Showcase Cabinet

[dark_jedi]

Since I believe in going "all out" on projects, I am going to attempt to build the showcase cabinet at Jakobud's site (Great site, btw). Any one have any pointers on building it? I am sure some of you veteran cats have built one and have something to share.

Thanks for all your hard work on this site, look forward to bouncing ideas off all of you.

[hulkster]

make sure you have room!  and measure your tv real good before you put it in...um....and dont clutter your cp TOO much.  a little is okay though  

[Hiub]

I am planning on building one as well. I've alredy got all the controls, and I have to buy the MDF. I am using a 27'' TV with S-Video Cable. I am planning on modifying the plans a bit so that the CP sits a bit closer to the TV.  It will be a 4 player cab with a trackball. It should come out nice! Just like Jedi said, any tips or help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Fred.

[GGKoul]

Did Jakobud's release Showcase cab plans??  How did I miss that!

[dark_jedi]

Did Jakobud's release Showcase cab plans??  How did I miss that!

Yeah man! And they are his usual high quality work.

I guess I should offer the most basic piece of advice I learned when doing any kind of wood/MDF work. "Measure twice, cut once!"

[DrewKaree]

Did Jakobud's release Showcase cab plans??  How did I miss that!

Male Pattern Blindness - the ability to miss something right in front of our faces and then blame our significant other for it.  

Actually, he posted a "Here's some updates to my site" a week or so ago.  

Perhaps, GG, you should get a tin cup and some pencils and head over to the train station  

Me so solly to poke fun your condition!  



Pointers?  Buy your TV first.  If you don't, you'll have a Johnny Cochrane of a time after building.

 If it won't fit, you must then quit. (or settle for an inferior TV that you won't like for as long as you own your cab)

Make your cab and finish it before you start on the CP.  That way, you won't be tempted to play instead of build, AAAANNNNNDDDD, you won't be tempted to "just make do so I can get DONE", since the CP will be your most important piece, you'll wanna do THAT part "right"

[Hiub]

I already stole the TV from my parents, so we're good on that. I was hoping to start the other way and begin on the control panel and the pedestal, because they seemed to be a bit simpler and that way I could get started on the project. You do have a good point, but I already have 2 standalone joysticks built for my PC, so I get my game fix from there if I need it. Do you think it would be of any advantage to run 15khz refresh rate to a TV using S-Video out and Powerstrip? I asked in the Monitors forum but haven't gotten an answer yet.

Thanks for the tips, Fred.

[DrewKaree]

Thanks for the tips, Fred.

 Did I miss something here?  Who the heck is Fred, and did he delete his post giving tips?

[Jakobud]

I am very interested to see how good of a Showcase you guys are able to make off of my plans.  Those plans were definately the largest and most complicated I have done yet.  It was like 10 pages or something, as opposed to the usual 3 for a cabinet.  Anyways, I'm anxious!

[Hiub]

The plans are really appreciated Jakobud!! I am sure Jedi and I will try to make it as good as possible, and if you'd like, offer some feedback on the plans once we are done. Drew, I was just saying thanks for the tips, and I am Fred!

[dark_jedi]

Well, I finally got the go ahead from the wife and I am hoping to get some parts for Christmas. I am looking forward to going through the process, and Jakobud just made my life 10000 times easier! Jako, can I email you with any questions I have concerning the plans or would you rather me PM you here?

Thanks again! Good luck Hiub, feel free to bounce ideas off of me and I will do the same!

[Hiub1]

I think my showcase will be my second cab. I got a bit intimidated by it and decided to go with a regular upright. Don't shoot me :/ I am sure now I will be able to pull it off whenever I do try to build one. Good luck and keep us updated!

[Silver]

Nooo! Aim high my friend!... My argument is that building a seperate pedestal means it can be put away when not in use.....

Do you think it would be of any advantage to run 15khz refresh rate to a TV using S-Video out and Powerstrip? I asked in the Monitors forum but haven't gotten an answer yet.

You won't need powerstrip at all if you are using the Tv-out of your graphics card as the card automatically converts it to a tv signal

If you mean using the VGA output of your pc into the tv then the only possible way (without an external converter) would be using a Scart socket with RGB (common in european or bigger tv's) or component (not that common on tv's I think) and powerstrip. You could not use S-video with this method, if I am not mistaken...

[Hiub1]

Yeah, room really isn't an issue for me. I've got a big basement to stick everything in. Thanks for clearing up the Powerstrip issue. I am running to a TV with S-Video, and I figured it would not make a difference but just wanted to make sure anyways. No scart around here either in USA, but I think the S-Video does a good enough job for me. The showcase WILL be next!

[Silver]

Yes S-video looks pretty good IMHO - I think Oscars Spinner site has some closeup comparisions of most types if you want closer look.

Arcade monitor+ arcadeVGA is top notch if you have arcade monitor and run windows, but S-video will be fine.

[hulkster]

svideo with a 27" tv worked fine for me.  you really cant notice a difference in quality unless you stick them side by side.  however, if you are going to build two cabs, and have them both in the same room....you will probably notice a difference unless you use tv's for both.