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Sub Mini Laserdisc Themed Arcade Machine

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ark_ader:
Well I decided to continue with this project after destroying the first prototype in 2009. 

I also started college and I did not have the time devoted with work, etc.

Before I started the 2012 project I needed some new parts as I wanted the unit to be really small but cool.

I was going to wait for the Raspberry Pi, but I fear that this little device will be sold out before I can get my hands on one, so I opted for the original Thinkpad kit.

I felt that the previous build was too tall and I needed something that would not restrict my hands.  I also want to add a couple of more buttons to it to play Cliff Hanger and some Shups. 

I also want to play Thayers Quest, so I will be adding a mini keyboard to the build.

The last attempt was made with particleboard and that posed many problems with the construction, so I will opt for half inch mdf.

Our weather is not so fantastic at the moment, so this project will be stop and start, but not last 2 years... :lol

I got some new controls I want to add, and I have converted all my Laserdisc games to run on this platform.  I will also have Mame but just for the 4 way games.

I want this to look like a Dedicated Dragon's Lair cab or a Cliff Hanger but I am at odds to make this a vertical Mach 3 and have all the laser stuff run vertical, but I will have to cardboard mock this idea first.

My size I am going for is 12 inches tall x 14 wide x 10" deep.  I picked up some flashing volcano buttons I want to add for player buttons.

I will start construction tomorrow (should be clear and dry) and I will post pics. 

Due to the size it will not be a traditional cabinet design, but at the end of the day I am going to be playing with it.

More function than form.

I was going to make it a Coleco Tabletop Dragon's Lair, but I will have to wait for Raspberry Pi as that will be perfect to drive my recently acquired 7inch display.

 :cheers:

ark_ader:
Got my tools out of the shed to do some cutting work today, and they are 90% rusty.  Looks like I have a hole in the old shed roof and got all my tools gunked up.  :'(

Well I always wanted new tools!  ;D

Got my Keywiz and laptop all put together.  Just want to advise anyone pulling apart a laptop - to stay away from LCD inverter. 

Treat it with fear.  I have lost 5 screens to Thinkpad inverters so far.  If you are going to move it have a home already for it on the bezel.

Everything works 100% and the joystick and buttons work.  I'm finding the information on the volcano buttons is hard to come by.  I need to find the covers for them...

Maybe RAM Controls will have some!!!   :lol

Le Chuck:
Twisty Wrist has some cones and buttons in stock, prices are better than Rams and they physically exist from what I understand.  I haven’t ordered from them but Yaksplat gave them an up on another thread here today.

Thinking about getting a set myself.

ark_ader:

--- Quote from: Le Chuck on January 30, 2012, 01:15:29 pm ---Twisty Wrist has some cones and buttons in stock, prices are better than Rams and they physically exist from what I understand.  I haven’t ordered from them but Yaksplat gave them an up on another thread here today.

Thinking about getting a set myself.

--- End quote ---

Thanks buddy I'll check it out!  :applaud:

ark_ader:
Well it was a washout or a rustout day  ;D

I decided to look at my design again. 

I wanted a smaller compact theme, so I cracked open jakobud's DL plans out again.  The last version was scaled down cabinet of the original, but looking at the marquee area (I always get this wrong) it is not at a 90 degrees at the bottom but more like 40.  I have to get a speaker in there and a decent (which I have somewhere) Atari logo as I want to make it a lazy Euro DL.  The not so lazy version requires a hardware scoreboard but this will be on screen.



I have yet to cardboard prototype it but I think I have it correct.  The Light blue is the speakers, the Black bar at the bottom is the laptop screen, the rest is fascia and the marquee area.  I still want to make it 12 inches high and I will most likely have to remove another inch or two for depth.  It says 12 but should read 10.  Due to the laptop ports, I have to widen the cabinet unless I want a vertical cab (which I don't now) to make room for all the cables sticking out.

Unless someone knows where I can get right angled USB, PS/2 connectors.   ;)

Besides I want it to pull games from my NAS and the wifi card sticks out a good few inches.

I'm looking forward to getting this built and have all the proper artwork on.

Cannot decide on DL or Space Ace.... :lol

Stay tuned....

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