The 2015 BYOAC User Choice Awards need your nominations!

[UCA]

Welcome to the 5th Annual BYOAC User Choice Awards Nomination Thread!

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NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!

Please make your votes in the threads below:
-2015 BYOAC UCA Voting Thread: Bartop of the Year
-2015 BYOAC UCA Voting Thread: Upright of the Year
-2015 BYOAC UCA Voting Thread: Dedicated Upright of the Year
-2015 BYOAC UCA Voting Thread: General Project of the Year
-2015 BYOAC UCA Voting Thread: Restoration of the Year
-2015 BYOAC UCA Voting Thread: Product of the Year
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We are back to recognize the most innovative, well executed, original, and fun builds completed in 2015 across a broad range of categories.  Feel free to nominate more than one project and don't feel obligated to nominate something for every type of build.  Your participation is paramount to having another great event so let us know what knocked your socks off.   

As you may well know the UCAs are administered by a board of forum members to ensure that the BYOAC UCA process remains above reproach.  This year's board is chaired by pbj, and ChanceKJ who will use the UCA account to open UCA threads and post any administrative actions.  UCA is a non voting entity.   

The Rules: 

• To be eligible a project must have been POSTED as completed between 01 JAN 2015 and 31 DEC 2015.  We get it, sometimes things don't get posted on time, that's okay, we do this every year.  If it was that good it'll still be that good next time.
• Users are NOT allowed to nominate or second their OWN projects. Nominations should come from the community at large.
• Projects must have at least 1 other user to second the nomination to be qualified for the vote. Those that don't will be awarded honorable mentions at the end of the nomination window.
• Any UCA board member recommended and confirmed for a category will recuse himself of having anything to do with that category.
• Decisions on whether or not something is a valid entry (fuzzy dates, versions, completeness) will be made by the consensus of the board and once published are not subject to a flame war.
• Voting will be conducted in the same automated manner as every year, board members can vote, and their role is purely administrative.
• As the the nominations are received, project types with 3 or more nominations will be given their own category, the remainder will go in a general category for voting. So, if 4 bartops, 3 Cocktails, 2 v-pins, 1 restoration, 2 minis, 2 dedicated uprights, and 6 uprights get nominated. we would have 4 categories: a Bartop, a Cocktail, an Upright, and a "General". Categories will be decided on by the UCA board after the close of the nomination process.
• As in the past the BYOAC would like to recognize vendors who have made contributions to the community with new products. As separate from the project nominations, please also nominate a new product from a vendor for the "2015 UCA Product of the Year”. These products can be from larger more established companies, or from single individuals selling their creations in the vendor thread. The same nomination rules apply

Any projects that pass the nomination process will make it to the voting threads which will open 01 FEB 2015.  That thread will close on 01 MAR 2015 so make sure and scrub through this last year's builds then put up the links that you think progressed the hobby, just make sure whatever you're nominating was "completed” after 12:01am, 01 JAN 2015 and before 11:59pm,  31 DEC 2015. 

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2015 BYOAC UCA Bartop of the Year Nominees:
-edekoning's NES Bartop
-Fast351's Moon Patrol Bartop
-sfinx333's Minicade Bartop
-johnrt's Pole Position Bartop
-Locke141's Out of Africa Bartop
-vwalbridge's Mini Qbert Bartop
-Solar's Gas Fire Arcade Bartop

2015 BYOAC UCA Upright of the Year Nominees:
-danny_galaga's Meet George Jetson! Upright
-Vidiot's The Dream Machine Upright
-StefR's Project Neon Flynn's: Yet Another Flynn's Arcade! Upright

2015 BYOAC UCA Dedicated Upright of the Year Nominees:
-Well Fed Games' Raiden Dedicated Upright
-ChanceKJ's Donkey Kong: Ultimate Dedicated Upright
-MK3FAN's Mortal Kombat X Dedicated Upright
-Yotsuya's Janky Kong Dedicated Upright

2015 BYOAC UCA General Project of the Year Nominees:
-vwalbridge's Micro Coleco Donkey Kong Mini
-GSXRMovistar's The CoffeeCade Cocktail
-holaplaneta's Maquinita To Go Portable

2015 BYOAC UCA Restoration of the Year Nominees:
-Malenko's TMNT Restoration
-MK3FAN's Ms. PacMan Restoration

2015 BYOAC UCA Product of the Year Nominees:
-Arcadenut's Any Coin V2
-eds1275's Ramp & Roll

[yamatetsu]

If you need to refresh your memory, check out the I completed my project! I posted a pic and a link to my project thread sticky.

[johnrt]

NES Bartop
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,133712.0.html

This bartop is so well built. The attention to detail is outstanding!

[Slippyblade]

I second the NES Bartop.  Loved the entire project and the thread was very lively. 

[harveybirdman]

I nominate Well Fed Games' Raiden Upright

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,116055.0.html

[Slippyblade]

I nominate the Micro Coleco Donkey Kong Tabletop.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,145663.0.html

[ChanceKJ]

I second the Well Fed Games' Raiden Upright, and Micro Coleco Donkey Kong Tabletop.


I nominate:

Fast351's Moon Patrol Bartop
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,143230.0.html
Awesome, true to form build, themed after a Williams classic.



Locke141's Out of Africa Bartop
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,146172.0.html
For both reasons as to why this build was made, and the creative use of materials to make it.



MK3FAN's Mortal Kombat X dedicated upright
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,144573.0.html
-An amazing dedicated cab that fits the line with the actual factory made ones of the past.



vwalbridge's Mini Qbert
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,146091.0.html
-It's a Mini Qbert! Nuf' said.

[johnrt]

I second Fast351's Moon Patrol Bartop and vwalbridge's Mini Qbert.

[markc74]

On my mobile so no pics but I'd like to nominate:

Project Neon flynns
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,147459.0.html

Just a beautifully put together cab with not just an awesome marquee but a really nice and consistent design that hangs together superbly.

And:

Donkey kong ultimate
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,142574.0.html

For being not only being the best dk scratch build I've seen, but with artwork surpassing the original Imo

There's others but they're the 2 freshest in my mind.

[johnrt]

Ohh! I second ChanceKJ's Donkey Kong Ultimate. This restore is probably the reference thread for Nintendo cabinet builders/restorers.

[acvieluf]

I know i'm newer here, but the machine that really blew me away upon seeing it was the "Meet George Jetson" Cab, by Danny_Galaga.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,144934.0.html

[GSXRMovistar]

There are several builds I think should be included but I've narrowed my nominations down to three:-

Bartop - NES Bartop
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,133712.0.html

Great theme/detail, clean looking and very well built.

Full size - The Dream Machine
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,145188.40.html

Just a fun well polished arcade machine that's been built to a fantastic standard.

Mini - Minicade
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,143657.0.html

Such a tidy little package, so much crammed in without looking messy and despite its size it still screams arcade machine.

If being pushed to choose just one from the above I'd vote for the Minicade.

[edekoning]

Donkey Kong: Ultimate (Project Code Name: Regal)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,142574.0.html

The CoffeeCade
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,148135.0.html


Meet George Jetson!
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,144934

[yamatetsu]

I second Vidiot's Dream Machine, GSXRMovistar's CoffeeCade and sfinx333's Minicade.

[Phreakwars]

I nominate the Micro Coleco Donkey Kong Tabletop.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,145663.0.html

I second it. Damn sweet build.

[mattsoft]

There are so many amazing builds this year, but the 2 that stood out for me are:

Full size
ChanceKJ's "Donkey Kong Ultimate"
Donkey King Ultimate


johnrt's "Pole Position"
Pole Position


Both are inspirations for attention to detail and works of art. 

[vwalbridge]

I'm extremely humbled to have even been nominated among such incredible builds this year. Thank you.

Here are the builds that I would like to nominate (a couple have already been confirmed):

ChanceKJ's "Donkey Kong Ultimate"
Donkey King Ultimate

johnrt's "Pole Position"
Pole Position

StefR's Neon Flynn's
Neon Flynn's

edekoning's NES Bartop
NES Bartop

[Vidiot]

I am truly honored to have my Dream Machine nominated! Thank you guys!

So many great builds have already been mentioned but I would like to nominate Dr. Zhark's RetroBox:



http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,148325.0.html

This was his first build and it looks like he's been doing it for years! He makes great use of dual monitor for the marquee. I really like the control panel layout and the artwork is beautiful. I like how he spent months designing and planning before he started the build. I like how he got creative and built his own circuit for switching to freeplay. The lighting is cool and not too over the top.

[harveybirdman]

Interesting results so far....  I've weighed on weather to make any further nominations this year, for fear of saturating the candidates with builds that I might not ultimately vote for to win or that might be very good, but not five stars.  However I cannot let the following two builds go without any recognition, and would honestly strongly consider them for my vote for 2015.

Yotsuya's Janky Kong

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,146709.0.html


Solar's Gas Fire Arcade

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,145208.0.html

[BadMouth]

I wondered where this thread had been moved, then realized it had probably been stickied.
The sticky is a traffic killer IMO.  Only first time visitors and the people who are actively looking for it will notice it up there.

I need to start bookmarking more builds.....

[Superfrog]

Donkey Kong: Ultimate (Project Code Name: Regal)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,142574.0.html

The CoffeeCade
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,148135.0.html


Meet George Jetson!
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,144934

I like your choice +1

[saint]

Unstuck

[n3wt0n]

I would like to nominate wp34's Tron Legacy cabinet.

[ChanceKJ]

I would like to nominate wp34's Tron Legacy cabinet.

Unless i've missed something, this project isnt listed as finished yet.

[Token]

I second the Out of Africa bartop. That hand-carved DK side-art! 

[jdbailey1206]

Looks like I didn't  get nominated for my Fix It Felix.  Time to rage quit...

[n3wt0n]

Unless i've missed something, this project isnt listed as finished yet.

My mistake. I thought it was done.

[haynor666]

The Dream Machine
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,145188.0.html

Reminds a bit Bomb Jack (colours and stripes)

Moon Patrol Bartop
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,143230.0.html

Classic beauty

[yotsuya]

Looks like I didn't  get nominated for my Fix It Felix.  Time to rage quit...

Dude, this thread is for nominations, not self-promotion. That's almost as bad as putting a link in your signature file begging people to vote for you.

[jdbailey1206]

In case you haven't seen my build  check out my signature.

[yotsuya]

In case you haven't seen my build  check out my signature.

Your sig isn't bad. It's when it's specifically trolling for votes that it raises my hackles.

[ZexisStryfe]

I second MK3FAN's MKX upright!

[jdbailey1206]

In case you haven't seen my build  check out my signature.

Your sig isn't bad. It's when it's specifically trolling for votes that it raises my hackles.

Definitely not.     There are far better and more original builds on here that deserve the accreditation.

[vwalbridge]

jdbailey1206's Fix It Felix was a cool build so if I still can, I'd like to nominate it.

However, I honestly had in my head that was a 2014 build.

...I even had to go back in the build thread to prove myself wrong. It technically ticked from 99% to 100% on the 28th of DEC 2015. (it was 99% done for 11 months unless I'm missing something)

I bet a lot of people thought it was a 2014 build.

[yotsuya]

jdbailey1206's Fix It Felix was a cool build so if I still can, I'd like to nominate it.

However, I honestly had in my head that was a 2014 build.

...I even had to go back in the build thread to prove myself wrong. It technically ticked from 99% to 100% on the 28th of DEC 2015. (it was 99% done for 11 months unless I'm missing something)

I bet a lot of people thought it was a 2014 build.

Of course you CAN nominate it, but I hope this doesn't lead to a lot of self-promotion in this thread.

If you really want your cabs nominated, people, bump your own build threads. This thread exists for people to recognize cabs THEY like, not for you to say "HEY Y'ALL, WHAT ABOUT ME!!!1!"

[Token]

I'd like to nominate eds1275's Ramp & Roll program for the "2015 UCA Product of the Year."

Version 1.0 was officially released on January 31st, 2015.

[Token]

I will also nominate Arcadenut's Any Coin V2 (replacement coin mech) for the "2015 UCA Product of the Year." Released March 20, 2015.

[pbj]

I will also nominate Arcadenut's Any Coin V2 (replacement coin mech) for the "2015 UCA Product of the Year." Released March 20, 2015.

I second that nomination.

[yotsuya]

I will also nominate Arcadenut's Any Coin V2 (replacement coin mech) for the "2015 UCA Product of the Year." Released March 20, 2015.

I second that nomination.

Thirded.

[Admiral688]

I will also nominate Arcadenut's Any Coin V2 (replacement coin mech) for the "2015 UCA Product of the Year." Released March 20, 2015.

I second that nomination.

Thirded.

Fourth

[UCA]

I will also nominate Arcadenut's Any Coin V2 (replacement coin mech) for the "2015 UCA Product of the Year." Released March 20, 2015.

I second that nomination.

Thirded.

Fourth

Added!  ...Sheesh...

[yotsuya]

**crickets**

In hopes that we see more pure restorations get some recognition, and because it was so nicely done, I nominate Malenko's TMNT Restoration from this summer.

[vwalbridge]

In hopes that we see more pure restorations get some recognition,

Wait, we can nominate restorations? Shame on me, I did not know that.

[yotsuya]

In hopes that we see more pure restorations get some recognition,

Wait, we can nominate restorations? Shame on me, I did not know that.

Unless the rules changed, but we always have been able to...

[Malenko]

I will also nominate Arcadenut's Any Coin V2 (replacement coin mech) for the "2015 UCA Product of the Year." Released March 20, 2015.

I second that nomination.

Thirded.

Fourth

FIF   1 2 3 4 FIIIIFFFFF

Also, No Janky Kong love?


Janky Kong
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,146709.0.html

Yots shows you that you can restore a cab to pristine condition and still make it your own. I love everything about the project including how detailed the thread is.

[UCA]

In hopes that we see more pure restorations get some recognition,

Wait, we can nominate restorations? Shame on me, I did not know that.

Unless the rules changed, but we always have been able to...

It counts, by all means nominate more if you feel they are worthy.

[vwalbridge]

I 2nd Yotsuya's Jankey Dong Kong. That was a fun restore thread to watch.

And since you don't cap our nominations, I have GOT to nominate

Sjaak's Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime Arcade

[DeLuSioNal29]

I 2nd Yotsuya's Jankey Dong Kong. That was a fun restore thread to watch.

And since you don't cap our nominations, I have GOT to nominate

Sjaak's Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime Arcade

Seconded.

[yotsuya]

Actually, that Lovers cab was a 2014 UCA nominee, but the rules in place precluded it from being voted on since Sjaak had won the category the year before. So I'm not sure it's eligible in 2015.

[vwalbridge]

Actually, that Lovers cab was a 2014 UCA nominee, but the rules in place precluded it from being voted on since Sjaak had won the category the year before. So I'm not sure it's eligible in 2015.

Interesting. I didn't notice the build went back that far and that it had already been nominated last year.

Hard to tell exactly when he defined it as finished but the game itself didn't actually release until September 9th, 2015.

I think we need an official ruling from the parties that govern. 

[yotsuya]

Actually, that Lovers cab was a 2014 UCA nominee, but the rules in place precluded it from being voted on since Sjaak had won the category the year before. So I'm not sure it's eligible in 2015.

Interesting. I didn't notice the build went back that far and that it had already been nominated last year.

Hard to tell exactly when he defined it as finished but the game itself didn't actually release until September 9th, 2015.

I think we need an official ruling from the parties that govern. 

Well, if it was considered finished enough to be a 2014 nominee, then it stands to reason it was finished in 2014, not 2015, and therefore not eligible. Right?

[DeLuSioNal29]

Technically the game was officially released in 2015 on Steam.  So that would mean it was finished in 2015 no?

[yotsuya]

Technically the game was officially released in 2015 on Steam.  So that would mean it was finished in 2015 no?

The CABINET was considered finished and therefore eligible for the 2014 UCAs. So does that mean we're nominating unfinished cabinets now?

Edit: Read his thread - the game was playable at Eurocade 2014

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,132853.msg1463604.html#msg1463604

[UCA]

Yes, although the build is fantastic, it is not eligible for 2015.

[edekoning]

In hopes that we see more pure restorations get some recognition, and because it was so nicely done, I nominate Malenko's TMNT Restoration from this summer.

Seconded, totally forgot about that one.

[Locke141]

First let me thank Chance and Token for the nomination. It means a lot to me that the guy who made one of the coolest DK themed cab's ever thinks my little recycling project themed DK cad was worth a nomination. 

I've been swamped at work lately so am coming a little late to this thread. I would like to start off by nominating 2084's Galaga cabinet wall mounted cab from his [out of wall space] thread. He has been making these well made and very unique cabs for years with out winning a UCA. I always think of his little arcade as something very well done and special.

I would also like to second Malenko's TMNT Restoration.

Thats it from me for now. I am going to try to be very thoughtful about my nominations this year. I have a few gems in mind but would like to see who others nominate.

[Well Fed Games]

I nominate Well Fed Games' Raiden Upright

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,116055.0.html

Thanks! My presence here on the forum has been lacking lately so its great to see all the nominations this year! I've got some project threads to dive into! Nice job everyone!

[DeLuSioNal29]

I nominate scoodidabop's NASA themed 4 player build.  That has to be the best LED lit panel I have seen.  The theme fits perfectly.

Project link:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,147015.0.html

D

[yamatetsu]

I'd second that in a heartbeat, but it's not finished.

I do indeed want to deep dive on this thing despite the fact that it's nearly done.  There's still a little to add and some improvements to make in the coming months.

[yotsuya]

I'd second that in a heartbeat, but it's not finished.

I do indeed want to deep dive on this thing despite the fact that it's nearly done.  There's still a little to add and some improvements to make in the coming months.

Details, details.... that's never stopped people from nominating stuff!!

:eyeroll:

[vwalbridge]

In all seriousness, perhaps it would make things a lot easier if builds could only be nominated if they were posted in the "I completed my project! I posted a pic and a link to my project thread".

Too late this year of course but it would get everyone one the same page.

[yotsuya]

In all seriousness, perhaps it would make things a lot easier if builds could only be nominated if they were posted in the "I completed my project! I posted a pic and a link to my project thread".

Too late this year of course but it would get everyone one the same page.

That, or making sure "you" as a nominator actually check the thread of the machine you're nominating to make sure it's eligible....

[DeLuSioNal29]

Missed that detail bros.  Looked completed to me.   

I like the completed project post requirement though.  It would make it way easier.

D

[Token]

I think it would be worse to have quality projects ineligible for an award due to not posting in that thread, than have to discuss eligibility requirements here.

[yotsuya]

I think it would be worse to have quality projects ineligible for an award due to not posting in that thread, than have to discuss eligibility requirements here.

Agreed. Just do some research into what you're nominating, so we don't have repeats of incidents where people nominate projects that weren't even featured on BYOAC (true story).

[UCA]

...Just do some research into what you're nominating...

This.  Folks, please do this.

We tripple check all nominations and among us will debate anything questionable. If you're not sure, send us a PM and ask.

[jdbailey1206]

...Just do some research into what you're nominating...

This.  Folks, please do this.

We tripple check all nominations and among us will debate anything questionable. If you're not sure, send us a PM and ask.

How can we believe you when you won't even tripple check your spelling???

[ChanceKJ]

Pffft, dork.

[yotsuya]

In Canada, 1P is worth 2 American ones .

[ChanceKJ]

In Canada, 1P is worth 2 American ones .

This is true.

Its a good thing we're not in Eastern Canada, It's spelt "Tripppppple"

[jdbailey1206]

I thought you cats elongated your vowels not your consonants.

[scoodidabop]

Missed that detail bros.  Looked completed to me.   

I like the completed project post requirement though.  It would make it way easier.

D

Thanks for the nom.  There's just a little tidying up to do on the wiring internally.  Externally it's essentially complete.  Not sure if that qualifies as "complete" or not. 

There's been some really lovely work done this year here.  I'd better go track down my faves and nominate them!

[Locke141]

Thanks for the nom.  There's just a little tidying up to do on the wiring internally.  Externally it's essentially complete.  Not sure if that qualifies as "complete" or not. 

There's been some really lovely work done this year here.  I'd better go track down my faves and nominate them!

There is always next year. And your build will be just a worthy of a nomination then. I wanted to nominate "Maquinita to Go" but he just missed the cut off.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,144259.0.html

[Malenko]

Even though it'll prolly beat my TMNT restore, gotta nominate MK3Fan's Ms Pac restore:



http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,148296.0.html

His restores are always great, and loaded with pictures.

[vwalbridge]

Oh my....how could I forget that Ms. Pac-Man. So beautiful and tastefully restored.

Thanks for reminding all of us Malenko. I 2nd that nomination.

[UCA]

Hey Everyone, Just a reminder that the nominations close at midnight on the 31st. If you have a favourite from 2015 that you want to see recognized make sure you speak up!

 

[UCA]

List updated!

[Brouhaha]

Solar's Gas Fire Arcade

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,145208.0.html

Seconded. This bartop cannot be left out 

[Malenko]

2nd to Eds ramp and roll.  I dont have a trackball on my cab, but I grabbed my mouse hack track ball and gave the game a go on my desktop PC.

Its actually really great and amazingly well done. plus when you click the image in ed's signature, the picture gets 4x as big, and I think thats hilarious.  I plan to make a bartop for spinners and trackball games, and if I do, ramp and roll will be on it.

[UCA]

Only a few more days to get your nominations in people!

 

[DeLuSioNal29]

I'm surprised I didn't see this on the list:
"Maquinita to Go"
4 Player Arcade in a Suitcase

Started: Summer 2011
Completion: Winter 2015

Build Thread: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,144259.0.html


Nominated!

D

[BadMouth]

I'm surprised I didn't see this on the list:
"Maquinita to Go"
4 Player Arcade in a Suitcase

Nominated!

D

Seconded

[UCA]

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!

Please make your votes in the threads below:
-2015 BYOAC UCA Voting Thread: Bartop of the Year
-2015 BYOAC UCA Voting Thread: Upright of the Year
-2015 BYOAC UCA Voting Thread: Dedicated Upright of the Year
-2015 BYOAC UCA Voting Thread: General Project of the Year
-2015 BYOAC UCA Voting Thread: Restoration of the Year
-2015 BYOAC UCA Voting Thread: Product of the Year