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The Final Stage - (06-22-12: Project COMPLETE. Final pics in OP!)
RyoriNoTetsujin:
The Final Stage - Arcade/Racing/Gun Hybrid (formerly "Occam's Racer" Version 2.0)
...or "A Manhattanite Makes a Mess"
...or "Chris finally does a proper build thread... ?"
To see the first attempt, take a look at this thread: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=113185.0
EDIT 06-22-12: For final pictures, see this post!
"It'll do, for now..." Famous last words.
My first attempt at a multi-function arcade/console cab+driving/flying cockpit was/is a success... well, it is functional. It works, and my construction skills have improved considerably, but in retrospect... the design is clumsy, stylistically devoid, and far from perfect. After many hours of gameplay, I've found several items of criticism within my own design that I can't live with. Most of the issues powering the re-design have to do with comfort and ergonomics. Some are omissions I didn't think of the first time around. The rest have to do with an unforeseen change in circumstances from when I built the first attempt: I've moved in with my girlfriend.
My girlfriend is, to her credit, incredibly supportive of both my gaming and my need to have a project! In fact, she was the one who kickstarted this re-design. She was around for my previous, more "traditional", scratch-built cabinet "Quarter Heaven" - she knows full well how much I love the arcade "aesthetic" (for lack of a better word.) After we moved in together, she noticed my mounting frustration with some aspects of the current setup. She is also a naturally very well organized person, whereas I am most certainly not. She is a great example of the phrase "a place for everything, and everything in its' place." That has rubbed off on me quite a bit, in a good way. I had had some silent fantasies about a re-do, but it wasn't until she finally said "Why don't you just make it... better?" that I actually started entertaining the possibility. She even encouraged me to go for a more visually impressive, arcade feel. (She jokingly echoed my often-said "If you're going to do it, do it right.") Well, once I heard *that* it was off to the races!
So I've been playing with Sketchup in my spare time for a month or so, just putting some new ideas in play. In the past, I have done all of the work before bringing it to BYOAC - the result of which is a couple of nice kudos and a thread that disappears after a few days to no one's benefit. I like to think that this project is a little different than a standard arcade cabinet, and I am certain it is the most ambitious project *I've* ever come up with. Let's face it, I'm not Ond, drventure, Bender, Knievel, Pixel, etc. ... all great guys! But that's not the point. Like them, I just want to bring something more to the community, and I want to give myself an opportunity to document my own story. I want to show others who may have limited space, or resources, or time (or all of the above!) that they can still enjoy this facet of the hobby to the fullest. There's always a way to get the job done, you just have to find it. So, here we are.
EDIT 06-22-12: Since any further additions/changes will be tiny and cosmetic only, I'm calling this project DONE. Here's some "glamour shots" so you don't have to read the whole thread if you don't want to:
Flight/mech sim mode (with the monitor forward for comfort.)
Behind the monitor: HDMI splitter/selector and spare USB access on left. 5.1 channel amp on the right.
Whew! :laugh2: :cheers:
RyoriNoTetsujin:
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Overall Goals:
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1. To have a multi-function base from which to play many types of video games.
2. To use a minimum of space.
3. To utillize that space as effectively as possible, while maintaining some semblance of style.
4. Classified.
(First one to get the reference gets an imaginary cookie. It's an easy one!)
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Improvement Goals:
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1. Ergonomics
A. Wider base (minimum one shoe width to either side of pedals) OK
The old design doesn't allow for resting your feet to either side of the pedals. You must either bend your knees, or drop your feet to either side of the base. A wider base will correct both of these issues.
B. Angled and elevated pedal base OK
I'd like to see the pedals at a more realistic angle and height for driving - more akin to a supercar than a minivan.
C. Steering wheel depth/height(?) adjust. Depth=OK
One of the problems that came up when other people finally used the cockpit. Even with the moving seat, there still needs to be additional adjustability for the driving controls to accomodate different proportions.
D. Remove knee obstacles(!!)
These are the two most egregious problems with my current design.
Problem 1: The g27 wheel has these clamps underneath it that often catch me right in the kneecap when I'm trying to get out of the seat. They've got to go. OK
Problem 2: I don't know what I was thinking with the arcade pedestal and not leaving an allowance for knees under the CP itself. Just a bonehead mistake, but thankfully it will be easily and permanently corrected with a total redesign. OK
E. Monitor articulation. OK
The monitor position is great for some games, less so for others, and even less so for regular day-to-day computing (which I also often do with this setup.) I want it a few inches closer to the player, at the very least. An articulating arm will solve all of this by making it adjustable, while also giving me monitor rotation (if I want it) and the ability to utilize the space BEHIND the screen (see the Design itself for more.) http://www.amazon.com/VideoSecu-Articulating-Bracket-Post-installation-Leveling/dp/B000WYVBR0/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1327981354&sr=1-5
F. Cup Holder. OK
Yeah. It's got to happen. Can't believe I never got to it before.
2. Gameplay Functionality
A. Add: Monitor articulation/adjustability. (see above)
B. Add: Incorporate PS3 into design. OK
Another one of those bonehead mistakes. I knew that I was going to want to use the PS3 with the base unit, but I never gave it a place to live within the design. Even more important now that the PS3 is regularly running to two different locations (the cab base, and our regular TV on the other side of the living room.)
C. Add: Incorporate center sound channel and surrounds. OK
A nicety I didn't allow myself with the previous design. I think I've found a way to get all 5.1 back in the mix. (Spring clamp device on seat-belt wells???)
D. Add: new GPU Still Pending
Problem 1: right-angle PCIe! (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816129055)
Problem 2: noise cancellation
I'd love to add a discreet, relatively cheap GPU to the setup, primarily to get PS2 emulation running full speed (the built-in GPU in the i5-2500k handles most everything but some of the Namco fighters that I really like.) There are a couple of inherent challenges here: the first being that, because the mini-ITX motherboard is so small, and my CPU heatsink is so big, the heatsink actually covers the PCIe slot!! I think a right-angle bracket will solve that issue, but I'm not 100% certain. Also, there is the question of noise reduction/cancelling (it's been a while since I bought a graphics card, I don't know how loud they get these days.)
E. Add: Guns (Aimtraks ordered 04-01-12 - RECIEVED 04-04-12!) OK
Problem 1: Incorporate sensor bar into design.
Problem 2: Include in "storage space"
The sensor bar isn't really a problem per se, I just don't want to forget it.
F. Add: Time Crisis Pedal (Spare RB drum pedal - Done 04-01-12) OK
Problem 1: Incorporate into "storage space"
This was entirely too easy. I bought a couple of 3.5mm female jacks at Radio Shack and wired one to my iPac4. Plugged in a spare RB drum pedal and viola, instant Time Crisis pedal. Worked the first time, just have to clean up the package. I wonder what else I can use this for... (Photos coming soon.)
3. Style, Other functionality, GF-factor.
A. Proper cable concealment/routing on base unit. (Driving Controls, PC, etc.) OK
B. Proper storage for all accessories. OK
I got lucky here: because the shelf where the pedals are installed is raised up from the floor, there's significant room underneath to store all of the smaller accessories (guns, controllers, etc.) I'll be routing a USB hub and a PS/2 extension cable down to this area as well. (04-12-12)
C. Speed up conversion between Driving and Arcade modes
Problem 1: Keep Driving controls attached to base at all times. OK
(04-12-12) In order for this to work, the shifter module has to also fit on the steering column. My compromise here was to give the wheel the ability to change position left/right as well as forward/back, so that it could move over just enough to mount the shifter module next to it when not actively playing a driving game.
Problem 2: Incorporate Subwoofer into "semi-permanent" placement in design. OK
(04-12-12) In the original design, the sub was under the driver's seat. A great position... until you move the driver's seat out of the way. The sub ended up in various places before I finally got fed up with moving it around. Thanks again to my pedal unit, there's just enough room in the back of the cab to have the sub in a place where it's unlikely to move. It's not strictly "built into" the cab, but it's stablized and out of the general way. I'm even thinking about cutting a few vents in the pedal shelving, so you can feel the sub firing directly up at your feet. ;D
D. Minimize or eliminate manual cable switching (PC/PS3/TV) (Rec'd 04-24-2012)
1. 4x2 or 1x2 HDMI switch (Amazon/Newegg) OK
http://www.amazon.com/ViewHD-Premium-Digital-Surround-versatile/dp/B0031SWDKI/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1332859220&sr=1-6
2. PS/2 Extension Cable (to lower storage) OK
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-6-Feet-Keyboard-Mouse-Extension/dp/B000067SLU
EDIT: Actually purchased and rec'd device and cables located here.
E. Style Improvements:
slightly more arcade feel, less boxy, less driving-centric but more car-like.
Soft-arc/circle design
Top marquee/wing
Better paint job OK
F. Do a barrel roll ... an actual build thread!
Ohai!
G. Change the name? OK (EDIT: 05-21-12)
It finally came to me - The Final Stage. Yes, I loved Occam's Racer. It was a moment of brilliance and it stuck. That said, this new design is not at all simple. And may will also have a marquee. Can I rightfully keep the name? I'm not certain... waiting on inspiration for this one...
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Challenges:
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Keeping parts "stock."
If I can avoid it at all, I'd like to not have to modify the various pieces of the g27 wheel to get this all to work out. I think I will have to remove the clamps from the main wheel, but I hope that's all I will need to do...
"Handy Panels"
This is already was my first big snag. In starting the re-design, I wanted to minimize the amount of wood stock I used, as well as keeping it down to manageable sizes (I don't have a vehicle, so transporting a 4x8 sheet is a challenge all its' own!) As a solution I thought I would utilize the 2'x4' "handy panel" sheets of plywood I see at the local Home Depot (if by local, you mean Midtown Manhattan...) I started the design with a standardized inside width of 2' i.e. everything between the side profiles would be 24" or less. Thus making the final product only 25.5" wide, and after further work on the design, exactly 24" deep.
Problem is, once you take a tape measure to those handy panels, you find that not a single one of them is actually 2'x4'. They're a 1/8" off, sometimes more than a 1/4" off on one dimension or the other, plus or minus. Not very handy if you're looking for tight carpentry like I am.
(EDIT 04-20-12: HUZZAH for NY Hardware House!)
Space to do the dirty work?
Especially considering the above issue, this may be my biggest obstacle. I can't just cut plywood in my apartment this time... that was a DUMB idea in the first place, and precisely where the GF drew the line! The ground rules are essentially this:
1. Woodworking? Not in the apartment.
2. Sanding? Not in the apartment.
3. Assembly of finished pieces? Yes.
4. Storage of unfinished stock? Yes, as long as it doesn't sit too long. (04-12-12)
5. Priming/Painting? Yes. (She even offered to help with that!)
A fair balance, I think. But where do I go? I don't currently have access to the back alley of this new building I live in, and the side alley is cramped enough that I won't be able to make it work if the first steps involve breaking down a couple of full sheets of plywood. I may have to rent some space from my old employer to get the initial sheet stock broken down, but then the question is how do I get the wood there without paying an arm and a leg for delivery? And if I don't get it processed down into manageable pieces before I run out of time in the rental space... how do I get it home?
"Tomorrow is my day off."
RyoriNoTetsujin:
Before we look at the design process, lemme show you how the setup currently looks (04-05-12). I warn you now, it ain't pretty:
You'll notice I've added a couple of Dr. Moreau-esque appendages. One is a shelf for the PS3 to reside on...
This, despite appearance, is quite stable thanks to the combination of pocket screws and wood glue. I've also added a shelf to angle the pedal base to approximately 10 degrees, and raise it up about an inch in height:
The front edge of the pedals just touches the carpet. This was just me prototyping for what is to come. You'll notice the sort of random wiring that's strewn about. If you haven't read the wall of text above (and I don't blame you! LOL) that's one of the many little nuisances I plan on removing.
On to my favorite part: The Design.
Here's a pic of a couple sketches I did, 1/12 scale (there were more but I can't seem to find them now...)
I knew immediately that I want the cab itself to be no more than 2 feet deep, 2 feet wide (plus or minus), and 5 feet tall (preferrably LESS.) But with the sketches, I wanted to throw out the most ridiculous, limit-pushing things I could think of, so that I could pare back when I got to Sketchup. I also focused on the profile, because I knew with the amount of shifting around I was going to have to do with components there was no point in trying to render them here. That said, in that right sketch, perhaps you can already see my plan for an articulating arm for the steering wheel...
Here's a couple of early Sketchup model pics:
I CANNOT recommend Sketchup enough for people who want to tinker in this hobby. Seriously, an invaluable tool, I've used it for all of my projects and wouldn't have been able to do them without it. Learn it. As you'll see, I tend to make my cab sides transparent so that I can look ahead for possible construction challenges.
In these earlier pics, I was still working with the idea of only using "handy panels" from Home Depot. You'll also see I was tinkering with a second monitor atop the main one... that idea didn't last long...
Here are the two cabs side by side, and another reason to love Sketchup: As well as model pieces, such as the monitor, the pedals, etc., ... I can copy over dimensions and thereby replicate ergonomics easily. And for those ergonomic issues that didn't work, I can easily change them.
From the back here you can also see I've moved the PC case portion of the cab up behind the monitor, and given it a lot more room. I plan on using that space for a lot of things.
And here's one more shot, with the cab sides filled in. It wasn't very exciting at this point, and once I realized I wasn't going to use the handy panels, I gave in a little to the original sketches and here's where the design is currently (04-05-12):
So this is a lot more fun. I'm enjoying the marquee area (even though I currently have NO IDEA how I'm going to do it) and I've thrown in some of the black/red scheme to get a feel for it. The arm mechanism for the g27 wheel is in its' Down position here.
Here's the profile from the other side, with the arm in its' Up position, no black (with all of my gridlines still in place):
I work with rudimentary square/rectangle shapes made partially transparent until I decide on a final profile for the piece. In this case, the "white" that you see is what will be real when cut. The grid/guidelines on the cab side piece are what I'll use to map out the actual cuts when I get to wood.
This next pic removes a side wall altogether so you can see what's going on inside:
I'll get into more detail about everything as we go along, but that big black box on the bottom is a subwoofer. And yes, there's a lot of empty space on the upper interior right now. Don't worry, it's going to get filled, I just haven't mocked-up everything yet.
More updating to come soon (I hope!) In the meantime, does anyone know of a place I could post the .skp file in case people want to really look at this?
Donkbaca:
* Reserved* for possible future positive and or negative comments
RyoriNoTetsujin:
--- Quote from: Donkbaca on April 04, 2012, 05:00:41 pm ---* Reserved* for possible future positive and or negative comments
--- End quote ---
Nice. Well played, Donkbaca ... well played. I haven't even started yet... :laugh2: :cheers:
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