

Quote from: mgb on November 11, 2011, 12:39:11 am

What works good for pin holes sometimes is a skim coat of bondo applied ove the pin holes with a razor blade.

Didn't get a chance to finish it off today after all. Had to get the wife a new cell phone and that took forever. Then spent about an hour with the customer service person because it wouldn't send text messages once I got home. Pretty much made me want to smash the phone right there. But I'll try the bondo / razor blade thing after work tommorrow.

AlienInferno · « **Reply #79 on:** May 06, 2012, 02:28:31 am »

Ok. Don't hate me for bumping my thread. I've let this project set on the back burner long enough and figured it will serve as a bit of motivation to get started on it again. I did pull it out of the garage last week and did some repairs on a few pieces that were damaged. Mainly it was just the corners on bottom that hit the ground a few times while moving it. Got them all bondoed up and about halfway through sanding when the sander died. Planning on buying another one tommorrow and finishing the sanding if it's not raining.

Anyway since I don't have any pics to post I'll just make a list of what I think I have left to do. I set myself a deadline of July 4th to get it finished minus side art.

Things To Do
--------------------------------------------------------------
Cut the T-molding slot (I put this off long enough)
Install T-molding
Put in some mounts for the monitor plexi
Get some black plexi and bend some marquee retainers to the angle needed.
Make speaker mounts
Finish bottom back door (needs some wood removed so it will sit flush)
Install a VGA out, a power plug, and a usb plug in the bottom back door
Shave 1/8" off my control panel top
(option) - Cut a couple vents in the top of the cabinet

THINGS STILL NEEDED TO PURCHASE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Router Bits
Marquee Lights
Plexi for monitor cover
Plexi for marquee retainers
USB hub
USB extension
Wire and connectors


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