2011 BYOAC User Choice Awards needs your nominations!

[Le Chuck]

Welcome to the 2011 BYOAC User Choice Awards!

Before we get too deep into spring and everybody is in the garage working on their builds it's time to take a few minutes and identify some of our favorite, ground breaking, or all around well made builds of 2011.  Feel free to nominate more than one and don't feel obligated to nominate something for every category.    

Please take a look at the categories and their description.  To nominate please reply with this format:

Category: Name of Build or Project: Link
<optional description of why nominated for that category>

Any project nominated twice (by different users ) will make it to the vote thread which will open NLT 23 MARCH 2012.  This thread will close on 17 MARCH 2012 so make sure and scrub through this last year's builds then put up the links that you think progressed the hobby, just make sure whatever you're nominating was "complete" after 01 JAN 2011 and before 31 DEC 2011.  

Here's a list of this year's categories and a brief definition:

Fullsize cabs - Uprights, cockpits, V-Pins and showcase cabs that demonstrate outstanding theme, style, balance, and execution.

Small cabs and non standards - Bartops, Cocktails, and cabs more easily defined by what they aren't, cab in furniture, cab disguised as something else that demonstrate outstanding theme, style, balance, and execution.  Depending on quantity and type of submissions this may get split into two categories, but for now it's one.  

Hardware Contribution - minis, custom built or modified controls, lighting, or other physical cab elements that were new or improved this past year and advanced the hobby.  NOTE:  If the hack is a hacked or modified peice of software then that would be a Utility nom.  I apologize for mixing terms.  

Software Contribution - this can be a piece of code or specialty tool user written or created this past year that created or improved emulation capability or generally increased software flexibility to include software hacks.

Forum Contribution - helpful forum members recognized for their dedicated commitment to lending a hand, proffering sound advice, and going out of their way to ensure you can complete an awesome build (serious entries only here, if you have a beef take it elsewhere).


Thanks for taking the time to nominate your favorite(s) and help us document the best projects of 2011!  

<Edit:  As I have been nominated under two categories I have been advised by my team of lawyers to publicly recuse myself from the voting process as I am chairing this year's event.  I will not nominate or confirm nomination for my own builds.  I am infact rather partial to them but will not recommend them in any way for recognition.  Voting will be done via the forum's automated closed voting polls which I will post but I am subject to the same voting rules as everyone else.  I will have no hand in tabulating votes and will be unable to alter the results as all this is automated.  Hopefully this alleviates any concerns of partiallity from this process on my part.  I can upon request spout more legal sounding mumbo jumbo to the same aforementioned affect if it is deemed necessary.  >

[Le Chuck]

Confirmed Nominations by Category
These have the requisite two nominations to make the vote-off in late March    

Fullsize Cab: Pixel Hugger's Mission Control, Martijn's Marvel vs Capcom, Fearsomefearful's Pac-Man 30th Anniversary, Knievel's Kisskade, macattack's Big Bang Bar, Chris77's Big Bang Pin
 
Small Cab/Non Standard: Leedsfan's Mini Star Wars, Woodshop Flunky's American Ace, Unstupid's Neo-Geo, Shrunkenmaster's Star Wars Custom Caberet,  Le Chuck's Darkade, tom_g's A Cocktail Coffee Table Cab

Hardware Contribution: Bender's Mini DK, Le Chuck's Wireless Triggerstick Hotswap,

Software Contribution: JoyChoose, 720 Spinner Hack,

Forum Contribution: DaOld Man, Ken Layton, DrVenture, Calamity, Loadman, Andy Warne


Nominated Projects that need confirmation
These have the high honor of being nominated by one of our users as the best of 2011 but have not yet received a seconding vote.  Please give these some consideration, somebody thought they were good enough to nominate and perhaps you might agree and get them into the vote off.

Fullsize Cab: tommywright's Street Fighter Cab,

Small Cab/Non Standard: Evetsllub's Cafe au Cade, Mountain's Jukebox Kit, Jordancbr's Tron Cocktail, Shrunkenmaster's Burgertime Cabaret

Hardware Contribution: TerraHawk's Servo Joyswitch, Vcoleiro1's mini space invaders

Software Contribution: DrVenture's ControllerRemap Utility, Headkaze's Utilities, DaOld Man's Mrotate3

Forum Contribution: MKChamp, Saint,

After you get done checking out these head over to the Trophy Design Contest thread and get your entry in!

[TopJimmyCooks]

I second the nominations of Joychoose/Utility and DaOld Man/Contribution.  Hear hear!

[Nephasth]

Gotta throw the obvious hat into the ring for full sized... Mission Control

And American Ace for small cab.

[Green Giant]

We need to add oddball items like photo booths .


As for cabs, does Ond's count?  If I nominate him do you think he will finish faster?

[alfonzotan]

We need to add oddball items like photo booths .


As for cabs, does Ond's count?  If I nominate him do you think he will finish faster?

Yeah, that begs the question, is the voting limited to completed projects?

[Nephasth]

Yeah, that begs the question, is the voting limited to completed projects?

...just make sure whatever you're nominating was "complete" after 01 JAN 2011 and before 31 DEC 2011.

[alfonzotan]

Yeah, that begs the question, is the voting limited to completed projects?

...just make sure whatever you're nominating was "complete" after 01 JAN 2011 and before 31 DEC 2011.

 

Duh on me.  Thanks...

[yotsuya]

Would Derrick Renauld's "720 Spinner Hack" count as a hack? Or does it have to be actual hardware?

[alfonzotan]

Big time second on LeedsFan's Mini-Star Wars cab.  Outstanding project completed with style.

[Le Chuck]

Would Derrick Renauld's "720 Spinner Hack" count as a hack? Or does it have to be actual hardware?

Custom made controller is a definite hack. 

[yotsuya]

Would Derrick Renauld's "720 Spinner Hack" count as a hack? Or does it have to be actual hardware?

Custom made controller is a definite hack. 

Derrick's spinner hack wasn't a custom made controller but rather a MAME hack that allowed the game to be played with a spinner. I think it was later incorporated into MAME.

[Le Chuck]

I'm thinking of a different one then, drop in a link.  It is either going to be a hack or code, everything should be able to be crammed in one of the categories at least.  If it's a physical adapter it'd be a hack (mod) 

[Vigo]

I nominate the world's smallest Donkey Kong by Bender http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111395.0

I believe this would be under the hack/mod category.

[CheffoJeffo]

Would Derrick Renauld's "720 Spinner Hack" count as a hack? Or does it have to be actual hardware?

Custom made controller is a definite hack. 

Derrick's spinner hack wasn't a custom made controller but rather a MAME hack that allowed the game to be played with a spinner. I think it was later incorporated into MAME.

Will be fun when arribiata (or whatever name he is going by now) finds this ... and  to Derrick.

[yotsuya]

Fullsize cabs - Mission Control

Small cabs and non standards Shrunkenmaster's Reimagined Star Wars Custom Caberet. I love what he did with the screen, buttons, and plexi (although I'm also cool with Leedsfans as well).  

Hack or Mod - Derrick Renauld's "720 Spinner Hack" - Made the game pretty playable, whereas before with a simple joystick it wasn't. I'm sure Driverman would agree.

Utility - DaOldMan's JoyChoose.

Contribution - I'd like to nominate DrVenture for this. He's positive, creative, and truly an asset to this board. I also think MKChamp deserves a lifetime achievement award for his "no nag" diffs.

[Le Chuck]

<This was a worthless post so I'm putting my noms here so I can use the second post to keep a running tally.>

Here are my picks for the best of 2011.  I may add some more later but if I had to just pick one each these would be they. 

Fullsize Cab: Martijn's Scratch Slim Marvel vs Capcom: Build thread.  Awesome cab, beautifully made, definitely worthy of emulation and has a lot of neat little hacks to boot.
 
Small Cab/Non Standard: LeedsFan's Mini Star Wars: Build thread.  So many to choose from but I am in love with the execution and attention to detail on this little build.

Hack: TerraHawk's 4way/8way servo controlled auto switch: Build post.  This got me rolling on my project, I owe a lot to it and it really opened up a new realm of customization.

Utility: DaOld Man's Joychoose: Release Thread.  This is pretty much the best thing since sliced bread, we can do all the cool hacks in the world but without code like this it wouldn't be fluidly functional.

Contribution: DaOld Man:  DaOld Man is an obvious choice for me based on his awesome attitude, willingness to help, and passion for pushing our hobby in new direction.  Take a trip over to MRotate/Automations and he'll go out of his way to help you out.

[yotsuya]

I'll take that as a second for Hack category but I still need a link

Linked it for you, bro!

[Le Chuck]

I'll take that as a second for Hack category but I still need a link

Linked it for you, bro!

You're the best.  I modified the category definitions slightly and registered it as a nominated Utility (which now includes software hacks).  Who let me name these things, honestly?

[JohnEDollar]

Category:  Utility drventure's "ControllerRemap Utility" - http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=108767.0

- John

[Louis Tully]

.

[DaveMMR]

Okay, I will probably do the rest of the categories when I fully check through all the projects.  Since I was concentrating on bartops these past couple of months through, I will start with that:

Small Cabs/Nonstandard Unstupid's Bartop Neo-Geo System: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=114435.0
The looks of the bartop(s) alone is outstanding, but read through the thread and you'll see not only did Unstupid use real Neo Geo hardware, but he has a second Neo-Geo bartop (sans hardware) that connects directly to the main one, giving player two his/her own screen and set of controls. It's ingenious and probably a blast to play.

Hack or Mod: Le Chuck's Barcade: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=116602.0
On the outside it looks like a well-designed "Weecade" style bartop with an eye-catching theme. But instead of throwing a "Frankenpanel" on it or swapping out controls, he designed his CPto maximize the game-selecting potential. His is the first (complete) cab I've seen that took the idea of automatic 4/8 way restrictor rotation and made it a reality, but the fact that his right joystick's ball top pops off effortlessly to replace with wireless Tron stick really raises the bar and gives builders less of excuse to try and fit tons of controls on one panel.

(I'll be back with my other picks later in the week.)

[wp34]

This is a great thread.  What about Artwork?

[Le Chuck]

This is a great thread.  What about Artwork?

Hmm, if it's on a cab then nom the cab based on art, if it's not on a cab then it's technically code, especially if it was released for community use.

If there is a buncha folks who wanna see a separate art category then let me know and it can be added. 

[GadgetGeek]

Contributions: Ken Layton for keeping everyone's old school monitors running

[jimmy2x2x]

Would the categories be clearer as follows?

Traditional Cabs Fullsize cabs

Other Cabs Small cabs and non standards include minis here too?

Hardware Contribution Hack or Mod

Software Contribution Utility

Forum Contribution Contribution

[Howard_Casto]

Would the categories be clearer as follows?

Traditional Cabs Fullsize cabs

Other Cabs Small cabs and non standards include minis here too?

Hardware Contribution Hack or Mod

Software Contribution Utility

Forum Contribution Contribution

+1  I haven't nominated anyone yet becuase the cats are just a little bit confusing.

How about   Upright, Cocktail, Mini, Non-Traditional, Software, Hardware and Forum?

That would break up things a little bit more and give attention to more cabs.

[Le Chuck]

Would the categories be clearer as follows?

Traditional Cabs Fullsize cabs

Other Cabs Small cabs and non standards include minis here too?

Hardware Contribution Hack or Mod

Software Contribution Utility

Forum Contribution Contribution

+1  I haven't nominated anyone yet becuase the cats are just a little bit confusing.

How about   Upright, Cocktail, Mini, Non-Traditional, Software, Hardware and Forum?

That would break up things a little bit more and give attention to more cabs.

Really wish I had posted this somewhere first for a community critique.   

I will adjust the category names as those recommendations will help clarify things.  Thanks Jimmy!  For the Minis I recommend we leave them as Hardware contribution since they are all hacked Wizs or hacked GBAs.  If there is a huge flood of them that get nominated and confirmed we can address that.  I recommend we proceed with nominations under the two main cab categories and then if there is a huge number of competing cabs that get nominated from say bartops and nonstandards then we can split those out as required.  Having it as two groups now shouldn't restrict anything as everyone is free to nominate multiple builds for each category.  Thanks.

[jimmy2x2x]

Fullsize cabs:
Mission Control, for me this is probably the finest cab ever built, simply amazing.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=13118.0

Small cabs and non standards:
American Ace, this is what a small cab should be, quality design and execution - love it!
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111377.0

Hardware Contribution:
still thinking about this one...

Software Contribution:
headkaze for countless utilities and allowing me to get my amiga collection cab friendly
http://www.headsoft.com.au/index.php?category=emulation

Forum Contribution:
Calamity for refining GroovyMAME and offering first class support for it.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?board=52.0

Saint for being well balanced, patient and committed to this forum. Oh and being forever virtuous fighting the good fight against spam bots!

[yotsuya]

I'd lke to nominate Driverman for Troll of the Year.

[CheffoJeffo]

I'd lke to nominate Driverman for Troll of the Year.

+1

[Pixelhugger]

Small cabs/mini/non standard:

Hands down.... American Ace. Absolutely nailed every aspect.

[Le Chuck]

Based on some good feedback from BobA I am cataloging links to all nominated projects as well.  Please take the time to check out the second post on the thread to see what's been confirmed and what has just been nominated.  

Hopefully this will make it a bit easier to browse through some of the nominated projects and get them a second nomination so they can make the next round.  

Thanks!

[BobA]

Here are my nominations.

Traditional      Pixelhugger      Mission Control
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=13118.0

Other Cabs      Mountain      Jukebox Kit
   http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=98274.0

Hardware      Bender         Smallest DK, MAME Cab
   http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111395.0

Software      Howard_Casto      For his many programs

Forum         Ken Layton      For arcade help for all

[TopJimmyCooks]

I second Bender on the mini and would add Vcoleiro1's mini space invaders as another very strong mini.
I second DrVenture on forum contribution.

[jimmy2x2x]

Hardware Contribution:
RAM controls - Just focus on the products, not on the business model.  They have shown what is possible and how not to sell it!

Forum Contribution:
Andy Warne from Ultimarc - Andy stands by his products, no matter where you bought them from, always keen to resolve any issues -working with you to find a solution for your projects.  Other vendors do this, but they also hawk their products at every opportunity.

LoadMan for tireless devotion to MALA with amazing support.

[Le Chuck]

Hardware Contribution:
RAM controls - Just focus on the products, not on the business model.  They have shown what is possible and how not to sell it!

Forum Contribution:
Andy Warne from Ultimarc - Andy stands by his products, no matter where you bought them from, always keen to resolve any issues -working with you to find a solution for your projects.  Other vendors do this, but they also hawk their products at every opportunity.

LoadMan for tireless devotion to MALA with amazing support.

I think Ram's contributions to hardware predate 2011.  I'll get all the above folded in later today. 

[yotsuya]

Based on some good feedback from BobA I am cataloging links to all nominated projects as well.  Please take the time to check out the second post on the thread to see what's been confirmed and what has just been nominated.  

Hopefully this will make it a bit easier to browse through some of the nominated projects and get them a second nomination so they can make the next round.  

Thanks!

For the record, I nominated Shrunkenmaster's Reimagined Star Wars Custom Caberet, but it's not in the catalogue of links.

[Le Chuck]

For the record, I nominated Shrunkenmaster's Reimagined Star Wars Custom Caberet, but it's not in the catalogue of links.

Indeed you did, sorry I missed it.  Fixed.

[dandare]

Fullsize cabs
Scratch Slim Marvel vs Capcom http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=112721.0
Mission Control http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=13118.0

Small cabs and non standards
American Ace  http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111377.0
Bartop Neo-Geo System http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=114435.0
Darkade http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=116602.0

[Nephasth]

Fullsize cabs
Scratch Slim Marvel vs Capcom http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=112721.0
Wide-Body Taito Classic http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=109040.0
Mission Control http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=13118.0

Small cabs and non standards
American Ace  http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111377.0
Bartop Neo-Geo System http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=114435.0
Darkade http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=116602.0

Although badass, VanillaGorilla's isn't done yet, and I think the Darkade was finished this year.

[CheffoJeffo]

Hardware Contribution:
RAM controls - Just focus on the products, not on the business model.  They have shown what is possible and how not to sell it!

Forum Contribution:
Andy Warne from Ultimarc - Andy stands by his products, no matter where you bought them from, always keen to resolve any issues -working with you to find a solution for your projects.  Other vendors do this, but they also hawk their products at every opportunity.

LoadMan for tireless devotion to MALA with amazing support.

I think Ram's contributions to hardware predate 2011.  I'll get all the above folded in later today. 

Are we ---smurfing--- kidding about RAM ? Really ?

Nobody defended them more than I have, but, at this point we know that they should not be nominated for anything and that some of these "products" don't actually exist. The head office doesn't exist. 99% of everything about them is a lie.

Hell, no.

[yotsuya]

Are we ---smurfing--- kidding about RAM ? Really ?

Nobody defended them more than I have, but, at this point we know that they should not be nominated for anything and that some of these "products" don't actually exist. The head office doesn't exist. 99% of everything about them is a lie.

Hell, no.

Wait a minute- I thought this was for 2011 cabs and achievements? RAM and some of the other stuff mentioned occurred before that.

[jimmy2x2x]

Are we ---smurfing--- kidding about RAM ? Really ?

Nobody defended them more than I have, but, at this point we know that they should not be nominated for anything and that some of these "products" don't actually exist. The head office doesn't exist. 99% of everything about them is a lie.

Hell, no.

Wait a minute- I thought this was for 2011 cabs and achievements? RAM and some of the other stuff mentioned occurred before that.

Read the entire thread and you shall have the same insight as others.

[yotsuya]

Any project nominated twice (by different users ) will make it to the vote thread which will open NLT 23 MARCH 2012.  This thread will close on 17 MARCH 2012 so make sure and scrub through this last year's builds then put up the links that you think progressed the hobby, just make sure whatever you're nominating was "complete" after 01 JAN 2011 and before 31 DEC 2011.  

[Le Chuck]

Although badass, VanillaGorilla's isn't done yet, and I think the Darkade was finished this year.

Darkade was complete build wise on 28 DEC 2011.  The video wasn't done until Feb as I was waiting to get the in-game TRON 4way to 8way switch working which was a side project that didn't even start until Jan.  If that utility got nominated it would actually be for Nitz and it would have to be a 2012 nom as I did zero original work on it but merely copied and pasted.  Concur that VanillaG's is indeed immaculately badass. 

Wait a minute- I thought this was for 2011 cabs and achievements? RAM and some of the other stuff mentioned occurred before that.

Let me know if anything is outside of the date range and I'll take a look and remove if necessary.  I haven't had a chance to scrub through for dates yet.  I've been giving some liberty on the forum contribution nominations as recognizing users who help the community is always a good practice, even if they didn't put out anything this last year.   


Great stuff everybody!  Keep it coming!

[jimmy2x2x]

I've been giving some liberty on the forum contribution nominations as recognizing users who help the community is always a good practice, even if they didn't put out anything this last year.   

How do you mean liberty, if they had put something out - wouldnt this 'thing' be nominated - such as a cab, hardware contribution or software contribution?

I thought the Forum Contribution was for active helpful forum members during 2011, i.e. people and not for 'things' 

[Le Chuck]

I've been giving some liberty on the forum contribution nominations as recognizing users who help the community is always a good practice, even if they didn't put out anything this last year.    

How do you mean liberty, if they had put something out - wouldnt this 'thing' be nominated - such as a cab, hardware contribution or software contribution?

I thought the Forum Contribution was for active helpful forum members during 2011, i.e. people and not for 'things'  

It is, forum contributions are in now way tied to producing anything but for example if somebody says I nominated So-n-So for all his wrappers I wouldn't go check that all those wrappers were from 2011, if somebody was helped by So-n-So in 2011 and wants to nominate that's good enough for me.  Sorry if I said something unclear that likely didn't need to be said anyways.  

[Well Fed Games]

This is a great thread.  What about Artwork?

This is true. There is enough original artwork created in a year that it could be a category, no problem.

[Le Chuck]

This is a great thread.  What about Artwork?

This is true. There is enough original artwork created in a year that it could be a category, no problem.

Let's see some nominees and we'll let the users decide.  Just use the same format but, ya know, put Art in front of it. 

I was talked out of it as an independant category based on the reasoning that most art is produced for a specific cab.  That art should then eventually show up on a cab that can be voted on its total merits.  Case in point, Pixelhugger's Marquee art is gorgeous and is part of the many reasons he was the first confirmed nom for fullsize cab, ditto Woodshopflunky's AM Ace.  Hardware mods are more global as are software mods and thus they justify their own category.  If there is an artist consistently producing amazing art for the community (like Opt2Not) then nominate him for a forum contribution award.

Nominating art that is eventually goint to end up on a cab but hasn't yet is kinda putting the cart infront of the horse. 

     

[Well Fed Games]

I was talked out of it as an independant category based on the reasoning that most art is produced for a specific cab.  That art should then eventually show up on a cab that can be voted on its total merits.  Case in point, Pixelhugger's Marquee art is gorgeous and is part of the many reasons he was the first confirmed nom for fullsize cab, ditto Woodshopflunky's AM Ace.  Hardware mods are more global as are software mods and thus they justify their own category.  If there is an artist consistently producing amazing art for the community (like Opt2Not) then nominate him for a forum contribution award.

     

Good point. You've thought this through well! 

[dandare]

Fullsize Cab Pac 30th anniversary cab
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=110635.0

[Le Chuck]

I got a really good peice of advice about the fact that I'm chairing this year's BYOAC UCA and am also a nominee (though unconfirmed thus far).  I have recused myself from handling or tabulating any votes and to state that all voting will be done using the forum's voting polls anyway. 

Please see first post for official statement.  Also, the second post should be current as of this post so if you see anything I missed or that shouldn't be there please let me know so I can get it fixed.  Thanks!

[Well Fed Games]

I'll confirm Forum Contribution: Calamity

[Le Chuck]

I move that people with less than 5,000 posts can't be nominated or serve as judges.

 

[CheffoJeffo]

I move that people with less more than 5,000 posts can't be nominated or serve as judges because they obviously aren't actually doing anything other than posting.

FTFY

[wp34]

I move that people with less more than 5,000 posts can't be nominated or serve as judges because they obviously aren't actually doing anything other than posting.

FTFY

 

[jimmy2x2x]

I would like to confirm:

Fearsomefearful's Pac-Man 30th Anniversary + Shrunkenmaster's Star Wars Custom Caberet

Both excellent projects imho.

C'mon all you MALA users - give Loadman a hand

[TopJimmyCooks]

I second loadman for anything he's nominated for.  I also second that Le Chuck not be allowed to count the hanging chads on the butterfly ballots. 

[Le Chuck]

I really gotta say that already the BYOAC UCAs are paying dividends because I'm see views on a lot of the nominated projects jumping up again, plus I'm getting to read through all kinds of great stuff from one thread. 

<The above is a shameless bumb for attention and more nominations poorly disguised as a thoughtful (but completely true) comment.>

[Donkey_Kong]

Forum Contribution:
Andy Warne from Ultimarc - Andy stands by his products, no matter where you bought them from, always keen to resolve any issues -working with you to find a solution for your projects.  Other vendors do this, but they also hawk their products at every opportunity.

+1 for Andy Warne

[GregD]

Forum Contribution:
Andy Warne from Ultimarc - Andy stands by his products, no matter where you bought them from, always keen to resolve any issues -working with you to find a solution for your projects.  Other vendors do this, but they also hawk their products at every opportunity.

+1 for Andy Warne

I like that other vendors hawk or announce their products on the forum.  I like to know what is new out there.  Randy has certainly stood by his products as well and I don't believe that anyone is more innovative than him.

[Le Chuck]

Forum Contribution:
Andy Warne from Ultimarc - Andy stands by his products, no matter where you bought them from, always keen to resolve any issues -working with you to find a solution for your projects.  Other vendors do this, but they also hawk their products at every opportunity.

+1 for Andy Warne

I like that other vendors hawk or announce their products on the forum.  I like to know what is new out there.  Randy has certainly stood by his products as well and I don't believe that anyone is more innovative than him.

Are you seconding Andy (Ultimarc) or are you nominating RandyT (GGG)?

[Le Chuck]

We're two weeks from the close of the 2011 BYOAC UCA nomination window and I wanted to thank everybody for the great contributions thus far. 

A quick breakdown below but remember to check out the second post in the thread for an up to date listing of the nominees and the confirmed nominations that we'll get a chance to vote on later in the month. 

Fullsize Cab: 3 cabs confirmed
 
Small Cab/Non Standard: 4 cabs confirmed

Hardware Contribution: Only 1 project confirmed!  Let's not make it too easy now, I know some awesome stuff has been innovated this last year, let's get it nominated and confirmed. 

Software Contribution: 2 awesome utilities have been confirmed but there are more out there deserving our attention

Forum Contribution: 6 users have been confirmed by their peers as having been an outstanding asset to the BYOAC community already.  Awesome turn-out thus far.  Keep it up!

[darthpaul]

My nomination for Software Contribution is, DaOld Man's StartCom/MRotate.

[darthpaul]

Contribution: DaOld Man:  DaOld Man is an obvious choice for me based on his awesome attitude, willingness to help, and passion for pushing our hobby in new direction.  Take a trip over to MRotate/Automations and he'll go out of his way to help you out.

I can't agree more with this one, Ken has devoted a great deal of time helping me build my Automated cabinet not to mention the custom software he is creating for it.

[Le Chuck]

My nomination for Software Contribution is, DaOld Man's StartCom/MRotate.

We'll need Ken to sign off on that one as being in the time frame.  The original StartCom and MRotate both date back to '09 I think but there was a lot done to them since as far as emu support and some other stuff I'm sure that may bump it into this past year.  I could be way off on that too so best to get the boss's approval first 

[DaOld Man]

Wow, thanks guys. Im not sure I deserve any award though.

[Le Chuck]

Wow, thanks guys. Im not sure I deserve any award though.

You ol' softy, your modesty becomes you.  Deserving or not (and you are) would you say that Mrotate and StartCom are in the 2011 window?  Were they functional and available before 2011 or were they in beta and got their official releases this last year? 

[DaOld Man]

The very first release of MRotate was in 2008.
Then I did a facelift with Mrotate2 in 2009 with updates (2a, 2b, and 2c) in 2009-2010.
Mrotate3 came in 2011. Updates (3a and 3s [added sound for Darthpaul]) on that version were also in 2011.
So you tell me. LOL

I do feel like the people who did the rotating thing before me deserve a lot of credit too.
A bunch of guys did the auto rotate thing before I came along.

[Le Chuck]

The very first release of MRotate was in 2008.
Then I did a facelift with Mrotate2 in 2009 with updates (2a, 2b, and 2c) in 2009-2010.
Mrotate3 came in 2011. Updates (3a and 3s [added sound for Darthpaul]) on that version were also in 2011.
So you tell me. LOL

I do feel like the people who did the rotating thing before me deserve a lot of credit too.
A bunch of guys did the auto rotate thing before I came along.

I'll add the nom to the second post for Mrotate3.  I think the difference is that you really made rotation available to everyone.  Fire was around before Prometheus but he shared it and that's why he got the credit... and chained to a rock for all eternity so it really goes both ways.   

[drventure]

@JohnEDollar
Hey, thanks for the vote on ControllerRemap!

It's kind of a peculiar, special purpose little tool, and I'll be the first to admit, it's not the most straightforward thing to get going. But it does the job nicely. I'm working with Arzoo to try and make it play a little nicer with LEDBlinky too. Hopefully, that won't require much.

I'd like to nominate EightBySix and his insert coffee project

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=96762.0

I don't think it's done yet, though, so that might not be applicable. Beautiful build, and the "led matrix behind thin veneer" is just a flat awesome idea.

There's a few others I'd nominate too, but I gotta dig through the postings to find them, and the taxman is sucking up my time right now 

[Le Chuck]

I'd like to nominate EightBySix and his insert coffee project

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=96762.0

I don't think it's done yet, though, so that might not be applicable. Beautiful build, and the "led matrix behind thin veneer" is just a flat awesome idea.

It is a gorgeous build and you're right that it doesn't qual for 2011.  Hopefully it'll be topping lists for '12 tho. 

[DaOld Man]

I'll add the nom to the second post for Mrotate3.  I think the difference is that you really made rotation available to everyone.  Fire was around before Prometheus but he shared it and that's why he got the credit... and chained to a rock for all eternity so it really goes both ways.   

Well since you mentioned Prometheus... LOL
Seriously, thanks guys, I really appreciate the nomination. (Makes me want to go out and program something new.)

[EightBySix]

I'd like to nominate EightBySix and his insert coffee project

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=96762.0

I don't think it's done yet, though, so that might not be applicable. Beautiful build, and the "led matrix behind thin veneer" is just a flat awesome idea.

It is a gorgeous build and you're right that it doesn't qual for 2011.  Hopefully it'll be topping lists for '12 tho. 

Cool, thanks! Good incentive to crack on with it 

[Unstupid]

I'll second Le Chuck's Wireless Triggerstick Hotswap...  Figure since you are putting this contest together you should atleast be able to play...  Not to mention your 4/8 way mod is very cool! 

[Le Chuck]

DaveMMR, Dandare, & Unstupid  I really appreciate the props guys.  I had a lot of making it and really enjoy the problem solving aspects that the hardware mods require.

[Le Chuck]

Administrative question open for recommendations.  Once the nomination deadline passes should I:

Open a single voting poll listing all the different confirmed noms together and give each user 5 votes

• Pros:  One thread makes voting easier and will likely produce better turnout.
• Cons:  People can use all their 5 votes on the same build (or same category) thereby making the votes of someone who votes once for each category count for less.

or

Open a voting poll for each category giving each user one vote

• Pros:  No "ballot stuffing" concerns
• Cons:  Having to open up five different polls to cast votes might prevent voters from taking the time to do so

Also looking for any recommendations on duration.  Two weeks is what I was going to do unless someone has a good reason otherwise. 

[Unstupid]

option 2...  nice and tidy!

[dandare]

yeah option 2.

No one round here is gonna mind opening several threads for something so cool.

[TopJimmyCooks]

See if you can get the mods to sticky all five polls at the top of one of the forum sections together. 

[TopJimmyCooks]

I nominate KissCade in the upright category.  Slick execution and innovative marquee lighting animation. 
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111200.0

pretty sure it was 2011.

[yotsuya]

I second KISSCade. That one inspired me to purchase an LED-Wiz just to play with lighting.

[Le Chuck]

Good find on Kisskade.  I'm glad we got a Knievel build confirmed and in the mix.  I think it rounds out the category nicely. 

I am going to start formating the poll threads, I want to do a pic and short write-up for each confirmed nom. I'll probably shoot somebody a PM with an example asking if they'd be willing to do the write-up for my nom since it'd kinda be a cheesedick move to write my own.  Whenever I think of doing it myself I just see Ron Burgundy shouting for everyone to come and see how good he looks.   

[Le Chuck]

We're one week from the close of the 2011 BYOAC UCA nomination window, if you have a build or contribution in mind hurry up and get it in because time is running out.   

Check the second post in the thread for links to all nominees and confirmed nominations thus far.   

Fullsize Cab: 4 cabs confirmed
 
Small Cab/Non Standard: 4 cabs confirmed

Hardware Contribution: 2 projects confirmed

Software Contribution: 2 great pieces of code confirmed

Forum Contribution: 6 deserving users have been confirmed

I couldn't be happier with the turn-out thus far and will be getting up the voting pole as soon as I close out the nomination thread.  Thanks for all the thread views and remember, you don't have to have a certain post count to nominate a build or contribution.  If you're a lurker and there is a build that has knocked your socks off we want to know about it.  Tell us what did it for you in 2011.  Thanks again!

[alfonzotan]

I nominate the world's smallest Donkey Kong by Bender http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111395.0

I believe this would be under the hack/mod category.

Hey, what happened to this one?  Definitely deserving of... something.  Consider this a second, if there's a category it fits in (and there should be--what a great build).

[Unstupid]

I nominate the world's smallest Donkey Kong by Bender http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111395.0

I believe this would be under the hack/mod category.

Hey, what happened to this one?  Definitely deserving of... something.  Consider this a second, if there's a category it fits in (and there should be--what a great build).

It's there under the hardware category.

[Le Chuck]

I nominate the world's smallest Donkey Kong by Bender http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111395.0

I believe this would be under the hack/mod category.

Hey, what happened to this one?  Definitely deserving of... something.  Consider this a second, if there's a category it fits in (and there should be--what a great build).

It's there under the hardware category.

Correctamundo.  The logic is that since the GP2X or GBA is at the core the entire mini-build is really a very involved hardware hack. 

[alfonzotan]

I nominate the world's smallest Donkey Kong by Bender http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111395.0

I believe this would be under the hack/mod category.

Hey, what happened to this one?  Definitely deserving of... something.  Consider this a second, if there's a category it fits in (and there should be--what a great build).

It's there under the hardware category.

Correctamundo.  The logic is that since the GP2X or GBA is at the core the entire mini-build is really a very involved hardware hack.  

Ah, so it is.  Two reading comprehension flubs in one thread!  

(Although, while I wouldn't argue the hardware-hacking awesomeness of that project, I also think it deserves credit for the artistry and craftsmanship of the mini-cab surrounding said hack...)

[Le Chuck]

Last day to get in your nominations for the 2011 BYOAC User Choice Awards.  We've got a great field already (check the second post in this thread) but we're open to whatever you think really set the bar for 2011.  If it's not listed get it in!

[jimmy2x2x]

For next year (hopefully!) I think a list of all eligible candidates needs to be created, too many projects have fallen through the gaps.

[Unstupid]

For next year (hopefully!) I think a list of all eligible candidates needs to be created, too many projects have fallen through the gaps.

For example?

[Vigo]

I agree that would be nice, but I don't know if there is an easy way to list out all the finished projects of the year. It just seems like too big of a task with the volume of projects that have to be sifted through.

I would love to nominate Nephasth's two headed beast, but I couldn't figure out if it was officially "done", although it looked about there as of it's last updates in December.  I know my SNES project early last year could fall under that same issue. I don't know if I ever declared it "done" even though it is and I have been playing on it for months.

[billpa]

Is there no category for virtual pinball machines?  I can name at least 4-5 real nice ones that were documented here.

[Le Chuck]

Is there no category for virtual pinball machines?  I can name at least 4-5 real nice ones that were documented here.

Then please do. I will find a slot for them. If they are full size then it's in the full-size cabinet category. If mini I'll take a look to determine if hack or small cab/EE.

[Le Chuck]

I agree that would be nice, but I don't know if there is an easy way to list out all the finished projects of the year. It just seems like too big of a task with the volume of projects that have to be sifted through.

I would love to nominate Nephasth's two headed beast, but I couldn't figure out if it was officially "done", although it looked about there as of it's last updates in December.  I know my SNES project early last year could fall under that same issue. I don't know if I ever declared it "done" even though it is and I have been playing on it for months.

Ill second the beast if Nap says it's donesky in 2011. His thread is ambiguous. If not then it'll make '12 fosho.

[Nephasth]

I agree that would be nice, but I don't know if there is an easy way to list out all the finished projects of the year. It just seems like too big of a task with the volume of projects that have to be sifted through.

I would love to nominate Nephasth's two headed beast, but I couldn't figure out if it was officially "done", although it looked about there as of it's last updates in December.  I know my SNES project early last year could fall under that same issue. I don't know if I ever declared it "done" even though it is and I have been playing on it for months.

Ill second the beast if Nap says it's donesky in 2011. His thread is ambiguous. If not then it'll make '12 fosho.

Flattered guys, but she's FAR from done.

[Le Chuck]

I agree that would be nice, but I don't know if there is an easy way to list out all the finished projects of the year. It just seems like too big of a task with the volume of projects that have to be sifted through.

I would love to nominate Nephasth's two headed beast, but I couldn't figure out if it was officially "done", although it looked about there as of it's last updates in December.  I know my SNES project early last year could fall under that same issue. I don't know if I ever declared it "done" even though it is and I have been playing on it for months.

Ill second the beast if Nap says it's donesky in 2011. His thread is ambiguous. If not then it'll make '12 fosho.

Flattered guys, but she's FAR from done.

Well now you've got some motivation to get after it

Billpa, you gonna nom some pins?  This train leaves the station at midnight and you gotta leave time for somebody to confirm them if they're gonna

[Nephasth]

If vid pins are in this, I'll nominate the Big Bang Bar and Big Bang Pin (pretty sure this one is done).

[wp34]

Fullsize cabs
Mission Control (Pixelhugger)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=13118.0

Scratch Slim Marvel vs Capcom(Martijn)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=112721.0

Street Fighter Cab (tommywright)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=114685.0


Small cabs and non standards

DARKADE (Le Chuck)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=116602.0

Cocktail Cabinet (tom_g)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=113919.0

Tron Cocktail (jordancbr)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=113180.0

Burgertime Cabaret (shrunkenmaster)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=113561.0

American Ace Mini (Woodshop Flunky)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111377.0

[Le Chuck]

If vid pins are in this, I'll nominate the Big Bang Bar and Big Bang Pin (pretty sure this one is done).

I'll second Big Bang Bar for fullsize category total work of art. 

WP34, I'll get these folded in - good choices. 

[Le Chuck]

Here's the latest and greatest based on all the recent input.  We have a pretty good field closing this out but there is still time to get in a favorite if you don't see it here.  Just so everybody knows V-Pin and Juke noms are welcome as well.

Confirmed projects

Fullsize Cab: Pixel Hugger's Mission Control, Martijn's Marvel vs Capcom, Fearsomefearful's Pac-Man 30th Anniversary, Knievel's Kisskade, macattack's Big Bang Bar
 
Small Cab/Non Standard: Leedsfan's Mini Star Wars, Woodshop Flunky's American Ace, Unstupid's Neo-Geo, Shrunkenmaster's Star Wars Custom Caberet,  Le Chuck's Darkade, tom_g's A Cocktail Coffee Table Cab

Hardware Contribution: Bender's Mini DK, Le Chuck's Wireless Triggerstick Hotswap,

Software Contribution: JoyChoose, 720 Spinner Hack,

Forum Contribution: DaOld Man, Ken Layton, DrVenture, Calamity, Loadman, Andy Warne


Nominated Projects

Fullsize Cab: tommywright's Street Fighter Cab, Chris77's Big Bang Pin

Small Cab/Non Standard: Evetsllub's Cafe au Cade, Mountain's Jukebox Kit, Jordancbr's Tron Cocktail, Shrunkenmaster's Burgertime Cabaret

Hardware Contribution: TerraHawk's Servo Joyswitch, Vcoleiro1's mini space invaders

Software Contribution: DrVenture's ControllerRemap Utility, Headkaze's Utilities, DaOld Man's Mrotate3

Forum Contribution: MKChamp, Saint,

After you get done checking out these head over to the Trophy Design Contest thread and get your entry in!

[alfonzotan]

Second Big Bang Pin.  Great build.

[TopJimmyCooks]

Thought long and hard before bring this up.  Big Bang Bar was documented on BYOAC.  Big Bang Pin, while a very awesome build, was documented elsewhere.  If you're calling it the BYOAC awards . . . .

Should it be limited to BYOAC contributors?  

Edit-disregard.  didn't realize this was posted and updated on both BYOAC and hyperspin forums. 

I third Big bang pin.  This is the virtual pin to rule them all.  Too much lighting though!  I used to have a roommate that was epileptic and he could not go anywhere near this thing. 

[Le Chuck]

7+ pages of QA and updates seems legit. He dual hosted the build thread but I don't think that's a disqualifier. Anyone else?

Edit:    Jimmy, it's up on post 2.

[Le Chuck]

  The 2011 BYOAC User Choice Awards nomination thread is now closed.  We appreciate all the great input from everybody and have a fantastic list of what users have chosen as their favorite projects of 2011.  The next step is to notify all confirmed nominees of their status and then to post the voting poles (one for each category).  Look for them to be stickied in the coming days to either the Main page or the Project Announcements page.  Again thanks to everyone for their time and effort in digging up the best of 2011 and don't forget to visit the poll threads and vote for your personal favs from each category!