Author Topic: Cocktail arcade(TV replaced with LCD, finally!) (Read 16083 times)

jmike · « **on:** August 05, 2011, 07:42:53 am »

Been working on this for a couple of weeks now but since I've been slacking off a bit, thought posting it would help me move it along. Been admiring all of the latest cocktail arcades on this site and decided I wanted to build one for myself. I searched CL for a cheap TV to use (this monster is heavy). So I started working on the frame. (see pic below).

Also cut both sides, I didn't want the base to be plain so I added some curves. As you can see it's higher than most cocktail arcades and that's just what I wanted. Didn't feel like leaning over a table that was too low. My plan is to also put pinmame or future pinball (couldn't wait and dicided to put one of the pinball buttons on the side). Planning on painting it black with chrome t-molding, red and blue lightup buttons, with sound activated blue and red cathode lights on the bottom. As for artwork, don't worry I've emailed Snaake already

.

Let me know what you think.

jmike · « **Reply #1 on:** August 05, 2011, 07:44:35 am »

Pics didn't save on the first post so here they are again

Well Fed Games · « **Reply #2 on:** August 05, 2011, 02:01:05 pm »

looks good. what size is that TV?

IG-88 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 05, 2011, 02:29:09 pm »

I'm guessing at least a 27" maybe even a 32". This thing is gonna be HEAVY!! Great stuff

crashwg · « **Reply #4 on:** August 05, 2011, 08:30:19 pm »

I really like it. Can't wait to see the finished product.

mgb · « **Reply #5 on:** August 06, 2011, 03:27:41 pm »

Good luck on the project. It's always nice to see a good cocktail build.
Is that a 32" tv? If it weighs anywhere near what my 32" Sony Wega weighs, good luck and use lots of supports.
Looking forward to seeing your progress.

Well Fed Games · « **Reply #6 on:** August 06, 2011, 10:45:31 pm »

Quote from: mgb on August 06, 2011, 03:27:41 pm

Good luck on the project. It's always nice to see a good cocktail build.
Is that a 32" tv? If it weighs anywhere near what my 32" Sony Wega weighs, good luck and use lots of supports.
Looking forward to seeing your progress.

I hope it is a 32"... because I want to see it done before I use my 32" for a similar project...

jmike · « **Reply #7 on:** August 09, 2011, 07:25:20 am »

Thanks for following my threads guys.

Measured the TV and it is a 27", (I originally build the frame to house a 32 inch TV) but came across the widescreen 27. Don't worry about support it has plenty, plus I'll be adding an additional center wheel to hold most of the weight.

Here's the parts I'm planning on using.

From GGG:

LED Wiz 32-port
(2) NovaGem Coin Drop Replacement Buttons
White SpectraLite Illuminated buttons

Trackball (from X-arcade)

(Changed my mind about the white clear buttons so I ordered some from Paradise: Convex LED lighted buttons (red,blue). I'll see which ones look better.

Ebay:
Ion Audio iCUE3 Discover DJ USB Turntable Computer System

Giant Gears of War 3 poster
http://cgi.ebay.com/GEARS-WAR-3-HUGE-2-QUALITY-GIANT-POSTER-ART-PRINT-/250785478090?pt=UK_Arts_Posters_RL&hash=item3a63fab5ca

The poster is just for my game room.

mgb · « **Reply #8 on:** August 09, 2011, 04:10:26 pm »

Yeah, it definitely looks like a sturdy frame that you built. This looks like it'll be a great design for both horizontal and vertical games

jmike · « **Reply #9 on:** August 25, 2011, 06:46:02 am »

Okay, I was able to do so more work yesterday (finally, I know). After cutting the rest of the outer body pieces I clamped everything on the frame just to see what it will look like. I'm happy with the way it's turning out. I still have to cut the pieces for the control panels and I think I need an arch below the CPs to match the sides. I'm using 3/4 melamine, this thing is heavy

! (Pic 959 is where I still need to add the arch.)

Thanks for following my slow moving thread

Junix · « **Reply #10 on:** August 28, 2011, 12:34:38 pm »

Hi, first of all, it seems to be a amazing project.
I think that it will be my next project, to put in the center of my living room

Congratulations.

Junix

ace9094 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 28, 2011, 01:09:42 pm »

Wow this is gonna be awesome...

Cant wait to see the final product

jmike · « **Reply #12 on:** September 09, 2011, 07:16:26 am »

Thanks for the comments.
I ran into some problems with all this rain here in Jersey. My basement ended up with about 2 inches of rain. Luckily I had moved most of my arcade related parts to the first floor. Unfortunately the CP pieces I had cut for the cocktail got ruined, also had to remove the carpet (which you can see in the pics).

Moving on. I decided it would be a good idea to add a 5th leg at the center of the base to hold the TV, just to make sure it doesn't come crashing down. It might be overkill but better safe than sorry. Also dropped the TV in the base to test. This thing is getting heavy quick, I might end up using 1/2 inch wood for the top surrounding the screen instead of the 3/4.
I don't have a name for this thing yet, so any suggestions?

tho · « **Reply #13 on:** September 12, 2011, 11:21:21 am »

Sorry to hear about the rain in the basement! The project looks great though! I'm planning a cocktail build in my head and I might try and copy parts of your setup. Good Job!

Rick · « **Reply #14 on:** September 12, 2011, 12:08:16 pm »

Quote from: jmike on September 09, 2011, 07:16:26 am

I don't have a name for this thing yet, so any suggestions?

Since your adventures this weekend, how about the "Katrina Arcade"?

IG-88 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 12, 2011, 04:20:47 pm »

As for a name how about "Overbuilt Back-breaker"?

Just kidding. Seriously tho, you could set a truck on there with all that lumber you got. At this rate you'll need 4 guys to get that up and down any kind of stairs.

I think a lot of people under estimate the strength of 2x4's. I wish I could find the pic I had of a building basically burnt to the ground. The only thing left standing was a completely charred and fried 2X6 with a 6 inch metal I-beam draped over it, melted like a piece of plastic. It was quite obvious that the lumber held up much longer than the metal had.

I will say tho that the cab looks really cool

jmike · « **Reply #16 on:** October 04, 2011, 09:27:15 pm »

As like many of you, work, life and family have kept me away from my build. But I manage to do a little work. First off melamine is too hard to paint,

tried sanding off the top layer but the paint still wouldn't stick. Had some black vinyl that I bought from Home Depot, a while back so decided to give it a go. (BTW 8ft x 4 ft black pieces are on sale for $42 in NJ that is). Here are some pics. As usual comments and questions are welcomed.

jmike · « **Reply #17 on:** October 04, 2011, 09:34:05 pm »

Here are some more pics. Decided to bring one side in, while the other is still drying, plus I got home late so I couldn't trim the excess vinyl. As you can see I hammered in some t-molding, since I wasn't planning on using the vinyl, the 3/4 inch t-molding I had isn't going to cover it properly. So I'll have to order the next size up.

Here are the pics.

jmike · « **Reply #18 on:** October 19, 2011, 06:49:05 am »

Project is on hold until I get the right size t-molding. Didn't really calculate for the vinyl adding that much but now the 3/4 inch chrome molding is a bit short.

In the mean time here's a street fighter x Tekken stick I've been working on (didn't want to start a new project thread since I didn't take many pics). At first I wasn't sure on the white t-molding but I think it works. Also the buttons will light up as well as the balltop. Let me know what you think.

mgb · « **Reply #19 on:** October 19, 2011, 08:04:45 am »

That control panel looks great.

jmike · « **Reply #20 on:** October 20, 2011, 07:20:18 am »

Quote from: mgb on October 19, 2011, 08:04:45 am

That control panel looks great.

''

Thanks mgb,
I'll update a new pic when I finish wiring it up. (also the right side has the white t-molding as well. Just forgot to upload the right pics

jmike · « **Reply #21 on:** November 23, 2011, 07:45:50 am »

Still trying to get things done. Haven't abandoned my cocktail arcade, just ordered some 13/16 t-molding but

still doesn't cover both sides on the vinyl and wood. Guess I have to go with 1 inch.
Here's some pics of two fight sticks I've been working on. (they'll probably be x-mas gifts for my brothers since I don't have a PS3). Street fighter Tekken stick is finally all wired up as you can see button light up when pressed. The street fighter zombie stick will have one of Vigo's encoder's inside. Not sure why but the new batch (at least the one I ordered) didn't have the PS3 button layout on the back so I just used one of the encoder's I had ordered the last time from Vigo. BTW the Street Fighter zombie art was put together by Snaake. Great job buddy.

Let me know what you think.

jmike · « **Reply #22 on:** November 28, 2011, 07:48:50 am »

Street Fighter Zombie Stick has been finished, we actually tested this weekend. All working with no issues. Here are some pics. PIC 1106 shows the bottom of the stick (wanted to add a little something) and pic 1111 shows the cool screw cap plugs I found at Sears.

jmike · « **Reply #23 on:** February 02, 2012, 08:46:49 am »

Back again (project is still going, just very, very slow). Progress so far has been:
Sides of the cocktail arcade have been bolted on the frame (not just clamped on)
cut out the both control panels (without button layout yet)
came up with my own (ghetto looking) pinball plunger

Got some questions for any cocktail arcade owners. Before setting the button layout I was wondering if I can get Mame to split-screen fighting games (like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat) so each person can view their own screen.
I know more cocktails-specific games like Mr. Do and Mrs Pacman have that flip screen option but I can't figure out if I can split screen other games. Since my cocktail arcade is only 2-sided I don't want to add 6-buttons on each side if I can't play fighting games.

Here's some pics (sorry for the low quality)

Gaaargh · « **Reply #24 on:** February 02, 2012, 11:26:13 am »

Quote from: jmike on February 02, 2012, 08:46:49 am

Got some questions for any cocktail arcade owners. Before setting the button layout I was wondering if I can get Mame to split-screen fighting games (like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat) so each person can view their own screen.
I know more cocktails-specific games like Mr. Do and Mrs Pacman have that flip screen option but I can't figure out if I can split screen other games.

Yes you can, mame has a 'cocktail mode' option that does exactly that.

mgb · « **Reply #25 on:** February 02, 2012, 12:42:42 pm »

Cocktail mode on mame will take care of the whole head to head screen flip like how you may remember Pacman and others on cocktails.

For what you're looking to do for fighters, etc. Yes that is also possible.
Check out Louis Tully's fine Star Trek cab, that is what he did.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=113264.0

jmike · « **Reply #26 on:** February 02, 2012, 01:46:28 pm »

Thanks for your helps guys.
I'll look into it when I get home today. The only thing I found was to turn the screen clockwise but that didn't fix the fighting games. Glad to know it is possible.

Johns Uncle · « **Reply #27 on:** February 02, 2012, 02:33:28 pm »

Love this build ! especially the solid frame with the castors

jmike · « **Reply #28 on:** February 05, 2012, 08:11:36 pm »

Thanks for checking out my project

Was able to fix the split screen issue for fighting games thanks to LT (

)
Also had time to cut out the button layout, plexi and bevel the CP.
Here are some pics. As always comments, questions and suggestions are welcomed.

DaOld Man · « **Reply #29 on:** February 05, 2012, 08:51:32 pm »

I think I missed this project until now.
Great work so far. I would like to build a cocktail some day, gotta get my other thousand projects done first.

Kangum · « **Reply #30 on:** February 12, 2012, 02:25:55 pm »

this thing is built like a tank. so awesome. I like your design. I cant wait for updates.

jmike · « **Reply #31 on:** February 21, 2012, 09:30:55 am »

Thanks for the encouraging words guys

Okay was able to work on the arcade a bit this weekend. Did the following:

-drilled holes to mount the joysticks.

-also cut out the bezel. (was going to have artwork covered by a plexi) but decided to save a little money so I will just put black vinyl on the bezel.

Pics show joysticks installed, bezel clamped while waiting for glue to dry and finally placed over TV for a test fit. I glued on the black vinyl on the bezel and under the CP panels but left it in the garage drying. Want to make sure I give it enough time to dry properly this time.

Louis Tully · « **Reply #32 on:** February 21, 2012, 10:01:34 am »

jmike · « **Reply #33 on:** February 24, 2012, 07:34:21 am »

Small update:
after 2 days of letting the glue dry, I was able to route off the extra laminate. I'm very happy with the results. (tip: for anyone who is dealing with laminate, it's a good idea to tape off the border so when you route off the sides you can avoid scratches). Panels under CPs were also laminated and trimmed.

Need some suggestions for artwork, Was thinking of putting player 1 characters like Mario, Billy Lee..., on one side and player 2 characters like Luigi, Jimmy Lee for player 2's CP. Not sold on the idea so I welcome any suggestions. Other ideas for art are just circling the buttons and adding arrows around the joysticks with a base color, and the last idea I had was to use those SF characters with the "Tron" theme as the art, figure the light up buttons would really bring out the characters.

Here are the pics. Let me know what you think.

hotman · « **Reply #34 on:** February 24, 2012, 10:14:50 am »

Got to say mate your artwork looks top

javeryh · « **Reply #35 on:** February 24, 2012, 10:58:38 am »

Please do not ruin your awesome cabinet with clip-art.

Are you planning on dropping some smoked glass on top of the monitor? It looks like it is sitting a little low. I find that black matteboard (with a black core) makes an awesome bezel for an LCD monitor. Keep it going!

Louis Tully · « **Reply #36 on:** April 01, 2012, 10:14:44 am »

jmike · « **Reply #37 on:** April 02, 2012, 07:23:52 am »

Thanks for asking LT. Yeah, still lost on the artwork/theme (haven't been playing it

) .
Working on trying to light up the pinball plunger balltop, and ordered some more parts (1 and 1/2 inch T-molding). Think I'll go with Javeryh's idea and get some smoked glass for the top. (Maybe this will get me moving again

)

Been trying to stay busy since some parts are delayed. Here's a couple of side projects I've been messing with.

jmike · « **Reply #38 on:** August 17, 2012, 02:54:13 pm »

Starting to work on my cocktail arcade again. I was stuck for a long, long while deciding on the art but finally came up with something. Here's where the idea came from. Before anyone asks the characters will not be on there (just the hexagon patterns and outline for the buttons.

I contacted Snaake and he'll be working his photoshop magic on this. No extra art on the sides, just trying to give it that nice sleek look.

Will keep you posted.

Sir Kayne · « **Reply #39 on:** August 17, 2012, 03:24:49 pm »

Nice project ! Look good

But you don't be affraid with your TV who lay on the bottom ? It's not really a heavy part...take care if you move the cab !
You should throw away the plastic frame and fix the tube on a CP wood frame.

Louis Tully · « **Reply #40 on:** August 17, 2012, 04:21:53 pm »

Excellent! Looking forward to it.

deadpool18 · « **Reply #41 on:** August 18, 2012, 10:43:14 am »

Quote from: mgb on February 02, 2012, 12:42:42 pm

For what you're looking to do for fighters, etc. Yes that is also possible.
Check out Louis Tully's fine Star Trek cab, that is what he did.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=113264.0

I didn't see any information in that thread on how it was done. Can somebody help me? It would be great to have that for horizontal games!

Louis Tully · « **Reply #42 on:** August 18, 2012, 11:14:53 am »

jmike · « **Reply #43 on:** August 18, 2012, 05:32:28 pm »

I actually ending up using MameUIFX. It has tons of features for split screens and more. I know Run and Gun 2 didn't work on the regular Mame (which is why I ended up buying the jamma board) but it actually works using MameUIFX

There's more games that work better on MameUIFX but also some that don't.

Here's the link
http://mame32fx.altervista.org/download.htm

jmike · « **Reply #44 on:** September 05, 2012, 07:43:35 am »

Back again. Well after 2 weeks of the kids and wife being sick

Like I said before I had contacted Snaake about the art which btw was inspired by Javeryh's ("Please do not ruin your awesome cabinet with clip-art. ") yes, I was about to make that mistake. The first pic shows the sketched sample I sent over to Snaake and the second pic shows the finished product. The last pic shows the washers I'm thinking of ordering, since the CP bottoms will have chrome t-molding it might just work.

Sir Kayne thanks for pointing out the plastic casing not be able to support the TV, I hadn't even thought about it. I thought of a way to give it extra support on the sides. You might have just saved the TV from crashing down.

Went to my local glass place and got a price quote for $40 for 1/4 inch tempered glass, which I was thinking of doing to cover the TV but not sure how to hold the glass down yet. It would not cover the entire bezel.
Ideas, suggestions???

jmike · « **Reply #45 on:** October 08, 2012, 10:44:56 pm »

Small update on my cocktail build.

Mounted the LED lights on the bottom sides and speakers on the frame. Also cut out the panels that go under the CPs. Used some leftover carbon fiber I had laying around and mounted the speaker grills. Starting to come together .......
Also I ordered these glass clips from amazon since I decided to use glass instead of plexi to cover the TV screen. Glass size is about 1 1/2 inches bigger than the TV screen on each side. In order for the clips to sit flush and not have the glass up in the air I routed out enough to have it leveled but still be able to hold the glass down. (can't believe they don't sell any type of clips at my glass store

)
Let me know what you think.

steveh · « **Reply #46 on:** October 09, 2012, 11:53:17 am »

I like the clips, but im not sure how exactly they work. Do you screw them down, then bend the sides around the glass? cause that could get messy pretty fast. otherwise they look nice (i dont know much about how well they will work, as ive never done anything like this.

PL1 · « **Reply #47 on:** October 09, 2012, 08:20:21 pm »

Here's a picture of the back side of the clips.

The one on the left is the lower fixed clip.

The one on the right is the upper spring-loaded clip. The back part screws to the mounting surface and the front part can slide.

The glass rests in the lower clips and the front part of the upper clips slide up to let the glass in then the springs push the front part down to hold the glass.

Scott

EDIT: Here's one link to the clips and another.

jmike · « **Reply #48 on:** October 10, 2012, 07:11:51 am »

Sorry I missed your question Steveh, but Scott is correct on his description. The only thing is that I'm not using the spring-loaded clips, I'm using the smaller two. You see the top part of my build is 1/2 inch MDF so I wouldn't be able to route out enough for the bigger clip.
I'm going to use bolts instead of screws. My plan is insert the bolts in the clips, drill the holes on the MDF, then attach the clips to the glass and drop the bolts in the holes. There's not going to be a lot of strain on these clips, I just don't want the glass shifting around if someone decides to touch it, or have it move during gameplay.

I'll try and take a pic tonight when I get home.

jmike · « **Reply #49 on:** October 17, 2012, 08:59:48 pm »

Back again with an update (finally). Well I went with the suggestion of Sir Kayne about not letting the entire weight rest on the plastic TV housing and decased the TV. One question is I'm not entirely sure on how to mount a frame to hold it up now. I look through the site and well most had the TVs at an angle and not facing up like my build. (or at least I couldn't find any

)
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Here's what the TV looks like now, just not quite sure how to secure a proper frame to hold up the screen, it's still pretty heavy.

jmike · « **Reply #50 on:** October 18, 2012, 07:47:58 am »

Okay, I found this in the forum, which helps out but still not sure if it's the best way to go.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=119702.0

IG-88 · « **Reply #51 on:** October 18, 2012, 04:56:32 pm »

I'd pull that front off of the tube too and then you can use those nifty little tabs to mount to a plywood "bezel" (if you cut the hole the right size)

Do the controls on the front of the TV have there own little pcb and cable? You can put it on the bezel too.

You may also have enough slack in the monitor chassis cables to mount it to the inside of your cab.

jmike · « **Reply #52 on:** November 30, 2012, 07:33:00 am »

Been a while since I updated my build but I have been working on it (when life permits).
This is what I've been working on the last couple of weeks.
-did 90% of the wiring on my KeyWiz Max and LED-Wiz 32-port, just have to clean up the wires a bit.
-speakers have been mounted on the lower part of the frame sides
-side panels cut, with carbon fiber and speaker grills attached to them
-player 2 CP side has been attached with GGG coin drop button

Now that most of the wiring has been completed I just need man up and install the TV

(That's not the PC I'm using, just testing the LEDs with it).
Pics attached. Let me know what you think.

jmike · « **Reply #53 on:** December 02, 2012, 09:32:11 pm »

okay, tried mounted that damn TV again but no luck

Here's some measurements and pics, maybe someone can shed a little light/give me some suggestions on how to mount this thing.
1st pic shows the distance from the loops around the TV frame to the tv screen (2 inches)
2nd pic shows the marking of where the loop needs to go to not exceed the bezel
3rd pic is the distance and placement of where the loops would end up
last pic just shows the bezel on top of the frame (without the tempered glass)

any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated.

Louis Tully · « **Reply #54 on:** December 03, 2012, 07:28:07 am »

jmike · « **Reply #55 on:** December 03, 2012, 07:48:46 am »

Thanks for the reply LT.
unfortunately the TV tabs don't reach the frame. (see pic from first page) and now that I removed the TV case there's actually more room between the TV screen and the frame.
You gave me an idea, I might be able to add some 2x4 cut in half and attach them to the frame to reach the tabs.
Will have to think about it some more.

Louis Tully · « **Reply #56 on:** December 03, 2012, 07:58:53 am »

jmike · « **Reply #57 on:** July 23, 2013, 07:33:44 am »

Okay back to this project ( I know it was started like 2 years ago...

).
Honestly every time I start working on this thing something bad happens;
1st year) basement gets flooded ruins carpet and pieces I had already cut
2nd year) hurricane sandy hit
this year) PC died...
why do I bother... cause I'm stubborn and won't give up

now that I

enough here's the updates.
TV finally replaced with the right thing. 27 INCH LCD I got off craigslist for like $40. Decased and mounted. Glass has also been installed. Just waiting to replace the PC for this machine. Here are some pics.

My friend is working on the PC for me so I hope to start setting up the software soon.


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