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Arcade In A Box review - bandwidth warning, many pix
JonnyBoy:
I'm not sure about his, but mine is optimized for coffee table usage. It probably has rubber feet on the bottom. My guess is it's way to heavy for your lap so, coffee table it is.
Buddabing:
Hello,
What are the dimensions of the box? Would the single player be any smaller?
SithMaster:
im thinking a single player would be slightly smaller. the computer parts would make a single player box be either higher but not as long or wide.
ArcadEd:
Wow, thanks for the great Review Saint :).
I'll try to answers as many of the questions you guys have in the next few posts.
I just wanted to mention a few things first.
1. The demo boxes I sent to both Saint and KillerClown (Mameworld) were done with melamine coated particle board and painted. This is not the way retail boxes are done. They are black melamine coated particle board.
2. As for the color scheme, I was trying to just show that not everyone has to stick with the normal black on black box. It was just to show some variety. The box KC got is black with Chrome molding. I think Saint can agree that the blue is actually a bit darker than the photos. I'm guessing the flash from the camera lightened it up a bit, maybe? It's been a while so maybe I just forgot ;).
Ok, I'll answer questions now.
ArcadEd:
--- Quote ---There are a few things I would like to see addressed. Longer USB cables and the addition of an S-Video jack on the audio-video panel (which can be easily picked up online if you want to do so yourself) address physical concerns. I would have liked to have seen installation photos in the instructions to match the excellent documenting and labelling. This could be sent via a PDF or with pictures online for those who operate better visually than with written instructions. I'd also like to see additional flexibility in choosing layout and design of your controls (for instance, pinball flipper buttons), however adding your own is easy enough and there's plenty of room.
--- End quote ---
First up, some of Saint's concerns:
I would love to get longer USB cables, if I can ever find them you bet I will. I have extended a few for personal boxes, but it is just way to time consuming. If anyone knows of a place to get longer USB to Motherboard backplates, please let me know. I will continue to look. UPDATE: Longer USB cables are now used. They are about 12-16"
S-video jack is something I have thought about. However, you can get boxes with component plugs now as well. So pretty much composite or component option. I'll do more research on the s-video stuff and post if that changes. UPDATE: S-video is the standard now with high definition options
I also agree on the instructions. As I train more in some CAD software, this will be included in future kits.
And yes, the boxes are completely customizable. You can just send me a direct email telling me if you want something different. Here is an example of the control panel I did for one customer that wanted a back lit marquee on his CP www.arcadeinabox.com/paul1.jpg. It included a shelf on the underside for his lamp to sit on.
Now that I have a CNC Router, the boxes will cut using that. Parts should fit much tighter.
Thanks again Saint for the awesome write up.
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--- Quote ---aside from the color combo (wheres the red and black) i think it looks very professional. although for the cd drive i think a matching plate would be good but its fine.
its a little big though and i see some wasted space which you cant really help. size is dictated by the controls. i like the take anywhere idea and am left wondering do they have kits for a micro mobo?
--- End quote ---
The matching plate is a good idea. Problem is, at least with a kit, everyone has a different CDROM they will use in their box. If you can think of a way, please let me know.
I do make boxes using Micro ATX boards as well. The biggest issue with Micro boards is it is hard to find one with onboard component out. Soon as I find one of those at a good price, I'll advertise it more.
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--- Quote ---Thanks for the review Saint, do you mind giving us some dimensions for the box? My project is basically the same thing, I'm just curious what size enclosure he used.
Thanks.
--- End quote ---
The control panel itself is 32" x 17" (16" on the ends)
The box is 30" x 15 3/4", 8" high in the back, 7" high in the front.
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--- Quote ---Hello,
What are the dimensions of the box? Would the single player be any smaller?
--- End quote ---
See above for the dimensions
The box is a bit smaller for the single player version. Using a micro ATX board and power supply. Roughly 22" in length.
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--- Quote ---I'm curious how you utilize such a thing. It looks too big for my lap or my desk; do you put it on a table?
--- End quote ---
Saved this one for last :).
There are many uses. Some people build their cabinet around the box, the box being their control panel for easy access to all the computer stuff.
Others have built a stand for the box to plug it into their big screen tv or projector.
I just have a rolling table it sits on and I roll it out whenver I want to use it.
I'll try and answer more questions as they come up.
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