First Attempt

[bertman77]

Long time lurker, but I finally decided to take the plunge and build my own machine.

My wife and I have recently adopted two kids and both funds and time have been basically non-existent since then.

I already had an old computer with a 19" LCD sitting in the basement collecting dust so I figured I would start with the control panel. Worst case scenario it would be a learning experience with tools that have been sitting underused for the last few months, if I never got a chance to continue the project I'd at least have a control panel to use with the computer to play some games with the kids.

The OND plans on the site seem quite approachable, but I didn't need the trackball this time, so I removed that piece of the plans. I loved playing Street Fighter II as a kid and figured I would use that layout.

I purchased the joysticks and buttons from Multicade Canada, am ipac from Ultimarc, MDF, screws, glue and bell wire for wiring from the local hardware store.

Here are the first pics from the effort:



There's still lots of work to do, priming, painting, attaching the sides and t-molding, etc but I think I did alright at this point and am itching to get back to it as soon as possible

[mikejkelley]

Cool, good on you for adopting too!

[Mr_Numbers]

Nice start, eager to see more. 

[Yenome]

you know i never was able to get the slag coin layouts to print proper size kudos to you for adopting and getting the 7th wonder of the world solved by proper print size

[bertman77]

A small update,

I was able to get some time to myself this weekend and bang out two sides of the cabinet. I routed them to ensure that they match up evenly. This way any and all of my imperfections will at least be the same imperfections on both sides.

Next up, round some corners, cut more pieces, spend more money.....

You know, the usual.

[mgb]

Looking like you're off to a good start.

My wife and I adopted also. My cabinet has been done for about 5 years and my daughters were never really into it but then 4 years ago we started fostering a 4 year old boy who we have since adopted and he loves the classics on the arcade machine.

[bertman77]

We adopted a 12 year old boy and a 7 year old girl.

The 12 year old wants to help and can't wait to play, the 7 year old likes Bubble Bobble, so that's something.

I still have no theme, or colour, or marquee image chosen, but i'll get there.

[mgb]

Nice,
  I hope the project goes well and I hope the kids enjoy it.

Two things I enjoy hearing about
1) children finding a good home
2) a guy building his dream arcade machine

[bertman77]

I was able to get a bit more done over the last couple of days.

Still lots to go, but progress is actually happening, and that in and of itself is rewarding.

Bezel done, and speaker area done and attached.

Not sure if i'm going to go horizontal or vertical yet.
Not 100% happy with the bezel, i can see where i drilled a little close to my line and may need to redo it.

[BorgDog]

Not sure if i'm going to go horizontal or vertical yet.

Looking at your pics of your bezel in the cab, it looks like you could go with a rotating monitor setup and have the best of both worlds!   

[Malenko]

if you give me an idea of what kind of art you'd want for the cab, I'd be happy to help out.

[mgb]

Not sure if i'm going to go horizontal or vertical yet.

Looking at your pics of your bezel in the cab, it looks like you could go with a rotating monitor setup and have the best of both worlds!   

Or you can put a large monitor in vertical and fill side to side almost and still have the best of both worlds without the hassle of having to rotate it

[bertman77]

if you give me an idea of what kind of art you'd want for the cab, I'd be happy to help out.

Thanks for the offer. I've been at a real loss for ideas on artwork.

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[bertman77]

Or you can put a large monitor in vertical and fill side to side almost and still have the best of both worlds without the hassle of having to rotate it

I'm building the bezel around the existing Samsung 19" LCD monitor i have in the basement. If this build finishes well and I can budget for another cabinet, i'll definitely go bigger.

[bertman77]

So i tried my hand at a marquee.... Photoshop has never really been my friend, but i think the results are passable.
I'd give me a 5.5/10

I've always been a fan of Arkanoid, but without a spinner, i'm not sure if it feels right for the cab.

I think i'm going to go with a dark blue colour for the cab itself, maybe some white t-molding - this is still to be decided.

[Malenko]

artistically speaking...... I dont like it :p Reason is exactly the same as what you posted, no spinner means arkanoid doesnt make a ton of sense.

Pick a game you like then pun it, its what I do.   I made an MK themed cab back in the day and called it Mortal Kabinet, suggested "test Your fight" to another MK themed cab. Rattle off a buncha games you love (that you can play on the cab) and I'll see what I can do.

[mgb]

I think the marquee looks decent but also agree that the theme doesn't really go with a horizontal can without a spinner.
Also I would work on an original name and I'd say if you stick with that marquee design, center the name a little more and shave off some of the blocks to the right

[bertman77]

artistically speaking...... I dont like it :p Reason is exactly the same as what you posted, no spinner means arkanoid doesnt make a ton of sense.

Pick a game you like then pun it, its what I do.   I made an MK themed cab back in the day and called it Mortal Kabinet, suggested "test Your fight" to another MK themed cab. Rattle off a buncha games you love (that you can play on the cab) and I'll see what I can do.

The first game i can remember playing was Jungle King when i was a waiting in the airport as a little kid, so that will always hold a pretty big place in my heart.
Then there's Elevator Action, Ring King, SFII, E-SWAT,  but i think my all time favourite is Bubble Bobble.

[bertman77]

A small bit of progress has been made.... I finally stripped and painted the coin door.

Not sure if it's black enough for my liking, Rust-OLEUM hammered black paint comes out a little bit dark grey, but once I reassemble, i'll decide if it needs a coat of flat black.

Next up marquee, plexi and paint.

[mgb]

For me I found the hammered Rustoleum to not be black enough.
I sprayed over it with Rustoleum Satin Black and it was perfect

[edge929]

As someone with an OND build the best advice I can give is to take your time. Once it's done you can't easily go back and fix much. Keep chipping away at it and one day you'll wake up and actually be sad the journey's over (maybe) 

[bertman77]

For me I found the hammered Rustoleum to not be black enough.
I sprayed over it with Rustoleum Satin Black and it was perfect

Totally agree.
Satin black on top of the hammered black came out great.

[bertman77]

I painted it in the garage, with low light, so I actually missed a spot on the side that needs to be touched up,  so it's not perfect, and there's a few final touches to be done.
I'm still thinking about a marquee, and a light for behind it.
The t-moulding is enroute, and the plexi for the front and top is still being decided on, but it is alive and the kids love it so far.

17 months and counting from the first cut, but well worth the effort.