Modelling components (sketchup)

[MrDT]

This is a shot in the dark i guess, but does anybody here use the 3d modelling software sketchup when designeing their projects?

I was just wondering if there were any premade components such as horizontal buttons and ultimate joysticks floating about. I've pretty much finished modelling my cabinet, but am not looking forward to creating these parts from scratch!

Oh well, here's hoping

[slicer_d]

It shouldnt be that hard unless you want a ton of detail.  The button could be made with two cylinders if you want detail subtract a circle from the top to make it cocave and then round the edge then you could make a ring that goes around the outer part and it would look like a button.  For the joystick you could sinply make two boxes for the base one the size of the mounting plate part and one the size of the lower innerards part.  Then simply made a cylinder for the stick and either put a ball or a ball and a cone to make the type of joystick.  Then just group them into objects.  A couple years ago I could have dont this in my sleep but it has been a while.

[MrDT]

That's true enough, I was just wondering if there were any premade components out there. Anyway, cheers for the reply, I'll get on to it when i get the chance (damn exams!) i just got sketchup today, so i think it might take me a while.

My first pictures can be found here: http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=10;action=display;threadid=15004 minus the cp of course   it's a really easy to learn program, and kinda fun too. I suppose if I get some components made up I could post them here on the off-chance someone else here might be using the program

Actually, I think the components are compatible with other 3d modellers, so they probably will be of use

Thanks again (for opening my eyes to the simplicity if anything lol)

[Squid]

I used Visio for my control panel.  There's even a Visio Stencil out there on the net somewhere for Happ Controls with accurate dimensions.  When I did my control panel, I printed out the Visio diagram, taped it to the panel, and drilled right through it .

[MrDT]

can't say i'm familiar with visio, 3d modelling?

[Squid]

No, Visio is strictly 2D, but for control panels I love it.  I haven't done a full stand up machine yet, no room for one .  It does provide a very nice 2D view of the control panel from a mechanical drawing point of view, though, and with very accurate measurements and specifications.  When I designed my first panel (and only one at the moment ) I just printed out the Visio drawing, taped the pages together, taped the drawing to the wood, and drilled right through the paper.  Worked like a charm, though it ripped the paper to shreds, hehe.  Using hind sight, next time I'd probably just get one of those pointy tools and poke holes through the center of each component on the paper.  Still, for my first time, I really think things turned out rather well.

[Squid]

Just for kicks, I went ahead and converted one of the Visio drawings to a JPEG and attached it.  You can, however, export to many different formats including some of the vector based ones like WMF and EMF.  A drawing like this took probably less then an hour.  Also, the resolution in this conversion is lousy and should not be considered as an indication of how it really looks.

[JamesS]

Are there four player games that require more than 4 buttons?  I did not think there were any.

[Squid]

You're probably right.  I didn't actually build this one, just designed it as a test using the available Visio stencil that models the Happ Control set.

[RetroJames]

Are there four player games that require more than 4 buttons?  I did not think there were any.

The folks I have seen do this do so for emulated NES and other console games.

[w16227]

I have been designing my 1st cab using pro-engineer (high end 3-d modeling software). I know it is overkill - but I am a mechancial designer so this is quicker and more accurate for me than hand sketching.

Anyway - I should be receiving a shipment of controlls from Ulitmarc in the next week or so. Once I have the parts modeled - I could export them for use in other systems if there is interest (and I receive Andy's permission to do so). I will also post the design for comments once it is closer to completion.

[MrDT]

Well, i've made some basic models of a button and a joystick in sketchup. I haven't had much experience (a few hours!) with the program, so i'm afraid they're not particularly amazing. However, for simple modelling they should be fine All parts are modelled in real size, although they're not exactly right (i can't bevel edges etc)

Oh well, if anyone needs them i've attached them in a rar file. I've changed the extension to txt so the board will accept as an attachment, all you have to do is download the file, rename to components.rar and open with a program such as winrar

Hope they may be of use to someone, but if not they'll be of use to me at least :p


nb: the components i modelled are the ones available at http://www.coin.demon.co.uk/partscat.htm

[MrDT]

Here's a little pic of the components (i know they don't look to scale, but that's because they're two seperate screengrabs, and i was zoomed in a little more on the button )

At least this way you can see if they'll be of use to you before downloading the files

[Stormy151]

I did my cabinet in 3d, after I did the plans in AutoCAD.

http://members.cox.net/pbeals9/pics/vect.jpg
http://members.cox.net/pbeals9/pics/finalpanel.jpg
http://members.cox.net/pbeals9/pics/cabrender.jpg

There is a website with 3d model files of Happs pushbuttons and joysticks.  They are in .3ds format, I'll have to see if I can find the site again.

Or you can do what I did, get the diagrams from Happs website, trace a line over half of it then revolve, lathe or whatever your 3d program du jour calls it.

[spaceghost]

Squid-
I like that layout, can you post your .vsd?

[Squid]

Squid-
I like that layout, can you post your .vsd?

Yeah, sorry I fell off the world for a month.  I'm in Tampa, FL on business for the next four months .

Here's a URL to the file, again, sorry it took me so long.
http://www.wbs-wireless.com/dbixler/mamepics/SlikStick%20Quad%20Replica.vsd

Cheers,
Squid

[Witchboard]

Here's a little pic of the components (i know they don't look to scale, but that's because they're two seperate screengrabs, and i was zoomed in a little more on the button )

At least this way you can see if they'll be of use to you before downloading the files

Thanks MrDT.  I've mostly been importing my visio drawings and pasting them on the CP, but this could bring a new detail.  Thanks for your efforts.

[zorg]

There is a website with 3d model files of Happs pushbuttons and joysticks.  They are in .3ds format, I'll have to see if I can find the site again.

Or you can do what I did, get the diagrams from Happs website, trace a line over half of it then revolve, lathe or whatever your 3d program du jour calls it.

maybee your are refering to the Oscar Arcade parts library

hope this helps