Mission Control Project: 5 years on, what to do with the leftovers?

[Pixelhugger]

Rooter rocks

DING DING DING
That didn't take long.

Check your PM

[Felsir]

Great story Pixel :-)

[PL1]

Cool story, PH. 

Rooter is exhibit one when proving that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well.   

I'm trying to figure out how to wire a touch sensitive switch to my iPac so I can use it to actually insert credits. Running a wire to it is no problem, it's the circuit and voltages that baffle me.

Is a PCB mount or SMT microswitch out of the question here?


I figure that you can make a wood 1-position rack similar to Happ's plastic 8-position "The Competitor" rack.



The switch can be hidden behind a layer of wood so that pressing the token causes the rack to compress some foam weatherstripping (gray) and press the microswitch.


Scott

[yotsuya]

This project has always been driven by my nostalgia.I found a guy who had a token collection that included a Chuck E. Cheese token from the location I went to as a kid. (This was back when it was called Pizza Time Theater, and had a dark almost bar like vibe to it… not the day care center it has since become.)

This is how I remember it being when I went to one as a kid. It was certainly not like it is today.

[Pixelhugger]

I guess the business model had to change after the crash. Their market certainly shifted from teens to kiddies.

[PL1]

Found an even thinner switch option -- TL3315NF100Q.

 

~4.5 mm square
.55 mm thick
100+-30 gram switch.
.2 mm travel
1,000,000 cycle life


Scott

[BadMouth]

Found an even thinner switch option --

I think PixelHugger is thinking more along these lines:
http://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/touch-switch-ic

[TopJimmyCooks]

In Pizza We Trust.

[Felsir]

Hey Pixel,
just wondering, I recall you mention creating a coffeetable book filled with your sketches, renders and advertisements. Did you ever get around creating that one? I browsed this thread but I couldn't find it?

[blueznl]

When I last visited this board (years ago  ) I was expecting to return years later and still see PixelHugger working on this thing.

Yet... he finished it. And it's shockingly beautiful 

[Pixelhugger]

This thread is the gift that keeps on giving for me. I love these unexpected bumps which send me back through the posts and updates like an old journal. Never expected the project itself would become more nostalgic than the nostalgia that created it. 

Does anybody know why the vimeo thumbnail doesn't work anymore? The link to the video functions but the thumbnail shows an error....   

[Malenko]

This thread is the gift that keeps on giving for me. I love these unexpected bumps which send me back through the posts and updates like an old journal. Never expected the project itself would become more nostalgic than the nostalgia that created it. 

Does anybody know why the vimeo thumbnail doesn't work anymore? The link to the video functions but the thumbnail shows an error....   

it just reminds me how I joked you didnt thank me, then you read through the whole thread and I felt like a dick because I was kidding.

[blueznl]

Does anybody know why the vimeo thumbnail doesn't work anymore? The link to the video functions but the thumbnail shows an error....   

They keep changing the links all the time. I just googled for Pixelhugger Mission Control  and found a youtube link somewhere... at first I thought it only to be a Europe music vid 

[Slippyblade]

I just watched the reveal video and this man deserves an award for the video alone!   

[AmericanDemon]

Man, this is still such an inspirational project. Oh and I back Felsir , what happened to the coffee table book?

[Endaar]

I can't think of a single superlative that hasn't already been said...the cabinet is amazing and the video is hilarious, both a satisfying conclusion to the thread, which is epic by itself.

For me, the most impressive part is that you actually had the patience to not only finish the cab but to keep the quality of work so high throughout. I give you credit for not slacking off at some point and compromising your vision simply to finish the project. Unbelievable.

Must be quite satisfying to play with your kids. I've got a few years to go for that still.

Endaar

P.S. Nice touch mentioning all of us lowly posters in the video. 

[Rick]

P.S. Nice touch mentioning all of us lowly posters in the video. 

I think my favourite part is the fact that I think he posted the video a week after I changed my name from one of my cooler avatars, to "Rick". Damn. Could be anyone.

[Pixelhugger]

P.S. Nice touch mentioning all of us lowly posters in the video. 

The people following this thread were the biggest reason I was able to complete the project. Had I built this in isolation I would never have gotten past the glue up. Thread updates were the only thing that forced me to pick back up every time after stalling out.

[Malenko]

and despite never posting in the thread prior to completion, I'd check it at least once a week.

This is still one of my fave cabs.

[Superfrog]

Breathtaking thread 

What a great journey and masterpiece 

Are you and the kids still using the cabinet?
Very nice to see and FEEL the vibe about building and playing the cabinet.

New plans on the way 

[Pixelhugger]

Are you and the kids still using the cabinet?
Very nice to see and FEEL the vibe about building and playing the cabinet.

They've played it every day. Every. Single. Day. Well, until my wife recently put the smack down and told them weekends only.  We don't have an Xbox, Playstation or Wii, so it's their only videogame portal beside our phones. So far my sons have logged over 140 hours on Lego Marvel Superheros alone. That doesn't include the time on Lego Pirates, Lego Star Wars, Lego Harry Potter, Lego Indiana Jones, Lego Batman, Minecraft etc.... I should have built it out of bricks.

My daughters like the old school games... Gauntlet, Pang, and Frogger. Not sure how many hours they've logged on those. The key to keeping it active has been the fact they don't have something connected to the TV.

Thanks for the compliments!

[dkersten]

First time I saw this (yeah I'm a noob), fantastic craftsmanship, I am very impressed! 

[Superfrog]

Are you and the kids still using the cabinet?
Very nice to see and FEEL the vibe about building and playing the cabinet.

They've played it every day. Every. Single. Day. Well, until my wife recently put the smack down and told them weekends only.  We don't have an Xbox, Playstation or Wii, so it's their only videogame portal beside our phones. So far my sons have logged over 140 hours on Lego Marvel Superheros alone. That doesn't include the time on Lego Pirates, Lego Star Wars, Lego Harry Potter, Lego Indiana Jones, Lego Batman, Minecraft etc.... I should have built it out of bricks.

My daughters like the old school games... Gauntlet, Pang, and Frogger. Not sure how many hours they've logged on those. The key to keeping it active has been the fact they don't have something connected to the TV.

Thanks for the compliments!

I'm very jealous about the cabinet is used in these days.
Just what you say, if you don't have a console at home, this is the big thing, and show that you don't need it at all ...
They don't miss a thing when you got plenty of quality time with your fantastic build.

And it's worth the money this way  better then after this progress of building and spending money, they never play on it 

 

[BGoulette]

So I got the bright idea to start reading this thread sometime in the afternoon...it's now 11:15 and I just finished.

I love the opportunity to go through threads like this with time compressed (10  hours or whatever beats 8 years!). Thank you, ph, for documenting this build so acutely: it's so easy to lose track of time while vicariously experiencing the project's timeline.

[Pixelhugger]

Special Limited Time Offer for the Discerning BYOAC Collector of Other Peoples Unused Project Junk!!!

The smoldering husk of my early-prototype-learning-curve-control-panel-project is available for trade.

Cleaning out the workshop/garage, Ive been throwing away my Mission Control construction templates (at least the ones that I can’t store for future reminiscing.) But what to do with my first control panel and intro to the hobby??

This comes from the paper bezel and marble contact paper era of BYOAC, circa 2000, so I felt like it was breaking ground at the time - being made from hardwood and polished plexi. Not very impressive by today’s standards but a big deal for me back then. It was my first attempt at Building My Own Arcade Controls and was a bit of a proof of concept, that I could actually build something. Unfortunately that shows.

This was not built to the same standard or finish as Mission Control. (Ill post pics of the drill blow-out on the underside of the particle board panel for example, and the freehanded control inlays *shudders*) The plexi top has holes for carriage bolts, a relic of the old trackball mounting method I started with - combined with a totally unnecessary attempt to hold the plexi in place.

And no, this is not the CP from the cabinet itself.

The visible woodwork is marginal. It used to be stained but I long ago sanded that out. There are some deviations in the thickness of the wood as a result of the random orbit sand-a-palooza it underwent. It includes the original CPO artwork I designed while still learning Illustrator and Photoshop, so again it shows its age (like 15 years or so) so the paper may be a little puckered or wavy beneath the plastic. It also includes the updated CPO I had printed when getting closer to the actual cabinet design. Um. If I can find it.

There are two holes rudely drilled through the bottom panel that I had used to hang the panel on my office wall when it was not on my desk.

Does NOT INCLUDE any controls, joysticks, buttons etc. Just the wood, particle board, t-molding, plexi and hinge. So the attached pics are how it USED TO LOOK, or might look once reassembled and stained. 

Is my unused crap worth anything to anyone? A trade for an iPac2? iPac4? Anything? Anyone?

... Bueller?

Available for local pickup (Los Angeles area) or I could ship it if someone wants to pay for that - no idea what it would cost.

This is what it looked like back in the day. If anyone is interested in a trade, I’ll post pics of it as is now, no controls or stain, with the scratches that come from storage in the garage.

And no comments on the classy "seamless background" It was one of my first digital pictures.

[KLRinstinct]

Oh man that video is epic! Lolololol well done mate. The cab is sensational too!

[Pixelhugger]

Thanks man!

Heh. Sorry to bump my ancient thread. Didn't stop to think this would expose anyone who missed the journey the first time to the rabbit hole! It just seemed to make more sense to post my offer in the context of the thread where I wouldn't have to explain myself quite as much. 

[opt2not]

You were right to bump this great cab. #MakeBYOACgreatagain

[Pixelhugger]

I had forgotten how much fun it was to participate in this forum. It's a bizarre feeling to find the project I built for nostalgia has taken on a nostalgia all its own for me. Just rewatched the video and realized how much fun I was having without realizing it.

[Pixelhugger]

Oh, also this happened.

[Nephasth]

It belongs in a museum!

[markc74]

Seeing as there's a trend for honouring old builds - i gotta say Mission Control is my favourite build ever. Tell me that puppy is still running!

 

[Ond]

It runs just fine, or did when I saw it last year.  Good to see Pixelhugger on this forum again.  There must be a whole bunch of people here now that are unaware of this mighty project.  Timely bump really......

[Pixelhugger]

Hey Ond!  Couldn't resist posting that photo. I gotta say I miss having stuff to post here.

@Mark: thanks for the kind words! Still up and running. Every. Single. Day. I have a boxed backup WellsGardner in the garage to ensure it stays that way for my kids children. If you are ever near Los Angeles come check it out. Just be careful with the ticket agent or it will be the most expensive game you ever play, just ask Ond. [/endinsidejoke] BTW I love the minimalism of both Cube and Blip. You nailed it on both.

[yotsuya]

Pixelhugger, YOU should come out to ZapCon this year, since your next door in LA. You'd be the guest of honor!

[Ond]

If you are ever near Los Angeles come check it out. Just be careful with the ticket agent or it will be the most expensive game you ever play, just ask Ond. [/endinsidejoke]

Heh heh, just the swings and roundabouts of life my good man, I've spent more on far less worthy things!

[yotsuya]

If you are ever near Los Angeles come check it out. Just be careful with the ticket agent or it will be the most expensive game you ever play, just ask Ond. [/endinsidejoke]

Heh heh, just the swings and roundabouts of life my good man, I've spent more on far less worthy things!

Ond, your coming to ZC last year was one of the most epic things I've ever seen, just because you made the trek. Hope to see you again one day, my brother!

[Ond]

If you are ever near Los Angeles come check it out. Just be careful with the ticket agent or it will be the most expensive game you ever play, just ask Ond. [/endinsidejoke]

Heh heh, just the swings and roundabouts of life my good man, I've spent more on far less worthy things!

Ond, your coming to ZC last year was one of the most epic things I've ever seen, just because you made the trek. Hope to see you again one day, my brother!

Thanks mate, I enjoyed my time with you guys very much. I will return to your neck of the woods, just can't make ZapCon this year, I have an interstate 50th birthday of a good friend to attend and money is a bit tight.  PH may be persuaded to attend, but you'll have to add him to your dream list first though!  When I return we'll have some beers. 

[Flinkly]

lol, just opened my Galaxian cocktail to look at replacing the grinder that used to be a fan, searched the web, found old threads on the BYOAC by too well known people, and had to look back and see what became of Pixelhugger.  looks like all is well in the land of BYOAC.  so much time spent watching this thread, and on the forum.

good to see the cab still kickin as it should be.

now to find this video that i may have never seen...

[Pixelhugger]

What the!? Never saw the video??

Here it is then: