Small Pinball cab (27" / 19" / 7") ***Now NOT named DigiPin***

[swaffar]

UPDATE TO THE UPDATE TO THE UPDATE:
I'm officially scrapping the artwork and possibly theme/name I came up with over a year ago.  It no longer pleases me.

UPDATE TO THE UPDATE:
I've had about five people ask me for plans so I uploaded my sketchup file to MediaFire.  You'll need to learn sketchup if you don't already know your way around it... But I hope this helps you guys out!
You can find the file here: DigiPin plans



UPDATE:
I've been getting lots of questions about this build so I've decided to update this first post to list all parts used.

PC:
Motherboard: MSI 880GM-E41 AMD 880G
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition
CPU Fan: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 CPU Cooler
GFX card: EVGA GeForce GTX 460
PSU: OCZ ModXStream Pro Power Supply - 600-Watt
RAM: Crucial Ballistix 8GB DDR3-1600MHz
HDD: Crucial m4 64GB SSD

Cabinet:
Wood: 3/4" (19mm) MDF
Backglass screen: NEC 1970NX 19" LCD Monitor - 1280 x 1024
DMD screen: Mimo 710s 7" USB Monitor  **I recommend using a 720s model for Windows 7 compatibility!** (mimomonitors.com)
Playfield screen: Acer H274HL 27" LED Monitor - 1920 x 1080
Speakers: Pioneer 4" 110W Car Speakers
Subwoofer: Cyber Acoustics 2.1 Computer Speakers with Subwoofer and Desktop Control Pod (CA-3090)
Lockdown bar: Custom 15" VirtuaPin Lockdown Bar (virtuapin.net)
Power Strip: BITS Limited SCG5 Smart Strip
Legs: 28-1/2" Smooth Black Legs set of 4
Leg bolt plate Data East /Sega/Stern set of 4
Leg leveler - 2-1/2" E-Z Glider set of 4
Leg bolt 3/8-16 x 2-3/4 set of 8 (marcospecialties.com)
Plunger: VirtuaPin Digital Plunger Kit (http://virtuapin.net)
Buttons: 2" Red Launch Ball Button, Start Button, Extra Ball Button (marcospecialties.com)
Goldleaf Pushbuttons (ultimarc.com)
NovaGemCDR Coin Drop Replacement Pushbutton (groovygamegear.com)
Lights: Vollong 3W RGB High Power LED (superbrightleds.com)
Clear Domes with screw tabs (marcospecialties.com)
DC 24V 10A 250W Switch Power Supply (ebay)
2X 22 LED Car White Flashing Grill Strobe (ebay)
Controllers: I-PAC 2  32-port USB Keyboard Encoder (ultimarc.com)
LED-Wiz 32-port USB Lighting and Output Controller (groovygamegear.com)
LED-Wiz Booster Board (zebulon at vpforums.org/index.php?showtopic=18203)

Tools:
Tablesaw
Router (9/16" straight bit  &  1/4'' Radius x 1/2'' High Roundover bit)
Powerdrill (1"  &  3-1/4" forstner bits for pushbutton, fan, and speaker holes, 3/8" bit for leg bot holes)

=========================================================================

After years of trolling various forums (but mostly this one) I've finally decided to build a cab.  I first had this idea many years ago, but VP didn't support fullscreen tables.  That was back in the V6 days.  I sat back and followed the build threads religiously, and now I've finally bit the bullet.  I can't really call this a mini, but it's definitely not a full... more like 3/4.  One reason I'm not going full size is the fact I'm in the Air Force and stationed in Germany.  I'd rather not have to move a huge cabinet.  Also LCD screens are crazy expensive on the local economy (forget about LED) and USPS won't ship anything too big over here.  Then there's the fact that I don't like the idea of using a full sized monitor for the DMD.  It seems wasteful, but mostly I'd rather have a true backbox that I can fold down without half of a third monitor sticking out somewhere.  So I went the USB monitor route.  I picked up a 7" mimo on ebay for $85.  I was a little worried how it would look, but it's great.

First I had to teach myself sketchup... I wish I had this back when I build my arcade!  Photoshop, pen, and paper don't cut it.  I spent a good deal of time tinkering with this before buying MDF and making the first cut.





















Spent some serious cash at Tigerdirect...

...only to immediately void the warranties.







Here's what I accomplished on Saturday.  Too bad I got a late start and Germans aren't very friendly to power tools on Sundays.  Polizei get involved.





While I continue my build I have a few things to sort out:
I'm not sure if/when I'll go the flasher/solenoid route.  I think the Cree LEDs might be too bright for the size of my cab.  The top of the backbox will be more eye-level than a normal cab and I understand those things are ridiculously bright.  I'm still kicking around the idea of using groovygamegear's RGB LEDs.  I know they're weaker, but they might fit my medium cab better.  What do you guys think?

I'd definitely like to put some siemens relays in for flipper/bumper/kicker feedback but we'll see.  I do know that I'm not interested in a shaker or motor.

Lockdown bar... The one thing I don't like about non full-sized cabs is the lockdown bar.  I don't want something that looks cheap or unauthentic.  I might have to try my hand at making one from wood and spend the time to sand, paint, sand, paint it to perfection.  I doubt anyone local could make a metal one that would please me.  I may go with one from ArcadesRFun.  Does anyone know how deep their bars are?  I see 3" on their post, but I think they're talking about depth over the glass, not the face of the cab.  I'll need 1 1/2" over the front of my cab.

I'm also undecided on a theme.  If I could get Big Bang Bar art printed to fit my cab, maybe... but I'm still trying to decide if I wanna Photoshop something original up.

[AlienInferno]

Nice job so far.  I really want to build one of these as well but my wife can't warrent me spending the money for 3 new screens at the moment.  She did say she wants a real pinball machine though so that good I guess.  Keep us updated.

[swaffar]

[kahlid74]

Looks great so far man!  Love the style and pretty straightforward design.

[BobA]

Nice clean build.   You are making great progress.   

[Louis Tully]

.

[swaffar]

Backbox partially finished.  Still waiting on more buttons.

[elkameleon]

I hate you. (read: Jealous)

[swaffar]

don't be... just go out and make yourself one.  i have almost zero woodworking experience; if i can do it, anyone can.

[elkameleon]

Its not the woodworking, its the project cost... I still have two projects unfinished as of right now, and I want to do this one next

[racecar]

Looks GREAT!!

How much would you reckon it would cost to build one of these?

Any there plenty of tables you can get to play on these, Are they hard to resize?

Wouldnt mind having one next to my EM pinball

[wol-nz]

Awesome I love these projects - plenty of pics please

[dams511]

Sehr schone !!!!!
Very nice job !! 

[swaffar]

Looks GREAT!!

How much would you reckon it would cost to build one of these?

Any there plenty of tables you can get to play on these, Are they hard to resize?

Wouldnt mind having one next to my EM pinball

well this is going to end up costing about $2000, but it could be done for about half that.  i'm using three screens, could have used just two.  could have used just buttons instead of a plunger.  could have made my own legs.  could have not spent the $$$ on an LEDWiz.  could have not spent $$$ on a power supply, driver card, and lawn mower solenoids for force feedback....  i'm not sparing many expenses.  and i still have to have artwork printed.  so yeah, it could be done for $1000

also, check this site out
http://www.vpforums.org/index.php?automodule=downloads&req=search&cmd=browse&cat=23&letter=all&sort_key=f_name&sort_by=A-Z&pp=25

[GIZMOGAMES]

REALLY NICE PROJECT SO FAR LOOKING GREAT ARE YOU GOING TO INCORPERATE A BUMPBAR ON THE FRONT ??

sorry for caps had to drag out the philestine kboard the other seems to need a overhaul so ya about the bumpbar lol i would think its on yr to do list   and have you decided on artwork yet ?
ill throw this out there if you havent thought about it
bumpbar idea 3 of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/one-micro-switch-very-small-momentary-off-/160800324524?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item2570723bac
and a lenth of http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aluminium-Extruded-Angle-20mm-x-20mm-x-1000mm-Offcuts-Clear-/260973389495?pt=UK_BOI_Metalworking_Milling_Welding_Metalworking_Supplies_ET&hash=item3cc339e6b7
and some hi sprung springs x 3 that way you could place a momentary switch in the middle and left and right side

I think youve probably thought about that tho lol
keep up the great workmanship m8 and look forward to the updates  

[swaffar]

@GIZMO:  i'm waiting on a reply from a guy who sells custom made "lockdown" bars.  but he seems to be flaky as it's been 2 weeks and nothing back from him.  however he is on ebay with a high rating so i'm hoping he's on vacation (holiday to the rest of the world)
wait... by bumpbar do you mean nudge?  i'm going to use a microsoft sidewinder controller that has accelerometers (much like a wii controller)  i'll use that for nudges.

and i think i'll hold out on hinges until i'm sure i can't have custom ones made.

more progress...






Router bit started to smoke towards the end!

[not_so_handy]

that is looking good!

I cant wait to see this thing finished.

[SteveR]

Wow, very nice. I'd like to build something like this one day. I love to play pinball but don't care a thing for having a room full of original machines.

[swaffar]

Thanks for the comments.  I'm just glad my routing came out as well as it did.  Measure twice, cut once.

@pinballjim: I get moved around more often than most people (I'm active duty Air Force)  so I'd rather have it hinged if I can.

[swaffar]

I know but I'm picky... I might just end up doing that anyway though.  I'll probably just fill in the holes I made, hinge the back and bolt it down.

[swaffar]

More parts in today!!!

[GIZMOGAMES]

yes m8 i was refering to the nudge area will be good to see how you do that now i really need to stop reading and get writing my hello and such for my project announcement ok one more coffee and ooh look updates lol

[swaffar]

Maybe??? I'm still undecided.

[elkameleon]

Why is your playfield so flat?

[Silas (son of Silas)]

Why is your playfield so flat?

It's not a real playfield. It's an LCD computer monitor and they tend to be pretty flat (unlike their CRT counterparts) 

[swaffar]

I think he's asking why don't I keep it at the same angle as the sides of the cabinet.  I'm going to put RGB LED's on the panel between the back of the playfield and the DMD/speaker grill.  I just didn't make them in sketchup.

[swaffar]

Oh... almost forgot.  Progress:
Good progress today... mostly finished my DMD grill.  Everything fit without a millimeter to spare.  Literally.  The speakers are both flush with the sides of the grill, and the DMD display is flush with both speakers.

















I still need to countersink the speakers and bevel the holes in the front, but I'll do that later.  I just needed to make sure everything would fit.  *sight of relief*

[swaffar]

I know, I know... but I have sticktoitivness.

[Silas (son of Silas)]

<English humour>

Why is your playfield so flat?

It's not a real playfield. It's an LCD computer monitor and they tend to be pretty flat (unlike their CRT counterparts) 

</English humour>

Ahhh welll 

[yotsuya]

Your Backbox/DMD = 

[swaffar]

<English humour>

Why is your playfield so flat?

It's not a real playfield. It's an LCD computer monitor and they tend to be pretty flat (unlike their CRT counterparts) 

</English humour>

Ahhh welll 

I'm not dense... I just figured people might not be in the know as this isn't a dedicated pincab forum like the hyperspin-fe forums.  It's an ongoing debate as to which is better looking; inclined or flat.  Although after re-reading it, yes I look the fool.

[swaffar]

It lives...

[elkameleon]

how are you feeding the video signal to the little portable lcd screen?

[GIZMOGAMES]

hey i just had a thought looking at your original plans and such theres a cheaper alternative to $75 for a set of hingebars

go and recut the sidepanels only this time add the angled hingebar into the design ie do it all in one cut then just sand the inside edges so you dont get RUB on your artwork then use coachbolts and washers also you could add some small art to these extra bits
Option 2 : make it so the top box slots into the back part giving you a plug and play back again use some coach bolts wingnuts so you can remove for transport if thats the idea either way you can keep this moving as you are and OMG did i mention how cool the speaker/score lcd looks great router work and the above wouldnt cost more than about 10/20 at worst

[swaffar]

how are you feeding the video signal to the little portable lcd screen?

it's a 7" mimo usb monitor.  it's powered and receives video all over USB.  i'm very impressed with it.

hey i just had a thought looking at your original plans and such theres a cheaper alternative to $75 for a set of hingebars

go and recut the sidepanels only this time add the angled hingebar into the design ie do it all in one cut then just sand the inside edges so you dont get RUB on your artwork then use coachbolts and washers also you could add some small art to these extra bits
Option 2 : make it so the top box slots into the back part giving you a plug and play back again use some coach bolts wingnuts so you can remove for transport if thats the idea either way you can keep this moving as you are and OMG did i mention how cool the speaker/score lcd looks great router work and the above wouldnt cost more than about 10/20 at worst

that's what i planned to do (as you saw in the sketchup) but my crapsman saber saw had other plans.  i was trying to cut the hinge part and the thing kept fighting me.  it REFUSED to cut a straight line.  i clamped down a guide and the blade insisted on veering into the guide, almost to the point of breaking off.  then i realized the chuck held the blade at something like a five degree angle.  it's one of those skill saws with the quick release chuck... nothing could be done about it.  so i smashed it to pieces.  that made me feel a little better.

i live in germany and i'm not gonna drop the coin on a 220v power tool i'll only be able to use for the next year and i'm not going to buy any more power tools online.

[GIZMOGAMES]

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha thanks for my chuckle of the day know it well actually i have a friend in germany works in a steel factory let me make and ask him its gotta be local at least and easier I always had one saying thats always stuck in my mind
In this crazy world we live in ITS not what you know its who you know that gets jobs done
if you can send me some measurements in a PM ill see what he can do

[elkameleon]

how are you feeding the video signal to the little portable lcd screen?

it's a 7" mimo usb monitor.  it's powered and receives video all over USB.  i'm very impressed with it.

This one?
http://www.mimomonitors.com/products/mimo-720-f-flex-screen-mountable-touchscreen-usb-monitor

[rockyrocket]

Nice build buddy.
So I have a more "midi" sized cab  (32" playfield) and was going to make some back box hinges out of black plexi.
The plan was to make a wooded template then cut the pieces with a router and then put the bends in with a heat gun, but down the line i decided that more viewable art work was more important to me than the hinge.
What are you planning to use for side rails?, i went with some small steel L pieces from the local hardware store then just sanded until shiny(need a nice round bend for comfort).
Also as for the custom lockbars on the other forum that is where mine came from, although again it still needs a sand and polish.

[rockyrocket]

how are you feeding the video signal to the little portable lcd screen?

it's a 7" mimo usb monitor.  it's powered and receives video all over USB.  i'm very impressed with it.

This one?
http://www.mimomonitors.com/products/mimo-720-f-flex-screen-mountable-touchscreen-usb-monitor

Ha, you posted this as i was writing the last comment.
So I have one of the mimo screens in a build of mine, and to be honest it was second hand on eBay but at first it worked perfectly then two weeks in it died! no signs of life at all.
Just thought i would add my experience with them, but i have no clue as to the units usual long term reliability.

[swaffar]

how are you feeding the video signal to the little portable lcd screen?

it's a 7" mimo usb monitor.  it's powered and receives video all over USB.  i'm very impressed with it.

This one?
http://www.mimomonitors.com/products/mimo-720-f-flex-screen-mountable-touchscreen-usb-monitor

I have that make, but not that model... They make a non-touch screen version that retails for something like $120, but I found mine on ebay for $85 buy it now.  Like I said, I'm really pleased with it.  I'll post better pics later so you guys can see.  I'll be sure to post pics of something other than an ugly DMD so you have an idea as to color quality.  Back to work.

[swaffar]

Nice build buddy.
So I have a more "midi" sized cab  (32" playfield) and was going to make some back box hinges out of black plexi.
The plan was to make a wooded template then cut the pieces with a router and then put the bends in with a heat gun, but down the line i decided that more viewable art work was more important to me than the hinge.
What are you planning to use for side rails?, i went with some small steel L pieces from the local hardware store then just sanded until shiny(need a nice round bend for comfort).
Also as for the custom lockbars on the other forum that is where mine came from, although again it still needs a sand and polish.

Thanks
I'm not getting siderails for two reasons.  The dimensions are too long to have them shipped to my APO address here in Germany, and I'd feel like I was wasting them by chopping them down so far.  I'm using black T-molding on the siderails and it looks just fine.  Still working on hinges.

[swaffar]

[yotsuya]

Is the plunger just for show, or are you going make it functional?

[swaffar]

It's functional.  It's an actual plunger but the shaft is enclosed in a tube with an optical sensor installed in the back.

[Santoro]

Superb router skills.. can't wait to see this done!

[Pinball Wizard]

I think this just hit my list of projects to do....

[lcmgadgets]

SWEET! I discovered vr pinball only a few months ago, but, amazingly, didn't realize anyone was building cabs for it until only a couple weeks ago. Now I want one. Yours looks fantastic, & the build seems to have gone very well. Good luck, & keep us posted.

[swaffar]

As always, thanks for all the comments.  I'd properly respond, but I'm about to leave for work.

Sadly, the coin door is a bit larger than the site advertised (I think.)    I should be able to cut a new front panel and move buttons/plunger around just enough to make it fit.

[GIZMOGAMES]

WoW nice additions
where did you get the coindoor from ?

[Woodshop Flunky]

I think this just hit my list of projects to do....

+1 This this is just outstanding!!  

Love the size!  I'm definitely going to want one of these!

Now... how to convince the wife!?   

[swaffar]

WoW nice additions
where did you get the coindoor from ?

I got it from ultimarc.com
I just checked the site out and now I see my problem... "COIN DOOR: Finished in black Hammerite. fits an aperture 8.5 inches wide X 7.5 inches tall."
That's the measurement for the hole, not for then entire coin door and frame.

I'll just get a new sheet of MDF for the front, move the plunger and start/extra ball buttons further out, and it should squeeze in there.  I started to move things around in sketchup, and I'm pretty sure it'll work, but I might have to route the insides of the side panels so that the plastic nuts for the pushbuttons fit.

[swaffar]

WoW nice additions
where did you get the coindoor from ?

I got it from ultimarc.com
I just checked the site out and now I see my problem... "COIN DOOR: Finished in black Hammerite. fits an aperture 8.5 inches wide X 7.5 inches tall."
That's the measurement for the hole, not for then entire coin door and frame.

I'll just get a new sheet of MDF for the front, move the plunger and start/extra ball buttons further out, and it should squeeze in there.  I started to move things around in sketchup, and I'm pretty sure it'll work, but I might have to route the insides of the side panels so that the plastic nuts for the pushbuttons fit.

Thanks.  As for the wife, I'm not sure, but you might try jewelry?

[emphatic]

Wow, this is incredibly well thought out and executed! 

[swaffar]

[Le Chuck]

This is going together beautifully.  Keep it up 

[Santoro]

^What he said.

[swaffar]

I try.

[Woodshop Flunky]

Thanks.  As for the wife, I'm not sure, but you might try jewelry?

I showed my wife your build, and she loves it!  She said she wants me to make one for our youngest boy... he's only two now, so it may take a year or two.

Anyhow, can't wait to see this one done. 

[swaffar]

I showed my wife your build, and she loves it!  She said she wants me to make one for our youngest boy... he's only two now, so it may take a year or two.

Anyhow, can't wait to see this one done. 

Glad to hear I could help persuade her.  And I loved your build.  I remember following it back when it was still active.  It's a great build, but I mostly liked your original artwork.

[swaffar]

The smallest bit of progress before work today.

[swaffar]

I've been thinking about my theme/artwork and as much as I love the Big Bag Bar artwork, I've put too much effort into this cab to simply copy some else's work.  Here's what I've come up with over the last two days.  It's only my first version, but I'm pretty happy with it.  Let me know what you guys think.

My five pieces of art total 1.27 GB.... It's too bad I don't know Illustrator at all.  Gotta stick to what you know. 

[swaffar]

Wow... no responses on the artwork? 

Time to figure out the back of the playfield...  I don't want to mount the LED domes on the front so I'll take the time to make it pretty.
I had to cut this piece twice as I screwed the first one up.  I had to drill almost all the way down using a 35mm forstner, then the last bit with a 30mm, then sand.  Otherwise there was too much of a gap around my domes.






An hour into work I realized I have a problem.  If I ever want to slide the playfield out, I'll need to make disconnects for my LEDs and backbox... This was a major oversight on my part.  The backbox will be easy enough; I'll just get DVI, USB, audio, and Molex extensions for a quick disconnect behind the playfield screen.  For the RGBs I can either wait a week to receive some sub-D connectors from allelectronics or I can simply make them removable...  I'll make them removable.  To keep the RGB LEDs from getting too hot I'll take the advice of some other folk here and use a strip of aluminum.  I cut a slot so the bar could just hold itself in.




But now I also have to trim my domes.






Some thermal grease should keep the LEDs cool, and some plastic washers should keep them from shorting out.








I'm glad I took my time with this piece.






I also cut some holes for my fans.  I deviated a bit from my plans as far as the fan placement goes, but only to allow for a few more if need be. What do you guys think? Will these four fans move enough air through my cab? How about my backbox?  I still need to cut exhaust holes along the top of the backbox, but I ran out of daylight. 

[DrArcade]

I personally love the art, and like the explination of the steps on how you got there.! 

What are the three domes for?

Dr Arcade

[swaffar]

They house the LEDs.  They'll be scripted to flash in sync with the pinball tables.

[AlienInferno]

Nice job man.  Think I'm going to have to make me a pin as a project next year.  As much as I would like a full size the smaller size just might make the wife happier.  Plus it will be cheaper on TV screens.  That's my biggest hurdle is dropping the cash on either three TV's/Monitors or two TV's and a DMD.  That is unless they drop a little more in price by then.

Keep it up.    

[swaffar]

Just FYI... the Mimo screen looks great, but the model I got doesn't like to work with Windows 7.  It's a UM-710S I found on ebay for $85.  I had to try several different driver versions til I found one that worked, but then I discovered my tables ran too slow in 7 so I installed XP.  I understand that all the newer models work just fine in win 7.

[Drnick]

Very nice job.  As for the artwork, also a good job, but I am not sure about the rendered Pin/Flippers.  To be honest I would have gone with number 6 or number 7.  Probably number 6.   There is something about the angling/positioning of the Pin & Flippers that just looks off to me, it doesn't look flat like the topper art, In fact it looks like it creates an outward bulge.   

[swaffar]

Well, I originally had the inlanes and slingshots in positioned like they would be, but that didn't leave any space for my DigiPin logo.  Without the flippers it looked too naked.

[lcmgadgets]

Wow... no responses on the artwork?

Probably because there's nothing to criticize. I think it looks great.

Are those goldleaf push buttons I c? I've bought a mess of them, but haven't tried them yet (no cab, & I  don't want to build something temporary to test them out--I suspect I'd never get the cab built after that).

Great work. Keep up the posting!

[swaffar]

Wow... no responses on the artwork?

Probably because there's nothing to criticize. I think it looks great.

Are those goldleaf push buttons I c? I've bought a mess of them, but haven't tried them yet (no cab, & I  don't want to build something temporary to test them out--I suspect I'd never get the cab built after that).

Great work. Keep up the posting!

Thanks.  I'll probably come up with a second idea anyway... just to see if I like it.  Maybe "PinHead"?   Son of PinBOT?  PinBOT Jr.

Yeah, they're goldleaf buttons.  They feel right and are pretty quite.  I couldn’t have used microswitch buttons even if I wanted to because they would have intersected with my plunger.

[yotsuya]

I'm not sure I'm digging the pin on the side showing the inside of the cab. If that were the case, why not put an acrylic window on the side and show the real insides? 

[swaffar]

I thought about that before I even began the build.  It seemed really cool in my head, but looked too crazy in sketchup.

[swaffar]

I was asked for these a few days ago, but got sidetracked.  Hope these can be of some help.

Full size backbox plans


Full size cabinet plans

[wol-nz]

hey there swaffar - i'm very much loving this build... can you let me know what buttons you have.
I'm trying to keep my build similar to yours but i'm unsure of the buttons to add.

Currently i have
Left/right paddle - mapping shift keys
left/right tilt - mapping z and /


launch ball mapping ENTER (or can this be the same as start button)
start - mapping 1??
coin - mapping 5

I see you have an extra ball button and space for one other. (what's that going to be)
Is there any other hidden buttons for other pinball needs?
Cheers

[swaffar]

I haven't started mapping anything yet, but that's the least of my worries.  As far as physical buttons go...  I'll have left/right flipper, left/right tilt, launch ball, start game, extra ball, and i'll have a button for menu.  I'm also installing an old microsoft controller that has accelerometers so I can physically nudge.

I'll be using FPLaunch so I don't need separate buttons for all the other in-menu features.

I'm not too knowledgeable on all the pinball machines out there, but a few do have more buttons than just flipper buttons.... Some games have a magna save button and I know the Shadow has a second side button to control an object on the playfield.  But this should be able to play most games.  River Boat Gambler is probably the only one that I won't be able to play because it has red, black, green, and pass buttons on the lockdown bar.  But I'll figure out a way to play that one as well because that table looks interesting.

[Dawgz Rule]

Awesome build.  Nice attention to detail.

[PL1]

I'll have left/right flipper, left/right tilt, launch ball, start game, extra ball, and i'll have a button for menu.  I'm also installing an old microsoft controller that has accelerometers so I can physically nudge.
...
Some games have a magna save button and I know the Shadow has a second side button to control an object on the playfield. 

In addition to the standard L/R flippers and L/R Magnasave you mentioned, some tables have separate upper L/R flipper controls like the Family Guy table with Stewie's playfield.  The good news is that I can't think of any tables that use both the upper flippers and Magnasave.  You could probably just wire left-upper-flipper and left-Magnasave together and trigger both keypresses ("A" and "L-Ctrl") with one button. Same on the right. (Apostrophe and "R-Ctrl")

I understand why you might want both left/right tilt nudge buttons and a controller with accelerometers for nudging.  Some people find that the accelerometers can be a real pain to use for nudging due to sensitivity or calibration issues. (UHID-G fine-tuning can be quite the experience.)  A plumb-bob nudge might be a good alternative.

Instead of the usual 3 nudge buttons (L/R/Up), you take the lower bracket, cut it into 3 pieces (left, right, and front), wire them to the button inputs and mount them on a piece of wood or plexi.  Upper bracket is tied to ground so when you nudge the cab, the bob swings and closes the circuit.  You can adjust sensitivity by adjusting the height of the bob.

Here are several examples of plumb bob nudge assemblies:
http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/forum/showthread.php?10895-Cab-nudging-with-tilt-bobs-filter-double-presses-with-ahk-script&p=112149#post112149

http://www.vpforums.org/index.php?showtopic=19365&hl=plumb (First post, second pic)


Scott

EDIT: Just realized that when I posted in this thread, I forgot to attach the diagram for how to wire P1B1 and P2B1 in parallel to one button for left upper flipper/Magnasave while still allowing them to operate independently.



My apologies if this has caused any frustration or difficulties.   

[drventure]

I used mercury switches slightly angled for nudge switches. They seem to work pretty good for that, and they take up a lot less space that a plumb bob. But the plumb is pretty cool looking

[swaffar]

After waiting six weeks I finally received my Sears.com order and now I can bevel with my router.  I decided to redo my speaker/DMD grill from scratch.  It's only a small update, but I'm still waiting on my custom lockdown bar.  I have to wait on the bar before I can place my glass over the playfield.  After I route the tracks for the glass I can paint, then wire everything up, and I'll be more or less finished.  I still haven't decided on the art.  I'll probably redo that from scratch as well... totally different theme/design.

The hole I cut for the DMD on the first grill was a little too tall.  This one is closer to the DMD size of more current machines.



Nice and beveled.



I moved the speakers in a few millimeters.  Now the speakers hold the DMD monitor in place.  I know it doesn't look like it, but it's very snug.

[swaffar]

I'll have left/right flipper, left/right tilt, launch ball, start game, extra ball, and i'll have a button for menu.  I'm also installing an old microsoft controller that has accelerometers so I can physically nudge.
...
Some games have a magna save button and I know the Shadow has a second side button to control an object on the playfield. 

In addition to the standard L/R flippers and L/R Magnasave you mentioned, some tables have separate upper L/R flipper controls like the Family Guy table with Stewie's playfield.  The good news is that I can't think of any tables that use both the upper flippers and Magnasave.  You could probably just wire left-upper-flipper and left-Magnasave together and trigger both keypresses ("A" and "L-Ctrl") with one button. Same on the right. (Apostrophe and "R-Ctrl")

I understand why you might want both left/right tilt nudge buttons and a controller with accelerometers for nudging.  Some people find that the accelerometers can be a real pain to use for nudging due to sensitivity or calibration issues. (UHID-G fine-tuning can be quite the experience.)  A plumb-bob nudge might be a good alternative.

Instead of the usual 3 nudge buttons (L/R/Up), you take the lower bracket, cut it into 3 pieces (left, right, and front), wire them to the button inputs and mount them on a piece of wood or plexi.  Upper bracket is tied to ground so when you nudge the cab, the bob swings and closes the circuit.  You can adjust sensitivity by adjusting the height of the bob.

Here are several examples of plumb bob nudge assemblies:
http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/forum/showthread.php?10895-Cab-nudging-with-tilt-bobs-filter-double-presses-with-ahk-script&p=112149#post112149

http://www.vpforums.org/index.php?showtopic=19365&hl=plumb (First post, second pic)


Scott

Thanks for the input, but I decided against a plum bob or mercury switches a long time ago.  Many people agree that the old microsoft sidewinder controller works best.

[swaffar]

Had to get a better heat sink for the CPU... it was running at 60 C.  Now it's in the 45-48 range.










Received my custom lockdown bar!!!  Well worth the $$$  My last name will forever be misspelled.






I still need to cut/paint the coindoor so I can add a coin button and stop pressing 3.










I've gone and done it.... Now this thing will never be properly finished!!!

[Le Chuck]

  Holy smokes that's rad.   

Imma gonna have to bite the bullet on a vpin build one of these days.  Looking great, don't stop now!

[emphatic]

Sweet! 

[Mental]

Really impressive work. I especially like how you've routed out the cabinet sides so the displays are all recessed to the screen edge. Very clean!

Now you just have to pry yourself away from playing and get to the cosmetics!

[swaffar]

Really impressive work. I especially like how you've routed out the cabinet sides so the displays are all recessed to the screen edge. Very clean!

Now you just have to pry yourself away from playing and get to the cosmetics!

Thanks.  Yeah, the visible bezel around the displays is what I like the least about other similar pinball projects.  It's a small thing, but I'm very picky.  Here's a quick video I shot this morning.  I tilted at the end because Nikon 5000's only record five minutes of HD video at a time.    Not that I bought a DSLR for video.

Be sure to watch in HD.

[Pinball Wizard]

Yeah, I now have something to build before college as I need one of these in the dorm room....

[swaffar]

Thanks to everyone that's been following my thread.  I'm sure there are plenty of lurkers here too.  I lurked for years.

Sadly I won't be making any updates for a while.  I'll be spending the next month in Romania.  After that I'll only have a few weeks back in Germany before a month in Florida.  At least that gives me time to make some new side art.

[Minions]

Any updates? It has been the "couple months" you listed as being inactive.

[Woodshop Flunky]

Thanks for the bump!

This thing looks awesome!  I'm so in love with this build. 

[swaffar]

Thanks for the bump!

This thing looks awesome!  I'm so in love with this build. 

Thanks!  I remember following your build as well.  Awesome sideart!

Any updates? It has been the "couple months" you listed as being inactive.

Hi all,

It's been over a year with no updates from me.  I'm sure you all know how things go once you make the mistake of installing an OS and have a handful of tables up and running.  I've had a full year of travel:  Multiple trips to Romania and London, a month in Portugal, a few weeks in Panama and Honduras (for the end of the Mayan calendar), and random European travel.  So of course progress on my project has suffered.  I'll be moving back to the states before the end of the year, so this will likely be the last update until then.

I'm glad I had the time to sleep on my original side art, as I'm not quite sure what I was thinking at first.  I really like the color scheme of BigBangBar, but the semi-transparent digital pincab would be a bit redundant... on the side of a pincab.  IDK, what do you guys think?  I'll likely make new art from scratch.  Also, I think I'll be ditching LEDs and force feedback.

I enjoy the cab just as it is (at least functionally.)  A little glass and some paint/art and this thing will be, more or less, finished.  That said, I may or may not have a PSU, some diodes, and some Seimens contactors for sale.  Not sure yet; I may get back to the states and decide to make a balls-to-the-wall cab.

I'll leave you with this final, tiny (and I mean tiny) update:

I Dremel'ed holes for the coin button and lock. Word of advice: If you plan on cutting metal... never, ever buy a battery-powered Dremel.

[Rick]

Dude, thank you! I never got to see this one last year, and since your triumphant return, I got to say SWEET WORK! It looks AMAZING! Can't wait to see more progress.

[swaffar]

Dude, thank you! I never got to see this one last year, and since your triumphant return, I got to say SWEET WORK! It looks AMAZING! Can't wait to see more progress.

Thanks.  I really need to start replying to the threads of others.  I was following and really liked your project, but I don't have the balls to commit that much time and $$ to a Super Turkey Puncher.  That thing has to weigh a ton.

[Rick]

I was following and really liked your project, but I don't have the balls to commit that much time and $$ to a Super Turkey Puncher.  That thing has to weigh a ton.

Thanks man! Yes, she certainly does. It's both a blessing and a curse. It's heavy as anything when I want to work on her, but once she's done, it'll be too heavy to ever get rid of!

[swaffar]

Almost forgot an updated youtube video of my pincab.  Yeah, I know... there are many others like it, but this one is mine.

[PL1]

Looks good so far -- hope the finishing touches turn out as well as the rest of the build.

there are many others like it, but this one is mine.

Nice Rifleman's Creed reference.   


Scott

[swaffar]

^bump

If you check the very first post, you may notice it's heavily updated.  I've included as complete parts list with link as well as a download link to my google sketchup file if anyone wishes to use it for their build.

[Demon-Seed]

Hey
That looks sweet. How much did it cost? Did you put in bumping? or just use buttons to do that?

Thanks
Jim

[swaffar]

Hey
That looks sweet. How much did it cost? Did you put in bumping? or just use buttons to do that?

Thanks
Jim

I would estimate I've spent $1800.  I have bump buttons, but I also have a MS sidewinder that I'll use for tilting.  Or I might buy one of the new digital plunger (http://virtuapin.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=105) that is self-calibrating, motion sensing, and has wiring for controller input.  That would possibly free up my I-PAC for use on a future arcade cabinet.

[swaffar]

I finally got around to trying out PinballX and I've officially converted.  It runs so much better than HyperPin on my system, and I really like the setup and game manager programs that came with it.  Hell, I even donated to them.

[sharpfork]

I might buy one of the new digital plunger (http://virtuapin.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=105) that is self-calibrating, motion sensing, and has wiring for controller input.  That would possibly free up my I-PAC for use on a future arcade cabinet.

That is a pretty cool option.  Your super cool build has me thinking about a smaller sized vPin as a winter project.  I'm wondering what the main expected value of the VirtuaPin Digital Plunger Kit is.  I get the idea that it is encoder, nudge, and plunger all in one but does it make config easier or anything else?

Also, can you tell us a bit more about your PinballX over HyperPin decision.  I'm a total vPin noob and would like to know more.

[spoot]

I'm wondering what the main expected value of the VirtuaPin Digital Plunger Kit is.  I get the idea that it is encoder, nudge, and plunger all in one but does it make config easier or anything else?

Also, can you tell us a bit more about your PinballX over HyperPin decision.  I'm a total vPin noob and would like to know more.

The Vpin plunger kit is easy to setup....go into vp and set the buttons and check the motion sensor checkbox.

IMHO, PinballX wins over Hyperpin as it's faster, easy setup and the author listens to feedback and adds options quickly for the most part.

[swaffar]

I'm wondering what the main expected value of the VirtuaPin Digital Plunger Kit is.  I get the idea that it is encoder, nudge, and plunger all in one but does it make config easier or anything else?

Also, can you tell us a bit more about your PinballX over HyperPin decision.  I'm a total vPin noob and would like to know more.

The Vpin plunger kit is easy to setup....go into vp and set the buttons and check the motion sensor checkbox.

IMHO, PinballX wins over Hyperpin as it's faster, easy setup and the author listens to feedback and adds options quickly for the most part.

Ditto.

HP gets credit for being the first quality frontend that was make for pincabs, but... I agree with everything spoot just said.

[swaffar]

I'm sure all you pin cab owners out there have already seen/donated to this by now, but there's a Timeshock Pro Pinball kickstarter that's almost up.  They've met their goal and let me just say:  It's nice to see such enthusiasm to include cabinet support!  They've posted a video of real DMD support in action (so I assume they'll also support 3 screens), and they've even sent supporters a 1080p cabinet playfield rendering.  Just amazing.



A little something to whet your whistle...

Here's the rendering sent to supporters.  They explained that the aspect is stretched on the top end to compensate for the viewing angle.




And here's my photoshopped mock-up.

[Rick]

That's some sexy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- right there. Quick question. Is it a standalone app they're building? If so, will it work with a standard front end such as Hyperpin?

[swaffar]

That's some sexy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- right there. Quick question. Is it a standalone app they're building? If so, will it work with a standard front end such as Hyperpin?

I'm not entirely sure... according to their FAQ:

>Will the game be DRM free?
Yes, if the platform you want the game on permits DRM free distribution, you can receive the game without DRM.

>Will the game be available on STEAM?
We hope so. Pro Pinball: The ULTRA Editions is currently on Greenlight, please vote for us.

I hope it's available on PC standalone as well as steam.  At least that's how I read it.  They seem more than happy to support cabinets and seem to be listening to input from supporters.  I wouldn't be surprised if they supported LEDWiz and force feedback output.  So I suspect they'll design it with frontends in mind.  I can't imagine them going to the trouble of supporting real DMDs... only to not make it frontend compatible.  If/when Pinball Arcade releases a windows version I hope it offers more than just a portrait view.  And I don't play on steam, but I understand you have to be logged in to launch a game???  I wonder if most cabs have internet connectivity... I know I don't.

[swaffar]

Ok so... I tend to update my BYOAC thread, vpforums thread, and (to a lesser extent) facebook in tandem, usually copying and pasting the same update.  I posted a pic of my cab with the Timeshock playfield and a comment about how amazed I am by their eager cab support.  I posted it to the official Pinball Arcade facebook page.  Five minutes later they liked my pic and even replied.  The jpeg you see below was uploaded to my photobucket account as "hope.jpg"

[swaffar]

So I'm in the middle of my move from Germany to Tucson, Arizona.  The movers were scratching their heads when they saw my pinball cabinet.  I told them they could break whatever they wanted, so long as it wasn't this cab.  I should have it back in my hands in the next 6-8 weeks.  We'll see how it survives the move...   

Maybe I can get off ---my bottom--- and come up with a theme I actually like.

[Minions]

Glad to see you are still at it. Can't believe I had not checked this thread in a few months. Good to see some updates!

[yotsuya]

So I'm in the middle of my move from Germany to Tucson, Arizona. 

If you're down in Tucson, you need to come up to Phoenix for ZapCon, the Pinball/Videogame expo, in April.

[blashyrk]

Awsome build, I have finally decided that I want to build a pinball cab. I'm going for a 27"/19"/7" same as yours.
I will be using your cabinet plans, How do you plan on mounting the playfield and backbox plexi/glass?

[Pinfritz]

WOOOW! I'm really impressed....very clean work!!! 

[jacenwon]

Really awesome rig you've got here, man. Have you developed a concept for the cabinet artwork yet?

[swaffar]

Really awesome rig you've got here, man. Have you developed a concept for the cabinet artwork yet?

Thanks!  But to answer your question...

I'm glad you brought that up!  I was going to do an info only update/bump to say that after sleeping on the tentative theme/artwork for over a year, I'm glad I didn't pull the trigger on "DigiPin," and I want something different.  Seriously, who wants a pic of a cab on a cab?!?  And i'm still not 100% happy with the name.  I mean, it's very descriptive, but hell....  The avatar and signature banner have been updated to reflect this decision.  I'm still very much a fan of the artwork for Big Bang Bar.  It's busy (reminds me of your recent sideart) and I like the color palette.



I mainly wanted to throw this project back at the top of the heap because I've noticed pincabs (specifically small ones) have been getting a lot of attention/love/praise lately.  Melon and I were the first to have threads for non-full-sized cabs (I could actually call his a micro) and I'm sure we'll be the last to finish.  It's great to hear all the kind responses to the updates, but inspiring someone to actually build their own is just awesome; especially when it's someone like Martijn.  What an honor.  I think his Street Fighter cab is my favorite on the forum (Mission Control doesn't even count) it's so clean. 

[swaffar]

P.S.  I even started teaching myself AI (Lynda.com) specifically for this project! But life happens and I don't have the time.  I'm a photoshop guy through-n-through.

[Cobrawolf]

Wow. I had been tossing around the idea of doing a pinball unit. I had never thought of doing a full digi-pin setup. I've been focusing my research more on the upright cab as my first build. This changes things a little however, and may call for a parallel build.

I'm literally just catching up on all of the builds here on the site, and just read through all of yours. Awesome, awesome stuff man.

Looking forward to you getting settled in back stateside and re-kindling the work on the unit.

Thanks for serving bud.

-Dave

[Wob]

Hi,

Fantastic work and thread. I am considering kicking off a build myself, since you have been so kind as to supply drawing and so much details I think I'll be using you plans as a starting point. I am not sure my woodworking skills will match up to yours, but going to give it a try. One thing I can't work out is how your lockdown bar is fixed, does it use any underside parts or is it just stuck to the machine?

Thanks,
Beau