My "yet to be named" Bartop Arcade project...

[gonzojoey]

Hey All,
I've built a few bartops so far (most of them loosely based on the katorlegaz.com designs), but I decided to do something a little different this time. Instead of spending money with my local CNC guy, I went with a bartop kit from our own B/S/T section on the Forums. I decided ebarlow99's design worked best for what I wanted to accomplish, so I went with his 1 player Bartop Arcade FlatPack (Link: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,131643.msg1350510.html#msg1350510)
The Flatpack arrived fairly quickly and was extremely well packed...almost too well packed
Below are picks of the unpacking and all the parts laid out on the nasty carpet

[gonzojoey]

All of my previous builds have been with 1/2in or 5/8in MDF, so this was the first time I wasn't using screws from the inside to hold my cabs together. Since I didn't have a good working Nail gun, I figured this project would be a good excuse to go ahead and spend some money on some tools. I purchased a fairly inexpensive (in comparison to others available) air compressor and nail gun. The kit came with the compressor, nail gun, nails, some funky glasses and a bag. I thought it was a good deal from Home Depot and the wife approved since I agreed to make her some garden planter boxes when I done 

[gonzojoey]

Oops  ... Once I got the workbench (aka, the old kitchen table) cleared off and ready, I realized the only nails I had for the gun were 2in nails. Oh well, I was ready to start building now, so I just went ahead and used what I had. As long as all the extra is on the inside of the cab, I'm fine with it. I doesn't look too bad and if I really wanted to, I could go back and bend them down.....

[gonzojoey]

The cabinet went together very well with no issues. Eric (ebarlow99) provided some good direction on the build and everything came together nicely.
I went ahead and test populated the CP with my buttons just to see how it'll look. I'm pleased with the built results.

[gonzojoey]

Well, the basic shell of the cabinet is complete, so on to the monitor install. I had a 19in monitor that I needed to remove from the case so that I could install it. Should be pretty easy, right? Well, it would have been if I didn't try to rush through it. I didn't realized the controls were screwed in to the frame and I snapped the control board in two. And what sucks about this monitor is you have to push the power button the 1st time you plug it in. After that, it just turns on by itself when it detects power... but of course, you cant turn it on without a control board
Luckily I had another monitor with a similar enough board that I was able to use to get this one turned on for the first time. I got lucky with that one...

[gonzojoey]

Since this is going to be a MAME build with a small form factor PC inside, all I really need inside the cabinet for power is a power strip. So i took a power strip and cut the end off, then attached it to one of those Power Switch Receptacle things (not sure what the official name for these are since I see them called different things on each site I go to). The power switch fit nicely in the precut hole in the bartop and the power strip hardly takes up any internal space since its mounted to the side wall.

[gonzojoey]

I changed my mind and decided to go w/ red buttons and joystick instead of the greens ones I used to test fit with earlier. I used one of Vigo's USB gamepad boards to run the CP, but I'll need to extend a few of the wires since the ones that come with the kit wont reach my P2 and Insert Coin buttons.

[CoryBee]

Lookin spiffy. How much did the nail gun\compressor set cost you? I could use one.

[jdbailey1206]

Awesome!  That was the exact setup I am going to use for my power.  Thank you for showing the wiring setup.  Now I know I won't be blowing myself to the moon.




 

[kahlid74]

Good times!  My only concern is the GA of nails you're using.  Anything 16Ga or greater shouldn't be used as load bearing.  Mind you no one is going to be stepping on that thing but we want to make sure you remember that. 

[gonzojoey]

Lookin spiffy. How much did the nail gun\compressor set cost you? I could use one.

It was $199 at HomeDepot, but I had a few gift cards from Christmas / Birthdays, so it turned out pretty good
www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable-6-Gal-Portable-Electric-Air-Compressor-and-Finish-Nailer-Combo-Pack-PC1PAK/100672205

Thank you for showing the wiring setup.  Now I know I won't be blowing myself to the moon.

That's why I made sure that picture was larger than the rest:) If you need any more detailed pics on wiring of the power switch, let me know.

Anything 16Ga or greater shouldn't be used as load bearing.

Well...crap. I guess I should have done my research before buying the combo kit. It should be fine for this build. I'll make sure to pick up a different gun (and the right size nails) for the next build. thanks for the heads up!

[ebarlow99]

Awesome! looks great......keep up the good work 

[gonzojoey]

Picked up a cheap under-counter kitchen light at Wal-mart (13 in long, 8watts, $10) and it fits perfectly and is a lot brighter than expected. I cant get a decent picture with the light turned on, but you can see how nicely it fits in this pic. So now the cabinet is mostly complete...just missing marquee, plexi for screen, and some art / paint (still haven't decided on the final "theme" for this one).
Next up is the PC config. I've been D\Ling what I can from "The Hyperspin Project", so it shouldn't take long to get everything config'd how I want it.

[gonzojoey]

Here's a quick side by side of my the two Bartop projects I have going on...
The one on the left is just a basic layout using a 22in monitor (vertical, obviously) and a standard Jamma harness and 60in1 board. Pretty quick and dirty, but it works. I don't have a decent router, so I wasn't able to cut the T-Molding slots...but i do already have the pink T-Molding for it (was going for a Ms Pac theme on that one).  I might pick up one of those palm routers and see if that does the trick.