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Author Topic: 1st build. System-3.0  (Read 22834 times)

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sabreerbasAlpha

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1st build. System-3.0
« on: March 26, 2013, 01:39:07 pm »
Ladies & Gents hello to you all.

First id like to just say I have browsed these forums for some months now mostly in Awe at your work. Some of the cabs & projects on these boards are works of art.

I have taken the decision to make my very first Cab. I have an engineering degree and years of experience in electronics but that isn't helping me decide what direction to take. I have already spent around 500.00 British pounds on kit but im struggling to come up with clear direction.

Would your advice be to start small Bar top or just for the Full size cab??.

Let me tell you what I have bought.

3 x 8ft by 4ft 3/4 plywood and dowel fixings I want no screws in the cab at all.
2 x full jamma harness
2 x Jamma Pcu,s
19 inch Acer Lcd screen (already had)
2 x Happ perfect 360 sticks
20 x sanwa obfc buttons + 1p and 2p
1x 20m roll pure oxygen free carbon fibre wrap.
1 x Jamma 138 in 1 game board
1 x jamma Just Another Pandora's Box 310 in 1 game board.
1 x Audio Amp pcb.
1 set of Sony explode 4 in speakers.
1 set of Sony 2 inch tweeters.
oxygen free cable

And all the usual glues and fixings.

Now I don't want to be seen as a copy cat and just rip someone's design off but were do I start?
Would you look at other bar tops and take the lead from there and come up with my own design?.

Any advice and ideas would be much appreciated.  :dunno

Thanks
« Last Edit: October 11, 2013, 08:53:49 am by sabreerbasAlpha »

Falk3r

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #1 on: March 26, 2013, 01:48:12 pm »
Hard for anyone to tell you what you'd like, but it sounds like you'd be compromising your dream for a lower-risk bartop sized unit. If you have the space for it, go full-sized.

Alternatively, if you're set on using a 19" monitor... maybe a bartop is more appropriate.

Why do you want to use no screws?
« Last Edit: July 14, 2013, 12:47:39 pm by Falk3r »

z-kun

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #2 on: March 26, 2013, 01:53:18 pm »
I don't have experience building cabs (... well... except for a model one that's made out of foam core and hot glue, and that's not even done yet XD), but I can tell you what I've seen, at least. I've seen people do all sorts of cabs for their first cab, from bar tops to full sized. So just about any size is doable for a newbie. (Granted, one size might be easier than others; I don't know.)

As for design, at least some people don't mind if you base it off of their design, especially if you ask. In fact, I saw a thread by OND that was a full tutorial on how to make a full sized cab, and includes diagrams for people to use and is designed to be easy to understand for people who have never made a cab before. I've also seen people openly admit to being inspired by other designs.

Also, several people use designs based off of official cabinets.

So for the most part, as long as you're citing where you got the ideas from and ask permission when in doubt, you should be good in terms of designs.

sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #3 on: March 26, 2013, 01:55:53 pm »
Quote

Why do you want to use no screws?

I hate seeing screws id rather use glue and dowel fixings even if it takes more time to get right. I have a precision dowel fitting kit so thought why not.

I think the bar top is the way to start just to get me into building and putting together a cab. But I defo want a full size Galaga replica, ive been trying to find a mint for a long time. But cant seem to get anyone to part with one, So I guess its time to build my own. Maybe I should run Two builds side by side. ????

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #4 on: March 26, 2013, 01:58:29 pm »
Judging by what you've already bought, I'd say go full size. Get a bigger monitor and you're set.

Most people have no problem if their design inspired you, especially if you mention it (or ask). My first cab was based on the Centipede cab- you can find plans and dimensions for it and other cabinets here: http://www.jakobud.com/plan-list.php


Falk3r

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #5 on: March 26, 2013, 02:08:02 pm »
Hiding Screws:
Counter-sink the screw and recess the screw-head (subflush). Then either put a laminate over the top and you'll never see it... or backfill with wood puddy, sand, and paint -- again, you'll never see it.

Soooo much easier than trying to pin every joint.

Two builds at the same time? Recipe for disaster, for the rest of us mere mortals. You might have more luck, if you don't have school/a job/a family/other hobbies/etc. Find the dimensions of your full-size Galaga cabinet you want to build and dive in.

Gamester

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #6 on: March 26, 2013, 02:09:27 pm »
I hate seeing screws id rather use glue and dowel fixings even if it takes more time to get right. I have a precision dowel fitting kit so thought why not.

If you design and finish the cab correctly you won't see any screws anyway.  I used screws exclusively on my build (no glue, dowels or any other type of fastener), and you can't see a single screw in the finished product.   Unless you're just really intent on learning how to do it with dowels exclusively, I say there is no reason to unnecessarily complicate the process by avoiding screws.

I think the bar top is the way to start just to get me into building and putting together a cab. But I defo want a full size Galaga replica, ive been trying to find a mint for a long time. But cant seem to get anyone to part with one, So I guess its time to build my own. Maybe I should run Two builds side by side. ????

It's clear you're conflicted, as you are almost contradicting yourself here.  You start by saying that you probably need to start with a bar top to get your feet wet, then you finish by suggesting possibly doing a side-by-side build...

Sounds to me like you really want a full-size cab.  I agree with the others that you should just do a full-size!  Other than the obvious difference in size of the surfaces, the build process itself isn't really that much different, and in some ways, building a bar-top can actually be more complicated.  If your heart is really set on having a full-size Galaga style cab, then by all means BUILD IT!  We're all here to help you along...  ;)

« Last Edit: March 26, 2013, 02:11:26 pm by Gamester »
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sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #7 on: March 26, 2013, 02:20:14 pm »
Quote

Sounds to me like you really want a full-size cab.  I agree with the others that you should just do a full-size!  Other than the obvious difference in size of the surfaces, the build process itself isn't really that much different, and in some ways, building a bar-top can actually be more complicated.  If your heart is really set on having a full-size Galaga style cab, then by all means BUILD IT!  We're all here to help you along...  ;)

And the help will be very much appreciated. Looking at all the other posts ive been watching for months I knew this was the place to come for help and advice. Gamester you have convinced me to make a full size Galaga replica. Now im buzzing. Im going to build a bar top first though just to get my feet wet and get used to linking the buttons sticks and boards up. Then on to the Galaga Cab.

So comes the next question. Is plywood the way to go as ive spent 150 quid on it already?. Also for the full size replica what screen size? And type?. :dunno

And can I get a Galaga Jamma board or would I have to buy An all in one version. :dizzy:
« Last Edit: March 26, 2013, 02:34:21 pm by sabreerbasAlpha »

z-kun

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #8 on: March 26, 2013, 02:44:34 pm »
Plywood should be okay; it seems like most people use either plywood or MDF, but apparently MDF is INSANELY dusty when you cut it.

Gamester

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #9 on: March 26, 2013, 02:46:10 pm »
So comes the next question. Is plywood the way to go as ive spent 150 quid on it already?.

Yep, your 3/4 ply will work fine, and looks like you've got plenty of it.

Also for the full size replica what screen size? And type?. :dunno

This is where you need to ask yourself some questions: 

1. How important is it that the display look authentic? 
2. What's your budget for a display?

And can I get a Galaga Jamma board or would I have to buy An all in one version. :dizzy:

I'm not aware of any Jamma boards that do Galaga only.  But I say, why limit yourself?  A multiboard will give you lots of play options.  Which goes back to the previous point:  why not just skip the bartop and use all these parts you've already paid for on a full size cab?  You don't have to build a bartop to learn how to hook up buttons and switches (which is actually much easier than you think, especially considering your electronics background)!
« Last Edit: March 26, 2013, 02:48:00 pm by Gamester »
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sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #10 on: March 26, 2013, 03:01:03 pm »

Quote
This is where you need to ask yourself some questions: 

1. How important is it that the display look authentic? 
2. What's your budget for a display?

Pretty much what ever goes!!


Quote
I'm not aware of any Jamma boards that do Galaga only.  But I say, why limit yourself?  A multiboard will give you lots of play options.  Which goes back to the previous point:  why not just skip the bartop and use all these parts you've already paid for on a full size cab?  You don't have to build a bartop to learn how to hook up buttons and switches (which is actually much easier than you think, especially considering your electronics background)!

The bar top? well I sort of opened my mouth and promised to make my son one. something he hasn't let me forget  :P Which is why I purchased the multi jamma boards. The Galaga is a go though.  I'm going to clear the garage on Saturday and make a start marking up some ply and making some cuts. My son loves the old Hyper sports and track and field games. He's only 8 and as retro as his dad  :laugh:

z-kun

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #11 on: March 26, 2013, 03:27:52 pm »

Quote
This is where you need to ask yourself some questions: 

1. How important is it that the display look authentic? 
2. What's your budget for a display?

Pretty much what ever goes!!
In which case, you might want to consider an LCD screen because they're lighter, can be easier to find, and possibly cheaper. And if you want, you can make the cabinet a little less deep so it takes up less space, if space is a concern.

eds1275

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #12 on: March 26, 2013, 03:30:15 pm »
If you are doing a full size build based on an original cabinet, you may as well go with a CRT for authenticity (and nothing is as authentic as 350 lbs!); I opted to build a full height, half deep cabinet so I am using an lcd screen.

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #13 on: March 26, 2013, 03:46:24 pm »
Pretty much what ever goes!!

If that's the case, I'd definitely say go with CRT.  There's just no comparison visually.  Plus most of the LCD's these days that would be big enough are widescreen, and Galaga, which is your priority, is a vertical game.  So with an LCD you either have the issue of a vertical game with lots of unused screen real estate on each side, or one that looks oddly too tall if you flip the screen vertical.  A CRT will look and play exactly like the real thing.

I'll have to defer to others on this forum to tell you the best place(s) to source a CRT arcade monitor on your side of the pond.

The bar top? well I sort of opened my mouth and promised to make my son one. something he hasn't let me forget  :P Which is why I purchased the multi jamma boards. The Galaga is a go though.  I'm going to clear the garage on Saturday and make a start marking up some ply and making some cuts. My son loves the old Hyper sports and track and field games. He's only 8 and as retro as his dad  :laugh:

Ahh, the fixation on a bartop is all making sense now!  Well, you definitely can't let the little guy down.  ;)  I'm proud for you that he's into the retro gaming.  Just proves that truly good games are timeless.   :cheers:
« Last Edit: March 26, 2013, 03:59:52 pm by Gamester »
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sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #14 on: March 26, 2013, 04:45:23 pm »
Pretty much what ever goes!!

If that's the case, I'd definitely say go with CRT.  There's just no comparison visually.  Plus most of the LCD's these days that would be big enough are widescreen, and Galaga, which is your priority, is a vertical game.  So with an LCD you either have the issue of a vertical game with lots of unused screen real estate on each side, or one that looks oddly too tall if you flip the screen vertical.  A CRT will look and play exactly like the real thing.

I'll have to defer to others on this forum to tell you the best place(s) to source a CRT arcade monitor on your side of the pond.

The bar top? well I sort of opened my mouth and promised to make my son one. something he hasn't let me forget  :P Which is why I purchased the multi jamma boards. The Galaga is a go though.  I'm going to clear the garage on Saturday and make a start marking up some ply and making some cuts. My son loves the old Hyper sports and track and field games. He's only 8 and as retro as his dad  :laugh:

Ahh, the fixation on a bartop is all making sense now!  Well, you definitely can't let the little guy down.  ;)  I'm proud for you that he's into the retro gaming.  Just proves that truly good games are timeless.   :cheers:

yes while most kids are into ps3 Xbox which he has, he is never off his TV plugin PAC MAN & GALAGA which he owns me on.  :cry: so I said id build him a little machine which I will. ill start to post up pictures of my progress soon. in the mean time can anybody offer up some CRT advice were to get one best price ETC for the full size CAB. and remember im in the UK.  :P
« Last Edit: March 26, 2013, 04:47:01 pm by sabreerbasAlpha »

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #15 on: March 26, 2013, 05:37:59 pm »
For the CRT you can try the following.  Looks like he has a fair old selection of sizes available.

http://www.videotronicsuk.com/


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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #16 on: March 27, 2013, 02:52:26 am »
I went with a full sized cabinet based on the Galaga style cabs for my first build. Just follow the jakobud template and it is fairly straight forward.
http://www.jakobud.com/plan.php?id=12

Here's the link to my build, maybe it will help some- http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,129469.0.html

I made mine 4" wider than the original to accommodate 2 players and a trackball, and I went with a horizontal LCD, but it's the same general build otherwise. I didn't even have anywhere near the experience you have when I built mine, I am pretty bad at most things that involve any sort of creativity, so I'm sure yours will turn out great. Good luck!

sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #17 on: March 27, 2013, 02:06:57 pm »
I went with a full sized cabinet based on the Galaga style cabs for my first build. Just follow the jakobud template and it is fairly straight forward.
http://www.jakobud.com/plan.php?id=12

Here's the link to my build, maybe it will help some- http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,129469.0.html

I made mine 4" wider than the original to accommodate 2 players and a trackball, and I went with a horizontal LCD, but it's the same general build otherwise. I didn't even have anywhere near the experience you have when I built mine, I am pretty bad at most things that involve any sort of creativity, so I'm sure yours will turn out great. Good luck!

Thanks. So many great comments on these boards. This really is a helpful community. Thanks for al the help and advice everyone. 

sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #18 on: March 31, 2013, 04:00:14 pm »
Guys some advice please.

As I've already posted I have purchased a 138 in 1 Jamma Pcu for my sons Machine but cant help thinking maybe I should be doing a pc build.

As building Pcs is Second nature to me that's not an issue. However the Emu`s are a bit of a mine field for me. Can you give me some advice on the following for Hyper spin Mame coin ops etc. etc.
1.Is it difficult to get it installed.
2.What about how smooth it runs.
3. what will it cost me if anything for these programs?
4. do I have to subscribe to any.
5 What would recommend ?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

sublimejhn

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #19 on: March 31, 2013, 09:17:07 pm »
Guys some advice please.

As I've already posted I have purchased a 138 in 1 Jamma Pcu for my sons Machine but cant help thinking maybe I should be doing a pc build.

As building Pcs is Second nature to me that's not an issue. However the Emu`s are a bit of a mine field for me. Can you give me some advice on the following for Hyper spin Mame coin ops etc. etc.
1.Is it difficult to get it installed.
2.What about how smooth it runs.
3. what will it cost me if anything for these programs?
4. do I have to subscribe to any.
5 What would recommend ?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I'm typing this on my phone, so bare with me, but I'll try to answer some of these questions. I run hyper spin on my cab, with mame, demul, Daphne and a few other arcade emulators. My cab is strictly arcade and virtual pinball games only, since I'd rather have console emulators on the tv as that's the way they were meant to be played.

Mame is very easy to setup in hyperspin, some of the other emulators can be a pain but nothing too difficult. The hyper spin forums have a lot of info and you will find answers to all your questions there. The most difficult part of mame is getting the right romsets, but once you figure out the parent/clone thing its pretty easy.

All programs are free, but you may find with hyper spin that you want a membership. A platinum membership will get you hyper sync, and will automatically download all your themes and videos for your games. I've been downloading all mine manually since I have only downloaded the games I want on my cab, but I will probably get a membership soon since not all the themes are posted on hyperspins site.

 Hopefully that helps, I personally think PC is the way to go since you aren't as limited on what games you can have on your cab

sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #20 on: April 01, 2013, 09:35:53 am »
thanks for the reply sublimejhn . Do I need to update/change my graphics card in my current pc to run  side mame/hyperspin?. when I put it in the cab?  I currently have 2x sli NVidia Gtx cards, Do I need to change a different brand? IE ATI or something. I really am a noob when it comes to EMU`s  :cry: :cry: I Have noticed an ATI Arcade card on several sites? . But bare in mind im using an Lcd in the build.

Thanks again.

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #21 on: April 01, 2013, 09:47:11 am »
Since you are using an Acer LCD screen, you'll just be connecting that directly to the PC as normal I believe. The tricky stuff with video cards comes more into play when you try to connect them up to a CRT/Arcade monitor, which I am doing. Then you have to deal with frequency issues, which is what that Arcade VGA card helps deal with. I often see people who build there own cabs, invest in a Scan Line Generator to get that old school look on an LCD screen, but I have - 50 experience with that one.

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #22 on: April 01, 2013, 01:36:36 pm »
Since you are using an Acer LCD screen, you'll just be connecting that directly to the PC as normal I believe. The tricky stuff with video cards comes more into play when you try to connect them up to a CRT/Arcade monitor, which I am doing. Then you have to deal with frequency issues, which is what that Arcade VGA card helps deal with. I often see people who build there own cabs, invest in a Scan Line Generator to get that old school look on an LCD screen, but I have - 50 experience with that one.

Thanks Dandro. By the way I have checked out your pirates build last night. 1 word. sweeeet.

So what advice would you give for the controls since I have all the Jamma parts what converters would I need to connect to my Jamma cable to control Mame .. If I go down the PC Build route..

Thanks again...

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #23 on: April 01, 2013, 01:47:01 pm »
I went the route of a JPAC primarily because of the video issues as I mentioned above. However, I think when you have no video concerns, the norm is an IPAC from Ulitmarc here:
http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html.

Thank you on the kind comment on my build. First one and having a blast doing it. I think the hardest part is looking at it everyday wondering what part to tackle next since there are so many parts.. lol

sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member needs some help
« Reply #24 on: April 01, 2013, 02:25:05 pm »
I went the route of a JPAC primarily because of the video issues as I mentioned above. However, I think when you have no video concerns, the norm is an IPAC from Ulitmarc here:
http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html.

Thanks ill check that out..

Thank you on the kind comment on my build. First one and having a blast doing it. I think the hardest part is looking at it everyday wondering what part to tackle next since there are so many parts.. lol

Well im about to start one or two but not at the same time. My first build is going to be a 138 in 1 jamma bartop for my son. Then its onto something I've always wanted since I was a kid. A full size Galaga machine. Its going to be so sweet.  The build wont be an issue as my background as an engineer will hold me in good stead, im lucky enough to own my own company also so ill have a bit of extra time here and there to sneak off. But I cant hide the fact the wonderful world of arcade controls is all new to me. But I have to say the community on here and other sites has been awesome. The help and advice is endless and you cant buy that anywhere.. Thanks again mate.. And thanks to all that I know will help me along with my first few builds.. :)

sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Pics and bits
« Reply #25 on: April 07, 2013, 12:53:19 pm »
So I've started to sketch out the Bar top design. Nothing you all haven't seen before to be honest but its my first build so im starting small and taking my time. The cab will house a 17inch flat Monitor. amplified 180 watt speakers Usb inputs and 138 in 1 Jamma board.

The theme im not to sure about at the minute but that will come in time.

Hope you like the few pics.

Sketching out the basic design.


Top panel with bare speakers.


with covers. Infinity Fli 180 watt


Some Button action


Jamma board 138 in 1


How many wires?


And for some power.


That's it for now. Ill start sketching out the rest of the panels tomorrow and then start making some very straight cuts and finally crack open the Router. :)

sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Pics and bits (Started)
« Reply #26 on: April 07, 2013, 01:16:59 pm »
Forgot to ask. Does anybody know were I can get a little plexi bender that isn't mega priced or crazy shipping.  :dunno

And apologies for image shack. know better now  :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
« Last Edit: April 07, 2013, 03:00:31 pm by sabreerbasAlpha »

sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Second side cut and CP cut
« Reply #27 on: April 12, 2013, 02:22:56 pm »
We have had a few nice days here in the UK. Summer is on the way hopefully. I decided to use the time and get the second side of the bar top cut and start on the top and the front of the control panel.


Control panel angled with router and smoothed.



Second side cut with The router Flush bit.




So as I said in my first post I really didn't want to be screwing this thing together all over the place. But having fixed the dowels in the control panel front and top piece to be honest it took ages to get it right. I guess I could keep going this way but I may end up throwing the odd screw in it just to save a bit of time. Haven't done dowel work for a long time to be honest but its coming back to me.





So that's about were I am at the minute. Ill fit the base and top piece tomorrow and fit the speakers. The back door is causing me some issues at the minute but ill crack it.

sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Redesign and Restart
« Reply #28 on: May 30, 2013, 12:47:38 pm »
So having got pretty far into my first build it suddenly dawned on me that it just wasn't big enough for what I wanted to do.  :angry:

So I scrapped the first build or should I say put it to one side & went big with a new direction. I've purchased a 19 inch Samsung screen that has great viewing angles, I viewed it in our local PC World and had to get one, Luckily I found a brand new one on eBay that was still in the box with the guarantee for under 45 pound so I had to have it.

I've scrapped the initial Jamma products which are collecting dust and im going for a full on PC Build with a twist, but ill keep that under wrap's for now. Any way I've thrown up a few pics for you to look at.

Id just like to add also that reading and going through all your builds with you all has been no end of help and inspiration Thanks. :applaud:



side on with counter sunk screws, The cab will eventually have laminated sides.



The screen will be finished off with some nice 5MM Tinted Plexi


The screen bezel to house the 19 Inch screen, Which will be secured a little differently with webbing straps and locking clips to keep it nice and tight.



Test fitting the screen. Fits like a glove  >:D



That's about were I am up to now. Its moving along nicely  :applaud: Next week I will work on CP Which I haven't finished designing yet  :timebomb:

« Last Edit: May 30, 2013, 12:50:27 pm by sabreerbasAlpha »

jdbailey1206

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Pics and bits (Started)
« Reply #29 on: May 30, 2013, 01:39:55 pm »
Forgot to ask. Does anybody know were I can get a little plexi bender that isn't mega priced or crazy shipping.  :dunno

And apologies for image shack. know better now  :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

Hey Saber.  Not sure exactly what you are referencing with  a "plexi bender" but this is what Le Chuck did to bend the plexi over his CP.  (I assume this is what you are trying to accomplish.)   http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,116602.0.html  (halfway down the page.)

Not sure if you have any big box hardware stores across the pond but this is what you will need.  http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-TS3000KC-Self-Igniting-Torch-Kit-330879/203368720?N=bqoo#.UaeNq0B9CSo

Plexi glass is really easy to work with just take your time and if you are concerned about messing up just get a larger piece of plexi and practice.

Here in the US we also can get our hands on a plexi glass cutter for around $5 or even a dremel will work.  I used a plexi glass cutter for mine.  It takes longer but you get no melting where you cut and you don't need to sand off the "nerds" in the end. 
« Last Edit: May 30, 2013, 01:44:25 pm by jdbailey1206 »

sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Pics and bits (Started)
« Reply #30 on: May 30, 2013, 01:59:45 pm »
Forgot to ask. Does anybody know were I can get a little plexi bender that isn't mega priced or crazy shipping.  :dunno

And apologies for image shack. know better now  :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

Hey Saber.  Not sure exactly what you are referencing with  a "plexi bender" but this is what Le Chuck did to bend the plexi over his CP.  (I assume this is what you are trying to accomplish.)   http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,116602.0.html  (halfway down the page.)

Not sure if you have any big box hardware stores across the pond but this is what you will need.  http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-TS3000KC-Self-Igniting-Torch-Kit-330879/203368720?N=bqoo#.UaeNq0B9CSo

Plexi glass is really easy to work with just take your time and if you are concerned about messing up just get a larger piece of plexi and practice.

Here in the US we also can get our hands on a plexi glass cutter for around $5 or even a dremel will work.  I used a plexi glass cutter for mine.  It takes longer but you get no melting where you cut and you don't need to sand off the "nerds" in the end.

Thanks for the Help mate. I was referring to a purpose built bender which is for sale on amazon.com but not on the uk site which sucks. I could build my own I guess with a couple of old hair dryers ], plenty of how to vids on you tube. I've looked in awe to be honest at most of Le Chucks work and I have seen his Plexi bending with the Gas bottle, I guess if I was slow enough and took my time it would be pretty good.

So im looking at using 1/2 inch MDF On the CP with 6mm Plexi to make up the 3/4. Any advice on bending 6mm or is there another way to go.?
 
I want to bend two pieces of plexi with a piece over the top and then over the back wrapped into the rear which is pretty ambitious looking at it but I guess its just a case of time and heat control?

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Re design and Restart :)
« Reply #31 on: May 31, 2013, 04:56:49 pm »
Small update today. Cut the front panel today and test fitted some P1 & P2 Buttons Then rounded the bottom piece to Avoid it looking squire at the front.




Idk the two buttons look lost  :dunno ill have to add something else to this panel I think.



I also managed to mark up the speakers that fit very nice, I Routed the holes using a home jig. I didn't just want to drill a thousand holes for the speaker panel so I added the speaker cases which will fit in very nice with the overall theme of the Cab. And they sound amazing through the amp.  :applaud:





That's it for tonight, I am going to work on the CP next week and look at adding the USB panel to the rear which is on its from the USA as I type. ill look to fix the LCD panel and start on the marquee hopefully. Night all.  :angel:

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Re design and Restart :)
« Reply #32 on: May 31, 2013, 05:32:45 pm »
Your woodwork looks nice and clean, I make similar pencil scribblings over everything when I'm working too!

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Re design and Restart :)
« Reply #33 on: May 31, 2013, 05:44:12 pm »
Your woodwork looks nice and clean, I make similar pencil scribblings over everything when I'm working too!

Thanks Ond I really appreciate that  :) I also have a very worrying obsession with sanding.  :laugh2: She's coming on nicely and for my first build I have to say not too shabby either. really enjoying it also  :applaud:

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Re design and Restart :)
« Reply #34 on: June 01, 2013, 10:47:16 am »
Your cab looks great! I like that you didn't use a 90deg interior corner at the bend between the screen and marquee block (this will make T-molding application easier).  The only criticism:

Those speaker covers don't match the cab.  Take a look at Martijn's cab (or mine - I copied his for the most part) speaker grills.  The are easy to create, and actually look like they belong in an arcade cab.

I would have to see this beauty finished up, and being unable to stop gawking at those car speaker covers.

Again, I want to stress you are doing a great job  :applaud:

sabreerbasAlpha

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Re design and Restart :)
« Reply #35 on: June 01, 2013, 11:42:33 am »
Quote
  The only criticism:

Those speaker covers don't match the cab.  Take a look at Martijn's cab (or mine - I copied his for the most part) speaker grills.  The are easy to create, and actually look like they belong in an arcade cab.

I would have to see this beauty finished up, and being unable to stop gawking at those car speaker covers.

Again, I want to stress you are doing a great job  :applaud:

Mmm I have to say after looking at the pictures again last night I agree the The speaker covers look out of place :banghead: The looked pretty good last night, but on further inspection I agree and now I don't like them.

I am going to go with your idea of the grill type cover. Something like this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mesh-Woven-Wire-Stainless-Steel/dp/B00B6CBMR6/ref=sr_1_32?ie=UTF8&qid=1370101204&sr=8-32&keywords=wire+mesh

Thanks for your other comments a1pharm. I really appreciate it.

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Re design and Restart :)
« Reply #36 on: June 01, 2013, 12:05:32 pm »
Forgot to add. look what arrived. Id also like to say a big thanks to JON of the Kade team for sorting out my issue. No thanks to royal mail  :timebomb:

Loving the KADE..


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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Re design and Restart :)
« Reply #37 on: June 02, 2013, 03:03:29 pm »
Small Update.

Got the rear door squared up and the temp hinges added. I have some power coated black hinges that are going on, But for now these will do.




I routed out the Hinge position with a straight router bit. The actual hinges I will use are about 5mm bigger and will sit nice and flush. These hinges are just for a work in progress and to allow me to work on the rear door with it attached.


The rear door will have a plexi centre piece that will be neon lit, >:D

And here is the inspiration for my build. My little princess Laila. Her two big brothers have all pcs and ps3s and Xbox's so im building this for her. Her brothers will be so mad. lol  :angry:

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) CP Cut
« Reply #38 on: June 09, 2013, 03:41:31 pm »
Small Update

Finally managed to get the control panel cut. I wanted a nice curve to the front so I was wondering what to do  :dizzy: Then I realised I had the old LCD TV base in the shed. I took it to pieces and used the bottom piece to cut a nice curve in the front of the control panel.




I've routed a small angled gap to the underside of the control panel to allow me to rest the bezel plexi on it. The plexi will sit nice and snug once fitted.


Here's a small piece of plexi in place to demonstrate what im talking about.


And that's that. Im off to Holland tomorrow at 3am for a family Holiday so ill catch you all next week. Have fun all  :angel: :angel: :angel:

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Re: New Member 1st build. (Update) Control Panel Cut..
« Reply #39 on: June 20, 2013, 04:53:13 pm »
Small Update

I extended the front panel and raised it by 3/4 of an inch, Then filled and smoothed the join, Not that there was one but just to make it very smooth and clean I filled it anyway. Ill sand it down at a later date. I had miss judged the gap  :banghead:




so the CP sits nice and flush now.


I will bevel the bottom of the control panel which is made from 3/4 Mdf and then add 3mm plexi to the control panel and finish it off with T Moulding.

Until next time  :angel: