Simpler First Build

[EssexMame]

As you can all (sadly) see here http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,129647.msg1326389.html#msg1326389

I've not made a lot of progress over the summer, the time when I thought I'd be able to get on with it. Summer doesn't give me as much time as I expected - holidays and other activities that the good weather allows that (like cabinet building?) isn't so easy in the winter here in the UK.

So, I'm thinking I need to simplify things, at least for now. A smaller project that I can complete (or a lot of it) indoors. Something that doesn't need to much wood cutting and management and what is done is on a smaller scale. I'm happy enough with the one side I've done but it still needs sanding/shaping/correcting/copying not to mention the many other large panels I have to produce. I will complete it one day but in the quest for something, anything, I'm changing tac slightly.

I've seen several bartop designs, the Weecade especially, but they all seem quite small. Too small for 2 players/6 buttons and a trackball I'd expect. Also perhaps too small for a chunky PC. Has anyone attempted 2 player/6 buttons/trackball on a barcade? I've not found one through searching. A step-by-step instruction guide for it like Saints, or OND's would be perfect.

[thomas_surles]

There's not much to it just make it wide enough, and the cp large enough.
Just think of a full size of the same design and remove the bottom.

[JDFan]

Haruman has a setup like you describe in his CNC'd kits ( thread link - http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,130522.1640.html ) - you might contact him and I'm sure he'd give you info on the dimensions used. Here's a pic of ons someone posted to give you an idea of what they look like

[EssexMame]

Thanks both. I think I'm going to design/shape one around the (slightly bulky) PC and screen I will be using. I have the controls too so can size to fit. I've been reading enough over 18 months or more now to know a few of the dos/donts regarding control panels and screen to do some sort of basic design, I think.

I've sorted a games list of those with 1 or 2 joysticks and buttons as well as Horizontal/Vertical so I can determine what I want, what goes in easily and which way to face the screen. I may even look at a manual (open the back) rotation which I can always automate later if I ever get better at this stuff.

How does a bartop screen face? Do you look down on the screen from above onto the table/bar it is on - i.e. the screen should lay further back (tilted) than it would in a 6ft+ upright? It will be used on a desk/kitchen table so (when standing) it will be below me.

[JDFan]

Best thing to do would be setup the system and monitor and place on the table you plan to use and adjust the monitor to a few positions to see what works best (if the monitor has an adjustable stand try various heights\angles ) - and then design around the results.

[EMDB]

I think fitting everything in a tiny case is even harder than building an full size upright cabinet. Smaller isn't that much less work. You still have to create and wire up a CP, build a marquee, mount a monitor and speakers, route for t-molding etc.

[EssexMame]

You make very valid points, of course, EMDB. Certainly, part of my problem is it's a very chunky/heavy PC I'm going to be using. The weight I felt would help but it's not so easy fitting the unit in as-is.

At the same time, handling MDF of 8ft length, sanding, trimming, painting and slot cutting does seem more work than a half-size bartop. I do wonder if I should build the bartop and make my first mistakes in woodworking and art there before building the

It would also give me a decent control panel in which to play these games properly and determine which I'd want for sure in the completed full size upright cabinet. Of course, it may also mean the inclination to build it is less as I've got the means to play the games!

Perhaps I should do both in parallel - build an upright and a bartop and see how each comes along. I can abandon/delay one or the other as I see fit. It's more work initially but the 2nd machine can always take the form of a driving machine which I'd seen as my "next" project if I ever get anywhere with this!

[horizon]

Have you considered the vigolix design?