Started on my CP today :)

[Bursar]

Took a trip to the local DIY shop and bought a whole load of goodies, and a couple of new power tools as well

I've cut the top of my CP from chipboard (I know it's not great, but it's cheap, and I'm just prototyping it at the mo) and have stuck on the templates for the 4 player controls. I couldn't get a 1 1/8" hole saw (bloody UK and their metric measurements) so I have a 25mm and 32mm drill bit. I have a feeling the 25mm will be too small, and although the the 32mm bit will be too big, I'm hoping things will still fit OK. I've cut a couple of test holes in an off-cut and will try them when my sticks and buttons arrive. If they don't then I'm off shopping again for the right size hole saw

It's not worth showing any pics at this stage, as all I have is a lump of chipboard cut to a few angles and some paper templates taped on.

As soon as I make a bit more progress, I'll share it with you

[Bursar]

I made a temporary base for the control panel to rest on tonight. My I-PAC is winging its way to me as I type, and hopefully my buttons won't be too long in arriving either.

Then the real fun can begin

[Daredevil666]

I used 25mm bit and mashed it around for a bit... not massively neat but if you take it slow and careful it will come out fine! The buttons fit well.

[Bursar]

Thanks, that's good to know. I'll see what happens when the bits gets here. I should be buying a router in a day or two, so I can always use that to make the holes slightly larger if need be.

Ya know, this cabinet making lark is a great excuse to go and buy power tools

Since starting it I've bought a circular saw, power sander, and soon a router. Along with the other bits I bought, I'll soon have a tool box big enough to rival even the keenest DIY-er!

[Daredevil666]

How are you going to paint/decorate your CP? I was going to use a design printed onto 2xA3 pieces of paper under sheet acrylic strip-heated to the curved shape of my panel.

Only one prob... cant find a strip heater anywhere

[Bursar]

I haven't fully decided yet. For the most part it's just going to be painted. I have a large A0 plotter here at work, so for a few quid I can get my CP and marquee art printed onto photo quality paper. If I go that route, then I'll get some plexi and put it over the top of the CP to protect the artwork.

I'm quite tempted to just leave it painted and have a MAME marquee. I know it will look quite generic, but the only other real option is to get some generic art and put that on.

I can't think of any arcade games that I loved so much that I want to style my case after it.

[Bursar]

More progress on the arcade control panel

http://www.philspcmods.com/images/arcade/cp3.jpg
http://www.philspcmods.com/images/arcade/cp4.jpg
http://www.philspcmods.com/images/arcade/cp5.jpg
http://www.philspcmods.com/images/arcade/cp6.jpg
http://www.philspcmods.com/images/arcade/cp7.jpg
http://www.philspcmods.com/images/arcade/cp8.jpg
http://www.philspcmods.com/images/arcade/cp9.jpg
http://www.philspcmods.com/images/arcade/cp10.jpg

As you can see, I only have sticks and buttons for two players at the moment, but I will buy the other ones once my bank balance has recovered

No comments about it being a bit messy or anything, as this is just a prototype made of chipboard. The MDF to make the final panel is arriving on Monday, and I should be able to make a much better job of it.

Chipboard is a complete nightmare to work with.

I just need to wire up the buttons and sticks to the I-PAC, and then I'm all set

[Bursar]

Finished wiring it up this morning, and it all works perfectly. One dodgy moment when I first booted the PC up and the screen was corrupt, but I don't think it was related to having the I-PAC connected, as a reboot cleared it.

This is great fun, just as much fun as I remember it in the arcades

Definately one of the best projects I've undertaken!!

http://www.philspcmods.com/images/arcade/cp11.jpg
http://www.philspcmods.com/images/arcade/cp12.jpg

Pic cp12 shows my step-daughter and her boyfriend using the panel to play some Puzzle Bobble 2.

Once their done, I may actually get a go on it myself!

[Malenko]

that pic of those 2 playing reminds me of me and my girl playing puzzle fighter =)


Looks like you guys are making great progress and I glad to see. I was gonna say use the smaller bit then use a dremel to make the holes bigger, but I guess a router would do the trick too

[Bursar]

Since I made all the holes in the MDF I've been and bought a 1 1/8" hole saw, so I should be able to make the holes the right size for the final CP.

It was an absolut blast. I spent practically all day playing it (in between kicking off my step-daughter and her boyfriend). I can see constuction of the cabinet being delayed for a little while

[Bursar]

Since my MDF arrived, I've been a busy little bee I've recut the control panel (much easier than that nasty chipboard stuff) and have also cut the side panels.

They're based pretty much on Lusids design.

http://www.philspcmods.com/images/arcade/side1.jpg

Still plenty more to do though