Main Restorations Software Audio/Jukebox/MP3 Everything Else Buy/Sell/Trade
Project Announcements Monitor/Video GroovyMAME Merit/JVL Touchscreen Meet Up Retail Vendors
Driving & Racing Woodworking Software Support Forums Consoles Project Arcade Reviews
Automated Projects Artwork Frontend Support Forums Pinball Forum Discussion Old Boards
Raspberry Pi & Dev Board controls.dat Linux Miscellaneous Arcade Wiki Discussion Old Archives
Lightguns Arcade1Up Try the site in https mode Site News

Unread posts | New Replies | Recent posts | Rules | Chatroom | Wiki | File Repository | RSS | Submit news

  

Author Topic: First time scratch build advice  (Read 5629 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Slig

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 29
  • Last login:May 26, 2013, 08:58:42 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
First time scratch build advice
« on: January 27, 2013, 02:08:47 pm »
I am in the design phase of my first ever build, and need some advice.

My plan is to build something similar to this: http://arcadesrfun.com/files/ultimate-700x700.jpg I have already started getting some of the CP components.

Since it is so beastly huge I want to make it as modular as possible, so it can be taken apart for easy moving. I also want it to still look flush and not obvious that it is modular from the outside, but still be rock solid. What is the best hardware to accomplish this? The wood will be 3/4" MDO (If I can ever find it) or 3/4" laminated plywood.





« Last Edit: January 27, 2013, 02:31:09 pm by Slig »

Le Chuck

  • Saint, make a poll!
  • Wiki Contributor
  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5509
  • Last login:March 26, 2024, 08:00:17 pm
  • <insert personal text here>
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2013, 02:15:48 pm »
Link no worky.  Try again please.

thatpurplestuff

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 667
  • Last login:March 28, 2024, 07:49:12 pm
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2013, 02:23:32 pm »


Posting image for Slig.  The control panel is a little busy but I love the size of that thing!

So once again, we find that evil of the past seeps into the present like salad dressing through cheap wax paper, mixing memory and desire.

Le Chuck

  • Saint, make a poll!
  • Wiki Contributor
  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5509
  • Last login:March 26, 2024, 08:00:17 pm
  • <insert personal text here>
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2013, 02:31:58 pm »
Ugh.  Okay. 

Build it in four pieces.  Two regular size arcade machines with one side panel around the monitor removed on each.  A flat kick panel piece you can bolt on to cover the joint when you slam two regular sized arcade machines together.  A giant control panel box.  You could make it ultra modular and just build two fullsize arcade cabs and pass on this monstrosity. 

Slig

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 29
  • Last login:May 26, 2013, 08:58:42 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2013, 02:33:21 pm »
Thanks thatpurplestuff! :)

There was an extra period at the end of my link, I have removed it. Sorry about that!

Slig

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 29
  • Last login:May 26, 2013, 08:58:42 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2013, 02:47:09 pm »
Lol Le Chuck, but it is such a beautiful monstrosity!

PL1

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 9394
  • Last login:Yesterday at 08:28:08 pm
  • Designated spam hunter
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #6 on: January 27, 2013, 02:58:47 pm »
Is that white dot on the right vertical face of the CP box supposed to be a pinball flipper??!!??   :dizzy:   :puke



Seems like the screen is just too big for that distance.

Maybe split it into a pedestal controller and CPU/speaker/screen box.   :dunno

If you further split up the pedestal, you can make a P1/P2 pedestal and have another for P3/P4, and a third for specialized controls like SW yoke, analog flightstick, 270 degree steering wheel/pedals, etc.


Scott
« Last Edit: January 27, 2013, 03:19:43 pm by PL1 »

Slig

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 29
  • Last login:May 26, 2013, 08:58:42 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #7 on: January 27, 2013, 03:03:30 pm »
Lol not sure, mine won't have it though. That would be a ridiculous amount of reach to get both sides.


So something more along the lines of this?

« Last Edit: January 27, 2013, 05:24:44 pm by Slig »

PL1

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 9394
  • Last login:Yesterday at 08:28:08 pm
  • Designated spam hunter
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #8 on: January 27, 2013, 06:15:04 pm »
I was thinking more about something along the lines of Golden Tee-style pedestal (pictured) with maybe some (modular?) controller options for the outrigger pedestals inspired by West Controls lineup here.



With different artwork, of course.

Bonus: 2P GT pedestal is the perfect width to add pinball flippers.   ;D

To keep the layout balanced for 4-player configuration, separate narrower pedestals for P3 and P4 could be added to the left and right of the P1/P2 Pedestal.


Scott

DaOld Man

  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5139
  • Last login:December 13, 2023, 12:03:14 am
  • Wheres my coffee?
    • Skenny's Outpost
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #9 on: January 27, 2013, 06:22:38 pm »
Go with 2 player, not 4.

Slig

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 29
  • Last login:May 26, 2013, 08:58:42 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #10 on: January 27, 2013, 06:37:04 pm »
Ah Nice PL1, it is a very good idea to consider for sure.

DaOld Man - My son has to many friends for me to go just 2 player. Though my CP won't be nearly as busy as the one in my original example pic.

Dawgz Rule

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 737
  • Last login:Yesterday at 03:09:18 pm
  • The more people I meet, the more I like my dogs
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #11 on: January 27, 2013, 07:37:41 pm »
That screen is just to large given the distance of the players.

Slig

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 29
  • Last login:May 26, 2013, 08:58:42 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #12 on: January 27, 2013, 08:04:04 pm »
That screen is just to large given the distance of the players.

Hmmm that does seem to be the general consensus. Time for me to research other builds lol.  :cry:

What IS the maximum screen size for that kind of distance would you say?
« Last Edit: January 27, 2013, 08:15:40 pm by Slig »

Seith

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 402
  • Last login:September 08, 2018, 10:50:41 am
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #13 on: January 28, 2013, 12:28:25 pm »
I went 27", i've heard of others going as large as 30".  Anything larger is overkill in my opinion.

Yourname942

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 123
  • Last login:October 01, 2016, 08:10:20 pm
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #14 on: January 28, 2013, 12:43:10 pm »
Go to a Best Buy, bring a tape measure  and see how far away you have to be for a comfortable viewing distance.

The bigger the tv, the further away you have to be for it to not feel like you are too close to it.


thatpurplestuff

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 667
  • Last login:March 28, 2024, 07:49:12 pm
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #15 on: January 28, 2013, 12:53:00 pm »
One thing to consider is that if you're really wanting a large screen you can always try a mirror setup (like T2, Space Invaders Deluxe, etc) to add some extra distance between the players and the screen.  I'm going to be using a 32" flatscreen crt on my arcade which would usually be too large to comfortably play at a close distance... with a mirror setup I can get another couple of feet in between the players and screen (and it gives a cool illusion of depth to the arcade).  Just depends on your personal preference really.

edit: One thing to note... your selection of emulated systems may be somewhat limited if not using a CRT monitor because screen flipping via software is only supported by some of the frontends / emulators.
« Last Edit: January 28, 2013, 12:55:29 pm by thatpurplestuff »

So once again, we find that evil of the past seeps into the present like salad dressing through cheap wax paper, mixing memory and desire.

rCadeGaming

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1256
  • Last login:December 20, 2023, 09:16:09 pm
  • Just call me Rob!
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #16 on: January 28, 2013, 01:01:23 pm »
I think 27" is the absolute max for a normal stand-up or sit down (not a showcase/detached pedestal), even with a panel that spaces you pretty far back.

Just play some games on whatever TV you have, and move your head back and forth.  Find the viewing distance:screen size ratio you prefer.  Something like 1.6:1 would be "minimum viewing distance must equal 1.6 times the screen size."  That's a total guess; test for yourself.

rCadeGaming

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1256
  • Last login:December 20, 2023, 09:16:09 pm
  • Just call me Rob!
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #17 on: January 28, 2013, 01:04:47 pm »
Keep in mind that you might prefer a different ratio for 4:3 vs. 16:9, or horizontal vs. vertical.  When I said 27" is my max above, I was thinking 4:3, but I think a 32" widescreen is doable.  Finding an exact ratio will give you more useful and flexible information than statements like that though.

Slig

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 29
  • Last login:May 26, 2013, 08:58:42 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #18 on: January 28, 2013, 01:30:13 pm »
Awesome thank you for the advice Seith, Yourname942, thatpurplestuff, and rCadeGaming! :)

Slig

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 29
  • Last login:May 26, 2013, 08:58:42 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #19 on: January 29, 2013, 10:57:39 am »
WOOOT  :D :D :D Saint's book came in from Amazon! It is time to get serious!

BadMouth

  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 9226
  • Last login:March 28, 2024, 09:47:02 pm
  • ...
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #20 on: January 29, 2013, 12:05:28 pm »
WOOOT  :D :D :D Saint's book came in from Amazon! It is time to get serious!

Ignore the part where he angles Player 3 and 4's joystick.
They should be mounted parallel to the screen regardless of the angle the player is standing at or where the buttons are.
Search the main forum and you'll find debates about it, but the majority of popular 4 player arcade cabinets did not have them angled.

griffindodd

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1514
  • Last login:June 29, 2023, 02:43:19 pm
  • Builds Stuff
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #21 on: January 29, 2013, 01:21:12 pm »


Posting image for Slig.  The control panel is a little busy but I love the size of that thing!

My face is bleeding!!!!

Seriously though, the answers to your question are infinite. And I know it's a matter of personal preference, but you may want to consider some alternate design options if you are trying to build a large cab. What you have pictured here is the arcade version of a Honda Civic with a 2ft high wing bolted to the trunk and NOS stickers on the hood.
I drink and I know things.

griffindodd

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1514
  • Last login:June 29, 2023, 02:43:19 pm
  • Builds Stuff
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #22 on: January 29, 2013, 01:24:31 pm »
What IS the maximum screen size for that kind of distance would you say?

I would recommend between 1.25 and 1.5 times the size of your monitor.

e.g. 20" monitor: 25" - 30" away.
I drink and I know things.

Slig

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 29
  • Last login:May 26, 2013, 08:58:42 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #23 on: January 29, 2013, 04:40:27 pm »
My face is bleeding!!!!

Seriously though, the answers to your question are infinite. And I know it's a matter of personal preference, but you may want to consider some alternate design options if you are trying to build a large cab. What you have pictured here is the arcade version of a Honda Civic with a 2ft high wing bolted to the trunk and NOS stickers on the hood.

LOL that is a super hilarious analogy.  :laugh2: :laugh2:

I should just make a 4 player version of the Revolution haha, it is such an amazing cabinet! The dual monitors and the auto rotating screen sooooo insanely awesome!!!

P.S. That company made an even more insane version then that, it is freaking HUGE. It has some pretty cool features though. http://arcadesrfun.com/2012/08/29/jace-hall-reveals-arcadesrfuns-ultimate-arcade-game/

-Slig
« Last Edit: January 29, 2013, 05:39:33 pm by Slig »

griffindodd

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1514
  • Last login:June 29, 2023, 02:43:19 pm
  • Builds Stuff
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #24 on: January 29, 2013, 05:16:21 pm »
Thanks Slig, yeah make a 4-player one I'd love to see that he he. Also, something to think about, how often are you likely to be playing 4-pllayer games? I also nearly went down that road with revolution, but when it comes down to real world use and then realizing the cost of building a 4-player CP, especially if you want it lit up, the cost vs benefit starts to drop rapidly. Expect to spend close to a $1000 on hardware for a lit up 4-player control panel, and then ask yourself, is it really worth that?
I drink and I know things.

Slig

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 29
  • Last login:May 26, 2013, 08:58:42 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: First time scratch build advice
« Reply #25 on: January 29, 2013, 05:49:24 pm »
Thanks Slig, yeah make a 4-player one I'd love to see that he he. Also, something to think about, how often are you likely to be playing 4-pllayer games? I also nearly went down that road with revolution, but when it comes down to real world use and then realizing the cost of building a 4-player CP, especially if you want it lit up, the cost vs benefit starts to drop rapidly. Expect to spend close to a $1000 on hardware for a lit up 4-player control panel, and then ask yourself, is it really worth that?

Well me, very rarely. My son though, who will be 13 next month has a ton of friends, it will be a good way for him to entertain. It will also save my ears (and possibly my cab) from endless fights of whose turn it is. hehe