Author Topic: Building pedestal (Read 4862 times)

Fester · « **on:** March 22, 2016, 09:08:55 am »

Just started my arcade pedestal about 2 weeks ago...trying to figure out this forum and I have never posted anything on internet before. Not even on facebook or twitter or whatever else is out there.....trying to post pictures and for me it ain't easy so be patient

Fester · « **Reply #1 on:** March 23, 2016, 09:29:40 am »

Still trying to figure out forum. continuing my build

Fester · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2016, 09:32:27 am »

Figure I would build a rock solid frame from 2x4's and then cover them in 1/8 mdf. only glued on the mdf. Figure that would be stable enough.

Fester · « **Reply #3 on:** March 23, 2016, 09:34:55 am »

MDF all attached and ready for sanding. The base now weighs a ton.

Fester · « **Reply #4 on:** March 23, 2016, 09:38:08 am »

Just stuck the control panel on for now. Need to make the box for the bottom of panel but I just had to see my progress so far.... Kinda starting to look like a pedestal.

smass · « **Reply #5 on:** March 23, 2016, 10:00:12 am »

Looks like you figured out the forum just fine. Nice work so far. I am interested to see your CP design and what ideas you have for artwork. Good start!

Token · « **Reply #6 on:** March 23, 2016, 01:35:45 pm »

Quote from: Fester on March 23, 2016, 09:38:08 am

Just stuck the control panel on for now. Need to make the box for the bottom of panel but I just had to see my progress so far.... Kinda starting to look like a pedestal.

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for sharing your build.

How do the player 1 and 2 positions feel when standing at the pedestal? To me it looks like there could be an issue with the base of the pedestal being in the way of their feet. If this is the case, you will need more overhang on the front of the control panel.

Token · « **Reply #7 on:** March 23, 2016, 01:37:12 pm »

And you'd probably get more replies if this was in the Project Announcement forum. I think Consoles is the wrong place for this project.

Fester · « **Reply #8 on:** March 23, 2016, 04:58:51 pm »

I saw some builds on line for the pedestal and liked the look of having the misshapen base. It also allows for lazy arcading by sitting on a barstool with your knees under the control panel. I have stood at it and it doesn't seem too bad. I do see your point regarding the base but I have stood at it and it doesn't seem to be an issue...

Fester · « **Reply #9 on:** March 23, 2016, 05:01:23 pm »

I guess that shows what an rookie I am. I don't really know where to post this build. Any input is greatly appreciated. Rough box under the control panel. Needs a little fine tuning....

I have a trackball and joysticks and buttons...just waiting for a spinner from North Korea. Yes I said North Korea. Didn't really want to have to resort to that but they are a hard item to find. $107 shipped brand new.

I am setting it up JAMMA for now but I am being persuaded to go mame. Seems like the way to go. I keep hearing bad things about the multicades out there. Happy Fish, Elf and Pandoras box etc...

I have an old 19 in 1 Midway from a first attempt so it will get me by until I figure out what to do.

Fester · « **Reply #10 on:** March 23, 2016, 05:16:59 pm »

Forgot to mention I'm Canadian so that $107 is only about $81 in the USA....

JDFan · « **Reply #11 on:** March 23, 2016, 05:21:43 pm »

HAve you tested the coin door yet

Many coin doors will not work at that type of angle - so if you actually plan on using it you might want to test it before getting too far along before finding out it doesn't work at an angle.

Fester · « **Reply #12 on:** March 23, 2016, 05:30:14 pm »

I might angle to coin mech back and then the coin return wont work unless I really get into some mods...I really put it there for access to the base. Power supply, speakers etc. I figured it looked better with the coin door over a piece of crap door that I would have built. I had the coin door already so I figured why not?

Fester · « **Reply #13 on:** March 23, 2016, 05:37:33 pm »

Here's a picture of my first attempt. I had a house fire and it was pretty much garbage after that. I salvaged the 19 in 1 board. I'm hoping attempt #2 works out a little better.

Token · « **Reply #14 on:** March 23, 2016, 07:58:40 pm »

I like the shape. Glad to hear it doesn't get in the way of gaming.

Quote from: Fester on March 23, 2016, 05:01:23 pm

I have a trackball and joysticks and buttons...just waiting for a spinner from North Korea. Yes I said North Korea. Didn't really want to have to resort to that but they are a hard item to find. $107 shipped brand new.

North Korea?! I didn't know you could even buy stuff from the hermit kingdom. Got a link for my curiosity?

Here are two spinners- Groovy Game Gear Ultimarc

Fester · « **Reply #15 on:** March 23, 2016, 10:44:05 pm »

Apparently they have eBay in North Korea. I didn't know fearless leader allowed it. I hope customs doesn't have an issue with it. A spinner may look a little suspect in the x-ray machine. I'll let you know when, and if, it arrives. I bet when it does, customs has opened it to see what it is....

I saw those spinners on line but I wanted the wiring for a multicade jamma and most of the ones out there are usb. I don't know how to make the conversion so I stayed away from them..

Fester · « **Reply #16 on:** March 24, 2016, 11:51:49 am »

My mistake. The spinner is coming form South Korea. Hopefully it will clear customs a little easier than I thought.

I am going to make a Tron type control on top left with the spinner knob and a top fire joystick. This should be good for Tempest and Arknoid as well.

Top right I'm going with the Defender/Stargate control. 2 way joystick and thumb reverse. This set up will only be good for a couple games so I hope I don't regret my decision...

Was looking at Raspberry pi3b on line last night. I may give that a try. I pretty much want the goden oldies so it should do the trick.

pbj · « **Reply #17 on:** March 24, 2016, 11:53:04 am »

Quote from: Fester on March 24, 2016, 11:51:49 am

My mistake. The spinner is coming form South Korea.

That's one hell of a mistake.

Fester · « **Reply #18 on:** March 24, 2016, 01:25:17 pm »

Yes you are right it is a hell of a mistake. I guess we are all lucky my finger isn't on the BUTTON....

Fester · « **Reply #19 on:** March 25, 2016, 06:16:04 am »

I need help I took apart this Mini Grip Joystick and I cant get the damn thing back together. I needed to test install and now I cant figure it out. If anyone has the specs to this thing please send me the link.

Fester · « **Reply #20 on:** March 25, 2016, 06:18:19 am »

Decided to go with red for the base

PL1 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 25, 2016, 07:55:57 am »

Quote from: Fester on March 25, 2016, 06:16:04 am

I need help I took apart this Mini Grip Joystick and I cant get the damn thing back together. I needed to test install and now I cant figure it out. If anyone has the specs to this thing please send me the link.

Photos 3 and 5 should help.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,122506.msg1301656.html#msg1301656

Scott

Fester · « **Reply #22 on:** March 25, 2016, 06:42:36 pm »

Thank you for helping me with this stupid mini grip... It is now put back together.

Now I can get back to building. Trackball test fitted. and some buttons in. Still waiting on a joystick and spinner in the mail

Fester · « **Reply #23 on:** March 25, 2016, 07:06:31 pm »

I think I'm going with a jamma set up. I might use the jpak and be able to use all the mame games that are available. I'm no computer guy but the mame catalogue seems pretty complete. This way I can play almost anything on the pedestal. I don't want to go through the build again.

Fester · « **Reply #24 on:** March 27, 2016, 08:33:30 am »

I'm struggling with the set up to use. I have used JAMMA in the past and its the devil I know. Looking at the internet it seems that mame and similar platforms seem like the way to go. I have a Happ 3" trackball and a spinner on the way. Neither of which are usb.

I think if I just go IPAC then I think everything is going to be fine?

If I go JPAC then I think I will also need Opti-pac? $$$

Any thoughts out there because I'm thinking about just forgetting JAMMA and going IPAC and leave my old ways behind?

Is there any reason to spend the $ and keep the JAMMA?

P.S. my pedestal build is at a bit of a standstill while decisions are made and toys come in the mail.

Token · « **Reply #25 on:** March 28, 2016, 06:50:14 pm »

Quote from: Fester on March 27, 2016, 08:33:30 am

I have a Happ 3" trackball and a spinner on the way. Neither of which are usb.

I think if I just go IPAC then I think everything is going to be fine?

You can easily make that Happ work with the IPac Ulitmate.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,150006.msg1568090.html#msg1568090

Fester · « **Reply #26 on:** March 29, 2016, 07:44:54 pm »

Is the ultimate just the big brother to the mini-pac? They seem to be the same thing.

I have

2 joysticks 8 switches
top fire joystick 5
2 way joystick 2
22 buttons 22
spinner ? Considering purchasing ultimarc spinner
Trackball ? No emulator for the trackball

So I need at least 37 switches and the mini has 32 I believe
I assume I will need to upgrade to the ultimate like you say?

Just want to make sure I get the right stuff before ordering and regretting

PS bought a spinner from Korea and I don't like it. It's clicky and I like the smooth ball bearing type ones. Korean spinner will be on Ebay this week if you need one......

Slippyblade · « **Reply #27 on:** March 29, 2016, 07:52:46 pm »

The ultimate is an encoder like the mini, but with far more inputs. It is also an output controller for LEDs, knockers, etc.

If you don't have lights and stuff that needs controlling, have you considered just using an iPac4?

JDFan · « **Reply #28 on:** March 29, 2016, 08:54:19 pm »

Quote from: Fester on March 29, 2016, 07:44:54 pm

2 joysticks 8 switches
top fire joystick 5
2 way joystick 2
22 buttons 22
spinner ? Considering purchasing ultimarc spinner
Trackball ? No emulator for the trackball
So I need at least 37 switches and the mini has 32 I believe

Are you going to ever use the 2 Joysticks and either the top fire or 2 way at the same time in a game ?? If not then that's 7 less needed since you could wire all 3 to the player 1 inputs.

Howard_Casto · « **Reply #29 on:** March 29, 2016, 09:08:53 pm »

You don't need 22 buttons. You need 6-7 per player plus two starts and two coins. You don't need admin buttons as that is what shifted keys are for.

Fester · « **Reply #30 on:** March 30, 2016, 05:54:17 am »

Quote from: Slippyblade on March 29, 2016, 07:52:46 pm

The ultimate is an encoder like the mini, but with far more inputs. It is also an output controller for LEDs, knockers, etc.

If you don't have lights and stuff that needs controlling, have you considered just using an iPac4?

But the ipac 4 isn't an encoder for my trackball is it?

Fester · « **Reply #31 on:** March 30, 2016, 05:59:25 am »

Quote from: JDFan on March 29, 2016, 08:54:19 pm

Quote from: Fester on March 29, 2016, 07:44:54 pm
2 joysticks 8 switches
top fire joystick 5
2 way joystick 2
22 buttons 22
spinner ? Considering purchasing ultimarc spinner
Trackball ? No emulator for the trackball
So I need at least 37 switches and the mini has 32 I believe

Are you going to ever use the 2 Joysticks and either the top fire or 2 way at the same time in a game ?? If not then that's 7 less needed since you could wire all 3 to the player 1 inputs.

Actually that's a good idea. The 2 way is going to be for my dedicated defender/stargate controls and the topfire and spinner will be used for one player games Tron, Arknoid, Tempest etc.. so they don't need their own circuit.

I could really just have the mini-pac and save $60 over the ultimate.

Fester · « **Reply #32 on:** March 30, 2016, 06:03:19 am »

Quote from: Howard_Casto on March 29, 2016, 09:08:53 pm

You don't need 22 buttons. You need 6-7 per player plus two starts and two coins. You don't need admin buttons as that is what shifted keys are for.

Some buttons I haven't installed yet. My last photo only shows partial build. I still need to add defender/stargate controls and topfire spinner controls. Also thinking about video pinball flipper buttons.

JDFan · « **Reply #33 on:** March 30, 2016, 08:58:39 am »

Quote from: Fester on March 30, 2016, 05:59:25 am

Actually that's a good idea. The 2 way is going to be for my dedicated defender/stargate controls and the topfire and spinner will be used for one player games Tron, Arknoid, Tempest etc.. so they don't need their own circuit.

I could really just have the mini-pac and save $60 over the ultimate.

Exactly --- only problem with this type of setup is if you have little kids playing on it that tend to move those other controls which could mess with player 1 if moved during a game (since moving them will cause player 1's controls to register) - but as long as you avoid moving them during a game it does save on the number of needed inputs.

Fester · « **Reply #34 on:** March 30, 2016, 04:44:26 pm »

Quote from: JDFan on March 30, 2016, 08:58:39 am

Quote from: Fester on March 30, 2016, 05:59:25 am
Actually that's a good idea. The 2 way is going to be for my dedicated defender/stargate controls and the topfire and spinner will be used for one player games Tron, Arknoid, Tempest etc.. so they don't need their own circuit.

I could really just have the mini-pac and save $60 over the ultimate.

Exactly --- only problem with this type of setup is if you have little kids playing on it that tend to move those other controls which could mess with player 1 if moved during a game (since moving them will cause player 1's controls to register) - but as long as you avoid moving them during a game it does save on the number of needed inputs.

Good point. I am 45 years old, but my stupid drunk friends might have the same affect as little kids...My 16 year old daughter would be the mature one.

Fester · « **Reply #35 on:** April 06, 2016, 10:36:55 pm »

I haven't posted anything for a while so here is a picture of how it stands now. I'm waiting for mini-pacs in the mail and my raspberry pi 3. Should be here by the end of the week and I can finish my build. Decided to go with a mame set up so I will post on the progress. I'm sure I will need some help....

The buttons on the top right are for a dedicated defender stargate control panel.

Fester · « **Reply #36 on:** April 11, 2016, 05:11:13 pm »

I have received my new trackball and spinner. The trackball doesn't fit the HAPP mounting plate. I could have modified to make it fit but I figured a do over was the best option. It was only $10 for the 5/8" MDF and I could use the old one as a template.

Fester · « **Reply #37 on:** April 14, 2016, 02:10:30 pm »

Here is the new top of control panel. Needs to be primed and painted and mounted. Hopefully it will be on and ready to wire up by the weekend.

Fester · « **Reply #38 on:** May 04, 2016, 10:50:42 pm »

My build is basically done but I'm having a hard time with the emulation and working with the raspberry Pi. I have a few games working but no sound from retropie. Some of my roms are incomplete and I have taken a little break from the build so I don't get too frustrated. Here is a few pics of my pedestal. It has turned out ok but it would be nice to be able to use it......


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