Overwhelmed first timer

[felixtibs]

My head...has exploded!

Its very simple what I want to do:

1) Build a standard sized upright cabinet
2) Have swappable/modular controls

Is there a one stop shop for this information?  What I have had to do is dissect threads created by others who have way more knowledge than I on the subject.  Most of the conversations are too detailed to benefit me.

What I want is a step by step plan on how to build a modular arcade cabinet.

Does one exist?

Thank you for your help!
FT

[Generic Eric]

Project Arcade http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=project+arcade

Or, check these videos out by the lumber jackass
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,103919.msg1100049.html#msg1100049 / http://www.youtube.com/user/TheLumberjackass?feature=watch

I remember them being quite detailed.

Ond's Metropolis: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,118612.0/all.html
The videos by Delusional should get you going too: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,80229.0.html

[felixtibs]

Thank you for the reply!

Does this address the modular step by step walkthrough?

[shponglefan]

Dunno if you've come across it yet, but there is Doc's Modular MAME.  It's got a reasonably detailed description of the construction and modular system involved.

[happyfunball]

there is no step by step walkthrough for exactly what you want. the thing is that you can do it any way you want and lots of people has so there isn't going to be one solution that fitis what you want to do.
my reccomendation is patience. keep reading and looking around, if you haven't read the Project Arcade book, that is an excellent place to start.

its confusing at first cause there are so many options. I've spent the last 1.5 years building 5 different control panels to figure out what I want, what I like to play and how best to arrange it. I have a gutted arcade cab in the garage and I'm getting 4 more next month. I have 5 arcade monitors laying around the house. it gets much less confusing as you go.

I've decided on 3 different control panels that I was going to be able to swap between a vertical and horizontal arcade cab using real arcade monitors. I was going to set it up so I can hit a button to lock down the CP with a solenoid door lock. press a button, disconnect the panel, connect the new one, press the button and lock the new one down

[paigeoliver]

Having built a ridiculous number of projects I have found that modular controls are more trouble than they are worth.  It entails a crazy amount of extra wiring which can and will break constantly. The extra controls are difficult to store easily in a matter where they are not subject to easy damage.  A double decker, multi-sided cocktail, multiple cabinets or even a rotating setup are all far more practical to do and can be done at around the same price point as well.

Even if you ultimately still do decide to go with modular controls I strongly suggest you start out your project with a single control panel and then go back and do the modular thing later. The single control panel basic cabinet is really only about a 4 out of 10 difficulty level, but a functional modular control panel system that works, isn't rickety and doesn't break all the time is far closer to a 10.

[happyfunball]

I suppose I should clarify that I mean swappable. pull one off, replace it. I was going to make a couple cabs with the same size so they can just swap between them. horizontal and vertical.

[shponglefan]

Simplest solution there might be doing swappable panel tops.  I've been experimenting with a system using roller catches.  The idea would be have all the controls and interfaces fixed to the panel top; only USB cords dangling off for connection to a USB hub in the base.  Roller catches allow for relatively easy removal and attachment.  There are other attachment options as well.

I've been trying this with a single player prototype and seems to work pretty well.  I've yet to try with a 2 player panel, though.

[happyfunball]

Simplest solution there might be doing swappable panel tops.  I've been experimenting with a system using roller catches.  The idea would be have all the controls and interfaces fixed to the panel top; only USB cords dangling off for connection to a USB hub in the base.  Roller catches allow for relatively easy removal and attachment.  There are other attachment options as well.

I've been trying this with a single player prototype and seems to work pretty well.  I've yet to try with a 2 player panel, though.

thats pretty much what I was thinking, except I was going to have an electric latch rather than something like a spring loaded cupboard latch or roller catches. that might work just as well and be less complicated. my concern was the panel getting pulled off if someone gets too agressive.

[Gatt]

Having built a ridiculous number of projects I have found that modular controls are more trouble than they are worth.  It entails a crazy amount of extra wiring which can and will break constantly. The extra controls are difficult to store easily in a matter where they are not subject to easy damage.  A double decker, multi-sided cocktail, multiple cabinets or even a rotating setup are all far more practical to do and can be done at around the same price point as well.

Even if you ultimately still do decide to go with modular controls I strongly suggest you start out your project with a single control panel and then go back and do the modular thing later. The single control panel basic cabinet is really only about a 4 out of 10 difficulty level, but a functional modular control panel system that works, isn't rickety and doesn't break all the time is far closer to a 10.

I disagree.

I've built the modular controls,  and I'd never go back to anything else.  There is a 2x increase in wiring,  since you now have independent sets of wires on both sides,  but in the 2 years I've had with my modular controls I haven't had any wiring issue I could fix in seconds,  and those have occurred almost never.  The controls do take up space,  but far less than swappable panels.  I have a bookshelf that I have everything resting on.

Using Ethernet cables like Doc did,  it's really easy to do.  Cut the cables in half,  strip the wires,  and use Doc's system for matching color to control.  The only major hurdle is that Doc's explanation left out some bits and pieces I had to plan out in advance.  Such as:  I wanted the ability to have dual-8 way joysticks with one of them being a top-fire for Player 1 and 2 for Tank games,  so I had to add a wire to Joystick 2 that maps to Player 1 Button 1,  and one for Joystick 4 that maps to Player 2 Button 2,  which created one extra wire on each of those Ethernet ports that Doc's system didn't have.  Then I had to hash out a flightstick with 3 buttons for Player 1 as well,  all of it worked out fine though,  my Joystick 1 port also has wires for P1B1, P1B2, and P1B3.  In that,  it does require some extra planning.

For the extra work though,  I always have the right controls for the game at all times without comprimises. 

[paigeoliver]

I am glad to hear you have had success with modular. But you couldn't possibly claim that it was easy.

Having built a ridiculous number of projects I have found that modular controls are more trouble than they are worth.  It entails a crazy amount of extra wiring which can and will break constantly. The extra controls are difficult to store easily in a matter where they are not subject to easy damage.  A double decker, multi-sided cocktail, multiple cabinets or even a rotating setup are all far more practical to do and can be done at around the same price point as well.

Even if you ultimately still do decide to go with modular controls I strongly suggest you start out your project with a single control panel and then go back and do the modular thing later. The single control panel basic cabinet is really only about a 4 out of 10 difficulty level, but a functional modular control panel system that works, isn't rickety and doesn't break all the time is far closer to a 10.

I disagree.

I've built the modular controls,  and I'd never go back to anything else.  There is a 2x increase in wiring,  since you now have independent sets of wires on both sides,  but in the 2 years I've had with my modular controls I haven't had any wiring issue I could fix in seconds,  and those have occurred almost never.  The controls do take up space,  but far less than swappable panels.  I have a bookshelf that I have everything resting on.

Using Ethernet cables like Doc did,  it's really easy to do.  Cut the cables in half,  strip the wires,  and use Doc's system for matching color to control.  The only major hurdle is that Doc's explanation left out some bits and pieces I had to plan out in advance.  Such as:  I wanted the ability to have dual-8 way joysticks with one of them being a top-fire for Player 1 and 2 for Tank games,  so I had to add a wire to Joystick 2 that maps to Player 1 Button 1,  and one for Joystick 4 that maps to Player 2 Button 2,  which created one extra wire on each of those Ethernet ports that Doc's system didn't have.  Then I had to hash out a flightstick with 3 buttons for Player 1 as well,  all of it worked out fine though,  my Joystick 1 port also has wires for P1B1, P1B2, and P1B3.  In that,  it does require some extra planning.

For the extra work though,  I always have the right controls for the game at all times without comprimises.

[felixtibs]

Would you say that the project arcade book makes use of the latest updates in technology?

Is there a way to build the arcade and still be able to retro-fit swappable/modular in the future?

[happyfunball]

the technolgy isn't advancing that rapidly. we are emulating 20-30 year old games after all.

[bkenobi]

Project Arcade was updated last year if I remember correctly.  I would consider it up to date on most things.  I don't know if it includes servo controlled 4/8-way switching joysticks, but pretty much everything else should be in there.

[happyfunball]

I started with the arcade conrols book, it will give you a very good grounding and you wont' feel so overwhelmed after reading it. not everything is totally up to date but thats what this forum is for.
most of the stuff hasn't really changed in the last year or so since the last edition.

[AGarv]

If you are someone who can pull off precise construction (read: extremely experienced at woodworking or metalworking) then modular seems pretty attractive. 

However, if you are entirely new to this and only rocking a jigsaw and/or circular saw, you will quickly discover that cutting just a control box that fits together without leaving horrible gaps at the joints is a challenge, and that you have about as much chance of re-creating Doc's modular design as splitting the atom in your garage.

[PL1]

Quite true.

Trying to build a modular system without a decent table saw or a CNC is more likely than not to result in a 55 gallon drum-load worth of fail.

Protips if you do decide to go modular:
1. Cut everything for height before you cut the different widths.
2. Cut the narrower widths then use them as a gauge for the wider ones.
3. Make a bunch of spare panels for when you make the inevitable mistakes.


Scott

[Le Chuck]

I don't own a tablesaw. Go slow, make straight cuts using a guide, measure and know how thick your blade is and what side of the line you need to cut on.

[shponglefan]

Is there a way to build the arcade and still be able to retro-fit swappable/modular in the future?

If you're just talking about swappable panels, then yes; just attach them with non-permanent hardware (whether roller catches or something else).  Then you can replace them easily in the future.

[felixtibs]

Well I bought the book to start.  I will read it through prior to purchasing the wood.

Ive settled on 2 light guns, 1 trackball, and 2 8 way joysticks(the kind that can swap between 4/8) with 7 buttons each.  Also maybe some permanent little switches for administrative tasks.

Thank you all for the support.  Ill read it through and get to work!

[Ond]

You could take a basic design like my Metropolis plans (which are plenty detailed in terms of construction method etc) and allow for a removable CP or even separate CP modules.  There are some fancy 'fast swap out' designs around the forum but it could be as simple as some retaining bolts and some DB-25 Serial connectors for connections.

The question is where are your build skills at and what tools do you have at your disposal?  Many upright designs have the potential  for modular CP adaption - start with the basics first. 

[thefox]

I am only new to this myself, but if it helps, the 2 player CP on my bartop now just 'slots' straight in and out of the cabinet, held in place only by some wood battens forming a groove into which the CP can slot. The i-pac is attached to the Control panel, so all I have is a USB cable from the i-pac that unplugs from a socket in the cab directly underneath the CP. I haven't had any problems with it being pulled out as yet, and although I am not using it for fighting games, my two kids can get pretty aggressive just playing 1943 !

In the future, (maybe for my 2nd build) I am planning on using my current CP design plus building a 1 player CP with a trackball, that I can just interchange the two. 

JohnSt Clair's 'Build your own arcade' book was my starting point too. I am only building a simple bartop at the moment, but I found the book a very "accessible entry point" into this hobby, and I still enjoy re-reading it now, much to the utter bewilderment of my wife.