ECHO BASE - (11/28/12 Complete, Files Available)

[DrChek]

After doing two small scale builds to get my feet wet (see my MiniCade and The Spike) I'm ready to jump in with a full-sized, two player upright cabinet.

ECHO BASE Features:

• Classic cabinet shape based on a modified Williams design
• 3/4" MDF construction
• Dimensions:
• Control Panel Width: 25"
• Overall Height: 70"
• Overall Depth: 31 1/2"
• 24" Sony WEGA TV tube fed via component input
• Painted white sides and black interior
• Light blue t-molding
• TinyXP system running:
• Frontend: Mala with custom layout
• Emulators:
• MAME
• Daphne
• Possibly NES, SNES, and Genesis
• Two player controls:
• Ultra Stik 360 joystick
• Six Gold Leaf player buttons each
• 3" U-Trac Trackball
• Coin door modified to accept quarters or give credits via the reject buttons

Artwork Preview:

The main design idea is to keep everything as classic looking as possible. I want this machine to look like it could have actually been a real arcade machine from the early 80's. I've always loved the look of the Moon Patrol cabinet; to me it is the epitome of the classic arcade look. I modified the measurements to allow the use of the 24" TV, while trying to minimize the width of the cabinet so that it would fit through a standard 30" door easily.

The artwork was all hand done by me. Again, I wanted the classic look of flat fills that typifies the artwork of the golden age games. My main inspiration for the side art was the fantastic Xevious art. The control panel overlay was inspired by the Asteroids Deluxe control panel and the marquee is obviously a variation of the classic Star Wars marquee.

EDIT: The sketchup file for the cabinet is available here. Artwork files are attached to this post (links below).

[DrChek]

Materials & Price List:

Item                   Price   QTY Total   
3/4" MDF               $33.00  3   $99.00   
2x4                    $3.00   1   $3.00   
2x2                    $1.50   2   $3.00   
T-Molding              $0.49   40  $19.60   
Spray Paint            $3.67   1   $3.67   
Control Panel Clamps   $1.25   2   $2.50   
Casters                $4.99   2   $9.98   
Coin Door              $28.39  1   $28.39   
Coin Door Bolts        $2.79   1   $2.79   
Barrel Lock            $1.89   2   $3.78   
Handles                $1.69   2   $3.38   
Piano Hinge            $9.00   1   $9.00   
Pushbuttons            $1.95   17  $33.15   
Joysticks              $59.00  2   $118.00     
Wiring Harness         $8.00   2   $16.00   
Mounting Hardware      $8.00   2   $16.00   
3" U-Trak Trackball    $79.00  1   $79.00   
3" Trackball USB       $14.00  1   $14.00   
Black Ball Tops        $2.75   2   $5.50   
Connectors             $6.19   1   $6.19   
Wire                   $8.29   1   $8.29   
Cable Ties             $3.97   1   $3.97   
Standoffs              $1.76   1   $1.76   
Coin Reject Buttons    $4.99   2   $9.98   
LED Holders            $1.29   2   $2.58   
Coin LEDs              $1.49   2   $2.98   
24" TV                 $60.00  1   $60.00   
Computer*              $0.00   1   $0.00   
Video Card             $30.00  1   $30.00   
Audio*                 $0.00   1   $0.00   
Vent Mesh*             $0.00   1   $0.00   
Smart Strip            $21.00  1   $21.00   
Art - Marquee          $42.00  1   $42.00   
Art - Sides            $31.00  1   $31.00   
Art - CPO              $43.00  1   $43.00   
Marquee Light*         $0.00   1   $0.00   
Marquee Retainers      $8.00   1   $8.00   
Slot Cutter  *         $0.00   1   $0.00   
Flush Cutter*          $0.00   1   $0.00   
Roundover Bits         $20.00  1   $20.00   
3 1/4" Hole Saw        $16.00  1   $16.00
Paint                  $76.00  1   $76.00
Smoked Plexi           $41.17  1   $41.17
Matteboard             $9.00   1   $9.00
Connectors             $6.29   1   $6.19
Wire                   $8.29   1   $8.29
AC Power Jack          $1.59   1   $1.59
Smart Strip            $21.00  1   $21.00

Grand Total             $906.75
* Item was free through either donation, salvage, or gift card purchase.

[DrChek]

[Nephasth]

I like the Asteroids inspired CP art!

[Le Chuck]

I've been waiting for this to kick off ever since your art thread. Good deal! 

[DrChek]

I've been waiting for this to kick off ever since your art thread.

Well, I haven't gotten wood yet ( ) so I guess some would say it hasn't yet kicked off, but I have started buying parts and since I got my coin door in yesterday I can start dropping quarters and there's no turning back now! 

[mgb]

I like what I'm seeing so far.

[wp34]

The main design idea is to keep everything as classic looking as possible. I want this machine to look like it could have actually been a real arcade machine from the early 80's.

You have done it.  This looks absolutely awesome and authentic.  Love the similarities to Asteroids.

[TGov]

That is all kinds of awesome.  I love the Williams cabinets too and considered a similar design....I may have to revisit it.   The artwork is stunning!  Would you consider making it available to other people to use on their build? 

[DrChek]

That is all kinds of awesome.  I love the Williams cabinets too and considered a similar design....I may have to revisit it.   The artwork is stunning!  Would you consider making it available to other people to use on their build?

Once I'm done I do plan on making the Sketchup plans and art assets available.

[TGov]

Awesome, thanks for that!  You might have changed my mind on what I want to do with my next build.

[lordnacho]

The main design idea is to keep everything as classic looking as possible. I want this machine to look like it could have actually been a real arcade machine from the early 80's.

This is the first thing I thought when I saw the photos before reading.  I like.

[vanrose72]

The main design idea is to keep everything as classic looking as possible. I want this machine to look like it could have actually been a real arcade machine from the early 80's.

This is the first thing I thought when I saw the photos before reading.  I like.

I thought exactly the same thing before I read about the main design idea. This hits the mark. Great artwork!

[DrChek]

In keeping with the "actual arcade game" design theme I wanted to have an operational coin door. After some searching and waiting I found a two player door on eBay for $28 shipped. It is a Coin Controls/Wells-Gardner door and has two functioning mechs. The only issues were a few scrapes on the face, missing lock and lamp holders, and the reject buttons being two different colors and labeled for 50¢.

This is what it looked like when it arrived a few days ago:

Replacement coin rejects, LED lights, lamp holders, a barrel lock and a set of new mounting bolts have been ordered and are on their way. Last night I stripped the door down and applied a few coats of black spray paint to cover the scratches and it looks great.

A buddy of mine is an elevator mechanic and is bringing me two microswitches to allow the coin rejects to be used to get credits in MAME. Now I just need to figure out how to mount the switches to the existing mechs.

[Gaaargh]

Love it!

[javeryh]

A buddy of mine is an elevator mechanic and is bringing me two microswitches to allow the coin rejects to be used to get credits in MAME. Now I just need to figure out how to mount the switches to the existing mechs.

There are a couple of ways to do this.  Here's my solution:

[DrChek]

Is that hot glue? That was the first idea that came to mind. That or Gorilla Glue.

A buddy of mine is an elevator mechanic and is bringing me two microswitches to allow the coin rejects to be used to get credits in MAME. Now I just need to figure out how to mount the switches to the existing mechs.

There are a couple of ways to do this.  Here's my solution:
...

[javeryh]

It's gorilla glue.  It's rock solid.

[TGov]

After heading down to our classic arcade here in town this evening and playing several Williams games, I have decided that they are about the most comfortable cab to play on.  I like the CP being higher up and I didn't tire out playing a solid hour of Moon Patrol and Joust back to back  

I am definitely leaning toward this design but I might extend the CP out a little bit towards the player to give some more room for a spinner.

Keep it up, I am really anxious to see how this one turns out.

[ChadTower]

It's gorilla glue.  It's rock solid.

Hopefully that switch will stand up in home use.  They're consumable parts that do wear out. 


Love this project.  The theme and art are awesome.

[javeryh]

It's gorilla glue.  It's rock solid.

Hopefully that switch will stand up in home use.  They're consumable parts that do wear out. 

It should... I think.  In hindsight I should have screwed the switch in place and only used the glue on the spacer.  I'm pretty sure if I had to do anything to fix it I'd be able to work something out though...

[Le Chuck]

Depends on how you glued it but you should be able to open the case and change the worn out components out with a donor switch.  I wouldn't worry about it.  The worst that happens is you take a chisel to it and glue a new one on.  This isn't brain rocketry. 

[Sparkolicious]

This is an AWESOME project!! 

[DrChek]

Got my replacement parts in for the coin door and put it all back together.

I also got the reject switches placed for adding credits in MAME. On my mechs the best way to do it was to mount the switch up against the reject mech arm so that the switch is normally pressed. As you press the reject button the arm swings down and away from the switch, unpressing it. Because of this reverse action of the switch I will need to wire these switches using the the NC or "Normally Closed" post instead of the usual way of using the NO or "Normally Open" post.

I also got my LED lamps mounted in place.

[ChadTower]

Let us know how that works out once it's in regular use.  Most of the time open switches like that have an arm that is pressed by the button and then the arm presses the switch.  It gives you more tolerance for movement of the parts over time, wear and tear, etc.

[DrChek]

So the button being in the default pressed state my lead to shorter life?

Let us know how that works out once it's in regular use.  Most of the time open switches like that have an arm that is pressed by the button and then the arm presses the switch.  It gives you more tolerance for movement of the parts over time, wear and tear, etc.

[ChadTower]

So the button being in the default pressed state my lead to shorter life?

Let us know how that works out once it's in regular use.  Most of the time open switches like that have an arm that is pressed by the button and then the arm presses the switch.  It gives you more tolerance for movement of the parts over time, wear and tear, etc.

Heh, that's not what I was saying.  I mean a microswitch that is mounted outside of a dedicated housing.  The depth of the button on that switch is so tiny that once there is a little wear on that return slide, or the glue gives a little bit on the switch mount, there is very little margin for slop.  A short hinged armature like this might buy him more forgiveness in the mechanism.

[DrChek]

Small update: Wired up the coin door and hooked it up temporarily to my mini cabinet, The Spike, to test. LED's are lit and I can add credits by either dropping a coin or pressing the reject button!

Now that that mini project is done I can't really do anything else until I start cutting wood so the next update should be a significant one.

[DrChek]

While I'm waiting for my controls to come in and construction to start I'm toying around with MaLa layout ideas. Both center around the idea of making the front end look like a classic game itself.

Option #1: 8-Bit Style

For this one I'd put the screenshot in the large display area of the X-Wing cockpit with basic operation instructions in the empty block above it. I have this one set up so that the star field in the background slowly pans down, adding a bit of motion.

Option #2: Classic Star Wars Vector Style

This one is less developed at this point, but since it has the vector style I won't be able to do screenshots. I was thinking of putting the basic instructions as text at the top in the same why that the original arcade game does with the "INSERT COIN" and "PULL TRIGGER..." messages.

Opinions on which I should pursue?

[yotsuya]

They're both actually really good, but my preference is for the second one, by just a bit.

[Le Chuck]

Change the background of Option 1 to an 8 bit Hoth and throw some AT-ATs coming over the hill like you have on the side art to tie it all together. 

[DrChek]

One thing that bothers me about #1 is that there were no x-wings in the Battle of Hoth. Unfortunately I don't have an 8-bit snowspeeder cockpit image.

[DrChek]

Change the background of Option 1 to an 8 bit Hoth and throw some AT-ATs coming over the hill like you have on the side art to tie it all together.

Not completely happy with it yet, but here is what I've got.

[shponglefan]

I'd probably go with the original Option #1.  IMHO, the Hoth background is too distracting.

Btw, nice project.  Will be keeping an eye on this one.

[Le Chuck]

I kinda like it.  The lettering seems to be throwing me off a bit, but you're on the right track I'd say

[PL1]

Looks like it will tie in very well with the sideart.

Maybe tweak the selected game color to red instead of green?

(I assume you already plan to have the DK screenshot area set to reflect the selected game screenshot.  )


Scott

[dfmaverick]

Maybe a mashup of the two?

[Le Chuck]

Maybe a mashup of the two?

Yech.  Vectorize the cockpit and you're onto something but as is I no likey. 

[harveybirdman]

Check out these fonts

http://cooltext.com/Download-Font-Back+To+1982

http://cooltext.com/Download-Font-Joystix

http://cooltext.com/Download-Font-Han+Solo

[yotsuya]

#2 still looks more arcade-authentic to me.

[shponglefan]

Maybe a mashup of the two?

IMHO, too many different elements.  Especially for the intent (game list).  The list itself should be the first thing that catches the eye, which is why I think I liked the original option #1 best.  The most prominent element is the bright yellow highlighted game text.  My eye starts there and then travels down.  Everything else is secondary.

With the other designs, too many other things compete for visual attention.  I find my eye jumping too much.  I think less is more in this case.

[DrChek]

#2 still looks more arcade-authentic to me.

For this reason I'm leaning back toward #2's idea. I've worked a bit more on it...

I got rid of the onscreen logo since it's on the marquee and front of the control panel so I don't need it again and it cluttered things. I changed the game list to better highlight the selected game. The short vertical cross-tie lines in the blue divider are animated to slowly move to the left. Also the bottom instructional line is animated with this:

[sharpfork]

Your artwork is spectacular, I'm really digging this project.

What tools/software/how-tos did you use to do the design work?

 

[yotsuya]

#2 still looks more arcade-authentic to me.

For this reason I'm leaning back toward #2's idea. I've worked a bit more on it...

I got rid of the onscreen logo since it's on the marquee and front of the control panel so I don't need it again and it cluttered things. I changed the game list to better highlight the selected game. The short vertical cross-tie lines in the blue divider are animated to slowly move to the left. Also the bottom instructional line is animated with this:

THIS! 

[DrChek]

Your artwork is spectacular, I'm really digging this project.

What tools/software/how-tos did you use to do the design work?

 

Thanks!

The cabinet design was done in Sketch Up. Lots of people here use it and once you wrap your head around how it works it is a great tool for designing the build. As I said in the first post the cabinet was designed based upon the classic Williams (Moon Patrol/Joust/etc) games.

Artwork wise I use a poor man's version of Adobe Illustrator called DrawPlus, but any vector illustration software would do the same thing. I learned by trial and error over the years. These particular graphics were drawn by me using reference images of snowspeeders, AT-ATs etc.

The pixel artwork for my "cockpit" menu ideas was taken from old Star Wars games (X-Wing) and put together and edited in Photoshop.

[Vigo]

Wow, I really love the look you are putting together with this. Just unadulterated, classic Star Wars.

I like the vector one as well. Are you doing any old consoles on this? The cockpit one would probably be good for NES games or something along those lines.

[ChadTower]

One thing that bothers me about #1 is that there were no x-wings in the Battle of Hoth. Unfortunately I don't have an 8-bit snowspeeder cockpit image.

They were in orbit clearing exit lanes for the transports.

[Le Chuck]

^ Indeed.  Luke heads to Dagobah in his X-wing directly from Hoth.

[DrChek]

I like the vector one as well. Are you doing any old consoles on this? The cockpit one would probably be good for NES games or something along those lines.

Hmm, good idea... Still undecided about consoles though.

One thing that bothers me about #1 is that there were no x-wings in the Battle of Hoth. Unfortunately I don't have an 8-bit snowspeeder cockpit image.

They were in orbit clearing exit lanes for the transports.

^ Indeed.  Luke heads to Dagobah in his X-wing directly from Hoth.

I was thinking more of the defense of Echo Base, but I guess I can rationalize it. 

One small update to fix another thing that was bothering me. Vector games could only draw straight lines so I fixed up my AT-AT to be more authentic.

[vanrose72]

I was thinking more of the defense of Echo Base, but I guess I can rationalize it. 

One small update to fix another thing that was bothering me. Vector games could only draw straight lines so I fixed up my AT-AT to be more authentic.

I love the authenticity! This rocks! 

[TGov]

Nice call on the straight lines for the vectors.  The layout is looking great.   I need to figure out how to do my own front end artwork.  I have the artwork part down, it is the implementation and getting it to work that is the hurdle

[sharpfork]

What are your printing plans?

[DrChek]

What are your printing plans?

GameOnGrafix for the Marquee and CPO, SoulDraw for side art. I've used both before.

[DrChek]

And The build has started...

Put in a long day of work, but didn't take too many pictures to document what was done so far. Eveything is pretty standard and by the book as far as the way most people are building their cabinets around here.

Cutting the sides:

We also built the kick plate, bottom, top and the angled panel where the wheels will mount. This was enough to mate the sides and stand the cabinet up before calling it a day. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of the cabinet standing up, but I did snap a few after we brought it into the shop and laid it on the side.

We did have one boo-boo. As we were moving it indoors it slipped and fell onto the back left bottom corner, causing a little crushing of the MDF. We slapped some glue on it between the layers and clamped it tight to rebind the MDF where it separated. I'll just need to sand it out when I get to work on it again and it will be as good as new. Will be undetectable once painted.

[shponglefan]

Good stuff.  Looking forward to seeing how this one turns out.

[TGov]

Awesome, glad to see the woodwork started!

[DrChek]

Got a lot more done today. Construction is about 90% done now. Just need to build the monitor mount and do a few small details.

This is the back, with vents on the bottom and vent/handles on the top. Still need to install the lock on the door.

Finally, a shot of the speaker panel with the speaker slots. I'm using the 4x2 speakers that came out of the TV I'm using.

[alfonzotan]

I just want to state for a record that while I am really not a big artwork maven, I LOVE the artwork and menu screen designs for this build.

Doing very well, you are.

[DrChek]

Build is now complete. Next step is painting which hopefully will happen soon. I'm just waiting to hear back from a buddy about spraying it.

Meanwhile I cut the control panel...

...and sent off the artwork files to be printed. The side art is already done and on its way to me from SoulDraw. The marquee and CPO are in GameOnGrafix's hands.

Once the cabinet is painted I'll move it back to the house to apply art and install the monitor, controls and internals.

[koolmoecraig]

I wish you didn't go with so many buttons but the whole thing looks awesome.  Can't wait to see it finished.

[DrChek]

I wish you didn't go with so many buttons but the whole thing looks awesome.  Can't wait to see it finished.

If it wasn't for a few must play fighters I'd have used less. Far from a frankenpanel though.

[yotsuya]

Your panel looks fine. It looks like a perfectly laid out 2p fighter panel. Great job!

[MinerAl]

Will you play the vector Star Wars titles with the trackball?

Without a yoke, I'd go with the 8-bit Hoth/snow speeder menu.

Your vector menu is excellent (as is all the art), save it for your next cab with a yoke. 

[DrChek]

My side art was not plotter cut so I had to take some time the other night and trim it with an X-ACTO knife. Unfortunately, I was a little careless in how I was holding my metal ruler and not only trimmed the art, but also trimmed the side of my finger!!!

All in all it wasn't so bad and most importantly, the artwork is trimmed nicely without getting a drop of blood on it. 

For the not so squeamish, here is a picture of the damage:

Moral of the story: Make sure your finger isn't hanging over the edge of your cutting guide.

[sharpfork]

That finger slice looks like a nice straight cut. 

Somewhat related, I bought a shirt from Target today that reminds me of this project's earlier graphics.


Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[DrChek]

I applied the artwork to the CP last night. I love the quality of the CPO material that GameOnGrafix uses, but I hate applying it. The adhesive is so strong and the material is so thick that it is difficult to work with and I always feel like I'm totally screwing it up. Of course when finished it always looks fantastic.

I also put in all the controls. I loved MDF for it's ease of wood working, but it is a pain to work with when trying to use the metal threaded inserts to blind mount the U360s. The U-TRAC gave me a problem as one of the threaded inserts wound up not perfectly aligning with the mounting hole so I could only get three of the four mounting screws in. It feels very solid with just the three so I'm not too worried about it.

I'll try to get the wiring done tonight.

[Nephasth]

Looks great!

[DrChek]

Using this method,



I'll be making this aluminum plate to put on the back.

EDIT: changed the model number 

[yotsuya]

Looks good

[Arturius]

This looks awesome so far, looking forward to seeing how it finishes!

[emphatic]

Spectacular looking artwork.

[harveybirdman]

Looks great Dr Chek!  I hate to hijack your thread, but since I think that I might end up with a similar control panel I'm interested in picking your brain. 

Although the trackball separates the P1 and P2 sticks, can you still use them comfortably to play Black Widow and Robotron or is the distance between them too great?

I need some opinions as I struggle between the decision between 2 player and 4 player control panel.

[rockyrocket]

While I'm waiting for my controls to come in and construction to start I'm toying around with MaLa layout ideas. Both center around the idea of making the front end look like a classic game itself.

Option #1: 8-Bit Style

For this one I'd put the screenshot in the large display area of the X-Wing cockpit with basic operation instructions in the empty block above it. I have this one set up so that the star field in the background slowly pans down, adding a bit of motion.

Option #2: Classic Star Wars Vector Style

This one is less developed at this point, but since it has the vector style I won't be able to do screenshots. I was thinking of putting the basic instructions as text at the top in the same why that the original arcade game does with the "INSERT COIN" and "PULL TRIGGER..." messages.

Opinions on which I should pursue?

Bit late but I LOVE the second vector one - well done on the whole build so far

[DrChek]

Although the trackball separates the P1 and P2 sticks, can you still use them comfortably to play Black Widow and Robotron or is the distance between them too great?

The distance between sticks is about 14". I haven't actually played twin stick games on it yet but I can tell you it is comfortable gripping both sticks at once. The overall width of my panel is only 25".

Bit late but I LOVE the second vector one - well done on the whole build so far

Thanks! Vector one is what I'm going with.


UPDATE: Wiring done!

[Arturius]

That is great wiring, my last CP looked like I had thrown spaghetti at it!

[Ryglore]

The design work and the art is amazing, I'm loving this build! 

[DrChek]

In light of the recent news I've reworked my side art...

Stay tuned for more changes. 

[CoryBee]

BWAHAHAHA 

not sure how i feel about that news though

[vanrose72]

Mindblowingly amazing! 

[DrChek]

Small Update:

No pictures but the cabinet was sprayed with the primer coat today. Painting should be done next week and hopefully I'll have the cabinet back at the house next weekend to start putting the internals in.

[sharpfork]

Small Update:

No pictures but the cabinet was sprayed with the primer coat today. Painting should be done next week and hopefully I'll have the cabinet back at the house next weekend to start putting the internals in.

What did you shoot the primer with?
what kind of primer?

[DrChek]

Small Update:

No pictures but the cabinet was sprayed with the primer coat today. Painting should be done next week and hopefully I'll have the cabinet back at the house next weekend to start putting the internals in.

What did you shoot the primer with?
what kind of primer?

It was KILZ oil based primer sprayed with a professional HLVP rig. I'm not sure the exact kind since a buddy of mine is doing it and I wasn't actually there at the time.

[DrChek]

No real news here, but here is a picture of where the cabinet stands today:

Primer and first base coat of white on the sides has been applied and sanded. Still need the finish coat of white and two coats of black. Painting is taking FOREVER because the guy who's spraying for me can only do one coat a week after his regular jobs. He is doing it for free and it's coming out really nice so I can't complain much.

Should have this thing totally done before Christmas.

[vanrose72]

Primer and first base coat of white on the sides has been applied and sanded. Still need the finish coat of white and two coats of black. Painting is taking FOREVER because the guy who's spraying for me can only do one coat a week after his regular jobs. He is doing it for free and it's coming out really nice so I can't complain much.

Should have this thing totally done before Christmas.

It's great that your cab is getting a professional paint job. Bummer about the one-coat-per-week schedule, though.

I'm looking forward to seeing even more progress!

[yotsuya]

No real news here, but here is a picture of where the cabinet stands today:

Primer and first base coat of white on the sides has been applied and sanded. Still need the finish coat of white and two coats of black. Painting is taking FOREVER because the guy who's spraying for me can only do one coat a week after his regular jobs. He is doing it for free and it's coming out really nice so I can't complain much.

Should have this thing totally done before Christmas.

I love the shape of the cab, and you'll be happy with the paint job in the end.

[EvilNuff]

I'm a little late to the party but great job so far!  Love the artwork big time.

[DrChek]

Painting Update:

Both coats of white on the sides are done. Base coat of black sprayed today. One more coat to go!

[DrChek]

Major Update:

She's coming home! 

Painting is done and I'll probably bring her back to the house on Monday to finish it up. I know I bemoaned the snail's pace of the painting process, but it sure paid off. It looks awesome.

Couldn't help but temporarily but a piece of the light blue t-molding on it to get a preview of the final color scheme. Combined with the artwork it should all tie together really nicely.

I'm guessing I'm two weeks max from the finish line. Should be done in a week if I don't hit any snags.

[DrChek]

UPDATE - 100% Complete 

Finally got the cabinet home on Monday night after painting was done. First task that night was to get the t-molding on...

Next up was the installation of the speakers that I salvaged from the Sony TV I'm using. The TV's audio system is being used instead of an external computer audio speaker system.

The coin door was next...

...then the control panel...

...which got me to this point.

After that I put in the marquee lighting which is cold cathode light bars and installed the retainers.

Monday night my brother-in-law came over and helped me with the most difficult part - installing the monitor. The cabinet had to be laid down face first and the monitor lowered into the mounting frame from the back side. It actually went very smoothly!

Here's where the cabinet stood at the end of Monday night.

[DrChek]

Last night was the final push to completion. I did all the internal wiring and computer hook-up and did a quick power on test. In the back of my mind I had a fear that the TV would never work again as it had been sitting in my office totally disassembled for a month. Luckily it all worked!

With the cabinet now fully functional I did the final step in the process, applying the side art.

So that's it. ECHO BASE is done! Here are a few more finished photos.

[rockyrocket]

Very very nice!.

[Sjaak]

Great work!

[jpS14]

This is such a nice and clean cab. It just looks like it belongs in the arcades. Very well done   

[emphatic]

Very, very nice looking cabinet!

[Vigo]

 

Absolutely stunning!

(I love the model number on your serial plate)

[TGov]

Amazing work! Congrats!

[ita47]

That looks incredible. Great Job! 

[BC_Jeffro]

so cool nice theme one of the best

[Acids]

Nice work, Clean lines.  Very stylish !!!       Looks Awesome!!

there is something i would change though.   Its location.  it should be in my place!!!!!!!!

[Le Chuck]

My favorite pic.  This is where you separate the hard core from the rabble.  Great attention to detail.   

Beautiful overall package.  I'm jealous 

[DaOld Man]

Very nice finish!!
 

[selfie]

  Absolutely stunning!

[DaOld Man]

Love that boiler plate (label)..
Where can I get one? Can you make me one?

[CoryBee]

Love that boiler plate (label)..
Where can I get one? Can you make me one?

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,123493.msg1311636.html

[DrChek]

Love that boiler plate (label)..
Where can I get one? Can you make me one?

They are easy to make. If you need me to generate the graphic to print I can do that. Just let me know what you want it to say.

[boomerbrian]

Love it.


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[sharpfork]

A very impressive build.
I'd love a "what I would have done differently and what worked out better than I expected" post when you have time.

[SpaceHedgehog]

This is a lovely build. I particularly like the simplicity of the colour scheme the shape of the side art and the fact that it doesn't look too imposing. Great job 

[i64X]

That serial number label is so awesome. TOTALLY plan on doing that with my bartop. The cab looks great. I love the control panel art.

[DrChek]

I'd love a "what I would have done differently and what worked out better than I expected" post when you have time.

I've thought about this over the last couple of days and to be totally honest, at this point, I can't think of anything I'd change in the design or construction of ECHO BASE. I guess I obsessed so much about planning everything and triple checking to make sure that what I was planning to do would work that there really were no surprises.

The one thing I can say. If I ever do another build of this size I would try using laminate instead of painting. Painting worked out great this time because I didn't have to do it myself! 

[DrChek]

Sketchup plans and artwork files are now available in the first post.

[Sjaak]

Sketchup plans and artwork files are now available in the first post.

Excellent plans and artwork. I love this cabinet...so I made one of my own...took me almost one month to build.

[DrChek]

Sketchup plans and artwork files are now available in the first post.

Excellent plans and artwork. I love this cabinet...so I made one of my own...took me almost one month to build.

  Holy crap that thing looks awesome! I can't believe someone else actually built one.

I need details. Did you do any customizations? What's the black button on the front for?

Again, fantastic job. I'm honored.

[Nephasth]

I need details. Did you do any customizations? What's the black button on the front for?

And is it serial number 002?

[Sjaak]

Holy crap that thing looks awesome! I can't believe someone else actually built one.

I need details. Did you do any customizations? What's the black button on the front for?

Again, fantastic job. I'm honored.

Not much changes to your plans. I don't have a coindoor, so I made a coin button (that's the black button on the front). And it has a 24" lcd screen and led lighting for the marquee. And the back is white instead of black. All the artwork was printed on mat laminated vinyl and the whole thing was hand painted.

[dfmaverick]

Excellent work.

I always thought DrChek made a great cabinet. For someone to duplicate it... 

Where do you find the time to bang this out in a week along with the development of your Fix-It Felix cabinet w/game? Do people not sleep in Europe?

[Le Chuck]

Where do you find the time to bang this out in a week along with the development of your Fix-It Felix cabinet w/game? Do people not sleep in Europe?

By abandoning Banana Royale

Good job sjaak!

[yotsuya]

Great job This was one of the best all-time builds, and it's nice to see another one!

[Dungeonsdeep]

I am sorry for reviving, but this build is very relevant to my current one. I am using an actual Moon Patrol cabinet. Is your Control Panel larger than an actual MP CP? I plan on doing 6 buttons per player on mine, but wasn't sure if it would be too cramped.

Also, do you know the model number of the TV used? Thanks, and AWESOME inspiration here!

[DrChek]

I did widen my cabinet from what the actual Moon Patrol cabinet was in order to make the controls fit comfortably. My control panel is 25" wide whereas the original is only 23". You may be able to pull it off if you lost the trackball in the middle.

The TV is a KV-24FV300.

I am sorry for reviving, but this build is very relevant to my current one. I am using an actual Moon Patrol cabinet. Is your Control Panel larger than an actual MP CP? I plan on doing 6 buttons per player on mine, but wasn't sure if it would be too cramped.

Also, do you know the model number of the TV used? Thanks, and AWESOME inspiration here!

[DrChek]

UPDATE: Upon request I've added the MaLa layout files to the first post.

[Dungeonsdeep]

I did widen my cabinet from what the actual Moon Patrol cabinet was in order to make the controls fit comfortably. My control panel is 25" wide whereas the original is only 23". You may be able to pull it off if you lost the trackball in the middle.

The TV is a KV-24FV300.

I am sorry for reviving, but this build is very relevant to my current one. I am using an actual Moon Patrol cabinet. Is your Control Panel larger than an actual MP CP? I plan on doing 6 buttons per player on mine, but wasn't sure if it would be too cramped.

Also, do you know the model number of the TV used? Thanks, and AWESOME inspiration here!

one of the layouts from slagcoin
Awesome, thanks. I actually took your control panel PDF, and used one of the layouts from slagcoin.com, and just overlayed it onto your CP, cropping your image to fit my exact measurements, and it looks like it fits fairly well, I wasn't planning on having a trackball anyway.

Do you happen to have the Sketchup files for this to share? I know that it isn't the exact measurements of my cab, but I would like to use it as a template for artwork/designing purposes.

I am a big fan of simplicity, awesome arcade! 

[DrChek]

Sketchup plans are at the bottom of the first post.

Do you happen to have the Sketchup files for this to share? I know that it isn't the exact measurements of my cab, but I would like to use it as a template for artwork/designing purposes.

[Dungeonsdeep]

Oh, I see it now. Thank you!

[yotsuya]

In my honest opinion, probably still the best pure MAME build I've seen here since I've been here.

[Le Chuck]

In my honest opinion, probably still the best pure MAME build I've seen here since I've been here.

Troof.  Was looking at this one this morning right before I bumped Superfrogs.  I still say, if I ever clone a game from this site, gonna be this one.

[yotsuya]

In my honest opinion, probably still the best pure MAME build I've seen here since I've been here.

Troof.  Was looking at this one this morning right before I bumped Superfrogs.  I still say, if I ever clone a game from this site, gonna be this one.

I know, right? In this day and age of clones and "greatly inspired" machines, it's a shame more people don't look to this one for inspiration.

[DrChek]

 

Thanks for the kind words EB was definitely my Magnum Opus.

[opt2not]

In my honest opinion, probably still the best pure MAME build I've seen here since I've been here.

Absolutely agree. The entire theme and how it all came together on the end makes this one a BYOAC classic.

[JudgeRob]

That IS a very nice build!  Every part compliments the rest.  Very clean and well thought out. 

[harveybirdman]

Museum worthy art... so many wonderful touches from front end to cp layout.

[krangbrain]

In my honest opinion, probably still the best pure MAME build I've seen here since I've been here.

Can't agree more. I think I've read through this thread at least 100 times. Love it.

[efp9teen78]

Wow How did I never see this its right up my alley very awesome

[DrChek]

Just a post to show that Echo Base is still alive and well. Not getting as much play as it deserves though...

[yotsuya]

Yay! Best build in the last 7 years for my money!

[markc74]

Beautiful cabinet. Still looks pristine.

The frontend design really works well with the artwork too.

We need more crt builds!

[mafiafan123]

  Very clean! I REALLY LIKE IT 

Quick question how did you do the bezel black around the screen? I have tried paint and vinyl but yours looks flawless.

[DrChek]

Quick question how did you do the bezel black around the screen? I have tried paint and vinyl but yours looks flawless.

I cut a piece of black matte board that is used in picture framing to fit around the screen and put that between the screen and the smoked plexi. The fact that the plexi is smoked and not totally clear helps the illusion of the screen image floating in a sea of black.

[mafiafan123]

Quick question how did you do the bezel black around the screen? I have tried paint and vinyl but yours looks flawless.

I cut a piece of black matte board that is used in picture framing to fit around the screen and put that between the screen and the smoked plexi. The fact that the plexi is smoked and not totally clear helps the illusion of the screen image floating in a sea of black.

Very Nice 

So the Plexi was already smoked? I was thinking I might change mine and this looks like a great idea 

[jdemacek]

I was wondering if I could have your permission to "remix" the decals for a 1/6th scale 3d printed arcade.  When completed, I would hope to make this public for download.   Here is a previous design I made: https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/114617-quarter-scale-joust-inspired-arcade-with-mmu2-plat

 

[jmanderson10]

So I am more of a lurker than a poster and have been planning for several years to build a cabinet. I have almost no creativity and so have been loosely designing a cab based on OND’s Metropolis cab. I thought I had read every build thread but never saw this one. This cab is literally exactly what I want. Like exactly. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you posting the thread, the plans, and the graphics. I hope you are ok with a clone cab because that is now my plan.

Sincerely thank you. I also happen to be a huge Star Wars fan which makes it even better.

[DrChek]

So I am more of a lurker than a poster and have been planning for several years to build a cabinet. I have almost no creativity and so have been loosely designing a cab based on OND’s Metropolis cab. I thought I had read every build thread but never saw this one. This cab is literally exactly what I want. Like exactly. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you posting the thread, the plans, and the graphics. I hope you are ok with a clone cab because that is now my plan.

Sincerely thank you. I also happen to be a huge Star Wars fan which makes it even better.

I was wondering if I could have your permission to "remix" the decals for a 1/6th scale 3d printed arcade.  When completed, I would hope to make this public for download.   Here is a previous design I made: https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/114617-quarter-scale-joust-inspired-arcade-with-mmu2-plat

Sorry for the late reply. Haven't checked in here in a while. Of course, anyone is free to take what I've provided here and do with it what they will, short of selling anything for your own profit.

[yotsuya]

Yay! Best build in the last 7 years for my money!

Yay! Best build in the last 13 years for my money!


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