Author Topic: Red Vs Blue Lightning Bartop (Read 20424 times)

CoryBee · « **on:** October 27, 2012, 08:19:05 pm »

Thought I would try and make a half decent bartop. Got some MDF cut up using a template I created from a failed particle board side piece. MDF is 5/8", ordered t-molding from "gamemolding.com"'s Ebay store. Still attempting to make this rather frugally, will be doing my best to touch it up a bit better.

I have a full roll of that black contact paper to use on the sides, which I think will look much better without screws protruding and a smooth surface for it to be applied to. Or do you think I should go with paint? I have always failed at painting things

Also rounded the edges, will help with t-molding as well as give it a little extra something.

Richie_jones · « **Reply #1 on:** October 28, 2012, 09:46:30 am »

What pc components will you be running, looks tight in there...

SpaceHedgehog · « **Reply #2 on:** October 28, 2012, 09:54:20 am »

Painting can work out well if you take it slow. I use a primer followed by blackboard paint followed by some water based polyurethane varnish. If you sand carefully between coats, you can achieve some good results. Example is the base from my Vewlix cab (blemishes on the pic are due to a dirty lens):

Edit: probably a better pic:

Alternatively, you could use a thicker vinyl such as blackboard/chalkboard which is more durable than the contact stuff. Example is from my Vewlix control Panel:

For this project, I would go with the vinyl.

CoryBee · « **Reply #3 on:** October 28, 2012, 01:10:27 pm »

Quote from: Richie_jones on October 28, 2012, 09:46:30 am

What pc components will you be running, looks tight in there...

I am using a laptop, so it will fit. I would like to keep this as small as the others, don't like the idea of a big bartop. I like to take them with me on business trips and what have you.

Not sure if I want to attempt the paint. I might try it on something else to try and get the feel for what it is I am doing. Could always use some practice painting for the future.

Is this the stuff you were speaking of?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chalk-Board-Blackboard-Removable-Vinyl-Wall-Sticker-Decal-Better-than-Paint-/300788410889?pt=Decals_Stickers_Vinyl_Art&var=&hash=item460862ea09

Price doesn't look half bad either, not that much more than the contact stuff. Thanks.

SpaceHedgehog · « **Reply #4 on:** October 28, 2012, 01:21:07 pm »

That does look like the right stuff. From what I can see in the pic, it has a texture to it.

CoryBee · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2012, 01:51:32 pm »

Quote from: SpaceHedgehog on October 28, 2012, 01:21:07 pm

That does look like the right stuff. From what I can see in the pic, it has a texture to it.

Thanks for the fast response. Does ""7.9 mil Polymeric PVC film"" sound thick enough

yotsuya · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2012, 01:59:32 pm »

Quote from: CoryDee on October 28, 2012, 01:51:32 pm

Quote from: SpaceHedgehog on October 28, 2012, 01:21:07 pm
That does look like the right stuff. From what I can see in the pic, it has a texture to it.

Thanks for the fast response. Does ""7.9 mil Polymeric PVC film"" sound thick enough

A lot of stickers I've seen are 3 mil, so that seems a bit thicker. You should be OK.

SpaceHedgehog · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2012, 02:15:26 pm »

Yup, agree with yotsuya on that one. Should be good to go.

CoryBee · « **Reply #8 on:** October 28, 2012, 03:28:11 pm »

Thanks for that guys, will do some measuring and see how much of the vinyl I will need. Seems like it will be cheaper than paint too.

Had a fukton of laptop parts laying around from failed fixes and trades. Was able to piece together an HP pavilion dv2000. It was missing the laptop hdd connector, weird L shape thing, just got done soldering on one from a broken USB sata adapter. I am determined to use all I have before buying anything new. 2gb of ram and 1.8ghz dual core CPU, out beats the junk laptops I was using before, and they ran beautifully on MAME .83

CoryBee · « **Reply #9 on:** October 28, 2012, 03:35:14 pm »

Here is the laptop. I would just sell it normally but it is missing too many little random things, like a back plate for memory, cracks and scratches, etc.

leapinlew · « **Reply #10 on:** October 29, 2012, 11:12:54 am »

I quit using laptops. While the size is nice, usually the plugs and everything required make for a larger unit than an atom based board. However, if you have a laptop, go for it. I squeezed an atom motherboard, PSU, and HD into a 18" Galaga bartop. Overall, it was a smaller footprint than the laptop.

The other thing I don't like about laptops is they usually don't allow you to power on automatically after the power is turned on (AC Power Loss). They require you to hit a button. Not a huge deal, but right now I flip a light switch and all the arcade games come on and I like that.

CoryBee · « **Reply #11 on:** October 29, 2012, 12:23:18 pm »

Quote from: leapinlew on October 29, 2012, 11:12:54 am

The other thing I don't like about laptops is they usually don't allow you to power on automatically after the power is turned on (AC Power Loss). They require you to hit a button. Not a huge deal, but right now I flip a light switch and all the arcade games come on and I like that.

Woa....I never thought about using the power on after Ac Power loss settings for anything arcade related. That is an awesome idea. I don't think I could fit a pc in this size, a rasp pi perhaps. This bartop template makes for a rather small bartop.

CoryBee · « **Reply #12 on:** October 31, 2012, 01:54:05 am »

I got some more work done on it, trying to get better quality with this one is going to be fun but is also proving difficult since I don't have time to plan\plot\design properly if I want to get it done before I leave. I enjoy coming up with solutions to problems as they come along so it isn't too bad.

The laptop is widescreen so naturally the bartop has to be wider, this also helps to accommodate the two player controls. I didn't want it to be too wide though so I am making the control panel (not sure if there is a term for it) protrude from the sides.

The mdf is a bit dirty but that isn't an issue with a bit of sanding.

I had no idea how I was going to connect the control panel but I think this works out well

Sanded a bit, rounded corners of CP and finished the top piece will add pictures. Wont be any screws showing this time I promise

CoryBee · « **Reply #13 on:** November 03, 2012, 05:27:50 am »

Did a bit of work today. Am really liking the way this is turning out

Routed for t-molding, speaker piece shoved in place for now.

Fitting the computer & screen in.

Bother speaker piece and computer in their perm. locations.

This is what i came up with so far on the art stuffs. Chalkboard vinyl most places and a nice marquee. With red n blue buttons\joysticks. Not sure if black control panel or i should print something out and sandwich it between acrylic.....

Hold off on the pepsi-cade jokes as my brother sure didn't.......

leapinlew · « **Reply #14 on:** November 03, 2012, 02:31:42 pm »

Good job. I didn't know you had it in you.

CoryBee · « **Reply #15 on:** November 03, 2012, 04:07:07 pm »

Quote from: leapinlew on November 03, 2012, 02:31:42 pm

Good job. I didn't know you had it in you.

Much love to you too

Drnick · « **Reply #16 on:** November 03, 2012, 04:07:42 pm »

You're doing so well that you can't skimp on the control panel. You have to art it up. How about something like the following.

http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/magic-lightning-control-panel

CoryBee · « **Reply #17 on:** November 03, 2012, 04:16:25 pm »

Quote from: Drnick on November 03, 2012, 04:07:42 pm

You're doing so well that you can't skimp on the control panel. You have to art it up. How about something like the following.

http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/magic-lightning-control-panel

I quite like this! Would rather not spend 60 dollars on it though. Wonder if anyone can help me make art for it in the same kind of theme. I have a friend I will ask (great with illustrator) but he is clueless when it comes to arcade stuff.

rablack97 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 03, 2012, 06:48:18 pm »

Quote from: Drnick on November 03, 2012, 04:07:42 pm

You're doing so well that you can't skimp on the control panel. You have to art it up. How about something like the following.

http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/magic-lightning-control-panel

Leave him alone, do you know how long its taken to get him to something respectable.....

Much, Much better man....

Only thing is it's gonna cost you no matter where you go to get a good printout on graphics....

GOG charges by the size so your doing a bartop it's not gonna be $60.00

PM Griff from this thread, http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,121570.0/topicseen.html, he might throw something simple together for you...

Otherwise, get out the paint and get to stenciling....

CoryBee · « **Reply #19 on:** November 03, 2012, 07:07:05 pm »

Quote from: rablack97 on November 03, 2012, 06:48:18 pm

Quote from: Drnick on November 03, 2012, 04:07:42 pm
You're doing so well that you can't skimp on the control panel. You have to art it up. How about something like the following.

http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/magic-lightning-control-panel

Leave him alone, do you know how long its taken to get him to something respectable.....

Hey now, plenty of people liked my scratch bartops! Much fun came out of the $60 bucks I put into those things. Also, thanks to the nice parts

When I input the size of the control panel the total gets to 40 buckaroonies, and I assume shipping is probably $10 or so. Would be fine with 30 bucks I think if I can get it down some how. CP is 6 1/2" x 21"

I am scared of griff, he might yell at me if I ask.......

CoryBee · « **Reply #20 on:** November 06, 2012, 05:02:22 am »

First time messing around in Photoshop to create cool effects. Made some quick control panel art that isn't very detailed but I kind of like it. Idea obviously based off of the GOG CP I was linked. Red Vs Blue lightning.

It isn't as exciting as the other one but like I said I kind of like it and have no Photoshop skills whatsoever. Would like to do button surrounds, but can't find much information to make it easy to get it right. Anyways, what you guys think of it? And if you can do better, please....please do

CoryBee · « **Reply #21 on:** November 06, 2012, 05:40:10 am »

Added it to the paint little thing i did......not bad (also added a fake marquee from the GOG cp)

Drnick · « **Reply #22 on:** November 06, 2012, 05:15:30 pm »

For the overlay just download the correct dpi overlay from slagcoin and import it as a transparent layer to the image.
There may be an easier way, but that was how I did mine

CoryBee · « **Reply #23 on:** November 06, 2012, 11:00:07 pm »

Thanks for the advice Dr. Nick! Pl1 gave me the same idea on this. WIll give it a go as a test but might not have button surrounds, not sure yet.

Got some things to make this perdy.

Cut holes for the speakers. Bought a cheap ass $5 iphone amp thingy off ebay.

Fill them holes

Priming

And now we wait.......

CoryBee · « **Reply #24 on:** November 07, 2012, 05:54:59 am »

Did a bit of painting and am awfully surprised at how good it turned out with the rust-oleum matte black paint. I could do the sides and actually be happy about the finished product......But I bought a roll of this blackboard stuff......

rablack97 · « **Reply #25 on:** November 07, 2012, 08:39:50 am »

yeah paint is good if you do it right....

it's amazing how stuff can look when you take your time man..

Go get you some black metallic, and just mist over that black, then put about 3 coats of clearcoat on let it cure for a few days.....

polish it up with some Swirl-x.

Put that bad boy in some sunlight and it's off the chain....

All i can say if you better put a hefty price tag on this one, you sell this low, your other clients are gonna be pissed when they see this one vs. your wal-mart version...

great job man...

SpaceHedgehog · « **Reply #26 on:** November 07, 2012, 02:12:42 pm »

Try a piece of the vinyl out on some scrap - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the uniform textured effect. If the bartop is glued together at all, it'd be best to stick with the paint though. Got to agree that with the right paint and some patience, it can turn out great, particularly on smaller surfaces. Anyway, good job so far

CoryBee · « **Reply #27 on:** November 07, 2012, 04:54:50 pm »

Buy more paint.....oh okay. I will try to convince myself to do this. Thanks for the encouragement guys.

Awaiting a package today containing my Joysticks & Buttons, always feels like Christmas when I hear that knock at the door.

No comments on the control panel?

Drnick · « **Reply #28 on:** November 07, 2012, 05:23:38 pm »

Keep at it, Personally with art I'm all for Plagarism I found the below which I quite like, Only got it at 100DPI Though

CoryBee · « **Reply #29 on:** November 07, 2012, 06:04:33 pm »

Quote from: Drnick on November 07, 2012, 05:23:38 pm

Keep at it, Personally with art I'm all for Plagarism I found the below which I quite like, Only got it at 100DPI Though

True, not like they can sue you

I like what I did for the CP, simplistic. Marquee though, might steal something.

Cropped the image you sent to see if I like it as a marquee

100dpi should be more than enough for the small marquee size.

rablack97 · « **Reply #30 on:** November 07, 2012, 07:01:27 pm »

lol, graphics were never your issue on the other builds, i'm trying to get you through to at least have something nice to put the graphics on....baby steps dammit baby steps...

CoryBee · « **Reply #31 on:** November 07, 2012, 07:20:33 pm »

Quote from: rablack97 on November 07, 2012, 07:01:27 pm

lol, graphics were never your issue on the other builds, i'm trying to get you through to at least have something nice to put the graphics on....baby steps dammit baby steps...

HEY, clam your tits man!

It is pretty, and I like it

yotsuya · « **Reply #32 on:** November 07, 2012, 08:01:38 pm »

Quote from: CoryDee on November 07, 2012, 07:20:33 pm

Quote from: rablack97 on November 07, 2012, 07:01:27 pm
lol, graphics were never your issue on the other builds, i'm trying to get you through to at least have something nice to put the graphics on....baby steps dammit baby steps...

HEY, clam your tits man!

It is pretty, and I like it

rablack97 · « **Reply #33 on:** November 07, 2012, 09:25:13 pm »

awe hell now you've been distracted.....dont you dare pull out the oscar the grouch techniques.......

i like the marquee, the CP not so much....you have fairy trails in the marquee and electrcity in the CP....

match em up....

in fact i like it the way it was...

most people dont do button surrounds on that staggered layout cause it just don't look right....

if you were to do a 6 button layout straight across 3 and 3 then you could just do a halo around it....

i think i still have my .psd if you want it.. it has the halo layers and some nicer looking buttons.

Sooner or later we are gonna get you totally cleaned up, got dammit man even the buttons on your art look rough.......

CoryBee · « **Reply #34 on:** November 08, 2012, 12:51:43 am »

haha, you guys are too much.

I hear you on the CP, I just suck at photoshop. I do what I need with it on other projects, but for art bah! Send me your .psd if you can not sure if I will do anything with it but I will give it a look over. Won't need surrounds. Probably will steal that lightning ball from GOG cp picture.

Did some more work, will have pictures up when I find batteries for the camera.

CoryBee · « **Reply #35 on:** November 08, 2012, 05:45:47 am »

Time to take a break, eat some pudding pie and watch my stories.

I covered the sides in the chalkboard vinyl, really liked it. Also did the top piece as well. Looks spiffy. Then I did the t-molding,

I love this stuff!

Measured out the inside of the cp box to make sure everything will fit. And used a modified version of one of Slagcoins templates, sega hybrid layout shortened to make room for player two. (Could of had more pics, but batteries)

I knew from the beginning if I wanted to fit everything in this size control panel I would have to modify the Joystick a bit. Cut the top right corner from both red & blue to make room for the Player 1 & Player 2 buttons. Cut it quick with a jig saw, it works.

(camera phone)

Everything fits!

The vinyl needs to be wiped down cause of dust but I am liking it.

rablack97 · « **Reply #36 on:** November 08, 2012, 07:52:12 am »

sawing up your jstiks with a jigsaw

yotsuya · « **Reply #37 on:** November 08, 2012, 12:15:20 pm »

Looks good. Now throw a photo on there of Arizona Cardinals Hall of Fame Running Back/Dancing With The Stars Champion Emmitt Smith, and you can get at least $400 for that bad boy in Texas.

CoryBee · « **Reply #38 on:** November 08, 2012, 12:35:22 pm »

Quote from: rablack97 on November 08, 2012, 07:52:12 am

sawing up your jstiks with a jigsaw

Yea, thought about not sharing that part.....scared to death of my dremel since it has started wobbling something fierce recently

Quote from: yotsuya on November 08, 2012, 12:15:20 pm

Looks good. Now throw a photo on there of Arizona Cardinals Hall of Fame Running Back/Dancing With The Stars Champion Emmitt Smith, and you can get at least $400 for that bad boy in Texas.

I think I will stick with the lightning, and don't yell at me but I have someone buying it for $550 already. I really want to keep it though...... Need the money for my trip, tis why I am not taking it slow.

Thanks guys!

yotsuya · « **Reply #39 on:** November 08, 2012, 01:00:17 pm »

$550? Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmm!


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