Author Topic: 4 Player TMNT Pedestal Cabinet - Complete (Read 126654 times)

severdhed · « **Reply #40 on:** September 25, 2013, 01:35:40 pm »

Thanks, I wanted to make it obvious which start button went with each player, so visitors aren't confused. I really liked how they looked, keeps them from being boring black buttons.

a1pharm · « **Reply #41 on:** September 28, 2013, 12:09:25 pm »

Very good job on this build, now have fun playing it!

Hoopz · « **Reply #42 on:** September 28, 2013, 01:15:43 pm »

Congrats on new baby. Boy or girl? Everyone doing well?

Loving the build. Great work!

severdhed · « **Reply #43 on:** September 28, 2013, 10:49:00 pm »

thanks guys. i'm fairly pleased with how this is turning out. i was so nervous when starting this project, because all of my cabinets up to this point had been purchased, and I just modified the control panels.

My son, Malaki, was born on the 23rd, 7lbs 3oz, and everyone is doing well. I'm so excited to get this cabinet finished so we can all play together. (except eventually it will probably be the 4 kids playing and i'll get pushed aside) My daughter (will be 2 next week) has recently started showing an interest in the cabinets..she loves to push buttons and says "daddy, i play game" all the time. her an my oldest son were playing Mortal Kombat for a while the other day, it was awesome.

I have the PC in the cabinet and started setting it up, but i may end up reloading windows and starting over. I originally planned on using a damaged laptop for this cabinet, but i would like to run a few pc games on it, and i'm afraid the video card in the laptop will not be enough. SO i took the htpc i had set up in our family room and moved it to the cabinet. It is a 3ghz Phenom x4 940 with 8gb of ram. I am currently using the RADEON HD 4200 graphics that are built into the motherboard...they work fine for mame, havent tested them with any of the pc games yet. at least since it is a desktop pc, i can easily upgrade the graphics card if i need to. I'll setup the laptop as my HTPC.

i'm having a few problems with it right now though that i can't seem to work out. I have an autohotkey script that i use for my single pause/exit button. if you press the button quickly, it sends the "P" key, but if you hold it for 3 seconds, it sends "Esc" instead. it is working fine in windows, but not when mame is running. i'm not sure why though. i had this script running on my old PC (Windows xp) and it worked fine....i just copied the entire mame directory from that pc to this one, so i'm not sure what is going on. I guess it could be an issue with windows 7 64bit vs xp, but the same script runs fine on my laptop, which is windows 8 64bit. i dont' have any other windows 7 computers running in the house, so i'm probably going to end up doing a clean install of windows and starting from scratch on this one.

i do have my mala layout about 50% setup, i'll post pics of that once it is finished.

ShankyMcStabber · « **Reply #44 on:** January 19, 2014, 02:48:24 pm »

I hate to necro your old thread, but did you ever figure out your issue with your Autohotkey script and Mame?

If not, I have seen a similar problem when you launch one of the 2 programs as Administrator but not the other. Due to how the memory space is isolated in Windows 7, you want to either run both as Administrator or neither of them.

Nice pedestal layout btw. I found this thread while searching for some ideas for a 4 player pedestal to replace my full cabinet that is 90% wasted space (I am going with a Spaceballs the Arcade theme).

severdhed · « **Reply #45 on:** January 19, 2014, 05:57:36 pm »

yeah, i did get the ahk issue sorted out....as it turns out it was a compound problem. I decided to upgrade to a newer version of mame, so i had to recompile...as it turns out, the instructions i followed originally to enable direct input in mame were wrong...at least for the new version. once i figured that out, i had to edit my script a little as well... i wanted it to send P with a quick press and Esc with a long press...what i had to do was use a key other than P or Esc to trigger it.. once i mapped that input on the ipac to a different key, and adjusted the script, it works fine. I think i used the PgDn key.

Thanks for the compliment...This thing has been getting a good bit of use since i got it up and running. I have a few more pics to post since i finished it, perhaps i should post those one of these days...

severdhed · « **Reply #46 on:** January 22, 2014, 12:06:25 am »

it has been a while since i updated this, but i finally got around to finishing this thing up. I have a little work to do cleaning up some of the internal wiring in the computer area, and i'd like to do something different with the cables running to the TV...but other than that, it is done. My awesome wife got me a new trackball for Christmas from GroovyGameGear. this thing is so much nicer than the old wico trackball i had. it looks really nice when lit up, and rolls so smoothly...you can't beat a happ trackball.

here it is installed in the panel...using the mounting plate made it really easy to swap it out.

it is hard to take a good picture and have the colored light show up properly, it is a very vivid green color.

here is a shot of the completed unit, showing my custom mala layout.

here is a closer pic of the mala layout.

and last but not least, my 3 oldest kids playing some TMNT...

i've really had alot of fun with this project....i really want to clean up my other cabinet now..new paint, new t-molding, new artwork....but that will have to wait until spring.

Boxxle · « **Reply #47 on:** January 23, 2014, 12:11:04 pm »

Great build! Looks like many hours of gaming lie ahead for you and your family

I especially liked your tip to offset your t-molding and round-over the bottom of the cp to accommodate for the plexi thickness. Thanks!

severdhed · « **Reply #48 on:** January 23, 2014, 10:47:30 pm »

thanks. i can't take credit for the offset t-molding idea..i saw that somewhere on here....i think it was Mountain's cabinet.

BAMBOO · « **Reply #49 on:** February 09, 2014, 12:10:59 am »

Super awesome bro. This rocks. Makes me want to ditch my Dynamo Showcase cab and do this instead.

SpatzST · « **Reply #50 on:** February 09, 2014, 08:39:23 pm »

that is incredible!

Can you show how you attached the CP box to the cabinet? I am looking to make something similar and this has inspired me quite a bit.

Also, it wasn't until I played the TMNT arcade game few months back that I was inspired to build my own!! So glad to see you love TMNT TOO! lol

severdhed · « **Reply #51 on:** February 09, 2014, 10:28:03 pm »

thanks guys, i'm flattered. i didn't take any pics of how i attached the cp box....i just ran a few screws through the bottom of the cp box into those wooden braces in the top of the base. looking back, i wish i would have used bolts to make it easier to remove and put back on.

who doesn't love tmnt

pbj · « **Reply #52 on:** February 10, 2014, 11:01:45 am »

I'm planning on using carriage bolts and wing nuts on mine.

Caparo8bit · « **Reply #53 on:** February 12, 2014, 01:28:52 pm »

The only thing i dont like is that you label player "start" button and looks weird starting with player 3, i think the color on the CP art should be enough.

Malenko · « **Reply #54 on:** February 12, 2014, 03:02:56 pm »

the only thing I dont quite get is why players 1,2,and 4 are active in game, but the kids are sitting at positions 2,3, and 4

EMDB · « **Reply #55 on:** February 12, 2014, 03:34:24 pm »

Quote from: Malenko on February 12, 2014, 03:02:56 pm

the only thing I dont quite get is why players 1,2,and 4 are active in game, but the kids are sitting at positions 2,3, and 4

Player 1 and 2 are in the center, 3 and 4 are the outer positions.

Malenko · « **Reply #56 on:** February 12, 2014, 03:51:10 pm »

That'd drive me crazy. Remap keys on the four player games IMO

EMDB · « **Reply #57 on:** February 12, 2014, 04:13:48 pm »

Quote from: Malenko on February 12, 2014, 03:51:10 pm

That'd drive me crazy. Remap keys on the four player games IMO

For regular 1/2 player games you want to use the center sticks. Therefore player 3/4 are usually mapped to the outer ones. But you are free to do what you like best on your panel

PL1 · « **Reply #58 on:** February 12, 2014, 04:43:37 pm »

Quote from: EMDB on February 12, 2014, 04:13:48 pm

Quote from: Malenko on February 12, 2014, 03:51:10 pm
That'd drive me crazy. Remap keys on the four player games IMO
For regular 1/2 player games you want to use the center sticks. Therefore player 3/4 are usually mapped to the outer ones. But you are free to do what you like best on your panel

Pretty sure he's talking about leaving the encoder set up in a 3, 1, 2, 4 configuration so the vast majority of games (1 or 2 player games) have players 1 and 2 in the center.

For 4-player games, if you change the in-game control settings so MAME has players in a 1, 2, 3, 4 configuration it will match up with the screen -- farthest left on the control panel = farthest left on the screen.

It's more work to set it up, but it makes sense to me.

The only downside is if you have start buttons/labels with the player# imprint instead of a generic "start" vinyl sticker.

Scott

Malenko · « **Reply #59 on:** February 12, 2014, 04:53:41 pm »

^This

EMDB · « **Reply #60 on:** February 12, 2014, 04:59:13 pm »

Quote from: PL1 on February 12, 2014, 04:43:37 pm

...
For 4-player games, if you change the in-game control settings so MAME has players in a 1, 2, 3, 4 configuration it will match up with the screen -- farthest left on the control panel = farthest left on the screen.

It's more work to set it up, but it makes sense to me.
...

Ah I see. I fully agree. I would do that if I had a 4 player setup...

severdhed · « **Reply #61 on:** February 12, 2014, 10:15:06 pm »

thats a great idea, however i didn't think about that when building it, and no one mentioned it then either. oh well, no one has ever complained about it in person.

Malenko · « **Reply #62 on:** February 12, 2014, 10:22:13 pm »

Quote from: severdhed on February 12, 2014, 10:15:06 pm

thats a great idea, however i didn't think about that when building it, and no one mentioned it then either. oh well, no one has ever complained about it in person.

its one thing I could never figure out if people did when they make 4 player panels, and one thing I'd do if I ever had a 4 player panel. Its not like you cant change the button config in MAME for one game, see if the kids like it, if they do, change the rest. If they dont, change it back.

I dont think it'd be a huge deal for turtles, xmen, and the like but it'd pair the players up oddly in NBA Jam, Open Ice, etc.

thrasherx · « **Reply #63 on:** March 02, 2014, 07:58:31 am »

Quote from: PL1 on February 12, 2014, 04:43:37 pm

Quote from: EMDB on February 12, 2014, 04:13:48 pm
Quote from: Malenko on February 12, 2014, 03:51:10 pm
That'd drive me crazy. Remap keys on the four player games IMO
For regular 1/2 player games you want to use the center sticks. Therefore player 3/4 are usually mapped to the outer ones. But you are free to do what you like best on your panel
Pretty sure he's talking about leaving the encoder set up in a 3, 1, 2, 4 configuration so the vast majority of games (1 or 2 player games) have players 1 and 2 in the center.

For 4-player games, if you change the in-game control settings so MAME has players in a 1, 2, 3, 4 configuration it will match up with the screen -- farthest left on the control panel = farthest left on the screen.

It's more work to set it up, but it makes sense to me.

The only downside is if you have start buttons/labels with the player# imprint instead of a generic "start" vinyl sticker.

Scott

But you don't always play with 4 people. When it's only 1 or 2 people playing a 3 or 4 person game, it makes sense just to leave it be. Plus it saves extra work. To each his own, I suppose.

PL1 · « **Reply #64 on:** March 02, 2014, 01:09:19 pm »

I figure it's better for the OCD-types to at least be aware of the consideration during the design phase rather than not noticing that the order of players on the panel isn't the same as on the screen until the the art is printed/panel is "finished".

BadMouth compiled a great list of 32 related games here for those that want to scratch their OCD itch on this.

Scott

Caparo8bit · « **Reply #65 on:** March 30, 2014, 02:28:23 pm »

You need this asap

http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/home/1240-turtle-dustwashers.html

severdhed · « **Reply #66 on:** March 31, 2014, 11:25:54 am »

those are so awesome. $15 shipped seems a little expensive for 4 dust washers, but i may have to get these, they are awesome.

thanks for the link.

Generic Eric · « **Reply #67 on:** March 31, 2014, 01:15:09 pm »

Quote from: severdhed on March 31, 2014, 11:25:54 am

those are so awesome. $15 shipped seems a little expensive for 4 dust washers, but i may have to get these, they are awesome.

thanks for the link.

How much for 4 green dust washers & an exacto knife?

pbj · « **Reply #68 on:** March 31, 2014, 01:56:27 pm »

I think he's actually charging $10 shipped for those. I know I paid $14 and was given a $4 shipped refund.

pbj · « **Reply #69 on:** April 03, 2014, 09:15:24 pm »

What's the outer diameter of your joystick shafts? I may know a guy with an extra set of turtle dust washers.

severdhed · « **Reply #70 on:** April 04, 2014, 12:02:27 am »

i'f I read my calipers properly, it appears as if they are 9mm. They are Sanwa JLW-TM-8 sticks for ball tops. the shaft is thinner on those than the JLW-UM-8 which is what it looks like you are using,,,that really sucks

pbj · « **Reply #71 on:** April 04, 2014, 10:05:27 am »

Yeah, turns out these were for Sanwa JLF sticks. If that's compatible with what you have, shoot me your address and I'll toss these in tomorrow's mail.

severdhed · « **Reply #72 on:** April 08, 2014, 11:19:05 pm »

I got home from work tonight to find that a package arrived... PBJ hooked me up with a set of awesome TMNT dust washers!!!

They were designed for JLFs but they fit the JLW-TM-8 as well. they are slightly smaller in diameter than the original sanwa washers, and a little thicker. I think they look great.

other than the conduit running between the TV and the cabinet, i think it is done.

Caparo8bit · « **Reply #73 on:** April 08, 2014, 11:51:22 pm »

Caparo8bit · « **Reply #74 on:** April 09, 2014, 12:14:07 am »

And if im not asking for to much......................

pbj · « **Reply #75 on:** April 09, 2014, 10:02:11 am »

Those came out looking pretty good. I was tempted to take a drill bit to them, but the plastic seemed brittle. If I had only needed 2 of the 4, I would have gone for it but I was doubtful of my abilities to get four.

Now we wait to see if my promised replacements ever show up....

For conduit, you need to cut a PVC pipe in half lengthwise and paint it to look like a green sewer pipe. No wait, don't do that. That's my idea.

Locke141 · « **Reply #76 on:** April 14, 2014, 10:02:14 am »

Looking good.

Loving the little tuckers.

zahhhkinnn · « **Reply #77 on:** January 16, 2015, 01:29:25 pm »

i really love this biuld

, can someone help me, where can i find that type of leg-stand (i dont know what is it called), an ebay link or which store sell it

thanks in advanced!!!

pbj · « **Reply #78 on:** January 16, 2015, 01:39:36 pm »

I just used these on mine:

http://www.pinballlife.com/index.php?p=product&id=921

BorgDog · « **Reply #79 on:** January 16, 2015, 01:55:42 pm »

Any hardware store should carry them as well, but often only in smaller sizes.


Main	Restorations	Software	Audio/Jukebox/MP3	Everything Else	Buy/Sell/Trade
Project Announcements	Monitor/Video	GroovyMAME	Merit/JVL Touchscreen	Meet Up	Retail Vendors
Driving & Racing	Woodworking	Software Support Forums	Consoles	Project Arcade	Reviews
Automated Projects	Artwork	Frontend Support Forums	Pinball	Forum Discussion	Old Boards
Raspberry Pi & Dev Board	controls.dat	Linux	Miscellaneous Arcade	Wiki Discussion	Old Archives
Lightguns	Arcade1Up	Try the site in https mode		Site News


Unread posts \| New Replies \| Recent posts \| Rules \| Chatroom \| Wiki \| File Repository \| RSS \| Submit news