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So i want to build a "mini" Arcade

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NightScreams:

First off, I've never built an arcade before. I build computers and have played emulators on them for years, so i have some spare stuff laying around and thought about using them to build a small arcade unit.
I'm not sure if i have a specific question as doing this seems pretty simple, guess i'm just here for general input from those that do this sort of thing. I'm not an arcade enthusiast so i don't need perfection or the highest quality stuff. Just something for nostalgia.

Here is what i have.

1. 15" Laptop Powerful enough for the majority of MAME games
2. HAPPA? competition joysticks and about 14 HAPPA buttons...not sure how good they are but they feel solid
3. Licensed copy of GameEx and a custom Windows 7 basic (32bit) that i created which has an install size of only 2.5 GB footprint. super fast and light platform to use a frontend on. I used this on my HTPC that had a weak Atom processor and it performed better than Linux Mint or Ubuntu did.
4. 12 volt cold cathode tubes

So i want to use the laptop inside a small cab. I'm not sure how i would mount it as the screen placement is obvious which leaves the Keyboard in the way of the joysticks inside. I guess i should take it apart and fold the motherboard back so its out of the way? I would like to do something with the cathode lights, maybe one to light up Marquee and another in rear to light up behind the cab?

I want the cab to look like the real thing, just smaller...not some box with a screen on it as some Neo Geo themed ones i have seen, i would also like to have coin slot buttons, not real coin slots, just some visual look.
What kind of paint should i use? something with texture?

I plan to get Marquee and CP overlay from here: http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/multicade-cpo
Good site or is there better selection elsewhere?
I considered printing the side art myself using sticker paper for printers.

I guess i'm just looking for input and general advice, can't think of any other questions yet. Measuring and cutting the cab will likely be my hardest part, i would like a texture paint that kinda feels similar to arcade, maybe a light gritty feel? and i'm not sure how i'll power the Cathode lights cause they are meant to be used internally inside a computer case, so not sure about a laptop where a 12 volt source would be.


PL1:

Welcome aboard, NightScreams.


--- Quote from: NightScreams on February 15, 2013, 07:32:52 pm ---2. HAPPA? competition joysticks and about 14 HAPPA buttons...not sure how good they are but they feel solid

--- End quote ---
The Happ Competition stick is a common choice for playing a wide variety of 8-way games.

It won't do as well on 4-way games like Donkey Kong or Pac-Man, but you're not shooting for the world record.

As long as the buttons have the terminals pointing horizontal instead of vertical, you're good.

      Good                    Bad
 


--- Quote from: NightScreams on February 15, 2013, 07:32:52 pm ---So i want to use the laptop inside a small cab. I'm not sure how i would mount it as the screen placement is obvious which leaves the Keyboard in the way of the joysticks inside. I guess i should take it apart and fold the motherboard back so its out of the way?

--- End quote ---
If you're not doing a bartop/weecade style build, why not open it up all the way so it is straight instead of leaving it in the "L" configuration?


--- Quote from: NightScreams on February 15, 2013, 07:32:52 pm ---I would like to do something with the cathode lights, maybe one to light up Marquee and another in rear to light up behind the cab?

--- End quote ---
Sounds like a good idea.


--- Quote from: NightScreams on February 15, 2013, 07:32:52 pm ---I want the cab to look like the real thing, just smaller...not some box with a screen on it as some Neo Geo themed ones i have seen, i would also like to have coin slot buttons, not real coin slots, just some visual look.

--- End quote ---
The product you're looking for is the Novagem CDR from GroovyGameGear.



--- Quote from: NightScreams on February 15, 2013, 07:32:52 pm ---I plan to get Marquee and CP overlay from here: http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/multicade-cpo
Good site or is there better selection elsewhere?
I considered printing the side art myself using sticker paper for printers.

--- End quote ---
GoG is a great choice. (Hint: Use the "BYOAC" code for 10% off.  :cheers:)

GoG control panel overlays use a polycarbonate laminate.

The ink will rub off sticker paper on the control panel, but the lamination protects the GoG overlay.

Some people use plexi to cover the CP -- not my chosen method, but to each their own.

If you decide to do that, you can just print your overlay on photo paper and sandwich it between the plexi and the MDF.

If you're looking for art sources and vendors, this post should give you a solid foundation.


Scott

NightScreams:

Thanks, lot of good info there. I purchased my wood today and i'll definitely be getting those Insert Coin buttons....However the problem again like with the Cathodes, it's a laptop power supply, so i'm not sure where i can splice it in or even if i can, actually i don't think i can, looks mostly discreet. Any ideas?


--- Quote ---As long as the buttons have the terminals pointing horizontal instead of vertical, you're good.
--- End quote ---

They're horizontal, but why is vertical bad?
     

--- Quote ---If you're not doing a bartop/weecade style build, why not open it up all the way so it is straight instead of leaving it in the "L" configuration?
--- End quote ---

I'm not sure how i could mount it like that. I'll likely seperate the monitor and L brackets to hold it in, other than that i'm not sure what i could do. Surely someone has done this before?
I'm also not sure if i want to use both joysticks since i'll likely be the only player or mount them for alternative uses which would mean i'd never have the option for proper 2 player as the mounting would be different...what do most people do?

btw, am i the only one that has a hard time making out some of the Verification letters? I really hate those things.



CoryBee:

My $0.02

I always de-case the laptop completely down to the bare screen and bare motherboard.



Build a wood mount for the screen to fit on



Mount the motherboard to the backside of it



Basically an open laptop hyper-extended, de-cased and mounted

NightScreams:

thanks, that's a good idea. I take it you built a mini arcade cab with that? do you have more pics? I want to get better visual ideas before i start.

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